Michelle Batchelor

The board meeting agenda covered a wide range of institutional topics, including reports from shared governance groups, labor unions, the WOU Foundation, and government relations. Key administrative and financial items included the review of the FY26 management report, the FY25 Single Audit, the proposed internal audit charter, and the FY27 internal audit plan. The finance committee presented tuition and fee proposals for the 2026-2027 academic year and summer session. Additionally, the university housing department provided a facilities overview, and the board conducted an executive session to evaluate the president's performance, leading to the consideration of a resolution regarding the president's reappointment.

This document outlines the mission, programs, and history of Multicultural Student Services & Programs (MSSP) at Western Oregon University. Its primary purpose is the recruitment, retention, and graduation of historically underrepresented and underserved student populations. Key strategic pillars include providing educational opportunities and outstanding programming through initiatives such as the Diversity Scholars Program, the On-Track Program, and the PACE Mentorship Program, which collectively offer academic, personal, and peer support. Additionally, the plan emphasizes cultural programming in collaboration with the Multicultural Student Union. The intended outcomes involve enriching the undergraduate experience, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting diversity, with a notable future objective to reinstate paid PACE mentors by 2026.

The committee reviewed updates from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion regarding various initiatives, including the Hispanic Serving Institution Summit and the transition of the Cesar Chavez Leadership Conference to a new schedule. Progress on the Equity Assessment Action Plan was evaluated, with discussions on operationalizing initiatives across campus. The committee also received a presentation on legal and safety topics, specifically regarding resources for immigrant-origin students, an update on Oregon's sanctuary law, preparation for the upcoming legislative short session, and policy reviews following a campus incident involving outside agitators. Finally, the committee initiated a review of the DEIAC Charter.

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of quorum, while noting the absence of Chair Fana. The acting Chair welcomed attendees and outlined procedures for public comment. A significant portion of the discussion grounded the meeting in the university's strategic plan, mission, and core values (centering students, embracing diversity, fostering accessibility, and valuing community). The President provided an update regarding Southern Oregon University's declaration of financial exigency, the efforts to secure state assistance, and the ongoing monitoring of potential institutional survival plans, including merger or closure. The President emphasized that Western Oregon University is addressing its own structural deficit through planned cuts and restructuring over the next biennium. Positive updates included reaccreditation, stabilization in enrollment metrics (admissions, visits, and applications exceeding 10-year highs), receipt of a Title Three grant, and achieving Hispanic Serving Institution status. The report also highlighted the high percentage of first-generation students and ongoing partnerships for professional development, including civic engagement training.

Key discussions focused on the Multicultural Student Services and Programs 2026 updates and highlights. The committee reviewed the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee Charter and the Board Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Further topics included an update from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion regarding initiatives such as the Celebrate Your True Self Visit Day and planning for the Hispanic Serving Institution Summit and Cesar Chavez Leadership Conference. Progress on the Equity Assessment Action Plan was reviewed, along with initiatives for expanded bilingual engagement. A legal update covered support for immigrant-origin students, current immigration policy considerations, and legislative proposals for the 2026 Oregon Legislative Short Session. The committee also discussed a campus incident and the subsequent review of the time, place, and manner speech policy. Finally, the committee began the review process for the DEIAC Charter.