Emily Bollinger

The discussion centered on the decision not to raise tuition or room and board fees for the upcoming year, driven by a commitment to serving first-generation, low-income, and modest-income students from Colorado. This decision was made to recognize the financial impacts on students due to current circumstances and to maintain accessibility. Speakers emphasized that every institutional decision is based on what is best for the students, reinforcing the university's North Star of placing students first. The proposed budget, which avoids fee increases, was praised as a testament to strong institutional management over the past 15 years, allowing the university to navigate tough times while ensuring educational opportunity for the largest possible number of students through innovative and agile measures.

Key discussions included the Chair's update from the Housing Working Group and brief updates on the Broadway Series opening. The President presented the Human Scale University Champion Award for December 2025 to Verner Johnson, recognized for his fiftieth year of service, and shared updates on ongoing construction, including a new food hall. The Faculty Trustee reported on the Faculty Senate priority list. The Student Trustee provided updates on Homecoming events, "Mavs Giving," the Food Truck Initiative, and the Adopt-A-Family program. The Board discussed strategic direction, focusing on high-level strategy and long-term planning areas, particularly adult learners. The Governance Committee discussed the slate of officers for the January meeting and succession planning. Reports were also provided on the Treasurer's Report, information security initiatives, proposed Professional Personnel Employment Handbook changes, and a preview of the state budget and legislative strategy. The Marketing and Communications team presented a CMU Tech brand video and updates on Maverick Magazine.

This document outlines the institutional vision and mission of Colorado Mesa University. The vision emphasizes becoming a 'Human Scale University' that serves as a model embodying values such as love, dignity, courage, humility, resilience, and curiosity. The mission focuses on providing affordable, accessible education and forming meaningful partnerships to support community well-being and vibrancy, while fulfilling its legislative mandate as a general baccalaureate and graduate institution with a community college role and a regional education provider.

Colorado Mesa University's institutional vision is to be a "Human Scale University" that embodies values such as love, dignity, courage, humility, resilience, curiosity, and the positive use of power. Its mission focuses on providing affordable and accessible education, fostering meaningful community partnerships, and supporting the well-being and vibrancy of the community. The university also upholds its statutory role as a general baccalaureate and graduate institution with selective admission standards, offering liberal arts, sciences, professional, and technical degree programs, alongside a community college role for career and technical education.

The meeting included informational updates during a prior breakfast session. Key discussions during the regular session involved reports from the Chair, highlighting engagement with external groups and an update from the Housing Working Group. The President presented the Human Scale University Champion Award for October 2025 and provided updates on the Leadership Team's quarterly performance and priorities, emphasizing work on civil discourse. The Faculty Trustee reported on the Faculty Professional Development Fund proposals and faculty surveying efforts. The Student Trustee reported on Homecoming promotion and positive feedback from the Mesa Experience event, reflecting on student input regarding free speech. Action was taken to unanimously approve the consent agenda item concerning personnel. Updates and discussions were held regarding the Fall 2025 Financial Dashboard and the Treasurer's Report. The Acting Provost presented proposed changes to the Professional Personnel Employee Handbook, which were subsequently approved, and provided an overview of the 2023--2027 strategic plan pillars and program alignment. Information on current and recently completed campus projects was presented. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a strategic direction session covering mission alignment, vision, financial strategy, and student experience priorities.