MINUTES OF THE MEETING
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING
February 21, 2008
| Members Present: | |
Welcome W. Wilson, Sr. Chair |
The University of Houston System Board of Regents convened in the Melcher Board Room 100B, Athletics/Alumni Building, 3100 Cullen Boulevard, University of Houston on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Noting the presence of a quorum, Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m.
Action: Regent Stephens moved approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
- October 15, 2007, Special Called Board of Regents Meeting
- October 31, 2007, Board of Regents Meeting
- November 1, 2007, Board of Regents Meeting
- November 5, 2007, Special Called Board of Regents Meeting
- November 15, 2007, Board of Regents Meeting
- November 26, 2007, Special Called Board of Regents Meeting
Regent Wise seconded the motion and the minutes were passed as presented.
Chairman Wilson stated there would be two items taken out of order.
The first item was the Presentation of Check by Houston Alumni Association –
University of Houston. Chairman Wilson introduced Ms. Cheryl Creuzot, Chair of the Houston Alumni Organization, who presented a check to Dr. Elwyn Lee in the amount
of $680,697.00 which reflected a distribution of ground rent for Bayou Oaks Student Housing. Ms. Creuzot thanked Dr. Lee and his staff for a successful collaboration between the University of Houston and the Houston Alumni Organization.
The second item was the Report from Faculty Senate President, Dr. Wynne Chin, regarding Current Faculty Activities – University of Houston.
Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to Dr. Chin for his report to the board.
Dr. Chin introduced himself as the incoming President of the Faculty Senate, as well as President-elect, Dr. Dan Wells. Dr. Chin gave a brief overview of the Faculty Senate’s goals over the next year which include: sound data; policies that are consistent with the strategic plan; a continued atmosphere of openness, transparency, and mutual trust; and mutual confidence in one another as people of good will and common commitment to the University of Houston and to the University of Houston System. Dr. Chin stated their Faculty Retreat would be held on Friday, February 22, 2008, and stated that the Faculty Senate meetings are open and everyone is welcome to attend.
There being no further business, the board recessed for the meetings of the standing committees at 8:53 a.m.
ACADEMIC AND STUDENTS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT
In the absence of the chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the vice chair, Lynden Rose, for the committee report.
Regent Rose stated that the Academic and Student Affairs Committee met on February 5, 2008 and there were no items forwarded from that meeting requiring board approval. He stated there would be one new item presented to the board for information only. Regent Rose turned the meeting over to Dr. Don Foss, who introduced the item.
- Academic Presentation: Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – University of Houston
Dr. Foss gave a presentation on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). This is a major component of the university’s reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). A copy of his presentation is on file in the board office.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:11 a.m.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Rose stated the Administration and Finance Committee met on February 5, 2008 and approved the following items:
- Appointment of Global Custodian – UH System
- Appointment of Financial Institution for Banking Services – UH System
- Build Out of the Science and Engineering Research Center Laboratory Building – University of Houston
- Consolidated Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2008: Bond Resolution; Preliminary Official Statement; Bond Purchase Agreement; and Reimbursement Resolution – UH System
Regent Rose stated there were two new items on the agenda for approval by the committee and one information item. Regent Rose turned the meeting over to Mr. McShan, who introduced the items.
- Texas Diesel Vehicle Research and Testing Center Expansion – Phase 2. University Business Park – University of Houston
Mr. McShan stated approval was requested to proceed with the design and construction of phase 2 of the UH-Texas Diesel Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Phase 1, which was initiated by the City of Houston to test new emission reduction technologies, was completed in March 2004.
Mr. McShan mentioned that Phase 2 adds additional testing capabilities as well as research laboratory space and office space. The design and construction of the 1925 sf building addition and purchase of the equipment is approximately $7 million out of an overall budget of about $10.3 million.
Chairman Wilson stated this was an extremely important project.
- Banking Resolutions for University of Houston System – UH System
Mr. McShan stated approval was requested to amend all banking and investment resolutions to reflect the removal of John M. Rudley as an authorized signer on all UH System accounts. In addition, the banking resolutions are being modified to reflect Bank of America as the financial institution to provide banking services to the UH System. Three new bank accounts were opened and three will be closed. Also Bank of New York Mellon will be added to the investment resolutions as an authorized custodian for the system’s endowed and non-endowed assets.
Regent Stephens 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 9:21 a.m.
Regent Stephens moved Board approval of the items as presented. Regent Golden seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Stephens stated the Audit Committee met on February 5, 2008 and the following item was approved by the board:
- Review and Approval of Audit Report and Financial Statements, University of Houston Charter School, FY 2007 – University of Houston.
There were no items forwarded from the February 5, 2008 meeting and there were no new items to be presented.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:22 a.m.
ENDOWMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
In the absence of the chair of the Endowment Management Committee, Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the vice chair, Regent Wise.
Regent Wise stated the Endowment Management Committee met on February 5, 2008. There were no items forwarded from that meeting but there was one new item to be presented requiring board approval. Before Regent Wise turned the meeting over to Mr. McShan to present the item, he stated an Endowment Booklet was distributed to the regents which gave a brief overview for their reference. A copy of this document is on file in the board office.
Action:
- Appointment of Endowment Investment Manager – UH System
Mr. McShan stated that the Endowment Management Committee had received a report from Cambridge Associates, the system’s investment consultant, which identified a firm for consideration as an investment manager for the endowment fund. The committee approved Fisher Lynch Capital as an investment manager for the University of Houston System Endowment Fund.
Regent Ray moved committee approval of the item as presented. Regent Rose seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 a.m.
Regent Stephens moved Board approval of the items as presented. Regent Ray seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT
In the absence of the chair of the External Affairs Committee, Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to the vice chair, Regent Rose.
Regent Rose stated that the External Affairs Committee met on February 5, 2008. There were no items forwarded from the February 5, 2008 committee meeting and no new items were presented.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:33 a.m.
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Wise stated that the Strategic Planning Committee did not meet on
February 5, 2008 as there were no items to presented and there were no new items to be presented today.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:34 a.m.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Regent Golden stated the University Advancement Committee met on February 5, 2008. There were no items forwarded from that meeting but there was one information item to be presented. Regent Golden stated that Mr. Rierson was out ill so this item was not presented to the board.
- Overview of UH System News Media Coverage – UH System
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:36 a.m.
Chairman Wilson reconvened to a full board meeting and moved to the next item on the agenda, the Chancellor’s Report.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Dr. Khator made the following remarks during her Chancellor’s Report:
- Currently 37 days into her 100-day plan, Dr. Khator has met with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; all Vice Chancellors; visited all three system campuses; and has met with the Faculty Senate President.
- Dr. Khator stated she will meet with each college in the system; along with staff and students.
- Dr. Khator discussed the current UH website and the “Message to the UH Community”. She has encouraged everyone to share their thoughts and ideas to help move the University of Houston to greater heights.
- She stated that she has received thousands of remarks from students, faculty, alumni, staff and the community about how we can strengthen the reputation of the University of Houston.
- After the 100-days in office, Dr. Khator will meet with the Board of Regents and her leadership team to review and analyze all of the suggestions received. A plan will be developed, along with our strategies and priorities as we move toward making the University of Houston a great university!
INFORMATION ONLY
During the Chair’s Report, Dr. and turned the meeting over to Chancellor Khator.
Chairman Wilson asked everyone to move to the John O’Quinn Great Hall for this event.
The following new regents were sworn-in and after their swearing-in each of them gave brief remarks:
- Carroll Robertson Ray – replaced Regent Morgan Dunn O’Connor. She was sworn-in by Judge Reece Rondon, 234th Civil Court, Harris County. Her term expires on August 31, 2011.
- Nelda Luce Blair – replaced Regent Michael J. Cemo. She was sworn-in by Judge Fred Edwards, 9th District Court, Montgomery County. Her term expires on August 31, 2013.
- Michele “Mica” Mosbacher – replaced Regent Raul A. Gonzalez. She was sworn-in by Judge Reece Rondon. Her term expires on August 31, 2013.
- Jacob Monty – replaced Regent Leroy L. Hermes. He was also sworn-in by
Judge Reece Rondon. His term expires on August 31, 2013.
A brief reception followed the ceremony, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion.
At 12:50 p.m., Chairman Wilson asked the current board members to move back to the Melcher Board Room 100B to continue the board meeting.
The last item on the agenda was the Chair’s Report. Chairman Wilson took this opportunity to thank the four outgoing regents: Morgan Dunn O’Connor,
Leroy L. Hermes, Michael J. Cemo, and Raul A. Gonzalez, for their tenure on the board, their leadership and support, their professionalism, and devoted service to the University of Houston System. On behalf of the board and the University of Houston System, Chairman Wilson presented each outgoing regent a Board Resolution for their outstanding service.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 1:20 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:
| Renu Khator Donald Foss Jim McShan Dona Cornell Mike Rierson Grover Campbell Elwyn Lee Donald Birx Dan Gardner Max Castillo Tim Hudson William Staples Dave Maggard James McDow |
Raymond Bartlett Ed Apodaca Wynne Chin Jose´ Rangel Malcolm Davis John Antel James Anderson Gregg Roman Molly Woods David Ellis Karen Clarke Stephen Portch Ed Jones Marquette Hobbs |
John Powell Oscar Gutierrez Drew Masterson Russ Hoskins David A. White Tony Hoagland Lisa Merkel Ed Hugetz John Robinson Don Guyton David Bell Dave Irvin Janis Newman Gerry Mathisen |
