Cassandra Bland

Key discussion items for this meeting include action items such as the resolution for the creation of the School of Education and Learning Sciences, and tenure approvals for two individuals. The agenda also provides for reports from the Chairperson, the President, and various committees including Executive, Committee of the Whole, Academic and Student Affairs and Student Outcomes, Audit, Budget, and Finance, and Operations. The meeting is noted to potentially enter executive session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with D.C. Code Section 2-575 (b), (10).

The Executive Committee meeting agenda included the call to order and roll call. The primary action item slated for discussion was a resolution concerning an interim appointment for the Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Management. The document also provided notice that an executive session may be conducted to discuss personnel matters relating to government appointees, employees, or officials.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board ratified resolutions en bloc, including the creation of the School of Education and Learning Sciences, tenure approvals for faculty members in the School of Business and Public Administration and the Learning Resources Division, and the appointment of an Interim Dean for the School of Education. Additional resolutions were approved concerning a capital budget amendment, a collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union Local 500, a contract for janitorial services, and a modification to a lease agreement with Bleu Tea & Trading, LLC. The Chairperson thanked the prior board leadership and reiterated the Board's commitment to advancing UDC's strategic priorities. The President delivered a presentation focused on strategic plan implementation and institutional progress, highlighting technology and infrastructure improvements, advancement and fundraising initiatives, and strategic priorities for the coming year. Committee reports were given, including updates from the Academic and Student Affairs committee on merging the Outcomes Task Force with Academic Affairs and focusing on student success and institutional progress.

The committee meeting included discussions and approvals for honorary degree resolutions for Gina Adams, Wil Haygood, and C. Brian Williams. The committee also discussed and approved academic program resolutions for an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, and a Certificate in Polysomnography, all to be housed at the Community College.

The town hall covered topics such as the spring opening, updates on employee compensation including cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for non-union, NEA, and SEIU members, and the university's budget for FY22 and FY23. Discussions included the use of federal COVID-19 relief funds (HERF) to address revenue loss, reduce student account balances, and meet operational, academic, and student success needs. The university is requesting additional funds to support critical educational pipelines, capital improvements, and initiatives to retain top talent and support cost of living increases.