The University Board of Regents holds its first meetings of the semester today and tomorrow, and while the issues haven't changed much, a new leader sits at the head of the table.
"If there's any change from where students left off, the most noticeable element will be the presence of Dr. (Homer) Neal as president of the University," said Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor).
Neal took the role of University president July 1 when James Duderstadt stepped down. A 12-member committee appointed by the regents is searching for the next president.
Since today's meeting is expected to be closed to the public to discuss material exempt under the Open Meetings Act, the board will have its hands full tomorrow with a varied agenda
"A great deal of talk this time around will probably center around hospital issues ... and the potential for changes in the governance of the hospital and medical campus," said Regent Daniel Horning (R-Grand Haven).
McGowan predicted that throughout this semester the board will discuss the University Hospitals and ways the University will respond to changes in health care.
"We need to make sure the structure we have now will lead us into the next century," Horning said.
Athletic Director Joe Roberson also will present the department's budget for 1996-97, which was first discussed during the summer.
"Over the summer the regents had asked for more information regarding the Athletic Department," said Associate Vice President for University Affairs Lisa Baker.
Although the meeting is the first of the fall semester, McGowan said no agenda items focus on back-to-school issues. The board doesn't take a summer vacation, she said.
"A lot of the issues continue," McGowan said. "What changed over the summer was some of the faces."
In addition to Neal's move to president, there are three new deans who "have changed the look of campus," McGowan said. Nancy Cantor is the Rackham dean, Daniel Mazmanian leads the School of Natural Resources and Environment, and Stephen Director is the new dean of the College of Engineering.
A significant part of tomorrow's meeting will take place outside the Fleming Building. "We won't just be sitting around a room," McGowan said.
The afternoon portion of the meeting will be devoted to the official opening and dedication of the Huetwell Visitors Center and an unveiling of a portrait of former University President Robben Fleming.
The board will then reconvene to finish its meeting and hear public comments. As McGowan noted, "Things always come up at the last minute."
- Daily Staff Reporter Jeff Eldridge contributed to this report.