Janis Bush

The Board deliberated on several key agenda items, including the approval of Emeritus Status for designated recipients and the authorization of the FY2027 County Funding Request for presentation to the County Commissioners. Discussions also covered the establishment of the Board Award Committee, updates regarding the MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee, and a comprehensive report from the College President detailing enrollment metrics, athletic team successes, and student advocacy initiatives. An executive session was conducted to discuss confidential award nominations.

The open session meeting included several communications, such as updates from the Faculty Senate regarding the Emeritus Policy and Tri-model classes, and a report from the Staff Senate detailing governance updates and future forum plans. The Board approved the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which included the FY2027 Holiday Schedule and AY26-27 Academic Calendar. Action items involved the acceptance and approval of the Garrett College Federal Award Programs Single Audit Report for June 30, 2025, which received an unmodified opinion with no findings. The Board also unanimously approved the Garrett College 2026 Facility Master Plan Update, which focuses on renovations to the 700 Building and discusses potential future renovation of the 600 Building spaces. Discussion items covered the FY2027 Budget planning timeline and the Self-Study Steering Committee progress regarding accreditation standards reports. The Board recessed to an Executive Session to discuss confidential personnel matters related to Succession Planning and Deans Professional Development.

The meeting included communication items such as updates from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Campus Advisory & Activities Board, with the Staff Senate reporting concerns about the Laker Café menu variety and hours. Key action items involved the approval of several updated policies: the Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco, Opioids, and Other Drugs (ACTOOD) Policy, the October 2025 Update to the Student Code of Conduct, the Governance Charter-October 8, 2025 Update (which included renaming a committee to CORC), and the Religious Accommodations Policy. The Board also unanimously approved the Tuition, Fees, and Residence Hall Rates for FY27, projecting a revenue increase despite some rate reductions. Furthermore, the Board approved accepting naming gifts for the baseball/softball scoreboard (Rush Services) and the soccer scoreboard (In Recognition of the Legends of White Rock). Discussion items included an academic update, progress on the Self-Study Steering Committee, an update on securing alternative student housing through Wisp, and financial reports noting demolition and abatement work on the #700 Building and the advancement of initiatives to generate new non-tuition revenue streams, such as bootcamp-style trainings.

The open session meeting commenced following an executive session held to discuss personnel matters, building renovations, compensation plans, and naming opportunities. Key discussion points included the review and approval of the Garrett College Audited Financial Reports for June 30, 2025, which resulted in an unmodified opinion (clean audit) with no internal control weaknesses identified. The Board unanimously approved awarding a five-year printer/copier contract to Doceo, projected to halve annual costs. Approval was also granted for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation of the #700 Building Renovation, not to exceed $4,738,700, intended to support increased student athlete enrollment. Furthermore, the Board approved naming the CARC Room #931 in honor of Mrs. Gail Getty for her service to the I Can Swim! Program and tentatively approved the naming of the multipurpose turf field in honor of First United Bank & Trust. Information items covered a proposal for credit card consolidation and updates on the Self-Study Accreditation process and various policy revisions.

The meeting included updates from the CAAB, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate, covering topics such as new student orientation, campus events, faculty appointments, and staff engagement strategies. The Board approved the agenda and consent agenda items. An Immigration Enforcement Policy was approved. Discussions were held regarding the #700 Building Renovation Contract, student housing options, and the MSCHE Accreditation Self-Study. Reports were given by the Vice-Chair, Board Members, and the College President, along with administrative and financial reports. The meeting adjourned after setting the date for the next meeting.