Kaley Espindola

The meeting included the election of board positions, specifically for the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Recorder roles. A review and vote on the UC Inflationary Fee increase were conducted, resulting in the approval of a 2.5% increase for both credit hour and head count fees. The board also reviewed the budget, deferred the UC Stair Design review to the following week, discussed upcoming events such as the Kindness Wall and Halloween Bash, and allocated time for committee group meetings.

The meeting focused on a proposal to overhaul the university dining program by introducing national retail dining franchises. Key topics included strategies to address financial losses within the dining department, meal plan portability between residential and retail locations, and plans for potential renovations to current dining facilities. Discussion also covered the operational model, which would involve the university acting as a franchisee and utilizing student workers, along with the potential impact on campus infrastructure, allergen availability, and student convenience through mobile ordering integration.

The board discussed the selection of board positions including chairperson, vice chairperson, and recorder. Key discussion topics focused on upcoming projects and enhancing the University Center environment through art and decoration. Suggestions included creating student-designed murals, allowing departments to designate room themes, incorporating plants into meeting spaces, displaying quotes that reflect the mission and goals, and improving outreach regarding the building's offerings through a central information board and QR codes. Additionally, the board explored ways to increase student engagement and foot traffic through temporary art exhibitions.

The meeting included a review of the board's identity, positions, and bylaws, followed by a discussion on goals such as increasing student engagement, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing the facility as a student hub. Board members discussed outreach strategies, including gathering student feedback and supporting commuter students. The board also reviewed the operating budget, specifically addressing inflationary pressures on student fees and expenditures. A vote was conducted and passed regarding the inflationary adjustment for student fees. The meeting concluded with the selection of Fridays as the recurring meeting day.

The Graduate Executive Committee (GEC) meeting focused on several key proposals requiring recommendation for approval. Discussions included the restructuring of the Exercise Science track under Biology MSc to become the MSc in Applied Physiology within the new Human Physiology and Nutrition (HPNU) program, necessitating an updated curriculum and a new comprehensive examination. The committee also reviewed and voted to recommend approval for a Proposal for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which is designed as a three-year professional doctoral program to meet regional needs. Additionally, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science was proposed, utilizing existing courses and restricted to UCCS graduate students. The meeting also covered procedural items, including notification that denial letters from admissions would commence on March 1, 2019, with legal counsel advising caution on communication regarding admission reasons. A discussion item addressed the implications of the institution's new R2 status regarding funding and support for sponsored projects and graduate students.