Doni Alicea

The committee reviewed FY2026 tenure awards for faculty members from the Management, Marketing, and Accounting departments. Key academic updates included a progress report on the First Year Experience graduation requirement and details regarding a recent Higher Learning Commission multi-location site visit. The College of Business and Technology reported on curriculum innovations, including AI integration and new professional partnerships. Additional topics covered included a pilot for fully online graduate programs with flat-rate tuition, enrollment funnel updates for undergraduate and graduate admissions, retention metrics for the Spring 2026 semester, and student housing occupancy rates. The committee also received a status update on the Workday Finance project and an assessment of potential enterprise productivity tools, comparing Microsoft Office 365 with the current Google Workspace environment.

The Statement of Investment Policy for Northeastern Illinois University establishes guiding principles for the management, monitoring, and evaluation of the University's financial assets. It outlines investment objectives, governance responsibilities, asset allocation guidelines for the Long-Term Investment Pool (LTIP), Operating Pool, and Separately Invested Funds, along with risk management standards. Key focus areas encompass asset categories (Global Equity, Fixed Income, Real Assets), liquidity management, performance evaluation, sustainable investing practices, and internal controls, all designed to ensure prudent financial stewardship in accordance with applicable laws and fiduciary standards.

The meeting addressed several procedural and operational matters, including a successful motion to permit remote participation for two Trustees. Public comment was received regarding contract negotiations and amendments to parental leave rules. Key updates included remarks from the President on a successful semester and upcoming strategic plan presentation, and introductions of the new Chief of Police and the new Director of El Centro. The Board reviewed committee reports, including informational briefings on academic affairs, enrollment management, student affairs, and technology. Action items approved by the Board included the naming of the University Auditorium for Sasha L. Gerritson, approval of a contract with American Campus Communities for temporary management of The Nest, approval of the FY26 Strategic Planning Development Fund Request, and approval of a sole source agreement with American 3B Scientific for the nursing simulation lab equipment. Information items covered the FY26 1st Quarter Budget to Actuals Report and the Institutional Advancement Framework, which outlined the NEIU Foundation's structure and upcoming comprehensive campaign. The Board also discussed the President's FY26 salary increase, which President Bell-Jordan subsequently declined. Finally, the Board considered and ultimately decided against altering the established 2026 meeting pattern.

The 2026-2031 Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois University focuses on rebuilding, stabilization, and growth to ensure long-term success as an urban, public comprehensive university. The plan is guided by five key features: commitment, actionable goals, resource planning, assessment metrics, and adaptability. It outlines five primary goals: strengthening student success and retention, enhancing curricular innovation and faculty/staff excellence, improving infrastructure, elevating the university's identity and regional impact, and advancing fiscal stability and growth. The overall aim is to advance opportunity, elevate its identity, expand its regional impact, and reaffirm its commitment to student success and institutional excellence, particularly as a minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution.

Although a quorum could not be achieved, an informal information session was held. Public comment focused on concerns regarding Campus Recreation leadership and staff accountability. The President reported on significant developments including the finalization of the NEIU strategic plan, ongoing infrastructure projects (new education building, nursing simulation lab, One Stop Center, and B.I.G. Center), and a recent credit rating upgrade from Moody's. Academic Affairs noted upcoming registration dates for Summer and Fall 2026, and the review of a new Computer Science AI program. The College of Arts and Sciences detailed efforts to enhance programs by creating new minors and piloting a transitional bilingual curriculum. The Goodwin College of Education is implementing a state-funded teacher apprenticeship program, pursuing online status for the Rehabilitation Counseling program with a $1,000,000 grant, and planning the Fall 2026 launch of an Ed.D. program. The College of Graduate Studies and Research is focusing on supporting graduate programs, investigating 4+1 pathways, and seeking funding for assistantships. Enrollment Management reported a 2% increase in Spring 2026 headcount and credit hours compared to the previous year, and noted the success of the early A/R hold pilot program in recovering $2.15 million in revenue. Student Affairs is managing the transition of operational ownership of the Nest, selecting a new housing CRM system, and reintroducing Goldie Bucks. Technology reported progress on the Workday Finance system go-live scheduled for July 1, 2026, and developing an AI governance framework.