Emily Henkelman-Parker

The committee convened to consider and approve the naming of a university structure, specifically the Child Behavioral Health Building. The proposed name, Tykeson Child Behavioral Health Building, honors the Tykeson Family Charitable Trust in recognition of their $15 million commitment to the project and their longstanding support of the university.

The committee reviewed the Education and General fund Quarter Two finance report, noting improved year-end shortfall projections despite reductions in tuition revenue and personnel costs. The annual treasury report provided insights into investment income, risk profiles, and comparisons with peer institutions. The quarterly treasury report covered recent bond issuances for new residence halls and the institutional strategy for managing interest rates. Additionally, the committee received an update on the management of state public university retirement plans, specifically discussing plan assets, oversight, and employee vesting periods.

The committee reviewed the quarterly audit report for the third quarter, which included an update on research grant management processes and the presentation of the FY2017 Internal Audit Plan focusing on fundamental control systems and Enterprise Risk Management. The committee officially approved the FY2017 Risk Assessment and Internal Audit Plan. Additionally, an update on the university's IT strategic plan was provided, covering key areas such as security, infrastructure, governance, physical controls, and project management. The discussion also addressed IT infrastructure design, the status of ongoing IT initiatives, and the selection and governance of High Performance Computing vendors.

The board discussed and formally authorized the first phase of the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, a major capital construction project with an anticipated budget of $225 million. Key discussion points included the project scope, which entails a new 160,000-square-foot research facility, an innovation center, and a sky bridge connecting to the existing science complex. The board reviewed the project timeline, design components, funding sources—comprising a philanthropic gift and state revenue bonds—and the long-term strategic goals for enhancing research infrastructure.

The committee meeting addressed several key topics, including an update on the Reset the Code campaign aimed at fostering campus dialogue and inclusivity. An overview of the University Health Center and Counseling and Testing Center expansion project was presented, highlighting the need to address service demand and facility maintenance. The committee also discussed university accreditation standards and the upcoming demonstration project evaluation. Finally, the committee approved the conversion of the Language Teaching Specialization track into a formal Master of Arts degree program in Language Teaching Studies.