Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1984 [PAGE 47]

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[ S e p t e m b e r 16

the University will continue, with particular focus on cooperative programs of research and development. These initiatives are important not only to the future of the University, but to the quality of life in the state of Illinois and to the general well-being of society. . . .

A Look Ahead

As we look ahead to a new academic year, let me share with you a few of the possible initiatives we foresee. Among these is a desire to take a fresh look at the campus development plans at Urbana-Champaign and in Chicago. T h e basic land use plans from which we are operating were developed in Dr. Henry's tenure, with some revision during John Corbally's presidency. For any number of reasons, the time has come for a serious restudy. I have asked the staff to make a careful reexamination of the assumptions on which earlier plans were developed; to give particular emphasis to the general improvement of the quality of the campus environment for living and learning; to reassess priorities; identify future building sites; and in general, come back with a thorough reworking of these plans for further review by various groups in the University community. In the area of the University Hospital, we have moved through a very difficult year and have done remarkably well — going from a $2.7 million deficit to a $2.8 million positive balance. The special efforts of the last year will continue, including a stepped-up attack on inpatient billing. With the recruitment of Mr. Malloy as the new and able director of the University of Illinois Hospital, however, the time has come to focus more attention on the long term directions, priorities, and options of the University Hospital and clinics. This we plan to do during the coming year, returning to the Board of Trustees convened as a Committee of the Whole, for periodic reports. Recruitment of talented academic administrators will remain high on our agenda. In addition to the chancellorship of the Chicago campus, we will be engaged in searches for several key deanships including medicine, nursing, the associated health professions, and most recently, agriculture. Under the direction of Vice President Weir and the vice chancellors, we need this year to implement the recommended steps, as judged appropriate, to strengthen the University's programs of continuing education. Also, I have asked Dr. Weir to work with the vice chancellors and the deans of arts and sciences to outline steps we can and should take to add vitality and lend support to the University's programs in the liberal arts and humanities. Returning to the planning arena, you will recall we have discussed with the board from time to time the need to think at some point about a bond issue to fund needed improvements in the University's auxiliary enterprise facilities in areas such as housing, recreational facilities, student services, athletic facilities, and the like. Although trends in the bond market continue to be uncertain, we believe it is not too early to begin some serious internal planning. We have begun this effort and will be reviewing the possibilities with you as we move along. In an area of special concern to students, I need to mention tuition. You will recall that in recent years we have taken up the tuition issue rather early in the fall. O u r inclination this year, given the uncertainty of the economic picture, is to address the tuition question somewhat later in the academic year, perhaps early in 1983. This should provide all of us with a better picture of the options and implications and give students ample time to become involved in the discussion of the issues, including the pros and cons of differential tuition which I gather may be of some interest to them.

REQUEST TO APPEAR BEFORE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President Stone presented for board action a letter from Paul M. Weichsel, president of the Union of Professional Employees at the University of