John Caraher

The board meeting addressed various financial and operational matters for the upcoming academic year, including the approval of the 2026-27 spending plan, tuition and fee adjustments, and student housing and dining rates. The board also discussed the 2027-2029 biennial operating and capital budget requests, including a ten-year capital plan. Additionally, the board approved a collective bargaining agreement with uniformed personnel and considered emeritus faculty resolutions. Other updates covered fundraising progress, student activities, and institutional budget reductions.

The board meeting agenda focused on various administrative and financial matters, including an enrollment update, a fundraising report, and a nominations committee update. The board reviewed proposed budget reductions and previewed upcoming action items such as student fees, intercollegiate athletics budgets, and total cost of attendance calculations. Discussions also addressed proposed student recreation fee increases, summer quarter wellness fees, and adjustments to housing and dining rates for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the board considered the supplemental budget for services and activities fees, including funding for pilot programs to support low-residency housing and student affinity groups.

The meeting featured an executive leadership report, student trustee updates, and various representative reports. The board addressed committee matters including an accreditation update and strategic plan dashboard metrics. A significant portion of the session focused on authorizing supplemental operating budget requests for the 2026 legislative session, specifically regarding the rescission of unnecessary budget cuts and funding for the maintenance and operations of the Historic Lord Mansion. The meeting concluded with a joint workshop held with the Board of Governors to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.

The board meeting agenda included several key items such as the approval of the Services and Activities Fee amended budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, the implementation of a new student recreation fee for the Costantino Recreation Center, and the approval of 2025-26 housing and dining rates. The board also reviewed an increase for the Clean Energy Fee, a change to the New Student Fee, the 2025-26 Tuition and College Spending Plan, and the Intercollegiate Athletics Budget. Additionally, the meeting covered the approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Student Support Services Staff Union, the resolution to proceed with the Social and Sustainable Impact Master of Business Administration (SMBA) program, and the election of board officers.

The board meeting focused on several strategic and operational items for the college. Key topics included the approval of the 2026 Board of Trustees meeting schedule, an enrollment and retention update highlighting data trends, and a presentation on Academic Leadership Team project priorities. The Finance and Budget Committee presented proposals regarding tuition recommendations, specifically detailing a 3.3% increase in operating fees and the introduction of a tiered tuition structure for graduate programs to maintain competitiveness and address budget requirements. Additionally, the board reviewed fundraising progress, received representative reports, and held an executive session for the president's performance evaluation.