Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees met Feb. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas. The following members of the Board were present:

MG (Ret) Randal Thomas, Chair Dr. Donna Manering, Vice Chair (via teleconference) Mr. Joel Sambursky, Secretary Hon. J. Phil Gilbert Mr. Ryan Johnson Dr. Shirley Portwood Dr. Marsha Ryan Ms. Naomi Tolbert

The following member was absent:

Ms. Amy Sholar

The Executive Secretary reported and the Chair determined that a quorum was physically present.

Also present for the duration of the meeting were Dr. Randy J. Dunn, President; Mr. Lucas Crater, General Counsel; and Ms. Misty Whittington, Executive Secretary of the Board.

Trustee Gilbert made a motion to allow Trustee Donna Manering to participate in the meeting via teleconference. The motion was duly seconded by Trustee Portwood. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote.

Chair Thomas explained the procedures for the public comment and question portion of the Board’s agenda.

Executive Secretary Whittington notified the Board that no persons had registered to speak.

President Dunn briefly reviewed proposed tuition rates and fee matters for the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses.

President Dunn reviewed the proposal for new student housing at the Carbondale campus. Trustee Portwood inquired about the benefit of a public-private partnership rather than using a traditional bond sale. Further, Trustee Portwood inquired about the projected costs to the University and whether a shorter timeline to open the new housing by using a public-private partnership could be met. A discussion followed regarding concerns raised and about other variables with such a project. President Dunn noted that some information would be known after a successful bid opening for the project is held.

President Dunn briefly reviewed the Strategic Improvement Plan and recommended the Board’s approval of it.

President Dunn reviewed the state budget impact and campus budget planning. He reviewed the need for the University system to receive funds from the state and strategies for cost saving measures.

President Dunn noted the length of time the system office has made due without a permanent vice president for academic affairs position. He talked about efforts made to keep the area covered with temporary help and that he was currently covering those duties in addition to his own job duties. The Board agreed that he should move forward to open a search to fill the position permanently.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Trustee Ryan moved that the Board go into closed session to consider pending, probable or imminent court proceedings against or on behalf of the Board; information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; and review of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act. The relevant sections of the Open Meetings Act Statute that allow for the closed session are 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (1), (11), and (21). The motion was duly seconded by Trustee Gilbert. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: aye, Hon. J. Phil Gilbert; Dr. Donna Manering; Dr. Shirley Portwood; Dr. Marsha Ryan; Mr. Joel Sambursky; Maj. Gen. Randal Thomas; Ms. Naomi Tolbert; nay, none.

At approximately 5:24 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Sambursky and seconded by Trustee Tolbert to end the closed portion of the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.

President Dunn informed the Board that he wished to withdraw Board Agenda Item N, Approval of Purchase: Medical Office Building Lease, School of Medicine Campus, SIUC, from the February 9, 2017, Board agenda.

At approximately 5:25 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Gilbert and seconded by Trustee Tolbert to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.

No action was requested or taken during the closed session.