Bernadette Alden

The agenda for the Executive Committee meeting included updates on the searches for a Chief of Staff for DEI and the next President. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to review a request for interim approval of an honorary degree recipient and receive an update on Fair Share funding.

The agenda for the Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting includes investment presentations from representatives of Francis Investment Consulting Group, Inc. and Adams Community Investment Services. Additionally, the committee will review the FY26 budget actuals and forecast, and conduct a NECHE financial screening.

The committee discussed preparations for the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting, including a search firm development session and a reception for former trustees. Marketing strategies involving website updates with new video, navigation, and AI search capabilities were reviewed. The committee evaluated potential commencement speaker options and received an update on the ongoing presidential search process. Additionally, the committee discussed the current President's goals for the year, specifically integrating DEIB strategic planning, and voted to recommend the release of previous Executive Session minutes to the full board.

The committee discussed the FY25 third-quarter report, highlighting revenue and expense trends, including changes in grants, scholarships, and debt service. A review of the FY25 forecast and the draft FY26 budget followed, with management outlining expense management strategies, enrollment projections, and the potential impact of state and federal funding uncertainties. The committee recommended the operating budget and a funding request for year one of the strategic plan to the full board. Additionally, members addressed challenges regarding undergraduate enrollment in education majors, the condition of campus facilities, and received an update on investment performance.

This document presents a comprehensive four-year student development plan for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. It comprises a sample degree completion plan, specifically for Chemistry, detailing academic requirements and course sequencing across eight semesters. Concurrently, it outlines a structured co-curricular and career planning guide, offering semester-by-semester recommendations for student engagement, skill development, career exploration, and post-graduation preparation, encompassing activities such as resume building, internships, networking, and graduate school research. The plan aims to support students in their holistic development and successful transition beyond graduation.