Blessing Okoli

The board received year-end reports covering policy approvals, including a new diversity initiative manager position, investment lineup changes, and budget allocations for student services. Committee reports were presented for diversity and inclusion, facilities and operations, finance, personnel, and retirement plans, detailing accomplishments and recommendations for the coming year. Key action items included the appointment of new student, alumni, faculty, and staff representatives to the board. The board held a transition ceremony for the incoming members and conducted elections for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, the board approved the meeting schedule for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Board of Directors discussed several key items, including the acceptance of the 2016-17 Form 990, approval of revisions to the Finance, Personnel, and Facilities & Commercial Services committee codes to include a co-chair position, and the implementation of a student union fee restoration plan to stabilize the debt service coverage ratio. The Board also reviewed the second-quarter budget report, approved revisions to the SRC Membership and Facility Access Policy, and discussed the executive director's evaluation, student achievement awards, and sustainability initiatives regarding paper usage.

The board discussed several operational and strategic matters. The Executive Director provided updates on the Valera NEST construction project and new staff hiring. Committee reports were presented covering diversity and inclusion initiatives, facilities projects, and financial performance. Key action items included the approval of the 2024-25 Operating Budget Proposal, the 2023-2024 Second Quarter Budget Report, and the authorization to create a university webpage dedicated to highlighting the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.

The board meeting included reports from the Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Director, and the Associated Students liaison. Key discussion topics featured an update on the University Student Union construction and renovation project, which is now expected to be completed by the 2024-2025 academic year due to pandemic-related delays, and a presentation advocating for Proposition 16. Additionally, the board received updates from various committees including Diversity & Inclusion, Facilities & Commercial Services, Finance, and Personnel, and shared announcements regarding voting registration, student health resources, and leadership transitions within the board administration.

The committee discussed several budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year, including capital outlay allocations for equipment, major repair and replacement projects, administrative contingencies, and operating expense proposals for software. The committee reviewed the Contracts Policy, confirming that current practices align with requirements prohibiting the use of child, convict, or indentured servant labor. Additionally, a nomination was made for the Board of Directors Committee Member of the Year award, and announcements were provided regarding future meetings and upcoming elections.