Alicia Apperson

The Student Affairs Committee meeting for December 4, 2025, included presentations covering the 2024-2025 Student Government Updates, strategies for Innovating Student Success During Change, and an update from the Student Organization, National Association of Black Accountants. Separately, the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting detailed discussions on Student Government priorities for 2025-26, which included enhancing interdepartmental relationships and strengthening community ties. Key completed projects mentioned were vaccine clinics and providing free bus passes. The meeting also reviewed the 2025-2026 student profile, noting enrollment figures, demographic distribution, and retention/graduation rates. A significant focus was placed on promoting a sense of campus belonging through streamlined processes, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and increased engagement opportunities, including the Mentor Collective program.

The Faculty Affairs Committee meeting featured several presentations regarding academic and outreach initiatives. Key discussions included an overview of the College in Prison Program (CIP), detailing its operations at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility, enrollment figures, staffing, and future degree expansion plans like an MBA and a Civic Engagement Degree. Another presentation focused on The BRAIN Lab, an interdisciplinary neuroscience hub established using NSF funding, highlighting infrastructure development, research milestones, and training for the next generation of researchers. Furthermore, presentations were given on the EMUiNVENT and DARE2DESIGN programs, emphasizing community engagement, fostering an ESTEAM mindset, and developing student skills in areas such as AI, robotics, and product design. An additional presentation detailed the Alternative Grading Community of Practice (AGCOP), outlining its rationale for reducing student anxiety by focusing on learning growth rather than traditional grading metrics, and discussing its alignment with institutional strategic priorities.

The Finance and Investment Committee meeting addressed multiple agenda items spanning two dates. Key discussions included the presentation of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation Financial Reports for the year ended June 30, 2025, which highlighted successful fundraising results surpassing goals. The committee also reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 University Capital Budget appropriation request of $11.075 million. Additionally, an update was provided on the Eagle Crest Golf Club, detailing course improvements such as lengthening and cart path upgrades. A presentation on WEMU-FM reviewed its strong audience numbers, significant reduction in state funding dependency, numerous Broadcast Excellence Awards, and challenges related to potential federal funding elimination. The Internal Audit function presentation covered its charter, reporting structure, the annual work plan development process, risk categories, and completed audit projects for CY25, including General Ledger Risk Assessment and Cybersecurity audits.

The primary focus of this special board meeting was the election of the next President of Eastern Michigan University following a comprehensive search process. The Board elected Brendan B. Kelly, Ph.D., as the next President, with his official start date set for May 4, 2026. The resolution included approving the President's Employment Agreement and delegating authority to the Board Chair to sign it. Remarks were made by the Chairman, the outgoing President, and several members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. The Chairman also appointed Regent Hawks to chair a special Ad Hoc Transition Committee.

The meeting included the approval of proposed minutes from the October 23, 2025 General Board Meeting. The Consent Agenda covered several items, including the approval of 24 staff appointments and nine staff separations/retirements for the period ending October 31, 2025. Emeritus Staff Status was recommended for six staff members, and Academic Retirements for four individuals were recommended. The Board also addressed President Jim Smith's compensation, approving a salary increase consistent with the Administrative Professionals Salary Program for July 2024 and July 2025, and authorized potential bonus payments. The Regular Agenda featured the President's Report, highlighting achievements such as Commencement plans, the success of the Thankful-To-Go event, strong results from Giving TrueDay, and the expansion of the EMU Advantage Loan Repayment Assistance Program. Faculty research funding, student achievements (including journalism fellowships), national rankings for entrepreneurship, and sustainability metrics were also discussed. Further actions involved receiving and filing committee reports, approving the 2024-25 EMU Charter Schools Annual Report, authorizing appointments/reappointments to Charter School Boards, ratifying the suspension of a Charter School Board Member, and accepting the report on the Fall 2025 Brickley Endowment awards. The Board approved John Bodary as the Commencement Speaker and awarded him and James Webb honorary degrees. Key financial actions included receiving the EMU Foundation Consolidated Financial Report and approving the FY27 Capital Budget appropriation of $11.075 million. Policy updates were approved, authorization was granted to transact with RASTA: Sense, LLC for technology commercialization, and Regent Chad Newton was reappointed to the Eagle Administrative Services Board. Open Communications featured eight requests addressing topics like the health professional pathway hub, funding for a satellite food pantry, privatization effects, and dining hours.