Edonnya Alvarez

The Council discussed the MSCHE self-study and accreditation process, including upcoming monitoring reports and a scheduled campus visit. Enrollment and retention reports were presented, highlighting new student enrollment data and retention rates. The budget report indicated a fiscal year surplus, with recommendations for allocation, and emphasized the need for close budget management in the upcoming year. The committee also reviewed the national search process for a new Provost, established a date for an upcoming retreat, and provided updates on ongoing legal issues concerning the university.

The Advisory Council discussed several key initiatives, including a review of the FY 2018 Enhancement Request and progress on the university's Strategic Plan and Middle States accreditation compliance. The Provost Search committee confirmed the timeline for upcoming interviews, and plans were made for a campus visit by the planning facilitator. The council received an overview of student recruitment efforts and discussed the development of an 8-semester advising plan. Further topics included strategies for analyzing student retention and attrition data, increasing transparency in the faculty PIN assignment process, hosting the upcoming CUSS meeting, and the rationale behind parking fee policies for adjunct faculty.

The meeting included discussions on the university budget for the upcoming year, enrollment updates, assessment presentations regarding the MSCHE, and an overview of strategic planning initiatives. Compliance updates were provided regarding Title IX, including mandatory gender-based harassment training for students and staff. Further discussion topics included the Institutional Effectiveness Plan, a proposal for Staff Senate Bylaws, the university's position on a city fracking ban, mental health service needs at CAPS, distribution strategies for sustainability fee funds, conduct standards at athletic events, and procedures for weather-related campus closures.

The Council discussed several institutional priorities, including the MSCHE self-study and reaccreditation process, which requires the submission of monitoring reports by a specified deadline. Other key topics included current enrollment and retention trends, fiscal year budget planning, and upcoming compliance requirements related to the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Council also reviewed plans for fostering improved relations between the campus and the City of Frostburg, the development of a long-term strategic planning process and capital campaign, and the initiation of a national search for a new Provost.

The council reviewed the state budget outlook and current collective bargaining discussions regarding graduate assistants, adjuncts, and faculty. Announcements were made regarding the appointment of the 16th university president and a review of updated OKRs. The provost reported on investment fund applications and an Appalachian Regional Tuition proposal. New business topics included proposed updates to parking meters and fines, initiatives to establish additional graduate student scholarships, efforts to address federal-level eligibility barriers for financial aid during intersessions, and plans for the relocation of Graduate Student Association office space and upcoming programming.