Hannah Carter

The Board meeting included an Executive Session covering personnel evaluation, real property disposition, and negotiation planning. Key public discussions during Citizen Comment focused on the Crossland Hall/Franco-American Center and the Orono Comprehensive Plan. The Chair reported on administrative changes to utilize the consent agenda more effectively. The Board confirmed the appointment of Aspen Mitchell as a Student Representative for a two-year term. The Presidents provided round-robin updates detailing campus achievements, such as UMA's designation as a Military Times Best for Vets institution, USM's new Cyber Security Operations Center, UMPI's enrollment growth, and Maine Law's substantial increase in applications. The Board approved proposed changes to the Standard Operating Procedure regarding items for the Consent Agenda. An annual update was provided on the Fossil Fuel Divestment progress, noting significant reduction in exposure since 2022. The Chancellor updated the Board on system activities, including academic portfolio review, and requested an exception for UMA's commencement dates in 2028 and 2029 due to venue constraints. Enrollment updates indicated a system-wide increase in headcount and credit hours year-over-year for the spring semester, alongside challenges posed by the enrollment cliff. The Board authorized the Chancellor to execute the tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Student Workers Union. The Board endorsed the formal applications for the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) and the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) to join NCAA Division III, anticipating benefits in recruitment, recognition, and reduced travel. Campus Presidents presented updates on their respective mission statements and strategic planning alignments, with significant focus on how they address workforce needs and system-wide goals. The Consent Agenda, including the acceptance of prior minutes and honorary degrees, was approved. A detailed evaluation plan for 90-credit hour programs was presented, along with updates on NECHE accreditation status for pilot programs. The Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives updated the Board on the small campus fundraising initiative and the ongoing system marketing and branding efforts, including a phased rollout strategy. The Vice Chancellor for Finance reported investment returns and presented the budget planning timeline. Capital project authorizations included expenditure limits for the Bailey Hall Façade Replacement at USM, the Barrows Hall ESRB Wing Replacement Chiller at UMaine, and an increase in funding for Morse Arena construction at UMaine. Finally, authorization was sought and granted for North Campus Infrastructure Improvements at UMaine, which includes the removal of Crossland Alumni Center. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the infrastructure decision and the future of the Franco-American Center, with the university affirming commitment to relocation and programming despite the demolition of the existing structure.

The committee meeting included discussions with student and faculty representatives, though no specific items were presented by these groups. The primary focus was the review of two proposed doctoral level nursing programs aimed at advancing the University of Maine's R1 mission and addressing regional nursing shortages. The first proposal was for a PhD in Nursing, designed as the state's first research-focused doctoral nursing program, utilizing a hybrid format and partially supported by congressionally directed funding. The second proposal involved transitioning the existing Family Nurse Practitioner track to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP-FNP) degree due to evolving national professional standards. Additionally, updates were provided on several academic programs nearing completion (BS Art Education, MS Healthcare Admin, AS THOR, BS THOR) and seven other programs anticipated for development. A detailed State of Transfer Report was also presented, highlighting strategic goals, enrollment efforts, the new Unified Catalog course search function, and trends related to student transfers and retention, including collaboration with community colleges.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting included an Executive Session to discuss the evaluation of personnel, appointments, evaluations, employment, and duties, which was concluded without objection. The public session focused on the 2026 Tenure Nominations for the University of Maine System. The committee approved a resolution to forward the tenure recommendations submitted by the Universities to the full Board of Trustees for approval at their March 16, 2026, meeting. The approval is set to take effect on September 1, 2026, for faculty with academic year appointments and July 1, 2026, for those with fiscal year appointments. Relevant materials discussed included Board Policy 310 on Tenure, candidate lists, abstracts, and statistical tables.

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Committee meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel evaluations, appointments, and planning for negotiations with various labor units, including AFUM, UMPSA, ACSUM, Police, PATFA, and Service and Maintenance Units. Key discussion points included the planning phase for the Board Chair's annual review and Board Assessment, set for launch in March. A labor relations update confirmed the ratification of the UMaine Graduate Workers Union agreement and noted that negotiations for the Part-Time Faculty Labor Agreement (PATFA) are expected to commence in late spring. The Chief Human Resources Officer detailed five key focus areas for the HR/LR Strategic Plan: leadership and management development, organizational culture adjustment, maximizing HR technology, change management, and career management. Updates were also provided on the successful transition to Anthem for healthcare and CAPRX for prescription management, and ongoing efforts to support Title II compliance regarding accessibility.

The Finance, Facilities and Technology Committee addressed several significant financial and capital agenda items. Key discussions included approving a resolution for reimbursement of project expenditures up to $1,500,000 under the Master Lease Agreement Financing, and approving a resolution to seek authorization to refund Series 2012 and 2015 Revenue Bonds up to $35,000,000 to achieve interest savings. The committee also approved resolutions to authorize financing for a revised Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) project at UMPI, estimated at $4.065 million, and authorized negotiation for a lease agreement for Level-3 Direct Current Fast Chargers at UMPI and UMFK. Furthermore, authorization was sought to expend up to $550,000 for the renovation of the Environmental Science Lab building at UMaine to house the Franco-American Centre. An informational update was provided on the University of Maine Energy Center (UMEC) project, noting its expanded scope and preliminary financing framework. The IT Department provided an update on strategic modernization efforts across infrastructure, campus services, security, and enterprise services. The committee also reviewed the FY27-FY31 Capital Plan, which totals $1.18 billion, and discussed governance adjustments related to inflationary cost increases and residence hall utilization. A strategic plan tracking update was also presented, followed by an Executive Session concerning real property disposition.