"This is a responsible action by the trustees of the system."

That final plan will require another vote by the trustees.

But statements by the two trustees raised questions about what board members knew and how they expected the money would be spent.

Two other seats are appointed by former trustees and not subject to the residents' vote.

This year alone, nearly $100 million worth of art has either been pledged or given to the institution by trustees and supporters.

The role played by the trustees of the settlement.

Officials said a decision by trustees to spend more of the endowment, which totaled about $13 billion in June, also helped.

The master plan put forward by the trustees has many commendable aspects.

Still, the plan represents a highly unusual step by the trustees to respond to the political pressure to raise standards.

Financial questions may have also entered into the decision by the trustees not to pursue a court challenge to the Regents.