Julie Maurer

This strategic plan outlines a five-year roadmap for Central Michigan University, developed through an inclusive process involving various stakeholders. The plan focuses on four core priorities: inspiring student and scholarly success, engaging communities, enhancing organizational culture, and ensuring institutional sustainability. Its overarching goal is to shape a vibrant future for the university, with active working groups pursuing specific goals and measures.

The Board of Trustees meeting focused on several key governance and operational matters. Actions included the granting of emerita and professor emeritus ranks to university contributors and the formal amendment of the Board of Trustees Bylaws. The Board approved faculty tenure and promotions, accepted a quarterly research and graduate studies report, and addressed public school academy and school of excellence board member appointments and contract reauthorizations. Further approvals were granted for 2026-2027 housing and food rates, the replacement of audiovisual systems for simulation centers, a new lease for administrative and instructional space in Troy, Michigan, the acquisition of radio stations WMLQ-FM and WWKR-FM, and the authorization to begin collective bargaining with employee units.

The board meeting included committee updates regarding academic and student affairs, enrollment strategies, finance and facility projects, and the establishment of new committees for access, belonging, community impact, and athletics. Key agenda items for formal approval included construction manager services for the medical education building, tuition rates for the College of Medicine, a lease renewal in Lansing, revised funding for a golf training facility, and various consent items such as prospective graduates, honorary degrees, faculty personnel transactions, and public school academy activities.

The meeting included public comments regarding a Resolution for a Sanctuary Campus and a resolution concerning political violence and the First Amendment. The President's report acknowledged the work of students and noted the transition of the board chair. A significant portion of the agenda involved approving professor emeritus rank for several retiring faculty members: Emil Boasson, Stephen M. Colarelli, Joanne M. Dannenhoffer, Felix Famoye, Leslie A. Hildebrandt, MaryBeth Minnis, Larissa N. Niec, and Kari L. Rojas. Consent agenda items included the approval of prospective graduates for Fall 2025, the awarding of honorary degrees for December 2025, approval of faculty sabbatical leaves, reappointment to the Clarke Historical Library Board of Governors, acceptance of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies quarterly report, and approval of various Public School Academy and School of Excellence actions, including board member changes, reauthorizations, and new authorizations (e.g., Rising Stars Academy). The Finance and Facilities Committee reported on approvals for deferred maintenance projects totaling $5,700,000 for FY 2026-2027, and approvals for renovations for Merrill Residence Hall and Ronan Hall, and renovations for the College of Business Administration and General Administration buildings.

The schedule outlines committee meetings for February 11, 2026, covering the Policy and Bylaws Committee, Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Enrollment, Retention and Student Success Committee, Finance and Facilities Committee, University Advancement Committee, Innovation and Workforce Partnerships Committee, Trustees-Student Liaison Committee, and Trustees-Faculty Liaison Committee. The formal session is scheduled for February 12, 2026. Key discussion items for the committees include reviewing board bylaws, faculty personnel transactions, research quarterly reports, updates on strategic enrollment management, housing and food rates for 2026-2027, audiovisual system replacements, lease agreements, collective bargaining agreements, investment policies, and reports from various liaison groups. The formal agenda includes actions related to the Finance and Facilities Committee, such as authorizing housing and food rates and approving the acquisition of radio stations.