Eastern’s Board of Trustees will look at new grass and university contracts in a teleconference call Tuesday.

In January, the board discussed replacing the grass field at O’Brien Stadium with artificial turf, a project not funded by any appropriated funds or student fees, said director of athletics Richard McDuffie.

This week, the board will look at approving the almost $750,000 project.

“We have all the sufficient funds for the project, ” McDuffie said. The funds include monies from outside sources and state grants.

About $600,000 has already been raised.

The turf will be three to four inches thick and made of granulated rubber and plastic-like strands.

The change is necessary because of the maintenance needed on the current grass field, the likeliness it will reduce injuries and the expected low maintenance on the new grass, he said.

If approved, it will be installed between June and August.

“It’s a new product … we’re about the only state school that doesn’t have it,” McDuffie said.

He said the turf is being used at Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University and in the high school market.

The rubber used comes from recycled Illinois tires, allowing Eastern to receive grants as part of a state recycling program, he said.

McDuffie said he expects the proposal to pass.

“We’re not putting it in just for football,” he said. Other university sports, intramurals and classes could use the artificial turf.

The BOT also could approve five employee contracts.

The board will hear three full contracts with the faculty University Professionals of Illinois, Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and good services employees with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Wage opener contracts with the Illinois Brotherhood of Teachers and secretarial employees with AFSCME also will be presented. The rest of the contract will be negotiated in several months after the third-year agreements expire.

All full contracts are for three years, said Bob Wayland, director of employee and labor relations.

Each AFSCME settlement affects about 200 union members.

The UPI negotiated for 11 months with steps made toward faculty striking. The contract includes provisions for intellectual property rights, academic freedom, distance education and workload, among other issues.

The board also will hear bids for the expansion of the Tarble Arts Center.

“There’s a breakdown of the different water, electrical work” contracts that will be offered to the individual providers, media relations director Vicki Woodard said.

The BOT will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday in the president’s conference room in Old Main.