May 2, 2003

Present: Alex Dzierba (acting chair), Erik Bucy, Katy Fraser, Susan Gubar, Chuck Livingston, Deidre Lynch, Al Ruesink, Kevin Hunt (recorder)

1. The meeting began at 2:30 with the amendment and approval of the April 25, 2003 minutes.

2. The Committee was informed that Interim President Gerald Bepko intends to pass on to the new President a briefing book outlining the most important issues concerning the University. The Committee discussed which issues might most directly impinge on the College, and which might best be included in a briefing book.

3. Dean Subbaswamy joined the Committee at 3:00 pm. Discussion of possible briefing book topics continued.

4. Acting President Bepko joined the meeting at 3:15 pm. President Bepko noted that among the issues he feels to be most important to pass on to the new President is the history of state higher education funding, in particular the positive news that a growing number of state legislators recognize that the state's economy is linked to the health and vigor of research universities. President Bepko plans to communicate the importance of the legislature having now formally acknowledged the unique funding requirements of research universities. Committee members listed among their concerns low graduate stipends, undergraduate admission standards, and low faculty salaries. Dean Subbaswamy called attention to the large proportion of faculty housed in Ballantine Hall, and noted that services in this important building, air conditioning foremost among them, lag behind those in other campus facilities. Committee members remarked on the central role the library plays in the university and expressed concern that the mission of the university could be compromised if library holdings continue to lose ground in relation to other public institutions. President Bepko identified a number of specific causes for optimism this year, among them the Commitment to Excellence initiative, rising numbers of undergraduate applications, strong support in the state legislature, five new building projects, and continuing strength in fundraising.

The meeting concluded at 4:00 PM.

Questions or comments regarding the minutes and actions of the Policy Committee may be addressed to Tom Gieryn, 5-2950, Dept. of Sociology, Ballantine 754, gieryn@indiana.edu.