All UT System institutions may offer in-state tuition rates to out-of-state residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina, following a decision by the UT System Board of Regents Wednesday.
During a teleconference meeting, the board also approved a completed proposal for obtaining the George W. Bush Presidential Library, but officials would not release any specifics.
Hurricane evacuees attending UT System schools who qualify for in-state tuition might also be offered tuition waivers after the board's decision.
"I'm very proud of the actions our institutions are taking in these very difficult circumstances," said Board Chairman James Huffines.
The final decisions on tuition waivers will be left to the individual campuses. The university has already worked to accommodate almost 200 displaced university students from New Orleans.
UT President Larry Faulkner could not be reached for comment on how the University plans to implement the new motion.
The proposal for the new presidential library was outlined at a special executive session held before the open teleconference.
"We have no doubt that our proposal will be the most outstanding proposal that the foundation will receive," said former regent Robert Estrada.
While the details of the proposal will not be released until after the submission date of Sept. 15, Huffines confirmed that the proposal includes plans for multiple sites, but refused to would not say as to where. He added that none of the proposed sites would be taken using the system's power of eminent domain.
UT System Chancellor Mark Yudof also said there would be a major think-tank component in the library that would have visiting and senior fellows promote ideas such as democracy, freedom, the No Child Left Behind Act and women's rights.
"We think we're in a strong position to help recruit the best thinkers," said Yudof. "While the institution will definitely do well on its own behalf, it will also strengthen the offerings of our own campuses."
If Austin is selected as the site, then it would be the first city to have two presidential libraries.
"It would be very unique because we'd have a presidential library of both a Democratic president and of a Republican president," said University spokesman Don Hale.
The board will continue to refine and tweak this draft until Sept. 15 deadline, at which point the final draft will be submitted to a third-party foundation, to be determined by the president and Laura Bush, for a final decision.
Also discussed at the meeting were proposed amendments to the lease of the J.J. Pickle Research Center to SPG Arbor Walk, L. P., to restructure the rent schedule and negotiate the acquisition of storm water detention rights.
The board also approved a move of the University Lands Accounting Office from Austin to Midland.
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