Today was a successful day for President John C. Hitt and committee members who sat on the UCF Board of Trustees meeting.
President Hitt’s merit benefit, revision of gender identity and gender expression discrimination, expanded on campus Greek housing, and more were approved on Nov. 10, at the meeting. Twelve out of the 13 members on the Board of Trustees attended this afternoon in the Live Oak Center on UCF’s campus.
RAW, UNEDITED INTERVIEW WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN RICK WALSH:
The first issue approved in this afternoon’s meeting, beginning at 1:00 p.m., was the report on the assessment of President Hitt’s performance and recommendations for compensation. Four years ago the Board of Trustees put in place a new performance structure. This structure allows President Hitt eligibility for merit reviews for successfully completing certain goals.
Rick Walsh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said these goals consisted of SAT scores, a significant jump in the number of merit scholars from 15 to 59, building a new medical city, building a football stadium, rankings in patent production and recruiting the best students and faculty. The Board of Trustees approved his salary compensation, without hesitation, because they felt as though he lived up to his given expectations.
Hitt’s merit benefit was supported by a 12-0 vote. If this issue had not been approved and President Hitt did not fulfill his goals, his salary would have been reduced by up to 33%.
Walsh said, “It was at risk, it was performance based. That was the whole purpose to get the president and his leadership team to focus on key goals to achieve the mission for the university. It clearly worked because they have met those goals in
many ways.”
President Hitt’s total merit benefit is $185,300 dollars.
Revision of UCF Non- Discrimination Affirmative Action Program
The Revision of UCF Regulation 3.001, Non- Discrimination; Affirmative Action Program was approved with a revision stating that “gender identity and gender expression as categories that are protected from discrimination.” Maribeth Ehasz, Vice-President for Student Development and Enrollment Services, submitted this revision.
The additions to Affirmative Action Program, approved today, included that, “The University shall not discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status.”
The documents regarding the new revisions further state, “Gender identity is defined as an individual’s self-perception of being a male, female, or both. Gender expression is defined as the manifestation of an individual’s self perception of being male, female, or both.”
Greek Housing Expansion
On campus Greek Park housing expansion was approved. The plan stated that a new Greek house will be rebuilt over the old Pike house.
This house will cost over $2 million dollars and consist of 40 beds for students. The house will be owned and operated by UCF. Their intentions are to have more authority towards Greek housing so UCF can be in charge of “things that shouldn’t go on in there.”
In addition, UCF plans on building a Greek Life Center, so sorority and fraternity members who don’t have on campus housing can hang out at an on campus facility.
New Cell Phone Tower
A cell phone tower has been completed on campus. This new tower currently has three providers, and has room for more should any other providers wish to utilize it.
Academic Village Parking Garage
In the Fall of 2012, a new parking garage for students living in the Academic Villages will be completed. This garage will provide 1,080 parking spots for students living in this community. The garage will be built adjacent to the Academic Village parking lots that already exist.
