Kearstin Hinebaugh

The meeting included communication items such as updates from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Campus Advisory & Activities Board, with the Staff Senate reporting concerns about the Laker Café menu variety and hours. Key action items involved the approval of several updated policies: the Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco, Opioids, and Other Drugs (ACTOOD) Policy, the October 2025 Update to the Student Code of Conduct, the Governance Charter-October 8, 2025 Update (which included renaming a committee to CORC), and the Religious Accommodations Policy. The Board also unanimously approved the Tuition, Fees, and Residence Hall Rates for FY27, projecting a revenue increase despite some rate reductions. Furthermore, the Board approved accepting naming gifts for the baseball/softball scoreboard (Rush Services) and the soccer scoreboard (In Recognition of the Legends of White Rock). Discussion items included an academic update, progress on the Self-Study Steering Committee, an update on securing alternative student housing through Wisp, and financial reports noting demolition and abatement work on the #700 Building and the advancement of initiatives to generate new non-tuition revenue streams, such as bootcamp-style trainings.

The open session meeting commenced following an executive session held to discuss personnel matters, building renovations, compensation plans, and naming opportunities. Key discussion points included the review and approval of the Garrett College Audited Financial Reports for June 30, 2025, which resulted in an unmodified opinion (clean audit) with no internal control weaknesses identified. The Board unanimously approved awarding a five-year printer/copier contract to Doceo, projected to halve annual costs. Approval was also granted for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation of the #700 Building Renovation, not to exceed $4,738,700, intended to support increased student athlete enrollment. Furthermore, the Board approved naming the CARC Room #931 in honor of Mrs. Gail Getty for her service to the I Can Swim! Program and tentatively approved the naming of the multipurpose turf field in honor of First United Bank & Trust. Information items covered a proposal for credit card consolidation and updates on the Self-Study Accreditation process and various policy revisions.

The meeting included updates from the CAAB, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate, covering topics such as new student orientation, campus events, faculty appointments, and staff engagement strategies. The Board approved the agenda and consent agenda items. An Immigration Enforcement Policy was approved. Discussions were held regarding the #700 Building Renovation Contract, student housing options, and the MSCHE Accreditation Self-Study. Reports were given by the Vice-Chair, Board Members, and the College President, along with administrative and financial reports. The meeting adjourned after setting the date for the next meeting.

This strategic plan outlines Garrett College's direction from FY2026 to FY2030, focusing on empowering students through accessible, high-quality education and support, and developing innovative, sustainable programs. Its core strategic goals are to enhance community connections, offer adaptive and innovative programs for student success, and optimize institutional resources. The plan aims to achieve student success, real-world preparedness, and community enrichment.

The FY2025 Cultural Diversity Plan Update and Progress Report for Garrett College focuses on enhancing student access and engagement, enriching the curriculum, and creating a campus climate that respects differences and values all individuals. Key goals include building infrastructure to enhance campus climate and student engagement, identifying obstacles to student success and establishing support services, and creating a supportive learning and working environment. The plan addresses the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students, faculty, and staff, and outlines initiatives to increase cultural awareness and the process for reporting campus-based hate crimes.