Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1954 [PAGE 1392]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1954]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

1389

occupancy was 268 and in the second semester, 98. In the fall of 1953-1954, the food service, dining rooms, and kitchen areas in Clark House were converted into dormitory-barracks type of housing with a capacity of 78 students. During the first semester of that year the average occupancy was 70, but during the second semester the area was unoccupied. While this type of housing was in demand for a few years following World War II, it is apparent from recent experience that accommodations of this type are not attractive to men students now attending the University and that they are acceptable only as a last resort. In anticipation of this possibility, Noble House was so constructed that the dormitory areas in it could readily be converted into rooms. The Director of Housing recommends that the dormitory areas in Noble House and Clark House be converted into room units accommodating three men each. This will result in a capacity of 226 residents plus four counselors in Noble House and 60 residents in Clark House. The conversion will be accomplished by installing built-in cabinets and other furniture which will serve the dual purpose of dividing the areas into rooms and providing part of the furniture. The Board of Trustees in March authorized the purchase of twelve units of such furniture for experimentation and these have been proved satisfactory. The estimated cost of this conversion is $206,130. Funds are available in the net income from past operations of University housing facilities, mainly from temporary housing. The Director of Purchases, the Director of the Physical Plant, and the Comptroller recommend award of a contract for $80,316.02 to Mandel Brothers, Chicago, the lowest bidder, for the purchase of 274 units of built-in furniture for this remodeling program. I recommend that the program as outlined be approved, the use of Housing Division funds for this remodeling be authorized, the contract be awarded to Mandel Brothers, and the Comptroller and the Secretary of the Board be authorized to execute the same.

On motion of Mr. Johnston, the assignment of funds for this program was authorized, the contract was awarded, and the Comptroller and Secretary of the Board were authorized to execute the same. This action was taken by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Bissell, Mr. Herrick, Mr. Hickman, Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Megran, Mr. Nickell, Mrs. Watkins; no, none; absent, Mr. Grange, Mr. Stratton.

TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR AIR FORCE PROPERTY (36) The United States Air Force has approved the transfer of responsibility for government property used by the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps from the University to the Air Force. This transfer of accountability is being made on an experimental basis for two years, effective July 1, 1954, at selected universities with the expectation that it may be made permanent at all institutions thereafter. The proposed change will be highly advantageous to the University. The Military Property Custodian will be relieved of all responsibility for Air Force property. The University will no longer need to furnish bond for him in relation to Air Force property, nor will the University be required to reimburse the government for any lost or damaged property. The University will continue to furnish storage space. I recommend that the Comptroller be authorized to execute the necessary agreement with the Air Force to effect this transfer.

On motion of Mr. Livingston, the Comptroller was authorized to execute this agreement.

SECRETARY'S REPORTS

The Secretary presented for record the following lists: (1) appointments made by the President; (2) fellows; (3) graduate fellows; (4) resignations, cancellations, declinations, and terminations; (5) leaves of absence.