BOT Approves Five Items

Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees today approved a plan and design budget for improvements at Hancock Stadium, construction of new pre-engineering and technology laboratory spaces at University High School, purchase of a nuclear magnetic resonance instrument, purchase of window blinds and curtains for residence halls and renewal of the student health insurance contract.

Hancock Stadium, which opened in 1961, is used by Campus Recreation Services for recreation and intramurals, by the School of Kinesiology and Recreation for instruction classes, by Intercollegiate Athletics for athletic team practices and competitions and by the general public for special events and high school games.  The building has had minimal improvements and needs significant repairs and renovation, due in part to concrete deterioration, inadequate public facilities and increased life safety and accessibility codes.  The Trustees voted to spend up to $1.5 million for planning and design to update the facility.

A $500,000 gift from University High School graduate John Wroan III, will help defray costs to convert former shop space into pre-engineering and technology space in the 42-year old University High School building.  The Board-approved renovation will include adding general instructional space and enhancing the laboratory space.  The University will use $170,000 in institutional funds to complete the project.

The Chemistry department has received funding from the National Science Foundation to purchase a nuclear magnetic resonance instrument and upgrade an existing one for no more than $551,500.  The current system can no longer handle the increase in use by students and faculty members conducting research and instruction.  The Board approved concluding the purchase of the equipment and support for the instrument.

The students have agreed to a special increase in room charges in order to enhance their residence hall living environments, and one of the first enhancements will be new window treatments that include room-darkening shades.  The project will be conducted in two phases, with a cost of no more than $688,000.  South Campus, Hewett Hall and Watterson Towers will be the first in line for installation of the window treatments this summer, followed by West Campus and Manchester Hall in summer of 2009.  Housing repair and replacement reserves will be the source of funds for the project. 

The Chickering Group will once again provide student health and accident insurance at Illinois State.  The Board approved the renewal of the contract with no benefit changes and no increase in rates.  The fall 2008 and spring 2009 rates will remain $161 and the summer 2009 session rate will be $116.