Board of Trustees action items, August 2, 2024

The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on August 2, 2024. Full text of the resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.    

Consent Agenda: All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and enacted in one motion. Details regarding Consent Agenda items may be found on the website.

Approval of Academic Senate Proposal to Amend Article V, Academic Governance of the ISU Constitution
The Board of Trustees approved the Academic Senate’s proposal to amend Article V of the Illinois State Constitution. The Academic Governance section of the Constitution includes provisions to establish the voting membership of the Academic Senate, conduct of elections for the Senate, and establishment of different Senate Committees, including the Campus Communication Committee. The proposed changes are designed to incorporate the new College of Engineering into the membership of the Academic Senate, include new Cabinet positions into the Academic Senate membership, as well as to make updates to language to reflect current titles for faculty, staff, and administrators. The Academic Senate unanimously voted to pass the proposed amendment at the Senate’s February 21, 2024, session.

Higher Learning Commission Assurance Argument
Trustees endorsed a request to the Higher Learning Commission for reaccreditation for a ten-year period. On August 5, 2015, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredited Illinois State University for a ten-year period. The University is now preparing its request to HLC for reaccreditation through 2035. The reaccreditation site visit is scheduled for October 28-29, 2024. In advance of the visit, the University is also required to submit a document called an assurance argument. In it, the University presents evidence that it fully meets HLC accreditation standards.

Authorization to Name CORE Construction Laboratory
The Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Construction Management Lab, located at 604 N. Adelaide St., as the “CORE Construction Laboratory,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State. For decades, CORE Construction has partnered with Illinois State and the College of Applied Science and Technology on a variety of projects and initiatives. In 2019, they established the CORE Construction Endowed Scholarship for students in the Construction Management program, contributing funds annually. In addition, CORE participates in the Construction Management Career Fair and supports Athletics with contributions to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund.

Authorization to Name OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility
Trustees voted to approve the naming of the Indoor Practice Facility located next to Horton Field House as the “OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State. OSF HealthCare has partnered with several areas, including the Mennonite College of Nursing and a medical services contract with ISU Athletics created in 2023. These ongoing partnerships provide opportunities for continued growth moving forward.

Authorization to Name Michael and Gina Wey Hospital Simulation Room
The Board approved the naming of the hospital simulation room in the Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Center as the “Michael and Gina Wey Hospital Simulation Room,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Michael and Gina Wey are proud Redbirds, having both graduated in 1978.

Approval of 2025 Board Meeting Calendar
The Board approved the recommended 2025 meeting calendar, which will be posted and published in accordance with the Open Meetings Act no later than December 1, 2024.

Authorization to Acquire Property Insurance
Trustees revisited and approved an amended resolution from May 2024, providing authorization to acquire property insurance at an annual premium not to exceed $1.9 million. The University owns and maintains property and business interruption insurance valued at approximately $2.6 billion, an increase of $400 million from the prior year based on property appraisals.