UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO

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1 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO SENATE AGENDA Wednesday, October 28, 2015, STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING, ROOMS B&C, 3:15PM I. ANNOUNCEMENTS David Hilbert, Presiding Officer (3:15-3:17) II. III. REMARKS - Michael Amiridis, Chancellor (3:17-3:27) - Eric Gislason, Interim Provost (3:27-3:37) GUEST - Emanuel D. Pollack, Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, will present an update on the Student Success Initiatives (supporting materials attached p. 2) (3:37-3:52) IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES David Hilbert, Presiding Officer (3:52-3:54) - Senate Meeting of September 24, 2015 (attached p. 3) V. COMMITTEE REPORTS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT Catherine Vincent, Chair - Oral Report (3:54-4:10) - For Consideration: Background Check Document (supporting materials available at: ) - For Action: University of Illinois Nondiscrimination Statement (attached p. 11) - For Consideration: State Employees' Group Insurance Program USC Letter (attached p. 14) RESEARCH COMMITTEE Shelby Cosner, Chair (4:10-4:15) - For Action: CI-16.01, Proposal to Rename the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology as the Center for Biomolecular Sciences (attached p. 15) EDUCATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT Ilene Harris, Chair - For Action: New and Revised Programs (report available at: ) (4:15-4:30) EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE William Bike, Chair - Oral Report (4:30-4:35) VI. VII. OBSERVER, REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS - Oral Report: IBHE Faculty Advisory Council, Lucy Park (written report p.18) (4:35-4:40) - SURS Members Advisory Committee, David Bardack (written report p. 20) OLD BUSINESS VIII. NEW BUSINESS (4:40-4:45) IX. ADJOURNMENT (4:45pm unless extended by vote) ******************************************************************************************************************* - Parking for Senate members is available in the Harrison Street Parking Structure after 2:30 p.m. on Senate meeting days by pre-arrangement with the Parking Office. - When addressing the Senate, please step to the microphone and identify yourself for recording purposes. Thank you. - For Regional Sites: Senate teleconference dial-up should be available at 3:05 pm at Access Code SENATE MEETING SCHEDULE FOR AY Wednesday, December 2; Thursday, January 28; Thursday, March 17; Wednesday, April 27 (SSB - Rms B&C, 3:15 4:45 PM) 1

2 10/21/2015 UIC Student Success Initiative Program Initial Primary Goals: First to Second Year Retention of 85% Six Year Graduation Rate of 65% : Eight Task Forces of 200 Faculty, Staff, Students > Student Success Plan >>>125 Recommendations Plan Moves to Implementation Phase and Retitled Student Success Initiative Secondary Goals: College Preparedness (Partnerships and Prematriculation Programs) Post college Career Readiness A collaborative partnership between the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs studentsuccess.uic.edu : Project Management System Categorized and Consolidated Recommendations Into 39 Projects in Areas of: Instruction & Curriculum Student Learning Campus Life Managing College Cost Projects Prioritized for Implementation (with Support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) Likely High Impact, Feasibility, Timeliness Spring 2015: Implementation of 14 projects are initiated Project Title Billing Procedure and Communication Progress Indicator Status PMP Objectives Report Projects Progress Block Scheduling Collaboration in * Advising Projects Progress Project Title Progress Indicator PMP Objectives Status Report Commuter Student Services and Engagement Summer Session Accessibility Credit Accumulation Initiative Developmental Math reform Enhancing Career Development Services Enhancing the Orientation Experience First Year Academic Experience & Enrichment Mainstreaming Preparatory English Students Remove Roadblocks & Simplify the * ** Teaching and Learning Center The UIC Experience Program Widely Implemented/ Promoted Streamlining the Scholarship Awarding Process Pathway Student Success Center was Repurposed into the Center for Student Success Initiatives Office of Project Management (Dr. Negar Mansour Hadavi) Office of Undergraduate Research (Dr. Sara Hall) studentsuccess.uic.edu Office of Research on Student Success (Dr. Sue Farruggia Office of First Year Initiatives (Dr. Aginah Muhammad) Undergraduate Advising Resource Center (Josephine Volpe) 2 1

3 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO MINUTES OF THE SENATE MEETING ( ) SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING (SSB) 3:15 P.M. 9/24/15-1 The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. by Presiding Officer David Hilbert (LAS-Humanities). Senators from the College of Medicine regional sites, Urbana, Rockford and Peoria, participated by teleconference. ANNOUNCEMENTS David Hilbert, Presiding Officer 9/24/15-2 Presiding Officer Hilbert welcomed everyone to the September 24 Senate meeting. He encouraged Senators interested in serving as the Senate Parliamentarian to him. Presiding Officer Hilbert announced that Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs candidate interview public forums will convene from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in UIC Student Center East on October 5, 12, 15, 22 and 27. He, also, announced that the UIC Chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association s (SUAA) 2015 Fall Forum: Addressing Illinois Fiscal Problems and Political Logjam will convene on Thursday, October 1, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. 12:30p.m. in Room 302, UIC Student Center East. CHANCELLOR S REMARKS Michael Amiridis 9/24/15-3 Chancellor Amiridis reported on some administrative changes he made after consulting with the Senate Executive Committee. Janet Parker, Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Budget and Resource Planning, will be the Chief Budget and Financial Officer of UIC reporting directly to the Chancellor with dotted lines to the Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs. Intercollegiate Athletics, led by Director Jim Schmidt, will also report directly to the Office of the Chancellor. The Chancellor also combined Development with UIC Alumni Relations to create the Office of Advancement. UIC Human Resources, currently led by Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Michael Ginsburg, will report to Mark Donovan, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services. The Chancellor reported that the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs interviews are completed, and he is in the process of making a decision about the candidate that will be hired. He plans to have the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs in place by the end of the calendar year. He explained that the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs candidate campus interviews will begin in October. Chancellor Amiridis reported that there has been strong growth in enrollment numbers. He stated that retention rates have also improved. There has been no change in the six year graduation rates. Chancellor Amiridis reported that there will be a fall commencement ceremony in December He discussed an announcement by Mayor Emanuel on the UIC campus regarding a new compact between UIC and the city colleges of Chicago. The compact includes the Star Scholarship program and the development of a broader pathway between the city community colleges and the student transfer process to UIC. The Chancellor requested the Senate s help with two groups working on strategic priorities. One group will be the Strategic Priorities Committee. The second group will be the Resource Strategy Committee. 9/24/15-4 In response to a question raised by Presiding Officer Hilbert, Chancellor Amiridis reiterated that he expects to have the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs in place by the end of the calendar year. 9/24/15-5 Senator Persky (SPH) inquired about the status of faculty union contract negotiations. Chancellor Amiridis reported that a proposal will be placed on the table soon. 3

4 Senate Minutes September 24, 2015 M2 INTERIM PROVOST S REMARKS Eric Gislason 9/24/15-6 Interim Provost Gislason stated that he is pleased with UIC s fall enrollment numbers. He reported that UIC moved up 20 spots in the 2016 U.S. News and World Report Best College rankings from last year. UIC moved to No. 129 on the list, compared to No. 149 in UIC was also ranked second for its online bachelor s degree programs. Interim Provost Gislason announced that UIC received a five-year, $1.5 million grant to boost academic and social support services for Asian American and Pacific Islander undergraduate students. The grant came from the U.S. Department of Education s Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution program and will create the UIC Pipeline for Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Success (UIC PASS). He announced that the Office of Faculty Affairs will implement the Administrator s Brown Bag Series. He stated that the Center for the Advancement of Teaching- Learning Communities (TLC) opened this fall semester. The Interim Provost shared an update on the Student Success Initiative. He explained that Ralph Keen is the Interim Dean of the Honors College. There were no questions for Interim Provost Gislason. UIC SENATE STANDING RULES David Hilbert, Presiding Officer 9/24/15-7 Presiding Officer Hilbert presented the UIC Senate Standing Rules. MINUTES 9/24/15-8 Minutes of the Senate meeting held on April 23, 2015 were approved as submitted. Minutes of the Senate Organizing meeting held on April 23, 2015 were approved as submitted. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Kouros Mohammadian, Chair 9/24/15-9 Presiding Officer Hilbert explained that Chair Mohammadian was unable to attend today s Senate meeting. On behalf of the Senate Nominating Committee, Presiding Officer Hilbert presented for approval, the slate of nominees for vacant seats on the Senate Standing Committees. The following nominations were made from the floor: Nathaniel Lewis was nominated for the open graduate student seat on the Research Committee; John Shuler (LIB) was nominated for an open faculty seat on the Student Affairs Committee; and Joanna Thompson was nominated for the open student seat on the Support Services Committee. There were no further nominations, and the motion to close nominations was seconded and carried. 9/24/15-10 The Senators proceeded to cast written ballots for membership on the Senate Standing Committees. The Tellers Report is attached and incorporated as part of these minutes. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT Catherine Vincent, Chair 9/24/15-11 Chair Vincent began by recognizing those Senators who serve as members of the Senate Executive Committee. Chair Vincent stated that the Committee has met with Chancellor Amiridis. The Chancellor discussed with the Committee actions that have been taken regarding the cancellation of the four searches 4

5 Senate Minutes September 24, 2015 M3 related to the Chancellor s Cluster Initiative to Increase Diversity and Interdisciplinarity, as well as a status report on the Advanced Chemical Technology Building. Interim Provost Gislason updated the Committee on how the Proposal for Graduate Writing Support that the Senate approved on April 23, 2015 could be implemented. The Interim Provost also reported to the Committee about the Student Success Initiative implementation plan. The Committee also met with Edward McMillan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and discussed his vision of Senate engagement with the Board of Trustees, as well as potential actions that could encourage the use of more inclusive language by the members of the Board of Trustees. President Killeen provided an update to the Committee on the strategic planning exercise, the status of the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, and his perspective on the budget situation. Chair Vincent explained that the Committee has developed a set of strategic priorities for the Committee including: enhance our visibility/ image; strengthen relationships/communication with key stakeholders; enhance presence in the media; and increase faculty engagement in the Senate. She reiterated that the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs candidate campus interviews have been completed. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost candidates campus interviews should begin soon. She reported that the Committee developed a Chancellor Review Process. The Committee is also examining issues that the Senate can work with UIC United Faculty to learn more about, including: a preliminary analysis of the UIC budget and research on the topic of innovative learning. Chair Vincent explained that the University Senates Conference had sent a letter to Governor Rauner, state legislators, and the Council of Illinois University Senates expressing concern about the impact of the budget impasse on the State Employees' Group Insurance Program, as it has been reported that some health plans have stopped paying claims for state employees. 9/24/15-12 As part of the Executive Committee Report, Presiding Officer Hilbert stated that he is forming a small group of Senators to examine the topic of improving engagement in the Senate. The group s focus will initially be on improving the Senate Organizing meeting. He encouraged Senators, who would like to assist him, to him about their interest in participating. 9/24/15-13 Chair Vincent provided an overview of the University Policy on Background Checks that was approved at the September 10, 2015 Board of Trustees meeting. She announced that Senator Patston (DENT) has been appointed by Interim Provost Gislason to represent the UIC Senate on a task force developed by Vice President Pierre to look at the new background check for new hires policy. Chair Vincent explained that the initial plan was to have Senators feedback about the University Policy on Background Checks to Elizabeth Dooley, Clerk of the Senate. Then on Monday, September 21, 2015 the UIUC Senate approved the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Senate Resolution on the Postponement of the Criminal Background Check Policy (RS.16.02). 9/24/15-14 John Shuler stated that UIC United Faculty has raised concerns about the University Policy on Background Checks with the administration. 9/24/15-15 Presiding Officer Hilbert recommended faculty involvement when the campus implementation process is being developed for the background check. 9/24/15-16 Senator Persky (LAS) moved that the UIC Senate endorse a resolution that includes parts of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Senate 5

6 Senate Minutes September 24, 2015 M4 Resolution on the Postponement of the Criminal Background Check Policy (RS.16.02). The motion was seconded. 9/24/15-17 Senator Brier (LAS) raised a concern that the Sex Offender Registry was considered a source for the background check. She also inquired about the budget implication of the background check. She moved to amend the resolution with the addition of the following statement: WHEREAS the proposed databases consulted and checked are often inaccurate and unreliable; The motion to amend was seconded and carried. 9/24/15-18 Senator Jones (SPH) moved to amend the resolution with the addition of the following statement: WHEREAS the new background check policy does not clearly define the term history and includes vague language in describing the implementation of the policy; The motion to amend was seconded and carried. 9/24/15-19 John Shuler moved to amend the resolution with the addition of the following statement: WHEREAS the information generated by the background check happens before the official hire and should be clearly excluded from Freedom of Information Act and regulations; The motion to amend was seconded and carried. 9/24/15-20 Presiding Officer Hilbert noted that due to the lateness of the hour, the Senate needed to vote to extend the meeting beyond 4:45pm to consider other business items. The motion to extend was seconded and carried. 9/24/15-21 There was no further discussion and the motion to approve the UIC Senate Criminal Background Check Policy Resolution, as amended, was unanimously approved. The resolution is attached and incorporated as part of these minutes. 9/24/15-22 Senator Baker (CADA) moved that the Senate endorse the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Senate Resolution on the Postponement of the Criminal Background Check Policy (RS.16.02). The motion was seconded. There was no discussion. The motion to endorse carried with a unanimous vote. The resolution is attached and incorporated as part of these minutes. 9/24/15-23 Chair Vincent recommended that Senators still feedback about the University Policy on Background Checks to Elizabeth Dooley, Clerk of the Senate. EDUCATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE Ilene Harris, Chair 9/24/15-24 On behalf of the Committee, Chair Harris, using PowerPoint, provided an overview of the process by which the Educational Policy Committee reviews proposals. She reported on the development of the General Education Council, which is a subcommittee of SCEP. Chair Harris, also, presented four General Education courses for the information of the Senate. OBSERVER, REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS 9/24/15-25 There was no discussion regarding the written report of the IBHE Faculty Advisory Council Reporting Representative, Lucy Park. 6

7 Senate Minutes September 24, 2015 M5 9/24/15-26 Presiding Officer Hilbert stated that the SURS Members Advisory Committee Reporting Representative, John Shuler, had no new information to share at this meeting. 9/24/15-27 There was no discussion of the Board of Trustees Observer Report, September 10, 2015 submitted by David Hilbert. OLD BUSINESS 9/24/15-28 Presiding Officer Hilbert stated that there was no Old Business. NEW BUSINESS 9/24/15-29 Presiding Officer Hilbert stated that there was no New Business. ADJOURNMENT 9/24/15-30 The meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm. Prepared for the Senate by: Elizabeth Dooley, Senate Clerk 7

8 UIC SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES ELECTION ( ) SUPPLEMENTAL TELLERS REPORT EDUCATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE E 1* Cynthia Fritschi (NURS) E 1* Phil Ashton (CUPPA) E 1* Matthew Holderly (Health Prof-Student) RESEARCH COMMITTEE E 1* Nathaniel Lewis (Graduate Student) STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE E 1* John Shuler (LIB) SUPPORT SERVICES COMMITTEE E 1* Alina Carmen Cojocaru (LAS Nat Sci) E 1* Joanna Thompson (Graduate Student) 1* - Indicates one vote cast by the Clerk of the Senate 8

9 SR September 24, 2015 Adopted by action of the UIC Senate UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO SENATE Criminal Background Check Policy September 24, 2015 Resolution WHEREAS the University of Illinois Board of Trustees formally adopted a criminal background check policy on September 10, 2015; WHEREAS the new policy on criminal background checks does not adhere to the standards recommended by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) as stated in its 2015 Policy Documents and Reports on balancing the need for proportionality of institutional risk with individual s rights of privacy because it does not state: 1. that a candidate must authorize a background check in writing; 2. that a candidate must be given a copy of the final report; 3. that no adverse action may be taken on the basis of the report unless and until the prospective employee has had an opportunity to contest or clarify its accuracy; 4. that if a report is retained in a successful candidate s file, it should be corrected to remove all inaccuracies; 5. that all irrelevant personally identifiable information in a faculty member s file should be destroyed; WHEREAS the new background check policy does not clearly define the term history and includes vague language in describing the implementation of the policy; WHEREAS the information generated by the background check happens before the official hire and should be clearly excluded from Freedom of Information Act and regulations; WHEREAS the proposed databases consulted and checked are often inaccurate and unreliable; BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the University of Illinois at Chicago requests the Board of Trustees to urgently and immediately postpone implementation of the new criminal background check policy until these problems and inconsistencies can be discussed, addressed and resolved with input from the Senate. 9

10 RS September 21, 2015 RS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN SENATE Prefiled Resolution Resolution on the Postponement of the Criminal Background Check Policy WHEREAS academic departments on the Urbana campus conducting employment searches in Fall 2015 have been instructed that their advertisements must include the sentence The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer ; and WHEREAS some but not all of the advertisements for open faculty positions listed on the University Job Board ( include this sentence; and WHEREAS the University of Illinois Board of Trustees formally adopted a criminal background check policy on September 10, 2015 only after such instructions were issued to academic departments; and WHEREAS the new policy on criminal background checks does not adhere to the standards recommended by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) recommendations as stated in its 2015 Policy Documents and Reports on balancing the need for proportionality of institutional risk with individual s rights of privacy because it does not state: 1. that a candidate must authorize a background check in writing; 2. that the candidate must be given a copy of the final report; 3. that no adverse action may be taken on the basis of the report unless and until the prospective employee has had an opportunity to contest or clarify its accuracy; 4. that if a report is retained in a successful candidate s file, it should be corrected to remove all inaccuracies; 5. that all irrelevant personally identifiable information in a faculty member s file should be destroyed; WHEREAS Senate Resolution RS of March 9, 2015, as adopted by the Senate, noted that substantive reviews of candidates qualifications, by bodies other than duly appointed faculty search committees and deans would damage the competitiveness of the University in hiring the best faculty and undermine shared governance, in particular the faculty s responsibility to maintain academic excellence and the high professional standards appropriate to one of the world s premier research universities ; BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Urbana-Champaign Campus requests the Board of Trustees to urgently and immediately postpone implementation of the new criminal background check policy until these problems and inconsistencies can be discussed, addressed and resolved with input from the Senate. BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Senate Executive Committee will refer the policy to the appropriate Senate committees. Signed and submitted by senators: Teresa Barnes, History and Gender & Women s Studies Jessica Greenberg, Anthropology Harriet Murav, Slavic Studies Mark Steinberg, History 10

11 U NIVERSITY OF I LLINOIS Urbana-Champaign Chicago Springfield University Senates Conference 378 Henry Administration Building, MC South Wright Street Urbana, IL October 12, 2015 Professor Gay Miller, Chair Professor Catherine Vincent, Chair UIUC Senate Executive Committee UIC Senate Executive Committee Dept. of Pathobiology/College of Vet Med Dept. of Women, Child, and Family Health Sci 2635 Vet Med Basic Sci Bldg MC NURS MC 802 Professor Kathy Novak, Chair UIS Campus Senate Dept. of Communication MS UHB 3010 Dear Senate Colleagues, Vice President Pierre sent a revised Nondiscrimination Statement that brings the document into compliance with changes in federal and state law. The statement is scheduled to go to the Board s Governance, Personnel and Ethics Committee on October 29, and then to the full Board on November 12. The Nondiscrimination Statement is included in the Statutes and the General Rules. Two of the revisions were already approved by all three senates as part of the overall review of the Statutes ( sex and genetic information ). Two new revisions are necessary to bring the statement into compliance with changes in the law ( order of protection and pregnancy ). The senates approved one addition to the statement ( political affiliation ) which is not required by law and therefore will not be considered by the Board until it considers the overall revisions to the Statutes and the General Rules. Matt Wheeler, chair of the USC Statutes and Governance Committee, has discussed this with his members and agrees that the Senates should see this as soon as possible; since it is simply bringing our language into alignment with state law it should not be controversial. The University Senates Conference is hereby forwarding the proposal to your Senate for action. Please see the enclosed letter and revised statement from Vice President Pierre and respond with any comments you might have. Sincerely, Enclosures c: Vice President Christophe Pierre Elizabeth Dooley Brian Moore Jenny Roether Members, University Senates Conference Nicholas C. Burbules, Chair University Senates Conference Telephone (217) Fax (217)

12 U NIVERSITY OF I LLINOIS Urbana- Champaign Chicago Springfield Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs 377 Henry Administration Building 506 South Wright Street Urbana, IL Christophe Pierre Vice President October 9, 2015 Nicholas Burbules, Ph.D. Chair, University Senates Conference 378 Henry Administration Building Urbana, Illinois Dear Professor Burbules: Please find enclosed the University of Illinois Nondiscrimination Statement, with edits that will bring the statement into compliance with federal and state law. As this statement is included as a preamble in both the Statutes and General Rules of the University, please refer this matter to the University Senates Conference (USC) for consideration. The statement will be discussed at the Governance, Personnel and Ethics Committee on October 29, 2015 and will be presented to the Board of Trustees on November 12, Therefore, I would appreciate receiving your recommendations in time for consideration at these meetings. I apologize for the short notice, and greatly appreciate your timely consideration of this matter in recognition of the importance of being compliant with the changes in the law. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Christophe Pierre Vice President for Academic Affairs Attachment Urbana (217) Fax (217) E- Mail: chpierre@uillinois.edu Chicago 1737 West Polk Street Chicago, Illinois (312)

13 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The commitment of the University of Illinois to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms. The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and activities. University complaint and grievance procedures provide employees and students with the means for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this Statement. Members of the public should direct their inquiries or complaints to the appropriate equal opportunity office. Policy Council Revised TBD 13

14 U NIVERSITY OF I LLINOIS Urbana-Champaign Chicago Springfield University Senates Conference 378 Henry Administration Building, MC South Wright Street Urbana, IL September 29, 2015 Governor Bruce Rauner Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL Dear Governor Rauner: As elected leaders in governance at the University of Illinois, it is the responsibility of the University Senates Conference to engage in discussions related to issues affecting our faculty and staff. We are writing to voice concern about the impact of the budget impasse on the State Employees' Group Insurance Program, as expressed in the communication employees received from the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services. As summarized in the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, the State of Illinois has stopped paying claims for state employees in some health plans and halted premium payments for others. In response, some of our employees have begun to delay diagnostic procedures, treatments, and surgery. The implications of this budget decision can compromise their lives and well-being. Delays of diagnosis and treatment can be fatal. We request that the State of Illinois take immediate action to address this crisis. Sincerely, c: President Timothy Killeen Dr. Susan Kies Chancellor Michael Amiridis Chancellor Susan Koch Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson Nicholas C. Burbules, Chair University Senates Conference Telephone (217) Fax (217)

15 Title: Sponsor: CI Proposal to Rename the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology as the Center for Biomolecular Sciences College of Pharmacy Executive Summary: Description and Justification: The Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology unites laboratories of the College of Pharmacy whose research emphasizes biological aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. The Center was established in March The nature of the work in the Center has changed over time and the unit name no longer reflects the current goals and mission of the Center. Changing the name to the Center for Biomolecular Sciences more accurately reflects the work ongoing in the Center. The Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology was established in March 1994 after receiving approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. At the time of its establishment, the College of Pharmacy had research programs in the traditional disciplines of Pharmacy, but very little organized research in biotechnology although biotechnology products in the Food and Drug Administration pipeline were increasing at a staggering rate. The goal of the Center was to provide an organization and environment that fostered both collaboration and cooperation across unit boundaries both within the College and across the campus. The Center has been successful in that goal, developing research programs that succeeded in attracting researchers from multiple colleges across campus, as well as other universities, and attracting grants that were some of the largest ever awarded to UIC. These projects have produced publications in some of the top journals in the world, and have resulted in at least two spin-off companies based on technology developed in the Center. In the last 10 years, the nature of the work in the Center has evolved. In 2014, the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology had 8 faculty members, 6 research faculty, over 20 graduate students, 9 postdocs, and over 15 research and office staff. Instead of focusing on biotechnological aspects of the pharmaceutical sciences, the current direction of research in the Center is aimed at unraveling the molecular mechanisms of drug action, molecular underpinnings of human diseases and new molecular approaches for drug discovery. Given the current depth and breadth of activities, the current name no longer best represents the work and mission of the Center. Renaming the Center to focus on biomolecular sciences is more appropriate because it would 1 15

16 adequately reflect the current and future research emphasis, would promote more favorable attitude of the reviewers of the grant applications and would attract the proper contingent of new faculty members, researchers and graduate students to the laboratories affiliated with the Center. Catalog Statement Not applicable as the Center is not described in either the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog. However, as a result of the change in the Center name, the College of Pharmacy is submitting a separate proposal to rename one of four concentrations within the PhD in Pharmacognosy. Within the PhD in Pharmacognosy, students must pursue a concentration and one is in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Students who select this concentration are affiliated with the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. During their first two semesters, students conduct three 10- week research rotations in laboratories of the Center. By the end of the first year, a student chooses a lab within the Center to pursue their PhD research. Given the relationship between the Center and the concentration, the college is proposing to rename the concentration from Pharmaceutical Biotechnology to Biomolecular Sciences. Minority Impact Statement: Budgetary and Staff Implications: Library Resource Implications: Space Implications: Unit (e.g. department) approval date: College (educational policy committee, faculty) approval dates: No positive or negative impact on minority students, faculty or staff is anticipated. Renaming the Center will more appropriately reflect the nature of the work they have been doing. No negative impact on budget or staff is anticipated, as the name of the Center will not change state budgets, impact extramural grant scores or change the chances of obtaining funding. One positive impact on staff is that their CVs/resumes will more accurately reflect the nature of the work they have been doing in the Center and as part of their doctoral studies. The change in Center name will have no implications on the library s collections or services. Current library resources sufficiently meet the needs of Center-affiliated faculty, staff, researchers and students, and there are no plans to substantially increase the size of Center staff or students in the affiliated concentrations within the PhD in Pharmacognosy. No impact on space is anticipated as we will maintain our current space in the Molecular Biology Research Building and do not, at this time, anticipate enlarging or reducing our space allocation. Center Approval: January 21, 2015 EPC Approval: April 13, 2015 Executive Committee Approval: May 29, 2015 College of Faculty Approval: June 8,

17 Contact Person: Alexander Mankin Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Professor, or Beth Woods Assistant to the Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology or cell Proposed Effective Date/Term: Spring

18 ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION FACULTY ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting at Midwestern University, September 18, 2015 This meeting was attended by 31 representatives of various universities and two IBHE staff joined by telephone. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. Marie passed out a sheet of information on the four IBHE Action Teams and indicated that FAC members would be able to participate on these. We were joined by Karen Nichols, who is Dean of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern. She talked about the history of Osteopathic medicine and the Chicago College, highlighting some of the differences between MDs and DOs. Gretchen Lohman from IBHE reported that they are beginning the formation of the Commission on the Future of the Work Force, which will formally start in January. Jim Applegate will chair. All three college sectors will be represented. The Commission relates to Goal 3 of the Public Agenda. There are a couple of new items on the IBHE web site. One involves the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA); this establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. The second item is a federal requirement, the Online Complaint System involving institutions. The Faculty Fellows program is on hold pending a budget resolution. There is also going to be a report on low performing programs that don t meet selected thresholds (using a five year average) at institutions; they will be given an opportunity to respond. Candace Mueller from IBHE noted no movement on the budget and that higher education funding and MAP grants do not fall under any court orders. The Senate Higher Education Committee will hold hearings over the next couple of weeks at various campuses. Marie Donovan (Chair of FAC) informed us that the IBHE intersected with our public comments and concerns about the new teacher licensing requirements (edtpa). ISBE is now aware and willing to investigate. On August 12, the FAC Executive Committee met to consider agenda planning for the year. One initiative is to increase interaction with the Student Advisory Committee. As a start, Marie and Devi will go to their first meeting on October 3 rd. The SAC is interested in textbook costs. Another idea is a public relations campaign to improve our image. Devi has a contact at the Chicago Tribune. We need to get the word out about the importance of higher education, the innovations that have been spawned, and the social benefits. We should work with Candace (Government Relations at IBHE). We need a way to juice up the message to be of interest to readership. All the public hears now are the scandals and the outrageous perks for a few. The continuing issue of prior learning assessment for military personnel was noted. A report on how and what our institutions are doing will be distributed soon. A Task Force on this subject requires faculty and our caucuses will be asked to find volunteers. We are also looking to have faculty participation on the IBHE Action Teams. Some members of our Executive Committee plan to meet with Executive Director Applegate the day before the next IBHE meeting. Abbas informed us that UIUC has instituted criminal background checks for all new employees. Other institutions are implementing these as well. This might be extended to graduate students. For the Public University Caucus, Devi noted the following volunteers for Action Teams: Advocacy--Vicki, Affordability--Steve and Diane, Attainment Gaps--Devi. For the IBHE seat for a current public university faculty member the following are proposed: Devi, Terry, and Diane. There was a discussion of whether to just put forth one name, three names, and/or rank them. Issues of interest to the 18

19 Caucus include: academic freedom and the need to look at and tighten the FAC mission to be more effective and efficient. For the latter, we might look for a facilitator; perhaps someone on the IBHE staff could help. It was suggested that advocacy needs to be student centered. For the Community College Caucus, John D. offered the following volunteers: Attainment Gaps--Renee, Advocacy--Luissette, Affordability--John D. For prior learning assessment for military, Renee suggested Julie Gilbert from her campus. The Caucus suggested highlighting the social benefits of higher education, as we previously heard from Walter McMahon. How do we package our message for a non-academic audience? Social media is needed. One current issue identified was shared governance and its role in decision making on issues such as consolidation of programs at community colleges. For the Private University Caucus, Adam nominated as volunteers: Attainment Gap--Sara, Increasing Non-Traditional and Adult Degree Completion--Shawn. Adam was interested in prior learning assessment for military. Andy was elected as caucus chair. Issues of interested include reaching out for public relations purposes, branding/image challenge, and social media ideas. Who is our intended audience? What is unique about higher education in Illinois? Devi noted that the Publics may have restrictions on using social media. Steve R., who was recently elected as a Trustee for SURS, gave a presentation on the state of the retirement system and the challenges ahead. The minutes from our June 19 th meeting were approved. Abbas was thanked for hosting our web site until now. Devi has received permission to host our web site at CSU and is in the process of setting it up. Thanks were extended to Alex, Lisa, and Midwestern University for hosting. The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Steven Rock FAC Secretary 19

20 REPORT OF THE SENATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE STATE UNIVERSITIES RETIREMENT SYSTEM, MEMBERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SURSMAC) The biannual meeting of this committee was held Oct. 13 at Parkland College in Champaign, IL. rather than as usual at the SURS office in Urbana. Approximately 65 people were in attendance. Each of the state universities and community colleges could have two 2 to 4 members depending on the number of students enrolled. The agenda focused primarily on an update in investments, legislative actions and some consideration of the role of SURSMAC. There is an extensive, detailed agenda on some of these matters which I am summarizing here. If senators need further details, I have left the agenda materials in the senate office for those who need to read it. The SURS portfolio returned 2.9% during FY 2015, net of fees. Direct real estate returned 11.1%, the best asset of the group. The SURS portfolio has yielded 8.3% annualized of the past 25 yrs. Also, the portfolio ranks in the top third of large public plans over five and 10 year periods. As of June 30, 2015 the defined benefit plan is valued at approximately $17.2 billion and the Self Managed Plan at approximately $1.7 billion. Asset reallocations of approx. $1 billion took place this year. But there are also some funding problems. As of June 30, 2015 SURS remains substantially underfunded. As of that date it was approximately 44.6% funded. The unfunded liability is about $21.5 billion. Since FY 2011 SURS has received the full annual statutory contribution from the state. The SURS membership is approximately 229,000 active, inactive and retired participants. The full 2016 fiscal plan and the various components of holdings and investment plans are in the materials deposited in the senate office. We were provided with a list of bills which had passed both legislative chambers. Among these were bills to require actuarial experience study every 3 years instead of at least once every five years; block investments in companies which boycott Israel; and appropriation of required state contribution to SURS. There was a short discussion about SURSMAC constitution and bylaws and election of a chair/vice chair for the coming year. This topic will be reexamined in a coming meeting. We also spoke briefly about alternative meeting modalities, e.g. webinar. Respectfully submitted: David Bardack, prof. Biological Sciences emeritus. 20