Kelli Appel

The special meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and provided time for public comment. Two speakers addressed the Board: the President of AFSCME Local 1110 discussed ongoing contract negotiations, focusing on wage inadequacy relative to the cost of living and requesting fair compensation; and the Vice President of the United Faculty of Illinois State University stood in solidarity, urging the Board to seek a fair contract for AFSCME members. President Tarhule provided remarks congratulating the December graduates and highlighting numerous institutional achievements, including milestones in philanthropic support, faculty awards, and student athlete success. The Board approved several items via Consent Agenda. Key resolutions included authorization for the design and construction of a Solar Energy System at the new GE Road facilities to leverage federal incentives, authorization to resume preconstruction services for the South Campus Housing and Dining Project (a 900-bed residence hall and 450-seat dining center), and authorization to name campus assets in recognition of major financial commitments from the Ringer family and the Collins family. The meeting concluded with a motion to move into closed session to discuss litigation, collective negotiating matters, employment details, and the approval of prior closed session minutes from October 17, 2025.

The Board of Trustees is considering a resolution regarding expenditures for the South Campus Housing-Dining Project Pre-Construction Services. The project aims to address the increasing competition for students and the need for updated on-campus housing and dining facilities. The project includes the construction of a 900-bed residential hall and a 450-seat dining center. The resolution seeks approval to resume the pre-construction phase, which includes architectural and engineering planning and design, preliminary construction project management, commissioning, and cost estimation, with a budget not to exceed $8 million.

The Board of Trustees is considering the acquisition and implementation of HighPoint.io software to enhance the student information system. This includes modules for degree planning, course demand analytics, degree audit improvements, and schedule building. The software aims to streamline navigation, provide mobile access, and improve the overall student experience. The total cost for the initial term is not to exceed $677,000, funded by General Revenue/Academic Enhancement Fee.

The meeting included the election of officers, with Kathy Bohn re-elected as Chairperson and Bob Navarro as Secretary. Appointments were made to various committees and boards. The board discussed and approved the 2026 board meeting calendar, authorized the FY2026 operating budget, and approved the issuance of Auxiliary Facilities Systems Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2025. Approval was given for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Building Project, an Illinois Department of Transportation Temporary Easement, and the naming of the Rich Olson Press Box, the John Eymann Student Success Suite, the ADM Lecture Hall, and the Jay and Lori Bergman Field. The board also recognized Trustee Scott Jenkins for his service.

The resolution addresses the Turner Hall Culinary Laboratory project, initially approved in February 2014. Modifications to the project scope were identified to enhance pedagogical and research capabilities, including a multi-function demonstration station, an observation window, and upgrades to flooring, freezers, and refrigerators to simulate a commercial kitchen environment more closely. The budget for the project was increased from $750,000 to $1.0 million to accommodate these additional features and upgrades, with the additional funds sourced from the College of Applied Sciences and Technology strategic budget carryover funds.