Advisory Committee Reports
Committees that advise the Illinois Board of Higher Education will comment on their respective committee's perspectives and observations concerning items on the meeting agenda. (Presentations by Kenneth Andersen, Faculty Advisory Council; Jeff Twardowski, Student Advisory Committee; Ronald Taylor, Proprietary Advisory Committee; Michael Murphy, Council of Community College Presidents; and Donald Fouts, Private College and University Advisory Committee.)

Establishment of the Committee on Affordability
The Committee on Affordability was established at the August 20, 2002 meeting of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This item reports the members of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) who have been appointed to the Committee. The first meeting of the Committee is on October 2, 2002 at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, beginning at 1:30 p.m. (Presentation by Daniel J. LaVista)

Presentation of Institutional Results Reports
This item describes the purpose of the Results Report, identifies the institutions and agencies submitting reports, and identifies the Best Practice presentations to be given at the meeting. The following institutions have been chosen from among those submitting reports for their exemplary best practices: (1) Kennedy-King College: Culinary and Hospitality Showcase Dinner; (2) University of Illinois at Chicago: Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience; (3) University of St. Francis: REAL Bridge Program; and (4) Western Illinois University: Integration of Technology into Teacher Preparation. (Introductions by Diane Gilleland)

Focus on Student Success: Issues Underlying Persistence and Degree Completion and Related Improvement Strategies
This item discusses the major factors impacting persistence and degree completion and provides an overview of some of the activities currently in place throughout Illinois' system of higher education to enhance student success. Student persistence and degree completion at the undergraduate level is affected by a number of often-interrelated factors related to student characteristics and behaviors as well as institutional practices, procedures, and policies. The interactions between all of these factors are further compounded when considering the breadth and diversity of the system of higher education in Illinois and the diversity of students served. As a result, a variety of strategies and activities have been put in place at both the state and institutional levels in Illinois to enhance the success of students from all backgrounds. This comprehensive and systemic approach is crucial in further implementing Goal 4 of The Illinois Commitment, which seeks to increase both the number and diversity of students completing higher education. (Presentation by Daniel J. LaVista)

Salaries and Fringe Benefits at Illinois Colleges and Universities
This two-part report presents an analysis of full-time faculty salaries and non-salary benefits at Illinois public and private colleges and universities. Part A considers weighted average faculty and civil service salaries for full-time employees at Illinois public and independent colleges and universities, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, and higher education agencies for fiscal years 1995 and 1999 through 2002, and Part B considers non-salary benefits along with salaries for an examination of total faculty compensation.

Since fiscal year 1999, the competitiveness of faculty salaries at Illinois public universities has improved from 95.2 percent of the peer group median to 98 percent. The absence of any new funds for salary increases in fiscal year 2003 will hamper institutions' efforts to improve salary competitiveness in fiscal year 2003, and institutions will be challenged to even retain the progress reflected in this report for fiscal year 2002. Average faculty salaries at Illinois private institutions exceed those of peer institutions, and average salaries for full-time faculty at community colleges exceed those of comparison states.

Average non-salary benefits for faculty at public universities overall are less than the peer group median, while at private universities non-salary benefits for faculty exceed the peer group median. Although overall non-salary benefits for public university faculty are less than peers, amounts spent for insurance exceed peer group medians. (Presentation by Debra Smitley)

State Matching Grant Program Fiscal Year 2003 Grant Allocation
This item recommends approval of an allocation of the $9.5 million appropriation for the State Matching Grant Program in fiscal year 2003. These grants are provided to Illinois colleges and universities to attract federal and corporate research funding and to improve the research capabilities of participating institutions. Grants are recommended for 16 institutions. (Dan Layzell)

New Units of Instruction, Public Service and Research at Public Universities
This item recommends approval for Western Illinois University to offer the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and the Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, and the University of Illinois at Chicago to offer the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. (Diane Gilleland)

New Units of Instruction at Public Community Colleges
This item recommends approval of new programs at Illinois Valley Community College, Kaskaskia College, Richland Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, Waubonsee Community College, and John Wood Community College. (Diane Gilleland)

New Operating and/or Degree-Granting Authority for Independent Institutions
This item recommends operating and/or degree granting authority for the following institutions: Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Marquette University, Mid-Continent College, Rockford Business College, Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, and University of Phoenix. (Diane Gilleland)

Public University Noninstructional Project Approval
This item recommends approval for noninstructional capital improvements at Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. (Sharon Ward)