Carrie Adams

The inaugural strategic plan for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania focuses on student-centered initiatives to advance its mission, vision, values, and goals. It aims to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities, support vibrant on-campus student experiences, and provide financially responsible degree options that maximize experiential learning and career preparation. The plan emphasizes honoring the university's history, investing in current challenges like accessibility and cost, and building a powerful future for growth and regional economic and workforce development.

The meeting agenda included several key items: approval of prior minutes from October 30, 2025, and various updates. Discussions covered the Presidential Search timeline, which includes a campus interview day for Jeff on February 18 and a recommendation to the Board of Trustees by the search committee for the March 6 meeting. Senate Constitution Amendments and Facilities Progress were reviewed; facility updates detailed ongoing negotiations regarding the North Hall roof repairs (insurance settlement only covering a fraction of the estimated $8 million total needed), project delays for Lower Manser due to supply chain issues, the collection of data on facilities fees usage, and the stagnation of the stadium renovation project. Strategic Communications requested visual content and website accuracy checks. The Red & Black Committee detailed upcoming events including a Souper Bowl Luncheon, Appreciation Night for faculty/staff at basketball games, Hockey Night, BINGO and Lunch, and an Around the World & Book Exchange Luncheon. Financial matters highlighted significant challenges ahead, with budget projections showing current deficits. The Executive Committee reported on the transition to CourseDog for policy writing and gearing up for semester elections. The Academic Policy Committee listed several policies slated for first reading, while Enrollment Management reported on transfer policy approval but noted a downturn in applications and deposits for first-year students. The DEI Committee reported progress on the ADA Policy review and ongoing work on gender, harassment, and sexual misconduct policies. The First Year Experience Subcommittee revised the FYS course proposal, recommending peer leaders for larger classes. Constituency reports covered alumni engagement, athletics coaching changes, CTL events, SGA activity fee increase proposal, and the President's commitment to community engagement and presence on campus.

The meeting included a report from the President's Office detailing that Trustees approved a preliminary budget while awaiting the state budget, expecting flat funding despite requesting a 6.5% increase. Leadership searches for the CIO and CFO were discussed. Standing Committee reports covered several policy reviews: Academic Policy is working on the Academic Dismissal Policy and others; Enrollment Management is progressing with the Transfer Policy; First Year Experience plans to cap enrollments at 50 and support faculty by fall 2026; Space and Facilities is finalizing the Inclement Weather Policy and bylaws. The Budget Report indicated a revised current fiscal year projected deficit of $10 million due to flat state funding and enrollment decline, noting that the prior fiscal year's actual deficit was $13.2 million against a projection of $18 million. Commonwealth University Senate business involved reviewing policies such as Leave of Absence and Transfer Policy, with feedback gathered until November 12th. Proposed changes to the CU Constitution, including clarification on elections, committee structures, and adding a new article for the Office of Past Senate President, were updated.

The meeting included committee reports covering several topics. The Executive Committee addressed interim policies, creating an ad hoc committee to process unassigned policies. The Academic Policy Committee is handling five policies for approval. The IT Subcommittee had one policy for second reading. The Enrollment Management Subcommittee sought student representation. The DEI Committee reviewed the Time, Place and Manner policy for reading and scheduled the ADA policy for spring. The Space and Facilities Subcommittee submitted the Interim Inclement Weather Policy and bylaws for review. Constitutional amendments proposals were reviewed, scheduled for a spring vote. Several policies underwent second readings and approvals, including the Leave of Absence Policy, Time Place and Manner Policy, Acceptable Use of Technology Policy, Grade Change Policy (with a friendly amendment request to rename it to 'Grade Correction' which was withdrawn), Preferred Name Policy, Incompletes Policy (with an approved amendment to rename it to 'Incomplete Grade Policy'), Withdrawal from University Policy, and Transfer Policy. The Consent Agenda included the Records Retention Policy and Standard.

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss personnel issues, legal matters, collective bargaining agreements, and public safety concerns. The Council heard remarks from representatives of APSCUF, SCUPA, and AFSCME concerning campus environment, budget constraints, and workforce support. The Interim President reported on campus engagement and the need to align the budget with the mission. Student remarks highlighted the quality of campus food and student government engagement. Informational updates were provided on Fall 2025 Enrollment (noting a 2.5% overall decrease, a 3.2% increase in graduate numbers), Capital Projects Prioritization (including addressing deferred maintenance and Fairview suites failures), and Year-End Giving Reports (Bloomsburg is near its $100M goal). New business involved a 2025/26 budget update showing a $9.9M deficit due to the unapproved state budget. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the 2025-2026 Educational & General budget resolution and the approval of the Order of Succession Planning Resolution.