Brennan Amaral

The meeting included committee reports covering Athletics, Finance, Audit and Facilities Planning, Academic and Student Affairs, and School of Medicine updates. Key discussions and actions involved the retroactive approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Final Audited Financial Statements, approval of proposed changes to the 2025-2026 Academic Year Housing Rates, and the authorization by the President to establish the Bill and Lois Dolin Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-5 (Employee Dependent Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program) and Rule No. SA-1 (Student Rights and Responsibilities). Updates were provided on employee engagement survey results, Fall 2025 enrollment growth despite demographic headwinds, and the university's role in economic development initiatives like the IDEA District and positioning West Virginia as a Power Tech Center. The Student Representative provided updates on food drive initiatives, student organization allocations, the 55th Memorial Fountain Ceremony, and the upcoming Dancing with the HERD fundraiser.

The meeting included the swearing-in of two new Board members. Key discussions involved the IDEA District update, committee reports, and recognition of faculty achievements, including a NASA grant recipient and an award winner for preserving African American heritage. Action items included the approval of revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-5 concerning the Employee Dependent Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program to ensure equitable fee remission regardless of residency, and the approval of revisions to Rule No. SA-1 consolidating student rights and responsibilities policies and adding mandatory reporting requirements. The Provost reported extensively on academic affairs, including updates from various colleges (Arts and Media, Engineering and Computer Science, Education and Professional Development, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science), the Division of Aviation, the Lewis College of Business, the School of Pharmacy, University College, University Libraries, and the Office of Online Education. The Student Body President provided an update on SGA activities, including food drive success during the SNAP benefit pause, the allocation of funds to student organizations, and the upcoming Dancing with the HERD event. The Dean of the School of Medicine reported on student performance in national examinations, preparations for Match Day, recent rural health awards, the launch of the Marco Mobile Medical Unit, and research achievements. The board also authorized the establishment of the Bill and Lois Dolin Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery. The Vice President for Student Affairs detailed the division's structure, staff, new initiatives like Esports expansion and the WOW Academy, engagement metrics, and upcoming priorities, including office relocations and system implementations. Action items from the Finance, Audit and Facilities Planning Committee included the receipt of the Final Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2025 and the approval of proposed changes to 2025-26 Academic Year Housing Rates for The Landing. The board also held an Executive Session to discuss matters involving commercial competition.

The meeting agenda included updates from the Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Vice President for Student Affairs. Key discussion items centered on the Herd Academy's Dual Enrollment program, including performance achievements such as increased student enrollment and course enrollments, as well as future expansion plans. Additionally, there was a strategic planning update on Aviation, covering its programs like Professional Pilot Flight and Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), investment in growth areas, and future strategic initiatives.

The Athletics Committee meeting focused on several key areas. Information items included the Committee Annual Activity Calendar and the Athletics Report titled "Fueling the Future: Sustainable Success," presented by the Vice President and Director of Athletics. The recurring agenda covered updates on Student-Athlete Success & Well-Being (including academic performance, GSR/APR, and career outcomes), Competitive Excellence (strategies for championships and NCAA compliance updates), Fan Experience & Community Engagement (game day atmosphere and digital engagement), Revenue Growth & Resource Development (budget review, fundraising updates like Big Green and NIL, and 50/50 progress), and Facilities & Capital Projects (debt reduction and strategic upgrades). Specific discussion points included the NCAA proposed change allowing additional commercial logos on uniforms, football attendance figures, basketball ticket revenue, and updates on Big Green membership and annual fund progress. Facility updates highlighted the 'Herd R&R' recovery and relaxation space.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting included action items such as the proposed revision to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-5 concerning Employee Dependent Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program to ensure equitable fee remission for all dependents, which has an estimated annual cost of $80,000. Information items covered an Academic Affairs Update, an update from the West Virginia Advisory Council of Faculty (ACF), Program Reports for the School of Medicine and Graduate Studies, a Provost Report, and the Committee Annual Activity Calendar. The meeting also addressed proposed revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. SA-1 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), involving consolidation of policies, mandatory reporting requirements, updates to conduct standards categories, clarifications on campus carry regulations, and adjustments to code numbering for various violations.