James C. Ahern

The committee discussed and recommended approval for the Fiscal Year 2019 Out-of-State College of Law tuition rates to improve student enrollment and diversity. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved a comprehensive pricing recommendation for fiscal year 2019, which maintained undergraduate tuition levels, implemented a 0.5 percent decrease in undergraduate fees, and established a zero percent increase for graduate and law student tuition to enhance institutional affordability.

The committee meeting covered several key agenda items, including a university report on sponsored programs administration, research funding statistics, and a SWOT analysis of research and innovation programs. Discussions also addressed proposed amendments to board regulations regarding faculty appointments, the creation of a policy library for improved governance, and the revision of policies concerning public appearances and recordings at board meetings.

The committee meeting addressed several governance issues, primarily focusing on updates to board bylaws regarding public appearances, which were drafted to align with Attorney General rulings. The discussion included potential policy changes for cabinet-level hires, executive committee approval thresholds, and the definition of significant financial or operational implications for personnel actions. Additionally, the committee reviewed the management of affiliated employees in relation to the Affordable Care Act and discussed the contracting of professional services, specifically establishing a threshold for board oversight on transactions.

The board meeting addressed several significant agenda items, including the approval of a Presidential Transition Agreement, the planning for a presidential search committee, and the setting of 2018 meeting dates. Key financial and operational matters were discussed, such as the fiscal year 2019 budget request guidelines, capital budget requests, internal budget amendments, and renewal of Chicago-based office leases. The board also reviewed reports from various committees concerning academic affairs, compliance, audit, and facility projects. A resolution providing solidarity support regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was adopted, and the meeting included student presentations advocating for undocumented students and addressing institutional support needs.

The committee discussed several key items, including recommendations for faculty promotions and tenure for the 2015-2016 academic year and a request to change the degree designation for the Doctorate in Instructional Technology to a Ph.D. Additionally, the committee received the annual Oral English Proficiency Report. Presentations were given by a student on the prevalence of cyberstalking via smartphone applications, and year-end status updates were provided by the university's four presidential commissions regarding their work on diversity, inclusion, and disability services. The Provost also provided an update on ongoing search processes for administrative and academic positions, including deans and the Chief Diversity Officer.