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UC Regents mull absenteeism, will develop member Guidelines
by Eleanor Yang, September 23, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO – For the first time since the resignation of their noticeably absent colleague, the University of California regents yesterday discussed what is expected of them and how to deal with absenteeism.

Regents chose not to set specific rules, but said they hope to develop general guidelines on their responsibilities and obligations.

The issue of absenteeism was raised earlier this summer, when The San Diego Union-Tribune published an analysis showing some regents were missing two-thirds of their assigned committee and board meetings. One regent, Haim Saban, had not attended a full board meeting in more than two years. Saban, a Los Angeles entertainment mogul, retired as a regent earlier this month. UC regents hold the most prestigious of governor-appointed positions. Though they are unpaid, regents set policy for the 10-campus public institution and its $14 billion budget.

During yesterday's discussion, regents rejected a proposal by Ward Connerly that would have required the chairman to communicate with any regent who has missed three consecutive meetings.

"I think it's appropriate to establish guidelines, but not rules," Regent Judith Hopkinson said. She explained that regents sit on varying numbers of committees, so attendance records could be interpreted in different ways.

Attendance scores don't matter, said Regent Peter Preuss. "What matters is our contribution."

Regents were divided between those who are concerned about uneven work loads, and others who believe contributions to the board are made in different ways, some not recorded through attendance records.

"There are conflicts that don't allow some board members to attend some meetings," Regent Norman Pattiz said. "But that is more than made up for in what that board member brings to the board through their experience . . ."

Regents said they would gather input for the guidelines before their next board meeting in November.

Originally published by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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