Ben Kalenak

The meeting focused on multiple capital improvement projects across various U.T. System institutions. Key actions included the approval of deferred maintenance funding through Permanent University Fund (PUF) proceeds, design development approvals for the UTA West Academic Building, and amendments to the Capital Improvement Program to include several new projects such as the Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall renovation, the Hal C. Weaver Power Plant turbine replacement, the Medical Complex Project enabling infrastructure, the Student Housing Complex at U.T. El Paso, the Schools of Physical and Occupational Therapy repair project, the Lumberjack Crossing housing project at Stephen F. Austin State University, the Campus Gateway to Student Success at U.T. Tyler, and the League City Campus Hospital expansion.

The Campus Master Plan for Stephen F. Austin State University provides a comprehensive, multi-year framework guiding the university's future evolution and strategic development. The plan focuses on strengthening campus identity, promoting strategic growth and academic excellence, and enhancing campus mobility, athletics, recreation, and overall user experience. Aligning with the university's 2026-2036 Strategic Plan, it aims to connect campus life with its natural environment through modern improvements, and is designed to accommodate a target enrollment of 15,000 students.

This strategic plan, titled "Second Century" for the period 2026-2036, outlines key initiatives across five core areas: Student Experience, Academic Programs, Research and Creative Activities, Innovation, and Workplace Culture. It aims to deliver a transformative student-centered experience, cultivate graduates with versatile skills for the evolving job market, establish the institution as a national hub for interdisciplinary research and creative excellence, position it as a regional innovation leader, and foster an empowering workplace culture to attract and retain exceptional talent.

The committee meeting covered several key items, including the review and action on consent agenda items. Approval was granted to establish a new School of Computing at The University of Texas at Austin, which involves reorganizing existing departments to strengthen interdisciplinary research in computational intelligence. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved an update to the Campus Master Plan for Stephen F. Austin State University, which integrates a new strategic plan aimed at enrollment growth, facility upgrades, and the development of new academic programs.

The committee meeting focused on several key items including the consideration of consent agenda items, approval of non-audit services by the external audit firm to assist with Inflation Reduction Act coordinating services, and a report on internal audit activities in accordance with new Global Internal Audit Standards. Additionally, a joint session with the Finance and Planning Committee was held to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Annual Financial Report, independent auditor reports, and financial statements for various U.T. institutions and investment funds.