BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

MEETING AGENDA

December 13, 2000

9:00 a.m.

Download the complete agenda in the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format (843kb)

Report Card PowerPoint Presentation

On November 30, 2000, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education released the first-ever report card that grades state systems of higher education. The report card grades states in six areas: preparation, participation, affordability, completion, benefits, and learning. Illinois received the highest grade point average of any state in the nation, and received an “A” in the areas of preparation, participation, and affordability. This item summarizes the findings of the National Center’s report, highlighting Illinois’ strengths and addressing its weaknesses. (Presentation by Keith R. Sanders)

Note: Copies of this item will be made available at the Board of Higher Education meeting. The item was not complete when Board packets were assembled due to the timing of the National Report Card release.

Results Report PowerPoint Presentation

This item presents the findings from the second annual Statewide Results Report on Illinois Higher Education.  On the whole, colleges and universities are making significant strides toward achieving the goals of The Illinois Commitment.  Higher education continues to contribute to the state’s economic growth; efforts are underway to improve the number and diversity of Illinois’ citizens completing education and training programs; the state’s education and workforce agencies have formed meaningful partnerships to improve teaching and learning; Illinois has been recognized as a national leader in addressing affordability; and initiatives are underway to improve the quality of education and productivity and accountability. Nevertheless, there are improvements that need to be made in advancing each of the goals of The Illinois Commitment.  (Presentation by Diane Gilleland)

The Board of Higher Education commissioned a comprehensive examination of higher education grant programs. The evaluation focused on the extent to which the grant programs collectively contribute to the achievement of the goals of The Illinois Commitment, and presented recommendations on ways to strengthen the ties between grant programs and statewide goals.  This item summarizes the findings and recommendations contained in the evaluation report, and identifies a schedule for implementation of various changes.  The item is presented for information only; staff recommendations for specific implementation of changes to grant programs will be presented in February 2001.  (Presentation by Ross Hodel)

Budget Recommendations Report (13Mb)

Budget Recommendations PowerPoint Presentation

The fiscal year 2002 budget recommendations focus new resources on programs and activities that will advance the goals of The Illinois Commitment. New funds totaling $198.7 million are recommended for higher education operations and grants, including $143.8 million in state general funds, an increase 5.7 percent over fiscal year 2001. In total, $5.2 million are included in the recommendations to help business and industry sustain economic growth, $5.9 million to improve teaching and learning, $20.2 million to improve affordability, $18.4 million to increase the number and diversity of students in higher education, $33.3 million to improve accountability and productivity, and $115.6 million for improving expectations and quality.

The fiscal year 2002 budget recommendations for capital improvements total $540.0 million, including $510.0 million for Regular Capital projects and $30 million for Capital Renewal.  The recommendations for Regular Capital provide support for 47 projects, while the recommendations for Capital Renewal provide funds for small remodeling projects at each public university and community college campus. (Presentation by Debra Smitley)

An oral report on the work of the Committee on Access and Diversity will be presented.  (Presentation by Jerry D. Blakemore)

The Illinois Century Network continues to move aggressively forward to meet its goal of becoming the predominant high-speed education delivery network throughout the state. With over 4,000 connections to schools, community colleges, universities, libraries, museums, hospitals, municipalities, and state agencies throughout the state, the network is becoming the primary delivery vehicle for educational content. This item presents a summary of current activities to update the Board on the direction and progress of the Network over the last year with emphasis on current activities. (Presentation by Neil Matkin)

This item recommends approval of the allocation of the fiscal year 2001 appropriation of $50,000 for Graduation Incentive Grants to Western Illinois University.  (Ross Hodel)

This item recommends approval of an allocation of $2.7 million for the Engineering Grant Program.  These matching grants provide funds for the eight Illinois institutions that confer baccalaureate degrees in engineering and are recognized by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. The grants are based on the number of baccalaureate degrees conferred in engineering, and assist institutions in the purchase of engineering laboratory equipment and computer software. (Ross Hodel)

This item recommends approval of an allocation of $2.2 million from the appropriation for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program.  Priority in the allocation is given to programs providing professional development opportunities for middle school teachers of mathematics and science.  A total of 33 proposals are recommended for funding in fiscal year 2001.  (Ross Hodel)

This item recommends approval for the following institutions to offer new programs:  Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  (Diane Gilleland)

This item recommends operating and/or degree-granting authority for the following institutions:  Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Dominican University, Morrison Institute of Technology, and Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.  (Diane Gilleland)

This item recommends approval for a new associate degree program, Carpenter Apprenticeship, to be offered by Black Hawk College.  (Diane Gilleland)

This item recommends approval for Northeastern Illinois University to acquire property and make related improvements.  (Sharon Ward)

INFORMATION ITEMS

This item summarizes 12-month headcount enrollment and preliminary fall term 2000 headcount and full-time-equivalent (FTE) enrollments for Illinois colleges and universities.  Preliminary fall term enrollment data show that statewide enrollment has remained steady, increasing by .6 percent, to 739,143 students in fall 2000.  Enrollment increased slightly at independent institutions in fall 2000, and dropped slightly at community colleges and public universities. (Ross Hodel)