November 1, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING
| Members Present: | Members Absent: |
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Welcome W. Wilson, Sr., Chair
Calvin W. Stephens, Vice Chair Jim P. Wise, Secretary Michael J. Cemo Dennis D. Golden Leroy L. Hermes Lynden B. Rose |
Raul A. Gonzalez
Morgan Dunn O’Connor Christopher Sharpe |
The University of Houston System Board of Regents meeting convened in the Melcher Board Room 100B, Athletics/Alumni Building, 3100 Cullen Boulevard, University of Houston, Thursday, November 1, 2007. Noting the presence of a quorum of the Board, Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
| Action: |
Regent Wise 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.
Chairman Wilson presented the following three approval items for board approval:
Action Items:
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Amendment to Committee Restructure – UH System
Approval was requested for the following amendments to the committee restructure that was discussed by the board at the October 2, 2007 meeting. If approved, these changes will become effective immediately:- Administration and Strategic Planning Committee will be divided into two separate committees: Administration and Finance Committee and Strategic Planning Committee;
- There will be a total of seven committees: Academic and Student Affairs; Administration and Finance; Audit; Endowment Management; External Affairs; Strategic Planning; and University Advancement;
- Membership in each of the seven committees will be four regents; and
- One to four advisory members may be appointed to these committees with the approval of the Chair of the Board, the Chancellor, and the Chair of the appropriate committee. The approval must be unanimous.
Regent Stephens moved approval of the Amendment to Committee Restructure – UH System. Regent Golden seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. This new committee restructure will become effective immediately.
- Amendment to Bylaws – UH System
Approval was requested for the proposed amendments to the Board of Regents Bylaws to reflect the change in the Committee Structure effective November 1, 2007.
Regent Stephens moved approval of the Amendment to Bylaws – UH System. Regent Cemo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
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Revision of Board of Regents Calendar – UH System
Approval was requested to revise the Board’s FY2008 calendar to reflect the new committee structure which takes effect November 1, 2007.
Regent Wise moved approval of the Revision of Board of Regents Calendar – UH System. Regent Golden seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The board recessed for the meetings of the standing committees at 8:39.m.
In the absence of the chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Regent Gonzalez, Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the vice chair, Regent Rose.
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETINGRegent Rose called the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to order at 8:40 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Dr. Foss.
Dr. Foss presented the following four action items for approval by the committee:
Action Items:
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Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology – University of Houston
Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to Dean Fitzgibbons, who gave an overview of the above item at the meeting.
The University of Houston proposed the creation of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology, to be administered by the College of Technology, in collaboration with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The program addresses the need to produce graduates who can combine technical experience and training with expertise in areas such as production, regulations, compliance, etc. The curriculum will provide students with knowledge and skill sets that span the basic sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to prepare them for employment in the rapidly changing biotech industry. Ninety students are expected by the fifth year, with costs of $2.5 million over five years, covered primarily by grants, new formula funding, and reallocated funds.
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Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Sign Language – University of Houston
Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to Dean Antel, who gave a brief overview of this item. Dean Antel stated that Dr. Lynn Maher will be the chair of this department.
The University of Houston proposed the creation of a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language, to be administered by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The first such program in the State of Texas, this degree would offer courses in American Sign Language and in interpreting, as well as, interdisciplinary perspectives on language acquisition, linguistics, and deaf culture. Graduates would acquire the necessary interpreting skills to pass the Texas certification standards and would be prepared for graduate work in related areas. Forty students are expected by the fifth year and costs are projected to be approximately $100,000.
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Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Service Leadership – UH-Clear Lake
Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to President Staples, who presented this item.
President Staples stated that UH-Clear Lake proposed the creation of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Service Leadership, to be administered by the School of Human Sciences and Humanities. The program will provide students with interdisciplinary training in public service leadership theory and skills including leadership, strategic planning, mediation/conflict resolution, organizational theory, and management theory. Graduates will be well-positioned for employment in the public sector as program leaders, administrators, and human resource specialists. This degree will also foster awareness of civic responsibility, as well as, address issues related to political and community service. Fifty students are anticipated by the fifth year, with costs of $400,000 over five years covered primarily by new formula funding and reallocated funds.
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Personnel Action for an Executive Management Employee – University of Houston
In accordance with Board Policy 57.10, the University of Houston requested approval of a personnel action for an Executive Management Employee.
- Dr. Joseph W. Tedesco, new appointment as Dean, Cullen College of Engineering, effective January 1, 2008.
Regent Golden moved approval of the four action items as presented. Regent Cemo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The items requiring board approval will be placed on the November 15, 2007, agenda for consideration by the board.
The next three items on the agenda were for information only and require no action by the committee.
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Academic Presentation: The Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston – University of Houston.
Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to Dr. David Francis, Director of the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics, who provided the Board with an overview of the activities and programs of this institute. A copy of this presentation is on file in the Board office.
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Update on Medical School Initiative – University of Houston
Dr. Foss provided the Board with an update on the status of the Medical School initiative.
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Update on Health Science Center Initiative – University of Houston System
Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to Interim Chancellor, Dr. John Rudley, who stated the importance of bringing researchers together and the need to bring this to the attention of the legislators and the coordinating board. Dr. Rudley then turned the meeting over to Dr. John Antel, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, who provided the Board with an update on the status of the Health Science Center initiative. Dean Antel has been asked to take charge of this initiative for the University of Houston.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.
Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to Regent Wise for the Administration and Strategic Planning Committee.
ADMINISTRATION AND STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Regent Wise called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Mr. Jim McShan.
Mr. McShan presented the following five action items for review by the committee:
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Sale and Purchase of Properties Along N. Main Street – UH System
Mr. McShan introduced this item and turned the meeting over to Mr. David Bradley, Vice President of Administration and Finance, UH-Downtown. Mr. Bradley stated approval was requested for the Board to delegate authority to the Chancellor to negotiate with METRO regarding the sale and purchase of properties along N. Main St. METRO requires 4.7 acres of University-owned land in order to construct a major Intermodal Transit Center just north of Houston’s Central Business District. METRO will make available for purchase by the University four properties in the area, totaling 8.4 acres collectively.Appraisals on the five properties were conducted in September and October based on a mutually agreed-upon set of assumptions. The agreement is that sellers must sell at the prices established through the appraisal process, with buyers having the option to buy. The assumption is that METRO will purchase the 4.7 acres needed for their project. The University is engaging in due diligence work to determine which, if any, of the METRO-owned properties it will seek to acquire.
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UH System Debt Policy – UH System
Mr. McShan introduced this item requesting to adopt a policy governing the issuance of debt by the UH System. The proposed policy would formalize the current practices and guidelines used by the System and includes such topics as project funding, interest rate exposure, amortization of debt, refunding of bonds, and debt administration. This policy has been developed in conjunction with our financial advisor, First Southwest Company, reviewed by bond counsel, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.; and is consistent with debt policies established by other Texas universities. -
UH System Master Swap Policy – UH System
Approval was requested to adopt a policy governing the use of swaps by the UH System. The proposed policy establishes the guidelines to be used by the System when considering the use of swaps, including legal authority to use swaps, required approval by the UH System Board for any swap transaction, the term of any swap, basis of award management of transaction risk, approval of a counterparty to a swap, and reporting requirements. This policy lays out the guidelines for fiduciary responsibility. Mr. McShan introduced Mr. Drew Masterson, our financial advisor from First Southwest Company, who was available to answer any questions on swap bonds. -
Purchase Order for Public Broadcasting Service – University of Houston
Approval was requested to continue KUHT’s 100% participation in the Public Broadcasting Service’s National Program Service, Member Service, and Station Independence Programs for FY2008.Public Broadcasting Service – 208 fees $1,924,841 (Paid by CPB Community Service Grant $1,310,104 with the remainder paid from local funds Dept. H0436).
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Purchase Order for National Public Radio Service – University of Houston
Approval was requested to continue KUHF’s 100% participation in the National Public Radio Program Services for FY2008.
National Public Radio – 2008 fees $1,010,004 (Paid by CPB Community Service Grant $467,974 with the remainder paid from local funds Dept H0018).
Regent Cemo moved approval of the five action items as presented. Regent Wilson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The items requiring board approval will be placed on the November 15, 2007, agenda for consideration by the board.
Mr. McShan then introduced the next agenda item which was for information only and required no action by the committee.
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Process for Prioritizing Construction Projects – UH System
Mr. McShan gave a presentation on prioritizing capital projects. He described the process for gaining approval of a project which cost $1,000,000; and the purpose of the policy to provide a process that will fairly assess, justify and prioritize major projects. This policy went into effect September 1, 2007.Until a project has been approved in accordance with this policy, the project will not be supported or promoted by the University or the System Administration.
Mr. Dave Irvin presented a lists of capital projects to the board which is part of the 2008 Master Plan 1 (MP1). Mr. McShan also discussed HEAF 2008 Budget Allocations. A copy of this presentation is on file in the board office.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:53 a.m.
In the absence of the chair for the External Affairs Committee, Regent O’Connor, Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the vice chair, Regent Rose.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Regent Rose called the meeting to order at 10:53 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Mr. Chris Stanich.
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Update on State and Federal Agenda – UH System
Mr. Grover Campbell, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations, who normally gives this presentation was not able to attend the meeting, but asked Mr. Stanich to give the status of the UH System’s State and Federal Agenda. A copy of his presentation is on file in the board office.
This item was for information only and required no action by the committee.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 11:04 a.m.
Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the Regent Golden for the University Advancement Committee.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Regent Golden called the meeting to order at 11:04 a.m. and turned the meeting over to Mr. Rierson.
There were two information items on the agenda which required no action by the committee.
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Preview of Redeveloped UH Website – University of Houston
Mr. Rierson stated that the UH website had been reconstructed with a planned launch date of October 31, 2007. Darcie Champagne premiered the new website at the meeting. This new web development initiative moves UH.edu to a visitor-centered model, structured according to the needs and expectations of our critical audiences. -
Overview of Private Support – UH System
Mr. Rierson gave a report summarizing private support results for fiscal year ending August 31, 2007, and stated that $54.4 million had been raised.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 11:32 a.m.
After the University Advancement Committee adjourned, Chairman Wilson called for a 10 minute break.
At 11:45 a.m. Chairman Wilson reconvened to the committee meetings.
Chairman Wilson stated the next item on the agenda was the Executive Session.
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 11:45 a.m. The Board reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT
Chairman Wilson announced that General Counsel, Ms.Cornell, discussed property and personnel issues. Chairman Wilson stated that no action was taken by the Board in Executive Session.
The next item on the agenda was the Chair’s Report. Chairman Wilson discussed the following items:
- Advertising for the University of Houston;
- Tier One Status – how our Texas legislators can help and how we need to keep them informed;
- The importance of recruiting from the local community colleges; and
- The need to promote KUHF and KUHT to the Houston community.
In absence of further business, the board adjourned at 1:37 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: | ||
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John M. Rudley
Donald Foss Jim McShan Dona Cornell Michael Rierson Elwyn Lee Tim Hudson William Staples Janis Newman William Fitzgibbons Wendy Adair Don Guyton Lucy Limon |
David Bradley
Wayne Beran Raymond Bartlett Elaine Charlson Chris Stanich Ed Hugetz Kim Tie John Antel Drew Masterson Darcie Champagne David Bell Ed Jones Marquette Hobbs |
Diane Trippel
Dave Irvin John Powell Oscar Gutierrez Carl Stockton Michelle Sabino Diane Murphy Karen Clarke Jim Anderson Umesh Kapur Sue Davis David Francis Gerry Mathisen |
