University of Houston

Restoration of Ten Percent Reduction
(New Item)

Description and Justification
The impact of the 10% reduction to UH programs is significant. In general, these resources are essential to the effective operation of our programs, as well as fulfilling our academic, research and public service missions. Specifically, these reductions have been applied to programs funded through special items, the impact of which may include decreases in the following: research productivity, leveraged resources from federal and industrial sources, technology transfer, public school outreach, research opportunities and internships for students, public policy research utilized by the Legislature, collaborations with the Texas Medical Center, NASA and other major organizations, and economic development activities.

Requested

FY08

FY09

Priority

Texas Center for Superconductivity
614,766

614,765

1

Small Business Development Center
700,000

700,000

1

Houston Partnership for Space Exploration
59,640

59,640

Health Law and Policy Institute
49,578

49,578

Center for Public Policy
42,496

42,496

Partnerships-Support Public Schools
233,330

233,330

Commercial Development of Space
68,317

68,316

Learning and Computation Center
329,876

329,875

Total
$2,098,003

$2,097,003

Excellence Funding
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
Capital equity and excellence funding is being allocated to initiatives that are enabling the University of Houston to achieve its goals of academic and research excellence. These funds have been allocated to academic initiatives and infrastructure enhancements on campus – particularly enhancements to the university’s research infrastructure (e.g., labs and equipment), which will enable the university to better compete for top research faculty and external research grants.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$3,999,193

$3,999,193

$3,999,193v

$3,999,193

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request

Total
$3,999,193

$3,999,193

$3,999,193

$3,999,193

Texas Center for Superconductivity
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
TCSUH was created in June 1987 by the Texas Legislature to establish a world class center to conduct long–term multidisciplinary R&D, education and technology transfer programs in high temperature superconductivity (HTS) and related materials. Its charge was to advance and continue the momentum at UH created by the discovery of a new class of materials by Dr. Paul C. W. Chu and colleagues (patent received in 2006) that become superconducting above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. By building the critical mass of scientists, engineers, post–doctoral fellows, students, and technicians necessary to remain competitive worldwide, TCSUH is now the leading international multidisciplinary center for superconducting and other advanced materials research, and serves as an informational resource to the US government, industry, academia and K–12 education institutions.

TCSUH's education and industry programs enhance the capabilities of Texas and the US science and engineering community to meet industrial/government needs through utilization of HTS materials. TCSUH has developed materials and prototype applications based on these materials, leading to HTS wire development and driving future applications and products for HTS, positioning Texas for economic growth in this area.. The Center is working to discover new superconductors and improve and develop current HTS materials for use in advanced devices for the medical, energy, transportation, and communication industries.

Factors Impacting Strategy
High Temperature Superconductivity (HTS) has been identified by the US Government as a critical technology, as one of the 30 most important technologies for the 21st century, and one of the most important engineering discoveries in the last 75 years (Sci. Amer., Sept. 1995; DOE Roadmap reports and US Energy Policy Act, 2005).

TCSUH is recognized as the most comprehensive, visible and productive HTS research and development center in the US for basic and applied research, evidenced by its selection as host of prestigious international conferences, e.g. 2002 M2S–HTS–V and 2002 Applied Superconductivity Conference (ASC) (3,500+ US/international scientists from industry, government and academia); the 2006 ASC Outreach Program; 2007 US–Taiwan–Air Force Workshop; and international 2007 Strongly Correlated Electron conference.

TCSUH has a comprehensive applied research and technology transfer program to move HTS science into the world market place. One focus area, HTS second generation wire, has become a national agenda to support next generation large current superconducting devices, i.e., motors, generators, transformers, and transmission wires. The program promises economic development in Texas and increased efficiency and energy savings for the entire US. These efforts are enhanced by partnerships with DOE and DOD, NSF and industry, including UH spin–off companies Metal Oxide Technologies (commercialization of second generation HTS wire) and Endomagnetics (medical HTS devices), resulting in economic growth in Texas.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$3,607,625

$3,607,625

$2,992,859

$521,762

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
614,766

614,765

1

New Request

Total
$3,607,625

$3,607,625

$3,607,625

$3,607,625

Small Business Development Center
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
The University of Houston Small Business Development Center was established in 1984 under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. As one of the preeminent SBDCs in the country and a flagship of small business assistance in Texas, the UH SBDC’s central focus is providing quality assistance to the small business community by increasing growth and survivability. The UH SBDC accomplishes its mission by providing free one–on–one business counseling, low–cost business seminars, government procurement assistance, international trade, and technology development. The UH SBDC has had a very successful positive economic impact on Houston and the surrounding communities, particularly in the area of job creation. An independent impact study showed that long–term clients of the SBDC generated over $252.5 million in new sales, and approximately 3,996 new jobs from 2004–2005. In addition, the study indicated that SBDC assistance helped clients obtain $150.2 million in start–up and expansion capital, and new tax revenues of $32.5 million in 2004–2005. Exceptional item funding would enable the UH SBDC to accomplish the following:

Technology Assistance – We propose to employ a venture capital professional to organize a support network in designated geographic sectors, serving as a catalyst for new technology, bringing faculty, inventors, and marketplace needs in alignment.
Real–time On–line Counseling Assistance – One of the major obstacles to business owners seeking our services is access due to distance and the availability of time while continuing to operate their business. Real–time on–line chat assistance with trained consultants will help answer these challenges. We propose to employ consultants to address basic Q&A issues, make referrals for in depth on–line counseling and live training.
Applied Research – The UH SBDC proposes to conduct primary and secondary research in support of entrepreneurship for communities within our service area, as well as develop key business indicators to enhance business growth. Information will be utilized within the SBDC for counseling, and will be available to our clients through our web site.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The Small Business Development Center special line item funding is used as cash match to federal contracts and without this funding from the state, over $1.81 million in federal funds and approximately $1 million in other local community funds and program income would be lost annually. The loss of SBDC services to the Houston and Gulf Coast business communities would have a dramatic negative impact as tens of thousands of start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners would be unable to access low-cost professional business services. Our two most recent impact studies suggest possible cumulative loss of approximately $70 million in tax revenues as well as 9,507 new jobs over the biennium.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$2,581,459

$2,581,459

$1,881,504

$1,881,504

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
700,000

700,000

1

New Request
845,700

845,700

9

Total
$2,581,459

$2,581,459

$3,427,204

$3,427,204

Houston Partnership for Space Exploration
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
The Houston Partnership for Space Exploration (HPSE) increases the intellectual and economic benefits of Texas aerospace organizations, particularly NASA-JSC, to UH, UHCL, Houston, and the State of Texas. HPSE works through the Institute for Space Systems Operations (ISSO) to achieve these primary goals: (1) increase the research and educational capabilities of UH/UHCL faculty, colleges, and institutions across the many disciplines of the aerospace industry; (2) continue and expand jointly supported research conducted by the UH/UHCL–Post Doctoral Aerospace Fellows program and particularly the joint UH/UHCL-JSC projects (~75% of funding); (3) provide seed funds to UH/UHCL faculty to enable the development and the submission of competitive proposals for external funding (~20% of funding); (4) expand research activities of UH/UHCL with other universities, companies, and agencies of the statewide Texas Space Grant Consortium to the benefit of all Texans (~5%). Between 1992 and 2006, HPSE enabled grants and contracts exceeding $20,000,000. The UH/UHCL-JSC Post Doctoral Aerospace Fellowship (PDAF) program with NASA-JSC leverages State funds 20 to 1 through access to unique JSC resources (professionals, space operations, data, and Earth-based and on-orbit facilities).

Exceptional item funding would increase the level, range, and scope of UH and UHCL participation in the advanced research, development, and operations activities pursued by NASA-JSC, its contractors, and other companies and institutions in the Houston area and Texas. Based on ISSO experience, UH and UHCL faculty and UH/UHCL-JSC teams will annually increase external funds, proposals, professional publications, and direct masters and doctoral projects as a result of exceptional item funding.

Factors Impacting Strategy
In 2003, NASA-JSC expended $550 million on research, development, and advanced engineering. These advanced R&D expenditures are increasing under the Presidential Vision for the United States space program. In FY2005 JSC obligated ~$42 million on grants, contracts, and agreements with Texas universities and non-profit organizations. The HPSE/ISSO programs enable UH, UHCL, and other Texas universities, agencies, and industries to participate directly in the advanced research, development, and operations activities and make the disciplines key to these programs available to the citizens of the State of Texas.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$349,986

$349,986

$290,346

$290,346

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
59,640

59,640

1

New Request
300,000

300,000

15

Total
$349,986

$349,986

$649,986

$649,986

Health Law and Policy Institute
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
The Health Law & Policy Institute provides legislators and staff with detailed reports, analyses of relevant state and federal legislative and judicial developments, background information about recent developments in medical and health services research, and expertise on a range of health law and policy issues that are critical to the Legislature. During the 79th Legislature, the Institute completed over a dozen research projects for members of the legislature on topics ranging from health care financing, to scope of practice, to the impact of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement, and Modernization Act on Texas. During the current biennium, the Institute is assisting Legislators with interim charges in areas such as mental health, long term care insurance, and public health disaster legislation. The Institute publishes a monthly Update on Health specifically for the use of members of the Texas Legislature. It summarizes recent developments in federal law and legislative initiatives from other state legislatures; analyzes relevant federal and state court opinions; monitors regulatory activity; and explores recent medical or health services research results of particular pertinence to state policy makers. The Institute also sponsors an additional legislative and public education program, Health Law Perspectives: Analyses of Recent Development in Health Law. Health Law Perspectives is a web-based publication providing current information on health care developments which recently received a five star rating for the excellence of its content.

The Health Law & Policy Institute has received numerous requests for additional legislative fellows. Fellows are based in Austin immediately before and during each regular session and provide direct health law and policy research to the legislature. The exceptional item request would support two additional legislative fellows and ensure that the program is able to recruit and retain highly qualified applicants. The request would also support an office assistant for the projects in the program. The funding increase would further permit the Institute to develop a major, detailed white paper for the legislature on health issues critical to the state and to provide associated educational sessions specifically designed for legislators and their staff.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The state government has recognized the importance of health care. The Health Law & Policy Institute is one of the nation's foremost interdisciplinary centers for the study of health law and policy. It has been ranked the number one health law program in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for much of the past decade, including three of the past five years.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$290,937

$290,937

$290,346

$290,346

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
49,578

49,578

1

New Request
196,563

196,563

7

Total
$290,937

$290,937

$487,500

$487,500

Center for Public Policy
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
The Center for Public Policy produces and analyzes data for public policy issues affecting the Houston area and the state of Texas. The CPP provides a forum for discussing regional problems, forming alliances, and training leaders. Major endeavors include local government and community support through survey and demographic research; bi-annual regional economic forecasting symposia; a new regional planning center with an inter-disciplinary focus; skill building initiatives for both applied and basic research activities; new interdisciplinary (and multi-university) training regimens that have been supported by organizations such as the National Science Foundation; the annual Mickey Leland Congressional Internship Program in D.C., which places UH and Texas Southern University students in congressional offices; the Local Government Internship Program that places approximately 65 UH and UH-Downtown students in city, county, state, and federal offices in the Houston area each year; the Lanier Public Policy Conference that addresses regional and national policy issues; administration of state and federal grants for policy research; professional training and education seminars for governmental officials of China; interdisciplinary exchanges between economists and political scientists through the Institute for the Study of Political Economy; and assistance to non-UH government internship programs such as the Texas Legislative Internship Program and the Washington Center Internship Program with recruitment and academic assignments and projects.

The University of Houston Center for Public Policy (CPP) requests exceptional item funding in the amount of $350,000 per year. While the Center’s current level of special item funding will maintain its existing programs, it is not sufficient to enable the Center to meet the increasing needs of the region and the state. With the additional funding, the Center would establish a local pool of expertise in the areas of air quality, transportation, water policy, education, health care, and immigration -- all areas that greatly impact the Houston Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the state of Texas.

Factors Impacting Strategy
Without special item support, the Center for Public Policy could no longer provide the array of services to the public including community and business leaders and local governments. The CPP would discontinue its policy research, economic symposia, internship programs, conferences, and seminars. It would also make obtaining federal grants and private foundation support less likely.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$249,375

$249,375

$206,879

$206,880

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
42,496

42,495

1

New Request
350,000

350,000

8

Total
$249,375

$249,375

$599,375

$599,375

Partnership to Support Public Schools
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
Special item funds appropriated through the Partnership to Support Public Schools are invested in University of Houston programs dedicated to improving the quality of public education and enhancing student success. These include Consistency Management & Cooperative Discipline (CMCD), the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics (TIMES), and the Institute of Urban Education (IUE). CMCD is a comprehensive instructional/management reform model that combines responsibility for learning and classroom organization among teachers and students. Research conducted through TIMES enables the improvement of English reading skills of native Spanish-speaking students. And programs conducted through the Institute of Urban Education bring students to campus, educate them about the importance of higher education, and guide them in pursuing a high school curriculum that will prepare them for college. Third party evaluations and internal research have shown that Consistency Management (CMCD) significantly reduces discipline problems and office referrals (48% to 78% per school) while increasing student achievement on national standardized tests by three quarters of a year (compared to students without CM trained teachers). TIMES is currently engaged in research projects in over 200 Texas public elementary schools and is directing the evaluation of state/federal programs involving over 500 schools.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The State of Texas has made providing quality public education a priority, as it is essential for students to succeed in college and become productive members of the workforce (which increasingly requires higher levels of education). Programs offered through the Partnership to Support Public Schools improve the quality of education provided to PK-12 students through the dissemination of quality instruction, education and research methods. The University of Houston brings together a unique combination of programs and is positioned for delivery to urban, suburban, and rural schools throughout Texas.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$1,369,247

$1,369,247

$1,135,917

$1,135,917

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
233,330

233,330

1

New Request

Total
$1,369,247

$1,369,247

$1,369,247

$1,369,247

Commercial Development of Space
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
The Center for Advanced Materials-CAM (previously the Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center (SVEC)), an Industry/Government/Academia - sponsored NASA Research Partnership Center promotes basic and applied research, technology development, and the commercialization of advanced thin film materials developed terrestrially and in space. With a consortium of 39 industry, government and academia affiliates, CAM is advancing 10 separate technologies. Product developments underway are: (1) semiconductor thin film infrared lasers for defense and environmental monitoring; (2) high efficiency solar cells for space and terrestrial electric power; (3) on-chip sensors for environmental monitoring and medical applications; (4) thin film solid oxide fuel cells for distributed electric power; (5) a new resistive random access computer memory; and (6) thin film ceramic optical micro-detectors for restoration of sight in the retinally blind. CAM has licensed technologies and started five spin-off companies, three of which have established manufacturing facilities in Texas with nearly $40M of private investment, more than 200 high tech jobs and $150M of economic growth in the past four years. CAM has leveraged Special Item funds by more than 9:1 and generated over $400M of economic benefit to Texas in the past fifteen years. CAM has also partnered with Houston Community College to bring talented undergraduates into a research environment, molding them for future science and engineering vocations.

CAM is now poised to substantially increase its impact through additional R&D and education efforts that require Exceptional Item funding. CAM will expand its efforts in four main areas: 1) Increased industry interaction for product development and economic growth in Texas; 2) Advancement of R&D into bio-materials; 3) Space program development incorporating solar cell development on the Moon and joint thin film materials R&D on the International Space Station; and 4) Expansion of the science and engineering student research experience with Houston Community College. These efforts can have extremely high rates of return in the education, research, and economic development arenas, and justify increased research and support staff, which constitute the Exceptional Item Request.

Factors Impacting Strategy
CAM is recognized as one of the foremost developers of new technologies for space and terrestrial applications. The center's Wake Shield Facility (WSF) program has garnered the respect and admiration of space technologists, materials scientists, and industrialists. As a result of the successful thin film materials and device development, a program on the fabrication of thin film solar cells on the surface of the moon has resulted, as well as a joint CAM - Russian Academy of Sciences program on advanced thin film materials development on the International Space Station. Both of these programs respond to NASA's need for new technologies for space exploration and utilization. The application of CAM nanotechnology to materials in the energy sector has resulted in improved solar cells, unique materials for conversion of heat to electricity, and high performance fuel cells. Internally, CAM has worked to disseminate basic and applied knowledge to Texas and national industrial sectors. This has been supported by an interdisciplinary program incorporating students and faculty from science, engineering, business and law into joint technology and product development groups that guide technology advancement.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$400,000

$400,901

$332,584

$332,5856

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
68,317

68,316

1

New Request
500,000

500,000

6

Total
$400,901

$400,901

$900,901

$900,901

Texas Learning and Computation Center
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
In 1999, UH built an environment for the design and delivery of cutting-edge, technology-based research and learning tools—the Texas Learning and Computation Center (TLC2). During FY 05-06, TLC2 established and brought on line the Research and Education Network of Houston (RENoH), a data communications network connecting the University of Houston, the Texas Medical Center and Rice University at state-of-the art levels to the Internet2 and the NLR. The establishment of this 10G fiber network has enhanced and encouraged partnerships with the Texas Medical Center. The increased bandwidth will enable research in the region to be on par at the national level.

Seed monies have been granted in several departments throughout four colleges of UH and have generated federal funding. With support of a major federal grant, TLC2 has successfully created a pipeline of students to address the nationwide shortage of qualified science, engineering, and math students and has hosted a number of opportunities for middle and high school students and teachers to become involved with the center.

This investment of time and effort as part of its educational mission benefits the state of Texas in the production of a trained workforce in segments of the economy that exhibit strong growth, such as the health care, energy, computer and communications sectors. Additionally, the State benefits from researchers receiving federal funds for significant parts of necessary infrastructure, student assistantships, and professional staff for operation of laboratories.

In December 2005, the Texas Department of Information Sciences outlined a State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management where it set forth a mandate for consolidating and organizing information and resources within various state institutions. TLC2 requests exceptional item funding to help meet the objectives of this plan (specifically objectives 9 & 10) by creating a data storage and management service that will complement the research networking, computing and visualization infrastructure TLC2 already has in place.

Factors Impacting Strategy
Economically, Houston is the center of the world’s energy industry, and the computer, communications, and biotechnology industries are a growing segment of the local economy. The metro area comprises about 22% of the state workforce and 28% of the state economy. The metro Houston’s gross area product in 2005 was $308.7 billion— slightly larger than Austria’s GDP. It is clear that the economic future of Texas is inextricably tied to that of Houston. Houston is home to 10 universities, 10 community colleges and over 60 independent school districts, including the Houston ISD, which enrolls over 200,000 students. These institutions are struggling to meet the educational needs of their students. TLC2 works with public schools to address these needs. Through centers such as the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, TLC2 is engaging the members of diverse communities to encourage, nurture and graduate first generation college bound students.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$1,935,805

$1,935,805

$2,935,805

$2,935,805

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture
329,876

329,875

1

New Request
$1,000,000

$1,000,000

5

Total
$1,935,805

$1,935,805

$2,935,805

$2,935,805

Faculty Excellence
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
For the first time in FY 2006, the University of Houston received $2.5 million per year for faculty excellence. These resources have enabled the university to create new faculty positions over the past two years. UH has established a goal of becoming the state's third tier-one research university. Increasing the number of faculty on campus is critical to this endeavor for the following two reasons:

More faculty are needed to increase the annual research dollars the university generates. One of the criteria the university uses in allocating new faculty lines to our colleges is whether the new positions align with high levels of federal research funding opportunities. The university is currently investing heavily in programs in the health sciences, which correspond to significant research opportunities at the National Institutes of Health and allow us to build collaborative relationships with the Texas Medical Center.
More faculty are needed to reduce the student/faculty ratio on campus. Currently, the student/faculty ratio at UH is 21 to 1. If the university is to become a tier-one university, a student/faculty ratio of 17-18 to 1 will be necessary. Hiring new full-time faculty members will provide students with greater access to top scholars and professionals in their fields, enhance the quality of the educational experience, and make UH more competitive in terms of recruiting and retaining highly qualified students.

Last year, the UH established a plan to create 150 new faculty positions over the next few years. Achieving this goal will require new resources in the FY08-09 biennium. For FY 2007, UH has allocated $3 million for the creation of new faculty positions. Including benefits, these resources will enable us to create 30-40 new positions. Adding $4.5 million in FY08 and an additional $4.5 million in FY09 will enable UH to create and maintain 90-120 additional faculty positions over the course of the biennium.

Factors Impacting Strategy
In "Closing the Gaps," the state has established goals to increase student access, student success, programmatic excellence, and research productivity. Each of these goals depends upon the number and quality of a university's faculty. If universities are to grow, while still providing students with the quality of education that enables them to complete their degree and succeed in the workforce, then they must hire more faculty to maintain effective student/faculty ratios. Likewise, program quality is determined, first and foremost, by the quality of the faculty, as is research productivity. In short, if the goals of "Closing the Gaps" are to be achieved, universities in Texas must have increased resources to invest in new faculty.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$2,500,000

$2,500,000

$2,500,000

$2,500,000

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
4,500,000

9,000,000

3

Total
$2,500,000

$2,500,000

$7,000,000

$11,500,000

Institutional Enhancement
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
Institutional enhancement funding is being allocated to initiatives that enhance the academic success of the University of Houston’s diverse student body – the Mexican-American and African-American Studies programs. These programs emphasize teaching, research, recruitment and retention of students who come from Hispanic and African-American communities. Institutional enhancement funding is also being used to enhance the administrative efficiency of the University of Houston through improvements to its student records system and information technology infrastructure and services. Finally, these resources are being used to support the University Eye Institute, which provides non-reimbursed vision care to medically-indigent patients in the Houston area.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$3,204,306

$3,204,306

$3,204,306

$3,204,306

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request

Total
$3,204,306

$3,204,306

$3,204,306

$3,204,306

Workers' Compensation Insurance
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
This strategy provides funding to cover the cost of workers’ compensation losses and the cost of administering claims. The allocation is also to encourage the development and implementation of risk management programs and practices designed to minimize occupational injuries and illnesses, protect state property, and provide safety and health training for employees.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The University has established a return to work policy to minimize lost time due to injury.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$491,131

$491,131

$491,131

$491,1316

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request

Total
$491,131

$491,131

$491,131

$491,131

Tuition Revenue Bonds
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
This request is for a continuation of the current special item, which provides for retirement of the tuition bonds as authorized in prior legislative sessions. Exceptional item funding is also requested to provide estimated debt service for Tuition Revenue Bonds recently approved by the 79th Legislature, 3rd called session. The project total is $57,600,000. It is assumed that 20 year bonds will be issued at 6.5% interest.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The obligation for existing tuition revenue bonds has been incurred and the UH System is legally responsible for the payment.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding
$6,674,510

$6,660,045

$6,651,271

$6,647,521

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
5,228,353

5,228,353

2

Total
$6,674,510

$6,660,045

$11,879,624

$11,875,874

Compensation for Hurricane Katrina Expenses
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
In fall 2005, the University of Houston enrolled 930 students affected by Hurricane Katrina, more than any university outside of Louisiana. In addition, we opened our campus to Loyola University administrators and law faculty so they could teach their courses. In meeting these needs, the University of Houston incurred costs of approximately $4.6 million, for which we have received only $2.1 million in payment from students, scholarships, and the federal government. To make the university whole, we respectfully request an appropriation of $2,548,661 in one-time funds during FY 2008.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$2,548,661

$ –

4

Total
$2,548,661

$ –

Institute for Molecular Design
(Existing Item)

Description and Justification
Founded in 1988, the Institute for Molecular Design (IMD) is a research and educational center dedicated to bridging the theoretical and experimental approaches to biomolecular structure and function. Through the use of cutting-edge computational technology for pharmaceutical, medicinal and industrial purposes, the institute develops genetic medication targeted against cancer, developmental diseases and viral and bacterial infections.

IMD was the first institute of its kind in the United States. Through technology development and transfer at the institute, 3 spin-off companies have been developed since 1998, 21 patents have been received with 23 pending, 30 IMD faculty have been involved in collaborative funded projects and a new science building has been secured with a clean room for high-tech-biotech combined research. Results from experimental studies are being used to target cancer, heart disease, polio, AIDS, diabetes and leukemia as well as decrease the rejection rate for body implants. Research has also advanced the development of biosensors for oil spill identification and the design new materials for use in micro-electronic devices.

IMD will expand the impact of the institute to provide enabling infrastructure for interdisciplinary bioscience research. This will provide greater opportunities for UH students and faculty in the study and application of theoretical and experimental approaches to interdisciplinary bioscience via shared infrastructure and prestigious student fellowships.

Factors Impacting Strategy
By virtue of the research being done, it’s many collaborative relationships with researchers at the Texas Medical Center, and the potential for developing profitable new technologies, the Institute for Molecular Design is positioned to accrue extremely positive visibility for the state and the university. The institute's activities benefit regional and state industries, educational institutions, and the community. IMD research supports the development of drugs for many of our most life threatening and costly diseases: including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and AIDS. IMD research also supports the development of the health care and biotechnology industries, which are critical to the future of Houston and Texas.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$1,500,000

$1,500,000

10

Total
$1,500,000

$1,500,000

Center for Life Sciences Technology
(New Item)

Description and Justification
The mission of the Center for Life Sciences Technology is to provide workforce education and training programs to support the regional life sciences research enterprise and industry. The Center will track the life sciences biotechnology enterprise, identifying evolving industry, education and training needs. It will also identify existing academic resources and programs in life sciences technology that can support workforce development and connect with high end life sciences research enterprises in areas including development, manufacturing and distribution.

Through the Center’s program, a new baccalaureate program will be developed with core courses and tracks that including Bioengineering, Biomanufacturing, Applied Bioinformatics, Proteomics/Genomics, Healthcare Informatics, and Healthcare Logistics. Sustainability will also be aided through collaboration with the University of Houston College of Natural Science and Mathematics, industry employers and The Abramson Center for the Future of Health. Through a state-wide consortium, emphasis will be placed on careers in industry, internship placements, undergraduate research, and outreach to high schools. Pathways that connect education and training opportunities with commercial and industrial needs and opportunities will be mapped and available via a web-portal.

Factors Impacting Strategy
The Center for Life Sciences Technology addresses regional and state goals by working closely with the Texas Workforce Commission and WorkSource agencies to fulfill the recommendations of the Texas Industry Cluster Initiative. The program directly responds to Governor Perry’s vision of building the future economy of Texas. Efforts to make the state competitive in targeted industry clusters (e.g., life sciences and biotechnology) would be enhanced through the funding of this center. People in need of education and training in this field include incumbent workers, future employees, teachers, and the general public.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$1,000,000

$1,000,000

11

Total
$1,000,000

$1,000,000

Texas Hurricane Testing and Research Institute
(New Item)

Description and Justification
The Texas Hurricane Testing and Research Institute (THTRI) will strive to be a world class testing and research facility for developing hurricane protection products and systems and repair technologies. It will also provide educational programs to the community to ensure safety, minimize loss of life and mitigate destruction of properties associated with hurricanes. By setting up a world class test facility, THTRI will attract scholars from around the world to perform research and test products.

Mitigation offers the best alternative for reducing potential damages from hurricanes. Effective mitigation can only be achieved through increased research, vulnerability assessments, education and outreach to build a solid foundation for policy-making and building practices. Hurricane mitigation must continue to evolve by including not only a wide range of damage reduction tools, but also new methods of data collection, continued social and behavioral research as well as improved communication technology, computer modeling, simulation and visualization.

Educating the public on hurricane related issues will be a priority for the THTRI. The Institute will also be an asset to industry and the region with capabilities to test materials and products for use in hurricane resistance structures. The Institute will be a leader in setting standards for testing hurricane products with a world class facility that will attract scholars from around the world.

Factors Impacting Strategy
Hurricanes are the most devastating and damaging natural hazards impacting the Gulf Coast region in the United States. Hurricanes cause not only human deaths but also over $5 billion in property damage per year in the United States. Industry data show that 65% of insured losses from natural hazards in the U.S. over the past half century are due to the impact of hurricanes. Last year, the Gulf Coast region had one of its worst experiences with hurricanes. Millions of people were affected with loss of life and property estimated to be worth millions of dollars. If hurricane Rita had its land fall in the Houston-Galveston area the story would have been totally different and some put the estimates at over several billion of dollars with much loss of life.

Increasing population and urban development in coastal areas highlight the dynamic nature of our vulnerability to hurricanes. According to the 2000 census, population in the most hurricane vulnerable states has increased by 20% in the last ten years, and this trend is predicted to continue. In the Houston area alone, the population is predicted to grow by 50% in the next 15 years. Extreme hurricane events in recent years have reinforced the proposition that the affected states and the nation must continue to work on, and move beyond, weather prediction and evacuation to achieve significant damage reduction.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$1,000,000

$1,000,000

12

Total
$1,000,000

$1,000,000

Pharmacoinformatics Research Center
(New Item)

Description and Justification
The mission of the Pharmacoinformatics Research Center (PIRC) is to enable the discovery of new drugs and provide patient care with an emphasis on drug effects. If funded, PIRC will facilitate multidisciplinary research in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and obtain funding for pharmacoinformatics research from both public and private sources. PIRC will serve as a source of expertise on matters relating to pharmacoinformatics, computer viral screening, and the application of these technologies to target diseases through drug discovery and design. The Center will leverage additional funds from NIH, pharmaceutical/ biotechnology companies and foundations. The state and the University of Houston will benefit through the increased research funding and community recognition the center receives.

Factors Impacting Strategy
Pharmacoinformatics represents a new comprehensive and interdisciplinary research discipline that has become a very important research area in the pharmaceutical industry and in several colleges of pharmacy. At present, rapidly emerging areas such as genomics and proteomics are discovering new biomolecules faster than it can be determined which ones have a reasonable probability of being viable targets for new drugs. Currently, all drugs in use are directed at a relatively small number of targets - approximately 500. Pharmacoinformatics has the ability to greatly expand this number.

Biotechnology and the health sciences are very important to Texas and especially Houston (given that the Texas Medical Center is located here). Establishment of PIRC will facilitate important collaborations among academic institutions, companies, and health care organizations that will produce new drug discoveries, patient treatments, professional training, and research funding for the city and state.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$467,500

$467,500

13

Total
$467,500

$467,500

The Partnership for Multicultural Advancement
(New Item)

Description and Justification
The Partnership for Multicultural Advancement supports three University of Houston programs – African-American, Mexican-American and Asian-American Studies – in their efforts to enhance the educational, social and economic success of Houston's multi-ethnic and international communities and businesses through education, research, conferences, professional training, and public school outreach. Considerable growth in the ethnic diversity of the Houston metropolitan area and Texas over the past decade – as well as its related cultural and economic impact – necessitate expansion of the UH Partnership for Multicultural Advancement programs. Over the next two years, special item funding would enable PMA programs to better provide students and faculty with opportunities to interact with members of their respective communities; promote collaborative efforts between UH and other institutions worldwide in order to improve the quality of teaching, research, and community service; offer relevant courses for students on selected African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American topics; and implement numerous specialized programs.

Factors Impacting Strategy
Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse and international cities in the nation. Nearly 50% of the population is minority, and over half of the international firms operating in Texas are located here. Houston also ranks third among U.S. cities in the number of foreign consulates - 73 are located here. Achieving professional success in our society is often more challenging for members of minority and international communities due to cultural, linguistic and economic barriers. Breaking down these barriers is essential if these groups are to succeed in our society and if Houston - with its multi-cultural population - is to prosper. The African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic communities in the Houston area are a powerful cultural and economic force. The African-American, Mexican-American, and Asian-American Studies programs are an important resource through which the University of Houston supports the advancement of these communities academically, culturally and economically for the benefit of our entire region and the state.

Appropriated

Requested

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

Priority

Base Dollar Funding

Exceptional Funding

10% Recapture

New Request
$300,000

$300,000

14

Total
$300,000

$300,000