Casie Benson

The board meeting included a presentation on the transition of courses to 8-week formats and a review of the monthly financial report for January. Key action items included approving furniture purchases for the Seibel Housing Units, the N-303 Physics Laboratory, and the Applied Technology Center. The board ratified an increase in a U.S. Department of Education federal grant, accepted a grant for writing services, and authorized participation in the 1GPA National Purchasing Cooperative. Additionally, the board approved a research and consulting proposal from Hanover Research, accepted funds for the 2026 Women In Industry Conference, and authorized infrastructure improvements, including fiber cabling and video surveillance for student housing.

The committee meeting focused on updates regarding the Health Sciences Education Center project, including a session held in executive closed meeting. Additionally, the committee discussed facility requirements and program development for the shipfitting program, including potential federal appropriation requests for equipment, curriculum planning, and long-term facility usage. Finally, general status updates were provided for various ongoing campus facilities projects, including roof repairs, student housing, culinary classrooms, physical plant improvements, and landscaping.

The Board of Regents discussed student success initiatives, focusing on student satisfaction across various pathways. The Comptroller presented financial reports for December. Action items included the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Investment Report, adoption of the financial statements and Single Audit Reports for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and final acceptance of the Hermes Gym roof replacement project. The board approved the acquisition of new chairs for the Blackbox Theater and new furniture for Room N-119, ratified the appointment of full-time instructors, and authorized a resolution for the upcoming May 2026 general election. Additionally, the Board received reports on student organization activities and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management program.

The committee reviewed and discussed the preliminary draft financial statements and single audit reports for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2025, and 2024, along with the required communications letter provided by external auditors. There were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified in the audit results. The committee entered into a closed session to evaluate personnel matters related to the audit before reconvening to recommend the acceptance of the audited financial statements and reports to the Board of Regents.

The meeting began with a certification that the notice for the Facilities Committee Meeting was properly posted on January 8, 2026. Key agenda items included moving the update on the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) Project forward, which led to the committee entering an Executive/Closed Session to consult with an attorney. Upon reconvening, the committee reviewed and unanimously recommended to the Board of Regents the final acceptance of the completed Hermes Gym Roof Replacement project, including the release of retainage amounting to $31,134.10 to Hyperion Construction. The committee also reviewed the working draft of the 2025-2026 proposed Facilities Master Plan. No action was taken regarding a recommendation for the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) Project.