Carla DeGraw

The meeting included a presentation of the Annual Financial Report FY2025, which was in draft mode pending Board approval. The audit opinion was clean and unmodified. Two accounting changes for FY25 were noted, including a new liability and a shift in cost recording. Changes in guidance related to scholarship allowance versus financial aid expense were discussed. The system shows an operating loss, as expected, but income before other changes in net position increased from the prior year. The decrease in cash and investments was related to the System temporarily using this line to front construction costs. The University of Southern Maine Foundation removed their assets from the System endowment pool.

The meeting addressed key financial and facilities matters, including the authorization to exercise a purchase option for 300 Fore Street in Portland, and the renewal of a sublease with the UMaine Foundation. Construction of a new art building on the Gorham campus was approved, along with the installation of a sprinkler system in Cyr Hall. The replacement of the Collins Center for the Arts chiller was authorized. Updates were provided on the University's capital plan, IT projects, and the demolition fund. The integration of AI across the educational system and strategic plan tracking were also discussed.

The Executive Committee meeting included an executive session to discuss the evaluation of personnel and the consideration of appointments, evaluations, employment, and duties. Following the executive session, the Board of Trustees authorized the Chancellor to take personnel action as discussed during the session.

The meeting included discussion of the Employee Health Plan Task Force (EHPTF) Scorecard, focusing on healthcare cost management and population health stability. The task force is addressing challenges related to high-cost claimants and pharmacy costs by promoting preventive care and self-management solutions. The University of Maine System is transitioning its healthcare plan to Anthem and its prescription provider to CAPRX starting January 1, 2026. There were also labor relations updates, including graduate worker negotiations and arbitration, appeals, and attempts to finalize agreements and manage wage recognition decisions.

The University of Maine System Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on various topics such as a presentation on the University of Maine at Machias, reports from university presidents, and a first read of redlined board policies. The board also discussed and approved new academic program proposals, including a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, a Master of Science in Homeland Security, an Associate of Arts in Human Services, and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Updates were provided on marketing and communications, small campus fundraising initiatives, and finance and strategic AI integration. The board also approved lease renewals and funding for building repairs and renovations. Additionally, there were reports on research and development activities, including federal context, congressionally directed spending, AI and R&D, and the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan.