Heather Wykoff

The committee meeting covered updates on student success initiatives, including first-year experiences, student engagement metrics, and the expansion of club sports. Discussion also focused on health and well-being services, including rising demand for mental health support and accessibility services, as well as updates on campus housing occupancy, summer facility usage, and an upcoming RFP for a housing study. Additionally, the enrollment management division reviewed recruitment data for the fall term, discussed strategies for improving student retention and financial aid communication, and provided updates on athletic and academic programming growth.

The board meeting primarily focused on the discussion and subsequent approval of establishing women's wrestling as an intercollegiate sport at the university. President Michael Davis presented details regarding the pros and cons, sport sponsorship by division, and a multi-year financial pro forma. The board chair noted that a future policy would be developed regarding the formal process for adding or removing athletic teams, and the meeting concluded without the need for an executive session.

The board meeting included a comprehensive President's report covering government relations, academic and community events, and social media and athletic achievements. The Fairmont State Foundation provided an update on the upcoming Day of Giving. Committee reports were presented covering enrollment, housing and student life, finance, academic affairs, and bylaws. Specifically, discussions included student success and persistence initiatives, fiscal year budget results and cash reserves, academic implementation plans and administrator searches, and the renumbering and amendment of board policies. The board also approved an amendment to the tuition and fees policy.

The committee discussed and approved the renumbering of Board of Governors policies. It also recommended the Emeriti Faculty and Staff Board of Governors policy for adoption by the full board. Furthermore, the committee recommended amending the tuition and fee waiver policy for those aged 65 or older to align with new legislation lowering the eligibility age to 60. Additionally, the committee held a discussion regarding a potential new Board of Governors policy pertaining to intercollegiate athletics.

The committee reviewed the Information Technology Implementation Plan, focusing on current hardware and software conditions, technical debt, and institutional risks. The presentation highlighted underinvestment in technology, aging infrastructure, and potential funding sources, including a student technology fee. The committee discussed a three-year plan to improve data accuracy, cybersecurity, network reliability, and hardware lifecycles. A motion to recommend the AY 2027-2029 Information Technology Implementation Plan to the full board was approved. The committee also entered into an executive session to discuss pending litigation, personnel matters, and property-related financial interests.