Kristin Ellingson

The board participated in a retreat featuring two main sessions. The morning session, led by facilitators from Sagency, focused on reviewing stakeholder assessment findings, insights, and strategic recommendations. The afternoon session provided an educational overview of the biennial budget process, covering both the operating budget and capital planning budget.

The committee reviewed several University of North Dakota projects, including the replacement of fiber optic cable, renovations for Harrington Hall and the School of Law, and the reconstruction of the Ray Richards Golf Course. North Dakota State University presented a tuition rate request for a new Master of Healthcare Administration program, which was approved. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved the operating capital budgets for the 2027-29 biennium, while deciding to defer a vote on capital projects pending further data gathering on deferred maintenance priorities.

The committee discussed the status of federal research funding and the transition of research reporting functions to the full board. They approved updates to policies regarding confidential proprietary information and employee research responsibility. Additionally, the committee received updates on the System Alignment Project and the status of the Valley City State University presidential search. The committee also reviewed the timeline for upcoming presidential evaluations and discussed the system's progress toward ADA digital accessibility compliance.

The committee meeting agenda focuses on the review of new academic program requests for Dickinson State University and Lake Region State College, as well as the consideration of academic program terminations for Dakota College at Bottineau and Mayville State University. Additional agenda items include the review of board policies regarding low-producing programs and academic appointments, alongside discussions on digital credentials.

The Audit Committee meeting includes an executive session to review the State Auditor's draft operational audit report for Williston State College and any related institutional responses. Committee business topics include requests regarding engagement deferrals, the annual compliance office report, and internal audit and compliance independence confirmations. The committee will also review the draft annual internal audit plan.