“In this item, we have outlined a proposed scope and a process for reviewing The Illinois Commitment that would consider the six current goals, as well as possible enhancements and additions. For example, earlier referenced in the advisory committee reports was the Faculty Advisory Council’s interest in a seventh goal on higher education’s contribution on the quality of life in Illinois. As part of this review, we propose reviewing the status of the underlying action steps and accountability processes, the support, the progress of the plan, and making any necessary revisions or enhancements to that as well.
“We propose during the next several months engaging a process of looking at the trends and projections relevant to the plan, as well as gathering significant input from higher education stakeholders both from within and without the system. We would also propose that the Board itself serve as a Committee of the Whole in guiding this review, given their role in developing it initially. The timeframe for this review would be starting now and going through August 2004, with final action at that point. The staff recommends that the Board approves the proposed scope and process outlined in this item.”
Professor Gove said, “Does any other state have a comparable document?”
Dr. Layzell said, “Many other states do have statewide strategic plans for higher education that may have similar goals to what we have outlined here. Most states that have a statewide coordinating body for higher education, such as this Board, this is one of their functions.”
Professor Gove said, “I would like to speak again in support of a seventh commitment, particularly on civic leadership. We need to train more civic leaders and civic leadership. In the audience is one of my success stories, Terry Bruce, former Congressman and President of Illinois Eastern. I had Terry as an undergraduate and as an intern.”
Chairman Kaplan said, “This is a document that I constantly refer back to and I know we all do. I am going to encourage the widest possible net of people to be involved in this process so that we get everyone’s concern. I ask all the advisory committees and people in the audience to work with us in modifying this wonderful document. It is something that is not static and needs to be updated from time to time.”
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, on motion made by Professor Gove and seconded by Ms. Meyer, unanimously approved the Proposed Scope and Process for Reviewing The Illinois Commitment.
11. State Matching Grant Program Fiscal Year 2004 Grant Allocation
Mr. Terry Nunn said, “Item 11 recommends approval of the fiscal year 2004 State Matching Grant Program allocations in the amount of $9,500,000. This is the first time we have presented the Matching Grant Program to you this way. We are presenting this information to give you a brief overview of the program to perhaps highlight some things that do not always come out clearly in the Board item.
“We would like to call your attention to a few points that deal with the creation of the program in 1998 and the purpose of the program. For fiscal year 2004, we are recommending the amount of funds that were appropriated by the General Assembly. This is a bargain to Illinois. In view of the comments that occurred at the onset of this program, the awards that were made to the
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