Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Senate Committee on Campus Operations met Sept. 30.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. C ALL TO O RDER

A regular meeting of the Senate Committee on Campus Operations (CO) was called to order at 9:00 am with Chair Brennan presiding.

II. A PPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the April 28, 2022 meeting were approved as distributed by roll call vote.

Yes: Belabbas, Breakenridge, Brennan, Kink, Namdeo, Sherkow

No: None

Abstain: Peters

III. PUBLIC C OMMENT

No requests received.

IV. C HAIR ’ S REMARKS

Chair Brennan welcomed new and returning members and had each introduce themselves.

V. UPDATE F ROM F ACILITIES AND SERVICES

Kamarah updated CO on the following projects:

• Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center – Construction is complete.

• Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center – Construction is complete.

• Ubben Basketball Complex – Construction is almost complete. The facility is partially occupied and is expected to be fully occupied by end of October.

• Campus Landscape Master Plan – F&S completed UIUC first Campus Landscape Masterplan to foster appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage, and to develop a beautiful, inclusive, and sustainable campus landscape.

• Doris Kelley Christopher Hall - Construction is scheduled to begin late Fall 2023 to consolidate extension programs currently housed in several buildings on campus and in Champaign into a new centralized location at the University of Illinois Arboretum.

• Undergraduate Library – Construction is starting late spring to provide a humidity and temperature-controlled environment for the University of Illinois Archives and Special Collection.

• Oncology Center at College of Veterinary Medicine – The project is in the design stage to provide medical and surgical oncology clinical services, in addition to research space for the clinical trials center.

• Swine Research Center – The design is underway for a state-of-the-art facility that will consolidate most of the university swine operations at a single site to support agricultural and biomedical research, as well as teaching and public engagement.

VI. UPDATE F ROM THE I NSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABILITY, E NERGY, AND E NVIRONMENT

Moore stated that the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) just completed its fourth Critical Conversation, Climate (In)Securities in Great Lakes

Communities: A Critical Conversation. This three-day conference focused on critical climate (in)securities affecting the Great Lakes region, particularly its vulnerable communities.

Moore indicated that with the onset of the new academic year there is a targeted focus on student, faculty, and staff engagement on Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) activities. She also mentioned the launch of iCAP teams with new members. Moore encouraged CO to reach out to her or Brennan, who is also an iCAP representative, with any thoughts or ideas on initiatives or actions that support sustainability.

Moore announced that October is Sustainability Month and a series of activities to engage and promote sustainability and the campus climate commitment are planned.

Moore noted the relaunch of the Certified Greener Campus program. The program provides an opportunity for offices, student sororities, student fraternities, and events to implement sustainable and environmental conscience actions.

VII. UPDATE F ROM THE STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY C OMMITTEE

No new updates.

VIII. UPDATE F ROM BUSINESS PRACTICES

Velazquez announced that Dr. Paul Ellinger was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller of the University of Illinois System beginning September 22, 2022, after filling the role in an interim capacity since July 15, 2021. She mentioned the creation of a special Chrome River customer advisory committee.

Velazquez will send CO information regarding which units and colleges serve on the advisory committee.

IX. UPDATE F ROM O PERATIONS AND A DMINISTRATION

McMurray shared that the purchasing unit, along with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is in the early working stages of creating supplier diversity training for local leaders in the Champaign Urbana community and the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. There will be a one-day event next Spring that will focus on how local businesses can become certified to do business with the University, as well as how University units can increase their diversity spend with local vendors and businesses.

McMurray reported that the Campus Instructional Facility has become the highest utilized classroom building on campus, with over 19,000 student contact hours a week.

Brennan reported there appears to be an increase of traffic in the Illini Union, yet there are only a few restaurants open for business. McMurray replied she believes there has been a struggle to find and retain vendors. Brennan indicated his interest in having this as a future topic of discussion for CO. McMurray will reach out to Becki Salzman, Director of the Illini Union.

X. O LD BUSINESS

No old business.

XI. N EW BUSINESS

CO.23.01 Chrome River Discussion

Aaron Carter (Assistant Vice President, Procurement Services) and Melissa Plotner (Senior Assistant Director, Payment Operations) attended to discuss Chrome River, the new software solution that replaced the University of Illinois System’s travel and expense management system (TEM) on February 14, 2022.

Brennan commented on the challenges of learning a new system. Carter noted the individual support that has been offered, along with job aids. Plotner mentioned the kickoff of a new enhanced communication policy providing more step-by-step instructions.

Brennan noted a delay of reimbursements. Carter indicated that processing by individual personnel affects the timeliness of reimbursements. Sherkow suggested adding a field for travel dates, noting there is only a field for the date of the receipt.

Plotner will confirm whether this is available. She mentioned University policy does not allow for reimbursement prior to travel, impacting employees with out-of-pocket expenses. Discussion is underway to identify a solution. Plotner added that of the almost 200,000 successfully exported expense reports, only approximately 44 transactions posted incorrectly.

Brennan mentioned privacy concerns stemming from multiple departments having access to travel itineraries. Carter noted the assistance offered on this issue, although it’s departmental and not Chrome River based.

CO.23.02 MTD Discussion

Brennan shared an email from a student concerning MTD public transportation. The student stated that the current on-time rate of MTD service appears to be significantly lower than in the past. Representatives from the Champaign–Urbana Mass Transit

District will be invited to discuss this issue at a future meeting.

XII. A DJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am.

https://uofi.app.box.com/v/CampusOperations/file/1063842122962