The project will be funded by investment proceeds and resources provided by the Office of the Provost.

Regents to consider authorizing bids for Wall Street East Parking Structure

Pending approval at Thursday’s meeting, the University will also begin to solicit construction contracts for the Wall Street East Parking Structure.

The structure’s design was approved at the July 2012 regents meeting and will provide 530 additional parking spaces near the medical campus, according to a communication written by Slottow.

The design includes architectural details on the façade and park-like landscaping that will cost the University an estimated $34 million. The project, expected to be funded by parking resources and to provide about 79 construction jobs, is slated to be completed by spring 2014

President Coleman to provide letter to State Budget Director

The regents will also formally receive a letter written by University President Mary Sue Coleman addressed to the State Budget Office outlining the University’s cost saving and efficiency measurements.

In previous years, Coleman submitted the University’s state budget request to the regents for approval prior to its final submission to the State Budget Office. As a result of State Budget Office policy changes, universities now are asked to submit a letter assessing the University’s yearly performance and providing suggestions for funding modifications.

Coleman’s letter will be included as a communication to the regents during Thursday’s meeting.

“We believe an appropriate tuition level is a decision best left to the individual boards governing each institution,” Coleman wrote.

The letter also noted the University’s efforts to cut costs and increase affordability amid decreasing funding per student from the state.

“Maintaining our position as one of the best educational and research institutions in the world is essential,” Coleman wrote.

Coleman pointed out the University’s economic impact in Michigan, and wrote that the University has the potential to assist in building the region as a major industrial cluster and hub for manufacturing, chemical, energy and pharmaceutical development.

Hanlon requests temporary hiring policy

Among the list of personnel items up for approval is a request that would allow the University president or provost to make interim appointments without the approval of the board during the month of January.

Signed by Provost Philip Hanlon, the communication states that the request will allow interim staffing appointments during the month of January, even though the regents will not hold a formal meeting to approve them. All appointments during this time will be announced at the February meeting.

With Hanlon slated to leave the University this summer to take on the presidency at Dartmouth College, many University officials have said they expect Coleman to name an interim provost to serve until the next University president can appoint a permanent replacement.

While Coleman has suggested that the Law School dean search is nearing completion, it is unlikely this announcement will come before the board’s February meeting, since Hanlon’s request only provides for appointments on an interim basis.

Daily Staff Reporter Peter Shahin contributed to this story