Cameron Caldwell-Conner

The Board meeting commenced with public comments addressing concerns over recent administrative salary increases. Chairperson Radosh welcomed the new academic year, announced administrative changes including a new Provost, and emphasized the need for a collective focus on recruitment and retention, noting WIU's Carnegie classification as an opportunity university. President Mindrup outlined priorities for the year, focusing on enrollment success, cultivating self-authorship, and strengthening the WIU brand, mentioning progress with the Quad Cities campus repositioning and the grand opening of Rocky's Play Space. Updates from advisory groups covered student government initiatives, faculty governance reviews, concerns from civil service employees regarding pay raises and system changes, and administrative personnel recognition. Leadership updates included a review of government relations, the adoption of a two-college structure within academic affairs, and highlights from student success initiatives such as the redevelopment of first four-week programming and the opening of the Oasis room for student wellness. Key actions included the approval of the FY 2026 All-Funds Budget, FY 2027 Appropriated Operating Budget Recommendations, FY 2027 Appropriated Capital Budget Recommendations, the approval of future Board meeting dates, authorization for income-producing contracts with the Illinois Department of Human Services and Moline-Coal Valley School District, approval of depositories and signatories, authorization for the annual presidential performance review, and the election of a Trustee for the Audit Chair position.

The Board meeting included public comments addressing concerns about the closure of the Quad City Psychology program and the repair status of the Horrabin Hall AC unit. Recognition was given to Trustee Derek Wise for his service, followed by remarks from the Chairperson and the President. Key discussion items included the mission of student success, the impact of the recent state funding increase, and financial stabilization efforts. The Board received verbal updates from advisory groups and leadership. Reports covered purchases over $100,000, quarterly budget and financial data, external audits, sponsored grants, academic program changes, contributions, residence repair, financial aid, and athletics. Action items included the amendment of the Intercollegiate Athletics Policy, approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Spending Plan, tenure recommendations for 2025-2026, the disposition of closed session records, and the election of Trustee Kisha Lang to the State Universities Civil Service Merit Board. New officers for the upcoming fiscal year were elected, with Trustee Polly Radosh becoming Chair, Trustee Carin Stutz Vice Chair, and Trustee Erika Lowe Mullins Secretary. A proclamation recognizing Student Trustee Cody Cornell for his service was also approved.

The meeting included discussions and reports on budget and financial data, purchases, externally sponsored grants and contracts, undergraduate admissions and student success, and contributions. The board also reviewed the presidential performance. Resolutions were passed regarding purchases, disposition of closed session minutes, authorization to borrow from the University Foundation, sale of surplus real estate, and recommendations for fiscal year 2027 tuition and fees. Other topics included changes to meeting locations for 2026.

The meeting included discussions on purchases between 100,000 to 499,000, budget and financial data for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, external audit findings from fiscal year 2024, externally sponsored grants and contracts, and academic program changes. The board addressed the university's financial status, efforts to mitigate the budget deficit, and strategies for financial stability. Concerns were raised about potential funding cuts to public broadcasting and their impact on emergency notifications. Academic program changes were reviewed, including the status of programs like sociology and physics, with a focus on adapting to community needs and exploring innovative educational approaches.

The meeting included discussion and reports on purchases, budget and financial data, externally sponsored grants and contracts, contributions, and enrollment. Resolutions were addressed regarding the FY 2026 All-Funds Budget, FY 2027 Appropriated Operating Budget Recommendations, FY 2027 Appropriated Capital Budget Recommendations, approval of meeting dates, approved depositories and signatories, authorizing the annual presidential performance review, and income-producing contract approvals with the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Moline-Coal Valley School District. Also discussed was the appointment and approval of a Trustee to chair the Board of Trustees Audit Committee.