Holly Hunter

The Board of Trustees discussed various university updates, including leadership searches, student housing, and reorganization efforts. Key actions included the approval of tenure for several faculty candidates, the passage of personnel action and information items, and updates to the drug and alcohol policies in the Trustee Policy Manual. The board also delegated authority to negotiate an MOU with the State Land Board regarding an electrical easement project. Additional discussions covered the draft FY2026-27 budget, undergraduate enrollment reports, and the progress of the Elevate Western fundraising campaign.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting where several key actions and reports were reviewed. Personnel items, including faculty sabbaticals, were approved along with the 2026-2027 meeting schedule and administrative calendar. Major curricular updates, such as the creation of a Master of Arts in Applied Ethics and revisions to the Master of Environmental Management, were approved to align with market demand. The Board also authorized tuition, fee, room, and board rates for FY2026-27 and approved updates to the Trustee Policy Manual regarding background checks. Reports were presented on the progress of presidential searches, federal appropriations, legislative activity, the Elevate Western campaign, financial audit results, and enrollment growth strategies.

The meeting was called to order by Chair Buckley. The agenda was approved as presented. The Board convened an executive session to consider personnel matters, specifically the President's Comprehensive 360 Assessment, which included input from over 120 stakeholder interviews. Upon returning to public session, the Chair indicated that the review was a strong endorsement of President Baca's leadership and that an executive summary would be distributed the following week. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

Key discussions during the meeting involved securing funding for the Leslie J. Savage Library remodel and upcoming legislative advocacy efforts. The board adopted a resolution designating Western as a bird-friendly campus and discussed upcoming searches for the provost and athletic director positions. Updates were provided on SGA allocations, faculty concerns regarding the presidential evaluation timeline, and progress on the Western Watershed General Education initiative. Action items included the approval of personnel actions, FY2025-26 Compensation Budget Amendments which featured a 2.5% salary increase effective January 1st, and revisions to the Handbook for Professional Personnel concerning compensation and workload. The board also reviewed the draft 2026-2027 meeting schedule and received reports on undergraduate enrollment growth, which showed a 20% increase in Colorado first-year students, and the legislative agenda emphasizing sustained higher education funding. A department report highlighted a state funding proposal that fell short of covering rising costs.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and academic matters. The President introduced the new VP of Advancement and announced the upcoming national search for the departing Provost. Strategic messaging efforts in preparation for the university's 125th anniversary were detailed, along with recognition for the Head Football Coach's recent achievements. The Board Chair provided updates on a comprehensive presidential evaluation and the success of Western Week. The Faculty Trustee reported on faculty involvement in supporting first-year students and ongoing curriculum updates. Faculty Senate expressed concerns regarding compensation levels relative to the cost of living. In administrative reports, updates were provided on campus activities, including strong athletic rankings and new collegiate licensing revenue streams. Action items included the approval of personnel actions, affirmation of support for the Petroleum Geology program, approval of the new nursing program curriculum, approval of a correction to the Graduate Education Course Fee, and approval of various updates to the Trustee Policy Manual and Handbook for Professional Personnel. Financial discussions covered closing FY25 with an increased reserve, offsets to projected FY26 shortfalls, and a renewed capital construction request for the Savage Library renovation. The 'Elevate Western' campaign update reported over $99 million raised. The meeting concluded with the formal presentation of a Resolution of Appreciation to Trustee Jim Pribyl for his service as Board Chair.