Lisa Marie Garofali

The Board meeting included several key agenda items such as the administration of the oath of office to new members, the approval of the annual operating budget for fiscal year 2027, and the ratification of various personnel actions. Several university policies were modified, including the policy on the purchase of misbranded and cultivated-protein food products, the sensitive information and information security policy, the Title IX sexual harassment policy, and policies regarding affiliated organizations and employee degrees. Additionally, the Board authorized honorary degrees and emeritus status for faculty and administrators, discussed the conferral of an interim vice president for legal affairs and general counsel, and reviewed accreditation status and programmatic changes.

The Board of Trustees conducted a meeting where they processed the oaths of office for newly appointed and reappointed trustees. The agenda included reports from the University President and various Board committees. Key actions involved the modification of several university policies, including those related to Affiliated Scholars, Graduate Faculty, Human Subjects Research, and Animal Care and Use. The Board also authorized the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Aliyah Sabree, approved the offering of an Associate Degree in Nursing, and endorsed recommendations associated with the Academic Program Enhancement and Effectiveness Initiative (APEEI). Additionally, the Board addressed various personnel, financial, and institutional engagement resolutions.

The board meeting primarily focused on the announcement regarding the resignation of the university president effective February 1st. Other key topics included presentations by student speakers regarding improvements to the campus pantry, and an overview of the board's agenda. The board discussed future planning initiatives including a sustainable future model for the university through 2030, administrative procedures for academic affairs to optimize student experiences, and the consideration of enrollment data for the updated operational budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The board meeting involved the adoption of several key resolutions. Discussions focused on the search for an interim president following the announced retirement of the current president. Additionally, the board approved a voluntary separation and retirement package for faculty and formally recognized the establishment of the Division of Workforce Education and Innovation to help meet community and corporate workforce needs.

The board conducted various committee meetings covering financial performance, investment reviews, and policy modifications. Discussions included the quarterly portfolio asset allocation, internal audit plan updates, and reports on university facilities, student travel, and intercollegiate athletics. Several resolutions were presented regarding personnel actions, internal audit charters, tuition and fee approvals, and programmatic changes. Additionally, the board addressed strategic topics such as university relations, government affairs, and enrollment strategies.