April Durham

The agenda includes several informational reports from leadership and committee representatives. The consent agenda features personnel items and a revision to the board calendar. Key business items include academic affairs updates regarding program changes and graduate loan limits, handbook updates, and recommendations from the CMU Tech Task Force. Enrollment and housing projections for the fall term will be discussed. Financial matters include the review of the treasurer's report, investment policy, budget and tuition/fee structures, capital submission requests, and a housing parking bond resolution. Additionally, a marketing update and an annual update from the CMU Foundation are scheduled. The board also intends to convene in an executive session for a presidential performance review.

Colorado Mesa University's strategic direction is guided by its institutional vision and mission statements. The vision aims for the university to be a 'Human Scale University' that embodies values such as love, dignity, courage, humility, resilience, curiosity, and responsible use of power. The mission focuses on providing affordable and accessible education, fostering meaningful partnerships, and enhancing the wellbeing and vibrancy of its community. As mandated by statute, the university offers diverse baccalaureate and graduate programs, encompassing liberal arts, sciences, professional, and technical fields, while also maintaining a community college role and serving as a regional education provider.

The meeting encompassed several key topics including a review of the strategic plan, EOS process implementation, and reports from the University President, Faculty Trustee, and Student Trustee regarding campus initiatives and legislative exposure. The board approved a consent agenda covering personnel, academic promotions, sabbatical requests, curriculum changes, transitional retirement, and board officer elections. Presentations were received on fundraising metrics, talent pipeline reports from the Colorado Workforce Development Council, and the fiscal year 2025 financial audit. Legislative updates for the upcoming session and discussions on funding formulas were held. Additionally, the board received mandated training from the Attorney General’s office, approved changes to the Professional Personnel Employee Handbook, reviewed graduate program growth, and adopted recommendations from the Housing Working Group regarding future campus infrastructure and property acquisitions.

The board meeting agenda includes informational reports from leadership and faculty representatives, a consent agenda covering personnel, emeriti faculty status, transitional retirement, the board calendar, and committee appointments. Key topics for discussion and potential action include a state budget update, treasurer's report, housing and parking developments, university handbook updates, marketing initiatives, and enrollment and adult learner strategies. The meeting also features an executive session to discuss the purchase of real property.

The discussion centered on the decision not to raise tuition or room and board fees for the upcoming year, driven by a commitment to serving first-generation, low-income, and modest-income students from Colorado. This decision was made to recognize the financial impacts on students due to current circumstances and to maintain accessibility. Speakers emphasized that every institutional decision is based on what is best for the students, reinforcing the university's North Star of placing students first. The proposed budget, which avoids fee increases, was praised as a testament to strong institutional management over the past 15 years, allowing the university to navigate tough times while ensuring educational opportunity for the largest possible number of students through innovative and agile measures.