Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1976 [PAGE 150]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1974]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

139

It is our view that the action taken at that time did not constitute an initial action on this matter, but rather was in the nature of a clarification and minor modification of earlier actions by the Board — in particular, actions based upon the advice and counsel of the Urbana-Champaign Senate. It is true, of course, that occasionally there will be instances in which the Statutes may be interpreted broadly or narrowly and opinions will differ in the construction. It is the Board's feeling, however, that the action of July 17 was in the best interest of the University and the Trustees are of one mind that the clarification was a constructive and necessary step for the welfare of the Urbana campus. The Trustees convey their continued appreciation to the Urbana-Champaign Senate for its interest and concern in the work of the University and reaffirm their commitment to the role of each of the Campus Senates as defined in the University Statutes. T h e motion was approved without dissent. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Demonstration in Support of Professor Robert Byars Mr. Terry Cosgrove, indicating that a considerable number of students with placards and signs were in the Board room to demonstrate in behalf of Assistant Professor Robert Byars (who had been given a terminal appointment ending with the current year) asked that the students be heard and that the Board consider the question of the terminal appointment. In the course of discussion, it was pointed out that regular procedures exist for making presentations to the Board and that a request for such an appearance on behalf of Mr. Byars had been received at the November meeting and denied on the grounds that the Trustees do not wish to extend further the existing review procedures of such personnel actions. It was also noted that there is pending litigation introduced by Mr. Byars. President Corbally expressed his belief that the Trustees have developed and approved sound procedures for appointment, promotion, and non-reappointment and these constitute a measure of the quality of the institution and that they should be followed. Mr. Hughes indicated that he interpreted the sense of the Board that the discussion thereupon be closed. Financial Arrangements for Levis Center Mr. Cosgrove, calling attention to newspaper stories with regard to the financing of the Center and, in particular, the degree to which institutional funds are used to assist the Center, requested that a report of the financial relationship between the Center and the University be prepared, including alternatives for financing as well as the possibility of closing the Center. President Corbally stated that such a report could and would be prepared, but that it would not, in his view, be appropriate to include such an alternative as closing the Center. Chancellor Peltason presented letters explanatory of the work and operation of the Center, including one from the officers of the Levis Faculty Center Sponsors, Incorporated. In addition, Professor Harry Hilton, Secretary of the Levis Faculty Center