MINUTES OF THE MEETING
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING
May 15 , 2008
| Members Present: Members Absent: | |
Welcome W. Wilson, Sr. Chair Calvin W. Stephens, Vice Chair Jim P. Wise, Secretary Dennis D. Golden Nelda Luce Blair Jacob Monty Mica Mosbacher Christopher Sharpe Carroll Robertson Ray Lynden B. Rose |
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The University of Houston System Board of Regents convened in the Special Events Center, Academic Building, Room 300, One Main St, UH-Downtown on Thursday,
May 15, 2008. Noting the presence of a quorum, Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.
Chairman Wilson thanked President Castillo and the UH-Downtown staff for hosting the Board of Regents meeting and called upon President Castillo for some brief remarks before the board meeting got underway.
President Castillo welcomed the Board of Regents and was excited to showcase the UH-Downtown campus. He stated there would be a presentation given on the Lone Star College collaboration and he introduced two guests who were instrumental in this accomplishment: Dr. Diane Thoyer, President of Lone Star College, and Dr. Rosario Martinez Castillo, District Director for Articulation and University Relations and the First Lady of UH-Downtown. He also stated that later on in the meeting, Dr. Beth Pelz, would be giving a powerpoint presentation on this very important issue.
President Castillo announced that the UH-Downtown’s Employment Services and Operations Department had been awarded the prestigious HR Houston Impact Award for HR Service Technology on May 13, 2008. HR Houston created this award to raise awareness of excellence in human resource programs and practices in the Greater Houston area. They are a non-profit professional organization dedicated to the advancement of human resource management. As an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Houston is one of the largest SHRM chapters in the nation. In the four years since the inception of this award, this was the first time an institution of higher education had received this honor.
Chairman Wilson complimented President Castillo on this prestigious award. He also congratulated him on the fine report he had given to the Board members at the Board of Regents Retreat held in early May. Chairman Wilson stated that the set of principles President Castillo outlined for UH-Downtown campus, as well as his mission and plan for the future of UH-Downtown, was visionary and he wanted President Castillo to know that he had the support of the Board moving forward.
After President Castillo’s remarks, Chairman Wilson move to the next item on the agenda, Item D, Update from Faculty Senate President, Dr. Wynne Chin, on initiatives to advance student access and success - University of Houston.. Chairman Wilson then turned the meeting over to Dr. Wynne Chin, President of Faculty Senate for the University of Houston. Dr. Chin made the following remarks:
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Chairman Wilson had addressed the Faculty Senate on April 16, 2008 and stressed the importance of Tier One;
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The Faculty Senate President would continue to have a formal slot to address the board at each board meeting which he stated was a primary means to interact with the board;
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Tier One could not be accomplished unless faculty excellence and student success improved. These two objectives go hand-in-hand. He stressed the importance of investing resources to attract, develop, and retain “Tier One” level research active faculty, which in turn, develops a “Tier One” student;
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Having “Tier One level faculty” with state of the art knowledge was not a guarantee for student success. Focus should be placed on the processes, programs, and incentives that lead to student success. Dr. Chin mentioned that a Faculty Senate Committee on Education Policies and Student Affairs, headed by Dr. Dave Mazella, would be working throughout the summer to define how “Tier One success” worked at other top universities and how this could be achieved; and
- Dr. Mazella and President-elect, Dr. Dan Wells were working with the student government, staff council presidents, and vice presidents to increase the spirit, morale and culture required for success.
Chairman Wilson moved to the next item on the agenda, Item E, Approval of Minutes. Chairman Wilson called for a motion to approve the minutes as distributed.
Action: Regent Ray moved approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
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December 7, 2007 - Special Called Executive Committee Meeting
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January 18, 2008 - Special Called Board of Regents Meeting
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February 4, 2008 - Endowment Management Committee Meeting
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February 5, 2008 - Board of Regents Meeting
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February 21, 2008 - Board of Regents Meeting
Regent Wise seconded the motion and the minutes were passed as presented.
Chairman Wilson then moved to the next item, Committees of the Whole Report. He stated that at the UH System Board of Regents meeting held on April 28, 2008, and for that meeting only, all committees had met as committees of the whole. The following items were approved by the committees and required final board approval:
Action Items:
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Naming of School of Communication - University of Houston
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Master of Science Degree in Publishing - UH-Victoria
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Science Labs Renovation - University of Houston
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Construction of a Regional Economic Development Center - UH Victoria
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Appointment of Members to the Systemwide Art Acquisition Committee - UH System
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UH System Investment Policy for Non-Endowed Funds - UH System
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UH System Endowment Fund Statement of Investment Objectives and Policies - UH System
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Appointment of Dean, UH Law Center - University of Houston
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Dr. Raymond T. Nimmer
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Appointment of Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance for University of Houston System and Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance for University of Houston - UH System
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Dr. Carl P. Carlucci
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Regent Rose moved Board approval of the nine action items as presented. Regent Wise seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS ITEMS
Chairman Wilson stated the Academic and Student Affairs items were next on the agenda and introduced Dr. Donald Foss, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who presented these items.
Dr. Foss stated there were three action items and two information items to be presented.
Action Items:
1. Promotion in Academic Rank - UH System
Dr. Foss stated board approval was requested for the following faculty promotion recommendations to become effective September 1, 2008:
(a) University of Houston - Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Leiser Silva, College of Business, Decision & Information Services
Dusya Vera, College of Business, Management
Pradeep Sharma, College of Engineering, Mechanical
Greg Vetter, Law Center
Sibylle Hagmann, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Art
Nick Flynn, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, English
Peter Norton, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Psychology
Jeremy Pettit, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Psychology
Aibing Li, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Geosciences
Michael Murphy, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Geosciences
Jonathon Snow, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Geosciences
Vincent Tam, College of Pharmacy, Clinical Sciences & Administration
(b) University of Houston - Associate Professor to Professor
Steve Werner, College of Business, Management
Shankararaman Chellam, College of Engineering, Civil & Environmental
Dmitri Litvinov, College of Engineering, Electrical & Computer
Gangbing Song, College of Engineering, Mechanical
Dorothy Baker, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, English
Elizabeth Gregory, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, English
Eric Bittner, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Chemistry
Arnold Guloy, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Chemistry
Jaspal Subhlok, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Computer Science
Andrei Torok, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Mathematics
Andrian Glasser, College of Optometry, Basic Sciences
Karim Alkadhi, College of Pharmacy, Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Richard Bond, College of Pharmacy, Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jerry Waite, College of Technology, Information and Logistics
(c) UH-Clear Lake - Assistant Professor to Associate Professor*
Gokhan Gercek, College of Business
Bonnie Mackey, College of Education
Denise McDonald, College of Education
Beth Hentges, College of Human Sciences & Humanities
Adam Hodges, College of Human Sciences & Humanities
David Garrison, College of Sciences & Computer Engineering
Alexandra MacDermott, College of Sciences & Computer Engineering
Daniel Wang, College of Sciences & Computer Engineering
(d) UH-Clear Lake - Associate Professor to Professor
Craig White, College of Human Sciences & Humanities
Dennis Casserly, College of Science & Computer Engineering
Cynthia Howard, College of Science & Computer Engineering
(e) UH-Downtown - Assistant Professor to Associate Professor*
Steven Coy, College of Business
Justo Manrique, College of Business
Lucille Pointer, College of Business
Damir Tokic, College of Business
Austin Allen, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Joanne Bailey, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Theresa Case, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Mark Cervenka, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Raquel Chiquillo, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Patricia Golemon, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Windy Lawrence, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Peter Li, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
John Linantud, College of Humanities & Social Science
William Nowak, College of Humanities & Social Science
Sue Mahoney, College of Public Service
(f) UH-Downtown - Associate Professor to Professor
Samuel Penkar, College of Business
Randy Serrett, College of Business
Kurt Stanberry, College of Business
Sandra Dahlberg, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Ann Jennings, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Linda Becerra, College of Sciences & Technology
(g) UH-Victoria - Assistant Professor to Associate Professor*
Xavier Garza-Gomez, School of Business Administration
(h) UH-Victoria - Associate Professor to Professor
Yong Glasure, School of Business Administration
*Tenure
2. Faculty Emeriti Appointments - University of Houston and UH-Clear Lake
Dr. Foss stated board approval was requested for following faculty emeriti appointments at the University of Houston and UH-Clear Lake campuses.
(a) University of Houston
Professor W. P. Buckner, Jr., College of Education
Professor Lynn S. Bliss, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor Suzanne Bloom, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor James Cleghorn, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor Fredell Lack, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor Jeffrey Lerner, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor Roger Sherman, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor John Sloan, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Professor Ruth Tomfohrde, College of Liberal Arts & Social Science
Professor Joseph Eichberg, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Professor Willis King, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Professor Randall Jose, College of Optometry
Professor Jerome Rosner, College of Optometry
(b) UH-Clear Lake
Dr. Eldon W. Husband, School of Science & Computer Engineering
3. 2008 - 2009 Holiday Schedule - UH System
Dr. Foss requested the approval of the 2008-2009 holiday schedule for the university system staff.
(a) Labor Day - 09/01/2008
(b) Thanksgiving - 11/27/2008 - 11/28/2008
(c) Winter Holiday - 12/24/2008 - 1/02/2009
(d) Martin Luther King Day - 1/19/2009
(e) Spring Break - 3/19/2009 - 3/20/2009
(f) Memorial Day - 5/25/2009
(g) Independence Day - 7/03/2009
Regent Ray moved Board approval of the three action items as presented. Regent Rose seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Dr. Foss moved to the first information item, FY2008 Sponsored Research Activity, Division of Research - UH System, and introduced Dr. Donald Birx, Vice Chancellor for Research, to present this item.
Dr. Birx gave a brief update on research occurring on the UH System campuses:
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UH Main campus - March 2008 Project - Dr. Jack Fletcher led a team of investigators who have received an additional $1,317,000 in funding from the NICHHD for their study, which was one of the first evaluations of the functional organization of cognitive, motor, and somatosensory skills in children with early brain injury using modern neuroimaging methods. Federal funding for this study totaled $4.5 million.
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UH-Downtown - March 2008 Project - Awarded a five-year grant totaling $899,750 to allow Departments of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (CMS) and Natural Sciences (NS) to develop a program to place under-represented students into the pipeline from high school to graduate school. Students would be placed in projects which require training in the use of tools from mathematics and biology while engaged in investigative experiences.
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UH-Clear Lake - March 2008 Project - Dr. George Guillen, Associate Professor and Director, Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH), received an award from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). TCEQ initiated the project to determine a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of pathogen indicator bacteria in Armand Bayou above Tidal. This research was a detailed characterization of existing and potential sources of pathogen indicator bacteria to determine potential risk to people who swim or wade in that portion of the bayou.
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UH-Victoria - March 2008 Project - here was nothing to report for this time period.
This item was for information only and required no action by the Board.
Dr. Foss moved to the next item on the agenda, Academic Presentation: UH-Downtown/Cy Fair College Teacher Education Collaborative - UH Downtown. Dr. Foss turned the meeting over to President Max Castillo, who introduced this item.
President Castillo introduced Dr. Beth Pelz, Dean of the UH-Downtown College of Public Service, who provided the Board with an overview of the UH-Downtown/Cy Fair College Education Collaborative. Dr. Pelz gave a powerpoint presentation on “Partnering for Paras”. Dr. Pelz stated UH-Downtown and Lone Star College-Cy Fair ISD were engaging in this partnership due to their diversity and compatibility. UH-Downtown is a public, metropolitan university with over 12,000 students and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Lone Star College/Cy Fair also has over 12,000 students. Taking this into account, a Four Step Model Program was created: (1) Joint Admissions; (2) Initial Meetings; (3) Integrated Transfers; and (4) Weekend Programs.
Dr. Pelz described an articulation agreement, signed in May 2006, making it easier for associate degree students to transition to bachelor’s degree programs. A joint admissions agreement was in place between UH-Downtown and Lone Star College.
Dr. Pelz stated how important it was to nurture this model program. She gave four steps to go by: (1) recognize student needs; (2) collaboration between UH-Downtown and Lone Star College; (3) UH-Downtown and Cy Fair ISD collaboration; and (4) maintaining student focus. She stressed the importance of supporting this model program by keeping exceptional staff and faculty, while maintaining visionary leadership.
A copy of the presentation was filed in the Board office.
This item was for information only and required no action by the Board.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE ITEMS
Chairman Wilson stated the next item on the agenda was the Administration and Finance items. Chairman Wilson welcomed and introduced Dr. Carl P. Carlucci, the new Executive Vice Chancellor/Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance. Dr. Carlucci introduced the following three items which required board approval. He introduced Mr. Jim McShan, Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President for Finance, who presented the first action item.
Action Items:
1. FY 2009 Tuition and Fee Changes - UH System
Mr. McShan stated approval was requested for tuition and fee rate changes for the University of Houston System campuses. The requested changes were rates to be charged starting with the Fall 2008 semester. The rate changes and estimated revenues to be realized were presented for each university. Policies governing the payment or refund of tuition, fees, and other charges were previously approved by the Board of Regents of the University of Houston System and comply with applicable state statutes.
Below is a breakdown of the Tuition and Fee Changes for a Resident Undergraduate Student taking a 12 credit hour semester:
% Increase FY2008 $ Increase FY2009
Univ.of Houston 5.9% $ 3,144 $ 185 $ 3,329
UH-Clear Lake 5.9% 2,260 134 2,394
UH-Downtown 4.1% 2,020 84 2,104
UH-Victoria 5.0% 2,016 102 2,118
UH System-wide 5.5% $ 2,737 $ 153 $ 2,890
(weighted average)
This tuition and fee increase will generate approximately $17 million in additional revenue, with $3 million of that dedicated specifically for increased financial aid.
There were special programs instituted to support low-income families including:
The Cougar Promise: For freshmen students from families with an annual income below $30,000. UH will cover all tuition costs beyond what the student receives in financial aid, provided the student is Pell grant-eligible. Approximately 600 freshmen would be eligible in Fall 2008;
“The Jump,” which allows incoming freshmen to take core classes during the summer at a reduced cost; and
The “Graduate Pledge,” which offers up to $3,000 in grants for eligible students making steady progress toward earning their degree.
Saturday classes will be offered at a discount and reduced rates on selected classes for education majors will also be offered.
Tuition and fees provide approximately 37% of the UH System’s annual operating budget. Funding from the State of Texas accounts for 36%, compared to 47% coming from the State in 1998, and 58% in 1988.
The UH System rate increase follows similar actions by three other state university systems. The University of Texas-Austin recently approved a 4.95% rise (increasing an undergraduate student’s costs by $200); Texas A&M-College Station approved a 6.5% increase (a $255 increase); and The University of North Texas-Denton approved an 8.3% increase (a $247 increase).
A copy of the UH System FY2009 Tuition and Fees Recommendations presentation was filed in the Board office.
Regent Golden was not able to attend the meeting but asked Chairman Wilson to read for the record the following: “After careful consideration and due diligence, I support the Chancellor’s recommendation in regard to the proposed tuition increase. I would like this to be submitted at the open meeting and recorded in the minutes.”
Regent Rose stated he could not support the tuition and fee increase. He asked Mr. McShan how Texas Tech could freeze their tuition while we were increasing ours. Mr. McShan stated he did not know how Texas Tech was able to freeze their tuition, but stated they were most likely anticipating an increase in enrollment to justify this action. Regent Rose pointed out that UH enrollment had been flat over the last year; and with gas prices on the rise, we as regents, should be mindful of the University of Houston and its student base. We are an urban, metropolitan university, and as such, we need to think more of the students as our clients. Many of our students work full time as well as attend school, and to increase tuition would place an added burden on these students and their families. He stated that since deregulation had been instituted, tuition has increased by 50 percent.
Chairman Wilson stated that the State has been systematically cutting back on funding and it is important that the university hire and retain the best faculty and staff as we move towards our goal of becoming a Tier One institution. The University of Houston cannot be a low cost alternative to students.
Chancellor Khator stated access and affordability were extremely important; and we must come together with our legislators to bring the University of Houston System to the forefront of higher education.
Regent Ray expressed the heartfelt interest in the students. The regents were here to provide services to a broader range of students. She mentioned that the cluster hiring of top research faculty would attract more students to the university; and by doing a better job at admissions, it would help with the experience of our students. Regent Ray also stated it was imperative to keep abreast of legislative issues. Our students deserve the best education from a flagship university and this is our vision.
Regent Wise stated enrollment needs to be targeted over the next few years.
Regent Wise moved approval of the item as presented. Regent Ray seconded the motion. Regent Rose opposed. The item was approved by the majority of the board present.
2. Banking and Investment Resolution for the University of Houston System - UH System
Dr. Carlucci stated this item was to request approval to amend the resolution for banking and investment accounts. The amendments were due to personnel changes as follows:
All Banking Resolutions Add: Carl P. Carlucci
Executive Vice Chancellor
for Administration and Finance
Delete: John M. Rudley
All Investment Resolutions Add: Carl P. Carlucci
Executive Vice Chancellor
for Administration and Finance
Delete: John M. Rudley
3. Resolutions with the Texas Public Finance Authority - UH System
Dr. Carlucci stated that approval was requested to amend the UH and System Administration resolutions establishing authority for each component to obtain financing for capital equipment acquisitions using the State of Texas Master Equipment Lease Purchase Program to the extent that the component determines this program is the most cost-effective type of financing available for capital equipment purchases using state appropriations. The program was created by the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA) as authorized by Texas Government Code 1232.103. The changes in persons authorized to act on behalf of the UH and System Administration in submitting requests and other actions with the TPFA were as follows:
University of Houston Add: Carl P. Carlucci
Executive Vice Chancellor
for Administration and Finance
Delete: John M. Rudley
System Administration Add: Carl P. Carlucci
Executive Vice Chancellor
for Administration and Finance
Delete: John M. Rudley
Regent Wise moved board approval of these two items as presented. Regent Ray seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
At 10:30 a.m. Chairman Wilson turned the meeting over to Chancellor Khator for the Chancellor’s Report.
Below is a summary of her remarks:
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Board of Regents Retreat was facilitated on May 3 & May 4 in Galveston. The Pappas Consulting Group (Dr. Alceste Pappas and Dr. Stephen Portch) was very effective in assisting the Board members to reflect on a set of principles for operating the system. Drs. Pappas and Portch introduced performance measures related to high performing research universities with high quality undergraduate programs.
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A Leadership Retreat will be held at UH on June 5 and June 6 which will involve the deans, vice presidents, selected faculty members, and the leadership of the alumni organizations, faculty senate, staff council, and student government in setting measurable outcomes for our achievement during the next five years. UH will focus on advancing its national prominence in research, student success, athletics, recognition, and competitive resources.
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President Castillo had initiated steps to prepare the university and community for the possibility of a unique brand or name for UH- Downtown.
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President Staples received input from the Chancellor and consultant recommendations for the development of two alternative proposals to grow programs at UH-Clear Lake.
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President Hudson received input from the Chancellor and consultant recommendations for the development of two alternative proposals on how UH-Victoria could serve the Victoria community.
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UH-Downtown added new programs in Insurance and Risk Management, Fine Arts, Criminal Justice, and Social Work. There has also been much done to improve the learning environment with the addition of the Shea Street building and renovations in the library and other spaces.
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At UH-Clear Lake the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities was established. A Student Conference on Research and Creative Arts and the Texas Art Education Association 2008 Visual Art Scholastic Event were held.
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UH-Victoria had successfully completed its inaugural year in sports. The UHV Jaguars baseball team completed their first season with a 33-7 record and the softball team with a 32-18 record and a bid to the regional championship. Chancellor Khator also stated that the Texas Education Agency had funded UHV $3.5M to deliver a statewide leadership program for K-12 principals.
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At the University of Houston, the Academic Affairs division had recognized high performing faculty members at a 2008 Faculty Awards program. Seventeen quality faculty members received awards for their teaching, research, and service and 72 faculty members for various state, national, and international awards.
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The Administration and Finance division had recognized high performing staff members at their 2008 Staff Awards event. This event acknowledges the significant contributions by their staff members at all levels in the university.
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On May 6, 2008, the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine recognized UH as one of the top 20 universities in the nation in awarding degrees to Hispanic students. For bachelor’s degrees, UH ranked 14th. It ranked 12th for doctoral degrees to Hispanic students.
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The National Council for Black Studies honored the African American Studies (AAS) Program at UH with its Sankore Award. This award is given annually and recognizes the outstanding African American Studies program of the year and its contributions to the field of African American Studies.
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The US News & World Report ranked UH’s Graduate Program in Social Work as 36th of 186 programs nationally.
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The Advancement division reported raising $52 million in private support year-to-date for the UH System. This is the first time we have raised $50 million or more in consecutive years since 1992.
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The UH Department of Athletics had received full certification without conditions in April 2008.
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100 student-athletes were named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average or higher.
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11 student-athletes had received the C-USA Academic Medal for maintaining a 3.5 grade-point average or higher.
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Beginning in 2003-2004, the NCAA had required athletic teams to meet or exceed an Academic Progress Rate average of 925; this year 12 of the 16 teams at the UH met or exceeded the 925 minimum APR score (which approximates a graduation rate of 50%). The Football, Baseball, Softball, and Golf teams’ scores exceed the national average for all D-1 programs and the average for public institutions.
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Testimony had been given to the House Select Committee on Higher Education in February and again in May when the Committee met at the UH Hilton.
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Dialogue with Commissioner Paredes and members of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board continued on a range of issues.
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Meetings were held with Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Senator Whitmire, Reprsentative Morrison, Representative Coleman, Representative Turner, and Representative Davis.
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A meeting was held with Rev. Bill Lawson and he revealed his impressive commitment and service to the UH community.
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On April 27, 2008, the largest fundraising walk for the March of Dimes took place on the UH campus. There were an estimated 40,000 individuals who walked several miles around and through the campus helping to raise over $3,000,000 for this worthy cause. UH, through the Division of Student Affairs, coordinated the critical logistical support provided. In addition, approximately 350 UH staff and students walked and successfully raised over $37,000 for the cause.
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New billboards have been placed at various sites along the interstate highways in Houston. These highlight areas of excellence for UH including economic impact, diversity, Olympic athletes, and our Nobel Laureate.
During the Chancellor’s Report, Dr. Khator also introduced Karen Clarke, Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President for University Relations, who gave a brief presentation on Media Relations. Ms. Clarke stated the Media Relations team continues to proactively place stories in media markets around the world. This focus on innovation and initiative has resulted in UH faculty experts being highlighted in a wide variety of print and broadcast media. Below are a few instances given:
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The Times of India - ‘India needs public-private partnership in education’
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The Chronicle of Higher Education - The Wire Campus - ‘U of Houston Study: Students in ‘Hybrid’ Course Got Better Grades’
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The New York Times - ‘Some high-style households skip kid-proofing’
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Inside Higher Ed - ‘Loss for Immigrant Students; Win for Foreign Students’
Ms. Clarke stated that the Media Relations team knows they need to be “on the ready” for how the university may be able to play a role in breaking news. She mentioned that developing a good network of faculty and campus experts who are willing to speak with reporters, often on short notice, is crucial.
A copy of the Media Spotlight and Office of University Relations, Making a PR Mountain out of a Sinkhole, was filed in the Board office.
The next item on the agenda was the Appointment of a Nominating Committee for the Election of Officers. Chairman Wilson stated Board Bylaws 3.2 states that a nominating committee of three (3) regents, one (1) representing each regent class, shall be appointed by the chair of the board at the May meeting. In accordance with this Bylaw, Chairman Wilson appointed the following regents:
Jim P. Wise, Chairman
Calvin W. Stephens, Member
Nelda L. Blair, Member
Chairman Wilson also stated that an appointment to this committee did not exclude a committee member from nomination.
The next item on the agenda was the Amendment of Committee Structure - UH-System. Chairman Wilson stated the amendments to the Board of Regents committee structure had been discussed at great length during the Board of Regents Retreat. The following committee restructure was recommended:
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There will be four Standing Committees: Academic and Student Success Committee; Finance and Administration Committee; Audit and Compliance Committee; and Facilities, Construction and Master Planning Committee.
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The External Affairs Committee, Endowment Management Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and the University Advancement Committee will no longer exist.
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An Endowment Management Special Committee will be appointed.
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The Chairman will appoint a member of the board as chair and vice chair of each standing committee and the special committee.
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One to four advisory members may be appointed to each respective committee with the unanimous approval of the chair of the board, the chancellor, and the chair of the committee. Advisory members will not have voting authority.
Regent Wise made a motion to approve this item as presented. Regent Nelda Blair seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Chairman Wilson presented the next item, Amendment to Bylaws - UH System. Amendments to the Board Bylaws were made to reflect the changes in the committee structure, quorum for committees, and the change to the timing of the election of new officers at the June meeting, which were outlined in the material distributed to the regents.
Since the dissemination of the board material, a copy of suggested change to Section 5.2.3, regarding a quorum for committees, was distributed at the meeting to each regent for their review. Below was the suggested change to Section 5.2.3:
"5.2.3 All committees will have not less than three regents, nor more than four. Each committee will have a committee chair, vice chair, and one or two additional regents, all of whom shall be appointed by the chair of the board. The chairman will serve as ex-officio for all committees, will count for purposes of determining a quorum, and will be a voting member of each committee. A quorum is three for these committees. The Chancellor will assign one or more vice chancellors or other staff members to provide support to each committee. "
Upon approval, the amendments to the Board Bylaws would become effective immediately.
Regent Blair made a motion to approve this item as presented. Regent Ray seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was the Revision to Board of Regents Meeting Calendar for Remainder of Fiscal Year 2008, and Proposed Board of Regents Meeting Calendar for Fiscal Year 2009 - UH-System.
The new quarterly Board meeting dates and the suggested Board Retreat dates for 2009 were discussed. The quarterly Board meetings will now be held on Tuesdays instead of Thursdays; and the meetings at the other UH System campuses will rotate to each campus over a three-year period.
The dates for the committee meetings had not yet been identified, but once they are determined, they will be distributed and placed on the Board website.
Before the next item was presented, Chairman Wilson called for a 15 minute break at
11:00 a.m.
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Chairman Wilson reconvened the Board meeting at 11:15 a.m.
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 11:15 a.m. The Board reconvened the meeting at 11:43 a.m.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT
Chairman Wilson announced that Ms. Cornell discussed the Litigation Status Report and there was no action taken by the Board at Executive Session.
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The last item on the agenda was the Chair’s Report. Chairman Wilson stated a chair’s report would not be given at the meeting.
In absence of further business, the Board adjourned at 11:45 a.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 Carl Carlucci Dona Cornell Don Birx Grover Campbell Elwyn Lee Dan Gardner Max Castillo Tim Hudson William Staples David Bradley Carl Stockton Nick Bhatt Carmen Allen Kim Pinkerton Diane Troyer Lisa Hill Robert Wright Michelle Moosally George Pincus Pat Mosier Marco Villar Pat Ensor |
Raymond Bartlett Ed Apodaca Wynne Chin Suzanne LaBrecque Malcolm Davis Beth Pelz Susan Green-Davis Ed Hugetz Molly Woods Karen Clarke Diane Murphy Dave Irvin Michelle Sabino Anjoo Sikka Celeste Zamora Chris Birchak J. David Fairbanks Gail Evans Leroy Jackson Hsiao-Ming Wang Barbara Belbot Susan Ahern Mike Expinoza Gilda Parker |
John Powell Spencer Yantis Don Guyton Wayne Beran Michelle Dotter Tom Ehardt Don Bates Margie Hattenbach Elaine Charlson David Bell Rob Sheridan Emily Messa Jeannie Kever Myrna Cohen Hossein Shahrokhi Angela Lopez Pedrana Janic Nath Rosario Martinez Paulette Purdy Philip C. Lyons James McDow William Gilbert Julia Vazquez Gerry Mathisen |
