Jessica Baumberger

The UIS NorthStar Strategic Initiative serves as a guiding framework to reshape the university for operational efficiency and academic excellence, aiming for long-term sustainability and relevance. It centers on three key priorities: Academic Portfolio Review and Prioritization to ensure high-quality, mission-aligned programs; Deficit Reduction to achieve fiscal sustainability through revenue growth and controlled expenses; and Student Retention to enhance persistence, reduce dropout rates, and increase graduation rates. This initiative seeks to establish UIS as a resilient, adaptable, and market-aligned academic institution.

The meeting included a welcome to the Board of Trustees to the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois. There was a presentation on the UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program, with students sharing their experiences. The upcoming 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was mentioned, with details about a Lincoln Legacy lecture and related events.

The Student Government Association meeting included discussions on fall welcome events, RSO events, and future discussions with the chancellor. The meeting covered the SGA's presence at the Involvement Expo and a welcome event, including giveaways and promotion of fall elections. Updates were provided on the SGA and SAC retreat. The members discussed campus senate committees, proposed constitution and bylaw changes, and the approval of the fall election timeline and meeting schedule. Plans for a memorial event and SGA video were discussed. The meeting also addressed attendance at student organization events and the presence at an e-sport ribbon cutting.

The meeting included welcome greetings from Chancellor Gooch and Provost Schwab. The board unanimously approved Matilda as the new External Vice President of SGA. Discussions included the new student fees committee, fall welcome events, and collaboration between SGA and the office of student affairs. Reports were given by officers and senators. The board discussed an academic survey and budget allocations for SOFA, SAC, and SGA, including a hold for NACA. The fall election schedule was approved, and committees were assigned to SGA members. The board also discussed a photoshoot session for new SGA members, the SGA retreat, and the student fee committee.

The meeting included a formal welcome to the new advisor, Dr. Clark, and discussions on various administrative and officer reports. Key topics included SGA's role in representing student concerns, updates on technology accessibility, international student events, budget status, and committee training. Old business included updates on the lighting of the colonnade, T-shirts, SGA info session with the Chancellor, and parking appeals. New business covered the approval of academic integrity pool members, meeting schedule updates, SGA expectations for in-person attendance, and feedback on the UIS 45th International Festival.