Heather Duhart

The board convened for a special meeting via telephone conference to address the review of terms and conditions of a prospective employment contract and the consideration of prospective employment during a closed session.

The committee meeting featured a comprehensive update on The Campaign for Carolina, highlighting progress toward fundraising goals, the status of signature initiatives, and project timelines. Additionally, a presentation was provided regarding the Kenan-Flagler Business School's campaign performance, current rankings, and strategic priorities. The committee also received a University Communications update detailing team responsibilities, high-profile media outreach, and metrics related to the Fall Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020.

The meeting provided informational updates regarding University development and communications. Key discussion topics included a communications overview and a development update featuring the Arts Everywhere signature initiative and associated marketing materials across various media platforms such as magazines, newspapers, and social media channels for mobile app promotion.

The Board of Trustees held a session covering several strategic and operational updates. Key discussion topics included the Chairman's remarks on the university's performance rankings, the announcement of a new cabinet-level position for commercialization and economic development, and remarks from the Student Body President regarding campus inclusivity and concerns over contextualized grading. The Chancellor provided updates on legal representation, integrity initiatives, and successful fundraising efforts, including a $100 million gift. Reports from various committees were presented, covering investments, capital projects, research initiatives, and academic personnel actions. The meeting also addressed specific presentations on the Institute of Marine Sciences, the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science, the Carolina Women's Center, and the Sonya Hayes Stone Center for Black Culture and History.

The committee meeting focused on several topics related to startup funding, research commercialization, and entrepreneurial culture. Key discussions included an overview of funding for startups through grants and awards, the role of Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, the development of the Carolina Research Venture Fund, and the proposal for an Angel Network. Additionally, the committee discussed university efforts to foster an entrepreneurial culture, including various startup competitions and programming, as well as an update on the TEDxUNC 2016 initiative.