Cecilia Reyes Alarcon

This strategic plan for Framingham State University (2025-2029) is designed to leverage its public-good mission for societal impact. The plan outlines five core goals: leveraging its mission for impact, innovating for student success, nurturing a diverse and thriving community, creating inspiring spaces, and fortifying the foundation for excellence. It aims to position the university as an intellectual hub in the MetroWest region, advance social equity, enhance career readiness, and ensure institutional effectiveness and financial sustainability.

This document outlines the consensus solution for the Framingham State University Campus Master Plan, a long-range vision for aspirational yet implementable campus development. It is guided by seven core principles focusing on elevating learning spaces, repurposing infrastructure, investing in accessible open spaces, fostering a sustainable and thriving community, and accelerating partnerships. The plan proposes two main scenarios for the library (new construction or renovation) and details building renovation opportunities, program relocations (e.g., admissions, student services), and classroom modernizations including an AI hub and flipped learning spaces. The implementation is phased over 0-5, 5-10, and 10+ year timeframes.

The meeting included reports from the Chair and the President. The Chair's Report covered the approval of the consent agenda, which included previous meeting minutes, and an update on a fire incident in Tower Hall that caused temporary displacement and water damage to twenty-four rooms, with students receiving support. The Chair also reminded trustees about the upcoming Winter Retreat. The President's Report introduced the new Director of External Affairs and highlighted the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration for the Danforth Art Museum. A senior fashion design student, Aili Schiavoni, shared her academic journey and aspirations. The Student Trustee reported on SGA election results, open houses, the formation of a Safety and Security Ad-hoc Committee, and an upcoming Administrators' Forum. The Administration, Finance, and Technology Committee reported receiving an unmodified audit opinion for FY25 financials, completing the transition of investment portfolios to CapTrust, and updating the Campus Master Plan, with a final draft expected in mid-December. The Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee reviewed the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education's operations, noting its self-sustainability and comprehensive program offerings, and discussed undergraduate enrollment trends and recruitment strategies. The Student Experience Committee reported a ten-year high in first-year retention but noted a drop in second- to third-year persistence, outlining strategies to reverse this trend and requesting board engagement for support and fundraising. The Governance Committee discussed improving onboarding materials for new trustees and emphasized the annual expectation for trustee giving.

The meeting included updates from the Chair, including the introduction of the new Student Trustee and the scheduling of a winter retreat. The Board discussed and voted on the recommendation of President Niemi for the denial of tenure and promotion for Dr. Mehrdad (Mike) Nourai, and approved the submission of the Presidential review to the DHE. President Niemi reported on transitions within the administration, the start of the academic year, student services, enrollment, and the summer delegation. The Student Trustee reported on updates to "RamLink" and SGA elections. The Administration, Finance, and Technology Committee provided updates on the Campus Master Plan and the FY'26 Budget Discussion. The Compliance, Audit, and Risk (CAR) Committee reported on internal audit and risk assessment, information security updates, and the Cedrone Center Closing. The meeting concluded with recognition of Ann McDonald for her service to the Board.

The Board of Trustees meeting included updates from various committees and officers. The consent agenda was approved, and a new student trustee for AY 2025-2026 was introduced. Updates were provided on diversity, inclusion, community engagement, development, alumni relations, and the Foundation's mini-grant program. The SUCCESS funding for FY25 was highlighted, along with strategic priorities and enrollment growth efforts. The Student Trustee reported on SGA election results and the Administrator's Forum. The Administration, Finance, and Technology Committee discussed the FY 2025 budget and the delegation of authority to the Finance Committee for the FY 2026 budget. The approval of CAPTRUST Financial Advisors as the recommended investment services manager was motioned and approved. The Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee reviewed enrollment figures and student retention efforts. The Compliance, Audit, and Risk (CAR) Committee updated on internal assessments, federal and state audits, and information security. The Governance Committee reviewed the BOT Self-Assessment results and committee assignments for AY 2025-2026. The delegation of summer authority to President Niemi was approved.