Joy Sanders

The board meeting included the swearing-in of the newly elected Student Trustee and the introduction of the new Student Senate President. Discussions featured reports from the Vice Presidents, Faculty Council, and the President, with notable updates regarding staff retirements, community college month, facility grants, and new administrative appointments. The board conducted an executive session to address personnel, legal, and security matters. Key financial actions included the review and approval of payroll reports, accounts payable, treasurer and budget summaries, and several procurement contracts for maintenance services, software subscriptions, and network security support.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key institutional matters, including a sabbatical leave report, a student presentation regarding tuition rates, and administrative reports from the Finance and Provost offices. Major approvals included tuition and fee rates for the 2026-2027 academic year, professional services for a building renovation, faculty tenure recommendations, and non-tenured faculty reappointments. Additionally, the Board discussed reports from the ACCT National Legislative Summit, provided updates on policy manual revisions, and approved a wide range of operational renewals and service contracts, including financial audits, legal consulting, emergency notification systems, software subscriptions, and security services.

The Board of Trustees received institutional reports, including a presentation from students who attended the USHLI National Conference, a financial executive summary, and an update on the RISE 2030 strategic plan. The Board approved a services agreement increase for water treatment, sabbatical leave recommendations, and a comprehensive consent agenda. The consent agenda included personnel appointments and separations, a settlement agreement with a former employee, various financial reports, and multiple bids and purchases for services such as brand audits, refuse collection, landscaping, software license renewals, and the replacement of campus computer hardware.

The special meeting included institutional reports and presentations. The Finance and Administration report covered the FY2027 budget planning process, a five-year financial outlook projection, and considerations for 2026-2027 tuition and student fees. A facilities master planning overview detailed current financial status, investment plans, and capital project priorities, including the renovation of Collins Hall and a recommendation to terminate the Erickson Hall HVAC project. The Foundation reported on the launch of the Spring 2026 Employee Foundation Campaign to increase awareness and participation. The Talent, Culture and Diversity Division presented an update on Human Resources structure, hiring activities, departure trends, and identified opportunities to enrich the employee experience. The board subsequently convened an executive session to discuss matters pertaining to employee employment and compensation, litigation, collective bargaining, and security procedures.

The meeting included presentations such as the "Waubonsee Voices" segment featuring a student speaker sharing experiences regarding educational opportunities, financial struggles, and support received at Waubonsee. New administrators were introduced to the Board. Institutional reports covered the executive summary of financial reports and the adoption of Resolution No. 26-06 concerning the issue and sale of not to exceed $9,000,000 of Working Cash Fund Bonds. Discussions also included updates from the Faculty Council and the Student Trustee, approval of the FY2027 meeting and administrative work calendars, and a review of the 2026 Special Board Meeting agenda. The President's Report highlighted attendance at the AAC&U Annual Meeting, the launch of a free campus shuttle bus service, and a new Early Interest/Admission Agreement with Aurora University. The Board also approved the main Consent Agenda items, including Personnel Reports and most Financial Reports, with one specific bid/purchase item regarding professional engineering services for reservoir cleaning removed for individual consideration and subsequently approved.