Justin Bettura

The town hall meeting served as a second open dialogue session with the President and Provost, continuing the goal of transparent communication and continuous improvement. Key discussion topics included updates on the new Eastern Gateway Stubenville campus development, including plans to offer certificate and associate degree programs starting in Fall 2026, as well as the status of CDL and Aviation programs. The university also discussed its pursuit of Carnegie R2 high research activity classification, noting the targets for doctoral students and research expenditures. Further discussion addressed faculty staffing, confirming that while the institution prioritizes teaching, expansion of tenure-track positions would focus on strategic areas supporting R2 goals. Operational topics covered facility usage, noting plans for serving beer/wine at campus events while addressing challenges related to the lack of a nearby grocery store. A final significant topic addressed employee compensation concerns regarding rising living costs versus modest average raises, with management noting ongoing contract negotiations and providing context on current minimum compensation levels.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to a newly appointed student trustee. The President's report highlighted ongoing progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on research, instruction quality, curriculum efficiency, student success programs, and plans to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations, including infrastructure development for tracking rates. Presentations covered a $10,000 grant for a string instrument program, campus mural projects, the success of the Guinathon dance marathon, and the YSU Bowling team's achievement of reaching the national Final Four. Committee recommendations resulted in the adoption of several resolutions, including modifications to policies on Affiliated Scholars, Honorary Degrees, Graduate Faculty, Integrity in Research (Human Participants and Animal Care), and Cellular Equipment Usage. Furthermore, the Board authorized the conferral of an honorary degree upon Aliyah Sabree, approved the re-establishment of an Associate Degree in Nursing program, endorsed recommendations from the Academic Program Enhancement and Effectiveness Initiative (APEEI), accepted WYSU memberships, and accepted a gift of real estate from the Youngstown State University Foundation.

The committee considered no old business items. Under consent agenda action items, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the adoption of the "Resolution to Accept WYSU Memberships" and the "Resolution to Approve Policy 3356-5-03 Affiliated Organizations." Discussion items included an update on the Excellence Training Center/Mahoning Valley Innovation and Commercialization Consortium (ETC/MVICC) development, which is projected to complete by March 2021 and remains on time and on budget, housing nearly $10 million in equipment. The President reported on external affairs and government relations initiatives, noting continued progress with IBM workforce development collaboration and Baldridge Communities of Excellence involvement. The YSU Foundation reported quarterly gift activity, including outright gifts and pledges totaling $2.55 million, and updates on the "We See Tomorrow" fund-raising campaign, which surpassed $109 million toward an expanded $125 million goal.

The Executive Committee meeting focused on a single discussion item related to the President's Goals for 2021. Key topics included the continued safe return to campus following the COVID-19 pandemic, progress toward the $125 million goal of the "We See Tomorrow" capital campaign, personnel strategies to ensure a balanced budget aligned with strategic priorities, and efforts concerning regional collaborations for economic development. There was no old or new business.

The committee meeting addressed the results of a board survey and a discussion regarding the Plan for Strategic Actions to Take Charge of Our Future, including implementation strategies for the current academic year. Key focus areas agreed upon for the academic year involve creating a multi-year plan for enrollment to ensure fiscal sustainability, academic vibrancy, and regional vitality, alongside developing an integrated marketing and communication strategy. Additionally, an update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives was provided, emphasizing educational opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging for diverse and underrepresented students. The draft Board of Trustees meeting schedule for 2021 was also reviewed.