Emily Acevedo

The event was the 68th Commencement Ceremony for the College of Health and Human Services, featuring remarks by Dean Beatrice Yorker and President William A. Cavino. Key discussion points included recognizing the contributions of faculty, staff, and university community members, acknowledging the perseverance of the graduating class of 2015 (which included 89 veterans), and highlighting the achievements of the college, such as its top national ranking for Master's programs and specific student accomplishments like George Lamb's nursing research. The speakers emphasized themes of engagement, service, public good, leadership, and the importance of giving back to the community.

The meeting included action items and reports from the Executive Director. The primary action item was the approval of the 2025-2026 operating budget for University Auxiliary Services (UAS), which projected a slight decrease in total revenue due to increased cost of goods sold in dining/hospitality and decreased grant activity, offset by increased salaries and expenses for newly filled vacancies. A significant increase in Utilities & Telephone charges was noted, pending review with facilities. The Executive Director's report covered financial statements showing lower cash compared to the prior year, an increase in grants receivable, and decreased accounts payable. UAS is implementing new requirements from the Chancellor's Office, including an annual risk assessment and fiscal viability report. Grant updates showed $25 million awarded through April, compared to $42 million awarded the previous year, with $60 million in proposals submitted. Operational updates noted the process to fill the Executive Director vacancy and ongoing financial burden and potential improvements for the Golden Eagle Building.

The meeting agenda included a Board Action Item where the 2025 UAS Audit Report results were presented by the Aldrich Auditors, and the report was subsequently approved. The Executive Director's Report outlined three immediate priorities: reinforcing service delivery, refining processes for smooth audits, and securing financial strength. Operational updates covered the hiring of a Finance & Accounting Director, ongoing RFP submission for post-award services, facility needs including an HVAC overhaul for the GE building, reopening schedules for the GE Ballroom and U-Club, vendor additions (Kikka Sushi, Café De Leche), contract renegotiations for Barnes & Noble and Coke, grant risks (15 grants at risk, cancellation of the CCAMPIS grant), and changes to indirect cost rates. Other topics included updating conflict of interest forms and observing risks such as lower enrollment and deferred maintenance. A public forum addressed concerns regarding grant fund processing time and streamlining specific processes.

The key discussion points of the meeting included the approval of the Form 990, with a stipulation that a written report clarifying unrelated business income must be provided before the May 15, 2025, submission deadline. Financial statements reviewed as of February 28th indicated a reduction in cash and cash equivalents, partly due to utilizing short-term investments to cover bills. An analysis regarding utility fees will be conducted by a consultant and presented at the next meeting. In grants updates, $23 million in proposals were awarded this year. Operational discussions covered integrating dining services with third-party food platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats, planned audio and lighting updates for ballrooms to boost rental profits, and updates on the status of the Espresso Bar and Golden Eagle Express locations. Furthermore, the graduation of two tenant companies from the LA BioSpace facility was noted.

The primary action item discussed was the approval of the 2025-2026 operating budget for University Auxiliary Services (UAS). The budget projects a slight decrease in total revenue due to increased cost of goods sold in dining/hospitality, reduced grant activity impacting indirect costs, and lower bookstore commissions. Offsetting these decreases is an anticipated increase in salaries and expenses due to filled vacancies. A notable budget item is a significant projected increase in Utilities & Telephone charges, pending review of metered charges, with a proposal to allocate surplus funds to the Golden Eagle building if charges are lower than expected. The Executive Director's report detailed financial statements noting lower cash levels compared to the previous year, increased grants receivable, and a significant decrease in accounts payable. The report also covered new Chancellor's Office requirements for risk assessment and fiscal viability reports, an update on awarded grants totaling $25 million year-to-date, and operational updates regarding the Executive Director vacancy and high bond lease payments for the Golden Eagle Building.