January 31, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING
| Members Present: | Members Absent: |
|
Leroy L. Hermes, Chair
Michael J. Cemo, Vice Chair Calvin W. Stephens, Secretary Morgan Dunn O’Connor Dennis D. Golden Raul A. Gonzalez Robert B. Johnson Lynden B. Rose Welcome W.Wilson, Sr. |
Jim P. Wise |
The University of Houston System Board of Regents convened in the Melcher Board Room, Athletics/Alumni Center at the University of Houston on Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Noting the presence of a quorum, Chairman Hermes called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
| Action: |
Regent O’Connor moved approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
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Regent Cemo seconded the motion and the minutes were passed as presented.
There being no further business, the board recessed for the meetings of the standing committees at 8:38 a.m.
ADMINISTRATION AND STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT
In the absence of the committee chair, Regent Wise, Chairman Hermes called on Regent Cemo. Regent Cemo called the meeting to order at 8:39 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Dr. Rudley.
Dr. Rudley presented the following action item for review by the committee:
Action Item:
- Contract to Provide Shuttle Bus Services for the University of Houston – University of Houston
The existing contract for shuttle bus services will expire in August 2007. Approval is requested for a Delegation of Authority to the Chancellor to negotiate and execute the contract with the selected provider upon agreement of the General Terms and Conditions. The estimated annual University of Houston expenditure would be $1,400,000 per year, or approximately $7,000,000 for the 5 year term of the contract.
Dr. Rudley presented two information items which do not require board approval:
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FY’06 Annual Financial Statements – UH System
Jim McShan presented this item to the Board. The material discussed at the meeting is on file in the Board office.
-
Update on Campus Framework Plans – UH System
The Presidents of each of the System campuses: UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown, and UH-Victoria, gave an update to the board on their current campus framework plans. The information distributed at the meeting is on file in the Board office.
Regent O’Connor moved approval of the action item as presented. Regent Stephens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The committee will present this item to the board for approval at the February 15, 2007 meeting.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:58 a.m.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent O’Connor called the meeting to order at 9:58 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Grover Campbell, who presented the next item on the agenda. This item was for information only and is on file in the Board office.
- Update on State and Federal Agenda – UH System
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
Chairman Hermes requested a 10 minute break and reconvened the Board meeting at 10:30 a.m.
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Dr. Foss.
Dr. Foss presented the following three action items for review by the committee:
Action Items:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese Studies – University of Houston
Approval is requested for the creation of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Studies, to be administered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. The study of Chinese is considered imperative for this university, given Houston’s international focus and the increased cultural and commercial contracts between the greater Houston area and China Enrollment in Chinese Studies courses and the Chinese Studies minor has increased dramatically over the past several years, demonstrating sufficient student demand now for a BA degree. It is anticipated that 70 studies will be enrolled in the degree program by the fifth year. - Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Atmospheric Science – University of Houston
Approval is requested for the creation of a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Atmospheric Science, to be administered by the Department of Geosciences. The objective of these programs is to prepare students for advanced careers with meteorological or environmental services, in research, in management organization within the state and federal government, in private industry, and for academic and research careers at the college or university level. Approximately 25 students would be enrolled by the fifth year. - Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts – UH-Downtown
Approval is requested for the creation of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts, to be administered by the Department of Arts and Humanities. The program seeks to prepare students for careers in the management of arts organization as well as for graduate programs in art history, music history, drama history, and arts administration. It is anticipated that 25 students will be enrolled in this program by the fifth year.
Dr. Foss presented the following two information items:
- University of Houston Health Sciences Initiative – University of Houston
Dr. Foss provided the Board with an update on the UH Health Science Initiative. -
University of Houston Writing Courses – University of Houston
Dr. Foss introduced Dean Antel, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, who provided an overview of the activities of the UH Writing Center. This item will be placed on the agenda at the Board Retreat for further discussion.
Regent Cemo moved approval of the action items as presented. Regent Stephens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The committee will present these items to the board for approval at the February 15, 2007 meeting.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Golden called the meeting to order at 11:49 a.m. and called on Mr. Rierson, who presented the next item on the agenda for information only.
- Overview of Private Support – UH System
Mr. Rierson stated the need to engage alumni in contributing to the University of Houston; and the importance of a volunteer Board to work on the campaign for each campus. A copy of the Spring 2007 University of Houston Magazine was distributed at the meeting and a copy is on file in the Board office.Dr. Golden also gave brief remarks on Mr. Rierson and the work he is accomplishing.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 12:08 p.m.
After hearing all of the committee reports, Chairman Hermes reconvened to a full board meeting at 12:08 p.m.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
- Chancellor Gogue thanked Regent Robert Johnson for his service and leadership to the Board of Regents over this past year.
- Chancellor Gogue expressed his gratitude to the regents for their participation in the Liberty Bowl events that were held in December.
- Chancellor Gogue also stated that the Legislative Sessions have begun and that many good plans and dialogues are taking place.
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 12:08 p.m. The Board reconvened the meeting at 12:35 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT
Chairman Hermes announced that Chancellor Gogue and Ms. Hamilton discussed personnel items, proposed contracts and project acquisition issues.
Chairman Hermes stated that no action was taken by the Board at Executive Session.
INFORMATION ONLY
Chairman Hermes mentioned that a Chair’s report would not be given as there were no items to report to the Board at this time.
In absence of further business, the Board adjourned at 12:35 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 John Antel Mayra Cruz (Daily Cougar) |
Wendy Adair
Don Guyton Elaine Charlson Wayne Beran John Powell David Ellis Raymond Bartlett Oscar Gutierrez Jack Casey David Bell Ed Apodaca Lucy Limon Murbaraka Saifee (Daily Cougar) |
Molly Woods
Jim McShan Dave Irvin Ed Hugetz David Bradley Diane Murphy Malcolm Davis Margie Chadwick Dudley Reynolds Mike Emery Joe Kotarba Gerry Mathisen |
