Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1984 [PAGE 80]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1982]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

71

years is the corporation-institution agreement, well characterized by the recent Monsanto-Washington University agreement. Still one step beyond the model is the effort involving industry, government, and research universities in the creation of an environment to promote research and economic development and to nurture embryonic science-based corporations in research settings, such as the research park currently under development in Chicago. In each of these areas, we have much to learn; but we can be encouraged by the breaking of new ground. I won't burden you with more of the AAU discussions, but this may give you some sense of the national "agenda." At the state level, and also related to this University's relationships to industry and to economic development, we are working on the development of a pilot program to be initiated in Rockford this year that will bring together four different strands of activity that we believe can have a positive impact on Illinois industry. T h e program, described as the Institute for Advanced Engineering Studies, is envisioned as having four principal goals: 1. In consultation with industry, to provide continuing professional education in engineering, science, management, and related fields; 2. Provide access to expertise at the University of Illinois needed by local industry to help solve problems; 3. Identify engineering research needed to aid Illinois industry; and 4. Assist community colleges in the development of technical training programs at less than the baccalaureate degree level. Deans Drucker and Chung are working with Vice President Weir and others to refine these general plans and test the overall feasibility of the program.

REGULAR AGENDA T h e board considered the following reports and recommendations from the president of the University. By consensus, the board agreed that one vote would be taken and considered the vote on each agenda item nos. 1 through 10 inclusive. T h e recommendations were individually discussed but acted upon at one time. (The record of board action appears at the end of each item.) Recommended Changes in Central Administration

(1) With the pending departure of the executive vice president, I have reviewed the organization of the central administration of the University. Following discussions with faculty and administrative colleagues, external consultants, the University Senates Conference, and others, I am prepared to recommend revisions in the central structure. Specifically, I recommend that responsibilities previously carried by the executive vice president be divided in two major areas — business and finance and administration — and that recruitment of a vice president to head each of these areas be authorized. T h e vice president for business and finance will oversee operations in the areas of business affairs, financial affairs, administrative information systems and services, personnel services, and capital construction. T h e vice president for administration will coordinate relationships with the several departments in the executive branch of state government and provide overall coordination to state government relations. He will direct the staff of the Office of Budget and Planning and oversee the Office of Public Affairs. He will provide liaison with the University of Illinois Foundation and the Alumni Association.