The University's powerful decision-makers are descending on College Hill this weekend to allocate funds, set tuition increases and plan for Brown's future. Nearly all of the 54 Corporation members - including 12 fellows and 42 trustees - are expected to be on campus for a meeting of the Brown Corporation, the top governing body of the University.
The Corporation meets three times annually - in October, February and May. Each weekend conference includes committee meetings, general body sessions and discussions with faculty, said Russell Carey '91, vice president and secretary of the University.
The February meeting is especially notable because the Corporation sets the University's operating budget for the next fiscal year, Carey said. The budget for each year is first recommended by the University Resources Committee and approved by President Ruth Simmons before consideration by the Corporation.
Members of the Corporation's committee on budget and finance will first debate and evaluate the budget in their committee meeting today. The chair of the committee will then present the budget to the Corporation for action during the general body session Saturday, Carey said.
Provost Robert Zimmer, who chairs the URC, told The Herald Feb. 3 that the budget recommended by the URC for action by the Corporation this weekend includes provisions for financial aid for transfer and Resumed Undergraduate Education students.
According to Carey, it is rare for the Corporation to significantly alter the budget recommended by the URC and the president.
The Corporation's budget decisions include changes to tuition and room and board fees for the next academic year.
Also this weekend, the Corporation is expected to approve the selection of an architect for Sidney E. Frank Hall, said Frances Halsband, an architect who designed the University's master plan for physical expansion.
Each member of the Corporation serves on at least one of the committees, which meet Thursday or Friday, Carey said. Committees cover areas such as facilities and design, investment, audit, advancement, academic affairs and campus life.
The full Corporation meets twice - for a strategic discussion session Friday and the formal business meeting Saturday.
Among other duties at each meeting, the Corporation approves faculty appointments and accepts all gifts to the University of $1 million or greater, Carey said.
This evening, members of the Corporation will meet with faculty members for small group dinners, comprising about 10 Corporation members and 10 professors. While not the only contact between the Corporation and the faculty, Carey said the program has been successful in fostering interaction between the two groups.
Though Corporation members sometimes meet with students during their time on campus, no specific events have been scheduled for this weekend, University officials said.
Visit www.browndailyherald.com Saturday for updates on the Corporation meeting.
