Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1942 [PAGE 205]

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BOARD OF TEUSTEES

[February 21

H o w well the plan of 1867 has worked can be seen from the magnificent development of our University over many decades with never a breath of scandal nor doubt of its superb service to the people of the State. I express the ardent hope that this basic organization and the spirit surrounding it will always be preserved. This can be accomplished, in my estimation, only if the Trustees are ever mindful and watchful of their position as the sole governing body of this University, a body whose importance was considered great enough by the founders that the Governor was made a member of the Board in order that he might make his ideas felt within its councils. T h e fact that our University is noted for the sound and sane spirit of its faculty and student body and is as free from subversive "isms" as any in the United States, stems to a large degree from the quiet independence of its Board of Trustees, as now constituted. An atmosphere of stability pervades the institution—in contrast to the nervousness which extraneous interference would surely bring. T h e Board of Trustees of this University will, I know, always hold uppermost their constituted duty to represent and further the best interests of the University. May they always continue to present the University's case with fairness but with firmness. They may not, on account of other considerations, always be able to obtain what the University needs, but they will have been neglectful of their duty if they do not bring these needs to the attention of the governing authorities. They may always truly say that none of the people's money has ever been wasted on or by the University. I leave this Board with a feeling of gratitude for the privilege of having had a place on it, and with a feeling of regret that I must break off the fine associations I have enjoyed, not only with my fellow Trustees but with our esteemed President—who is doing so much for the University—and with the members of the administrative staff and faculty whom I have come to know. There could in my estimation be no finer public service than to participate in the sound development of our nation's youth, to the end that they may, in learning to perceive the blessings and opportunities afforded by our free institutions, do their utmost to preserve them. OSCAR G MAYER

On motion of Mr. Cleary, this statement was ordered incorporated in the minutes and given to the press.

MATTERS PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT WILLARD

The Board continued consideration of matters presented by the President of the University.

PROCEDURE FOR BUDGETING AND REPORTING RETIRING A L L O W A N C E S (28) T h e rules of the Board provide for the retirement of members of the staff under certain conditions, and for the payment of retiring allowances to persons so retired and also for the payment of death benefits in the case of deceased staff members. In the past, provision for retiring allowances of staff members has been made in the budgets of the respective departments to which members are attached. Provision for death benefits, however, is made in a lump sum appropriation treated as an item of general expense. This procedure has involved numerous difficulties. It means that there is no one place from which it is possible to determine the total budget for retirement allowances or to see the list of individuals who are on retirement. It means that provision for retiring allowances must be made in the budgets of the respective departments at the time of retirement. These requirements vary greatly among different departments and in some cases represent a substantial portion of the total budget. At the time of death of a retired staff member the amount of retirement may be used by the department to supplement its budget unless it is recalled and lapsed into the General Reserve Fund. It seems better to provide that, when a staff member retires, provision for that retiring allowance should be treated as a general budget obligation instead of an obligation of the budget of that department. In this way the salary of the