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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
BOARD OF REGENTS

August 17, 2006

Members Present:

Leroy L. Hermes, Chair Michael J. Cemo, Vice Chair Dennis D. Golden, Secretary Raul A. Gonzalez Robert B. Johnson Morgan Dunn O’ Connor Lynden B. Rose Calvin W. Stephens Welcome W. Wilson, Sr. Jim P. Wise

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The University of Houston System Board of Regents convened in the Melcher Board Room, Athletics/Alumni Center at the University of Houston on Thursday, August 17, 2006. Noting the presence of a quorum, Chairman Hermes called the meeting to order at 8:06 a.m.

Chairman Hermes called on Regent Cemo to present Item C on the agenda, Committee Restructure – UH System. Chairman Hermes had assigned a task force to discuss the committee restructure. Regent Cemo, who acted as chair, along with Regents Golden, Stephens, Gonzalez, and Johnson, held a conference call on Sunday, August 6, 2006 to discuss the committee restructure. The recommendations from the task force are as follows:

• Committee will be on a one–year trial basis
• Changes will be effective September 1, 2006
• Standing Committees expanded from the current four to six
• Advisory members would be selected by the Chair of the Board, the Chancellor, in consultation with each Committee Chair
• External Affairs would have possible outside advisors

Action: After discussing the task force’s proposal and the information listed on pages BOR 2 and BOR 3, the regents recommended the following amendments:

• Advisory members will be appointed by the Chair of the Board, the Chancellor, in approval with the Committee Chair. All candidate(s) must be selected unanimously by all three.


• Both External Affairs and University Advancement would have 0–4 possible outside advisors.


• The phrase, “The Audit and Endowment Management are the only two committees that will have up to four outside advisors” was deleted from the committee restructure.

Regent O’Connor moved approval of the Committee Restructure – UH System with the above amendments. Regent Gonzalez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Action: Chairman Hermes called on Mr. Guyton to present Item D, Board of Regents Planner – UH System. Mr. Guyton stated that the Planner would be used as a tool for the Board Office to keep track of various reports due each fiscal year. The Bylaws and Policies will be revised to reflect this change.

Regent O’Connor asked about 4.4.1q – Review and Approval of the Wortham House Operating Policies Report due each August. Mr. Guyton stated that this report was not ready for presentation at the August 17, 2006 Board Meeting, but will be presented later at the November Board meeting.

Regent Wise moved approval of the Board of Regents Planner – UH System. Regent Wilson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Action: Chairman Hermes called on Dr. Gogue to present Item E – Update on UH System Strategic Principles and Initiatives – UH System. Dr. Gogue updated the Board on the proposed changes, continuing initiatives, initiatives completed or near completion, and proposed amended and new initiatives. A copy of Dr. Gogue’s presentation is on file in the Board of Regents’ Office.

The board recessed for the meetings of the standing committees at 9:08 a.m.

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ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman Gonzalez reported that the Academic and Student Affairs Committee met on August 1, 2006 and approved the following items:

1. Personnel Action for Executive Management Employee – UH–Victoria


2. Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies – UH–Clear Lake

Chairman Gonzalez turned the meeting over to Dr. Foss, but before presenting the next item, Dr. Foss asked Dr. Hudson to introduced Dr. Susanna LaBrecque, the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at UH–Victoria. Dr. LaBrecque is replacing Dr. Don Smith who retired on August 1, 2006.

There was one Academic and Student Affairs action item on the agenda:

Action: Promotion in Academic Rank – UH–Downtown. Dr. John A. Webb was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with Tenure.

Regent Cemo moved committee approval of the item as presented. Regent Stephens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

There was one new Academic Presentation on the agenda for information:

1. Annual Report on Intercollegiate Athletics – University of Houston. The report was given by Mr. Dave Maggard. Regent Hermes complimented Mr. Maggard for his leadership role in Athletics.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Regent O’Connor moved Board approval of the items as presented. Regent Wise seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Chair Hermes then asked Regent Golden for the report of the University Advancement Committee.

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UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Regent Golden reported that the University Advancement Committee met on August 1, 2006 and approved the following item:

1. Planning grant for $50,000 from Houston Endowment as first step in UHD’s participation in Achieving the Dream, a national program designed to improve the completion rates of under–prepared students.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.

Regent O’Connor moved Board approval of the item as presented. Regent Stephens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

* * * * * * * *

Chairman Hermes requested a brief recess before convening the Administration and Finance Committee Report.

At 10:06 a.m. Chairman Hermes reconvened the committee meetings. Chairman Hermes asked Regent Cemo for the Administration and Finance Committee Report.

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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Regent Cemo reported that the Administration and Finance Committee met on August 1, 2006 and approved the following items:

1. FY 2007 Plan and Budget – UH System
2. Appointment of Endowment Investment Managers – UH System
3. Insurance Renewals for Fiscal Year 2007 – UH System
4. Purchase of Willow Street Pump Station Property – UH System

There were three new action items on the agenda for approval. Regent Cemo requested Dr. Rudley present these items.

Action: Consolidated Revenue Commercial Paper Notes, Series A: Commercial Paper Resolution, Commercial Paper Offering Memorandum – UH System
Approval is requested to authorize the UH System to issue consolidated revenue commercial paper notes in the maximum principal amount not to exceed $50 million outstanding at any time. The note proceeds will provide funds for authorized purposes, including interim construction financing of system–wide projects.

Action: Resolution delegating authority to declare official intent to reimburse certain costs from the proceeds of tax–exempt obligations – UH System
Approval is requested for a resolution delegating authority to declare official intent to reimburse certain costs from the proceeds of tax–exempt obligations. This resolution complements the Seventeenth Supplemental Resolution to the Master Resolution establishing the Consolidated Revenue Commercial Paper Program.

Action: Personnel Actions for Executive Management Employees – UH System
Approval is requested for personnel actions for Executive Management Employees. Dr. Rudley asked Dr. Gogue if he would comment on the appointment of Dr. Donald L. Birx as Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Research. Dr. Gogue provided an overview of Dr. Birx’ credentials for the position and stated that the appointment would be effective September 1, 2006. Dr. Gogue complimented the Search Committee, chaired by Dr. Monti Pettitt, on their diligence and pool of candidates.

Regent Wilson moved committee approval of the items as presented. Regent Rose seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:16 a.m.

Regent Gonzalez moved Board approval of the items as presented. Regent Wilson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

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Chairman Hermes asked Regent Stephens for the Audit Committee Report.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Regent Stephens reported that the Audit Committee met on August 1, 2006 and approved the following item:

1. UHS Internal Auditing Department Long–Range Internal Audit Plan for Fiscal Years 2007–2009 – UH System

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.

Regent Golden moved Board approval of the item as presented. Regent Wise seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSENT DOCKET

Chairman Hermes asked for approval of the Consent Docket. Regent O’Connor moved approval of the items included in the Consent Docket. Regent Stephens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CHANCELLOR’S REPORT

Chancellor Gogue made the following statements when giving his report:

• The System–wide Strategic Plan has been embraced by all campus Presidents, Vice Chancellors and students. He was pleased that everyone seemed to be taking the Plan and making it a living document.
• A letter would be sent out to the Board of Regents and all UH campuses detailing the changes to the Honorary Degree Programs. He stressed the importance of recognizing leaders and having them rewarded at the December and/or May commencements.
• He acknowledged the Board of Regents for their position concerning the new committee restructure and their vision for change.
• He met with former Regent John Moores and their discussion of the UH System.
• He invited Dr. Steven Craig, President of the Faculty Senate to address the group.

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ELECTION OF 2006–2007 OFFICERS

Chair Hermes called on Regent O’Connor for a report of the nominating committee for election of officers. Regent O’Connor announced the committee recommended the following slate of officers:

Chairman – Leroy L. Hermes

Vice Chairman – Michael J. Cemo

Secretary – Dennis D. Golden

Regent Hermes called for nominations from the floor separately for each office. There were no nominations from the floor for Chairman.

There was a nomination from the floor for Vice Chairman. Regent Stephens recommended Regent Golden as Vice Chairman. Regent Golden stated he appreciated the nomination, but withdrew his name. Regent Cemo was then nominated as Vice Chairman. Regent Hermes moved approval of the nomination. Regent Wilson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Chairman Hermes asked if there were any nominations from the floor for Secretary. Regent Golden withdrew his name as Secretary and nominated Regent Stephens. Regent O’Connor moved approval of the nomination. Regent Wise seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The recommended slate of officers for the 2007 Board of Regents is:

Chairman – Leroy L. Hermes

Vice Chairman – Michael J. Cemo

Secretary – Dennis D. Golden

Regent O’Connor moved approval of the new slate of officers. Regent Wilson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Each of the three new officers briefly addressed the board.

Pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, which allows governing boards to meet in closed session, the Board of Regents went into Executive Session at 11:04 a.m. The Board reconvened the meeting at 12:24 p.m.

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EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT

Regent Hermes announced that the regents consulted with General Counsel, Dona Hamilton and discussed property and personnel issues. No action was taken in Executive Session.

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INFORMATION ONLY:

The following individual addressed the Board during Open Forum:

1. Ms. Lucy Bowen, President of the University System Staff Executive Council (USSEC), UH-Downtown. Ms. Bowen outlined the mission and goals of USSEC.

In absence of further business, the Board adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

All documentation submitted to the Board in support of the foregoing action items, including but not limited to “Passed” agenda items and supporting documentation presented to the Board, is incorporated herein and made a part of these minutes for all purposes; however, this does not constitute a waiver of any privileges contained herein.

Others Present:
Jay Gogue Dona Hamilton Donald J. Foss John M. Rudley Elwyn C. Lee Grover Campbell Michael Rierson Max Castillo Tim Hudson William Staples Janis Newman Lucy Bowen Margaret Thomas Lucy Limon	Wendy Adair Jim Anderson Elaine Charlson Don Guyton Jim McShan Chris Stanich Raymond Bartlett Malcolm Davis Steve Craig Dave Maggard John Robinson Angie Joe Charles Henry Marquette Hobbs	Molly Woods Michelle Dotter Dave Irvin Ed Hugetz Michelle Sabino David Bradley Spencer Yantis Craig Ness Susanne LaBrecque Wayne Beran Diane Murphy Joe Papick John Powell Gerry Mathisen