Lee Forest

The committee meeting agenda included a session focused on advancing racial and other forms of equity through the implementation of strategic and measurable institutional equity-minded indicators.

The board meeting agenda covers several key administrative and financial topics including the approval of the FY2027 board budget, release of executive session minutes, and a review of the Strategic Plan 2.0 update. Financial items include the FY2026/Q3 budget and trust fund reports, contract reports, the continuation budget for FY2027, and the student tuition and fee schedule for the 2026-27 academic year. Additional discussion items include a capital projects update, alumni and foundation reports, crisis management protocols, institutional equity-minded indicators, and the selection of the slate of board officers for the 2026-27 academic year.

The committee meeting focused on the presidential review for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The meeting included several key discussions and actions. The Board dispensed with the need for a roll call vote for unanimous votes for the duration of the meeting. The Chairperson's Report recognized faculty promoted to Full Professor. The Student Trustee provided an update on SGA activities, focusing on student feedback, AI interest, and goals related to accessibility and mental health awareness. The President's Report reflected on the university's 185th anniversary, faculty dedication, and BSU's strong enrollment standing, the largest first-time, full-time incoming class in history, and adherence to academic freedom principles amidst federal discussions. Updates were also provided on commuter engagement enhancements and recent staff appointments and retirements. Key actions included the approval of the draft Independent Audited Financial Statements for June 30, 2025, which received an unmodified opinion, and the approval of the President's Budget for FY2026. The Board accepted the Annual Report of Grants and Sponsored Projects, totaling $4.2M received for the reporting period. The FY2026 Budget, reflecting a $258+M total expenditure, was approved, as was the FY2025 Year-End Trust Funds Report. Meal Plan Rates for AY2026-27 were approved with a 3.8% increase. Authorization was granted to borrow up to $18 million for the Burnell Renovation Project. The contract for Athletics Transportation with A&A Metro was approved. The Racial Justice and Equity section reviewed Campus Climate Survey results, noting high feelings of welcome, but identified further work needed regarding belonging for students of color and transgender students. The Alumni and Development section reported exceeding FY2025 fourth-quarter goals, raising over $4.9M. The Ad Hoc Enrollment and Marketing committee reported strong growth in first-year, transfer, and graduate student enrollment for Fall 2025. The Honorary Degree Committee reviewed nominations for future commencement ceremonies.

Bridgewater State University's Strategic Plan 2.0 is a comprehensive roadmap for advancing its mission through five key goals and eleven strategic priorities. The plan focuses on enhancing student success, fostering an exceptional teaching and learning environment, enriching the employee experience, serving as a regional catalyst for engagement, and leading in equity and social justice. Key priorities include innovation, employee well-being, racial justice, capital improvements, affordability, career pathways (BSUWorks), enrollment management, and community partnerships, aiming to ensure lifelong student success and benefit the wider community.