Crystal Walrath

The Board discussed various staffing matters including appointments, separations, retirements, and the granting of Emeritus Status to former faculty members. The President's report highlighted the university's receipt of the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement and various academic and athletic achievements. The Board addressed and approved committee agendas, authorized appointments to public school academy boards, approved a supplemental capital budget, and passed an increase in meal plan rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the Board approved procedures for presidential evaluation, amendments to the president's employment contract, the naming of a broadcast center, and updates to board policies.

The committee meeting addressed several administrative actions, including the approval of faculty appointments and transfers, as well as the appointment and reappointment of members to various public school academy boards of directors. A presentation was provided on aligning academic strategies with employer and student demand, focusing on workforce preparation, curriculum transparency, and credentials. Additionally, the committee discussed the recommendation for Emeritus Faculty status for four former faculty members and received an overview regarding institutional accreditation reaffirmation, including the process, timelines for upcoming site visits, and the role of the Board of Regents in compliance and evaluation.

The committee discussed updates from the Student Government regarding internal training, campus initiatives, and semester goals including the planning of a new boat regatta. The Office for International Students and Scholars presented data on the international student population, noting challenges related to visa regulations and enrollment, and highlighted support efforts for student rights and engagement. Additionally, the University Advising and Career Development Center presented the Bridge to Success model, focusing on career readiness through internships, experiential learning, and the use of tools like JobScan. The committee also briefly received information regarding Counseling and Psychological Services' outreach, mental health initiatives, and service expansion for neurodivergent learners.

The committee discussed several initiatives, including the EMU Professional Badge program which aims to enhance student professionalism, faculty responses to the integration of generative AI in classroom instruction, and the development of an Alternative Grading Community of Practice focused on learning growth and reducing grade-based competition. Additionally, the committee reviewed the principles and importance of shared governance in university operations.

The committee meeting covered a comprehensive review of athletics, including a sports update, academic progress report for student-athletes, and a fundraising update for fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the committee reviewed a detailed summary of athletic facilities and capital projects completed between 2021 and 2026 across various campus venues, such as the George Gervin GameAbove Center, Rynearson Stadium, Oestrike Stadium, and the newly developed rowing course at Ford Lake. Discussions also included fan engagement initiatives, ticket sales growth, and future event planning.