Maren Anderson

The meeting included discussions regarding ongoing headwinds facing the university due to federal and state matters, including anticipated impacts from SNAP benefit reductions on students. Key actions involved accepting the FY 2026 Management Report as of September 30, 2025, which noted lower-than-anticipated revenue due to enrollment decline but an increase in housing occupancy. The committee also recommended approval of the FY 2026 Adjusted Budget, which reflected a $2 million revenue decrease primarily from graduate enrollment dips linked to federal loan policy changes, and outlined expense reductions to compensate. A cybersecurity update focused on control gaps related to AI risks and the recommendation to mandate information security training. Further discussions covered data governance and digital accessibility initiatives from the University Technology Advisory Committee (UTAC), the financial oversight role and town hall activities of the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC), and the Finance and Administration strategic plan. Updates were also provided on campus safety, capital construction projects like the Student Success Center, and progress on the Data Center build, which is partially funded by the Oregon Legislature. The University Computing Solutions update detailed the Banner optimization project progress, including the elimination of paper time cards and the rollout of Elluciqn Experience. Finally, cash flow projections were reviewed.

The meeting spanned two days and covered several significant reports and agenda items. Stakeholder updates included reports from ASWOU leadership on student engagement and food insecurity initiatives, Faculty Senate on curriculum review and staffing concerns, and Staff Senate on engagement programs. Union reports addressed shared governance and faculty compensation. The first day included a Fall Kickoff Video presentation. During the second day, the WOU Foundation reported campaign progress, exceeding scholarship and student success goals, and noted an audit with no findings. The Legislative Report detailed state budget challenges and advocacy efforts. The President's Report highlighted strong fiscal discipline, enrollment increases in first-year and transfer students despite an overall decline, and affirmed Western Oregon University's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The Finance & Administration Committee recommended approval of the FY2026 Adjusted Budget, which reflected lower-than-projected enrollment leading to an increased operating deficit of $4.1 million. The Academic, Student & Athletic Affairs Committee reported on student-centered affordability initiatives like Open Educational Resources savings, graduate studies restructuring, and strong athletic performance. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Committee updated on the equity assessment action plan, prioritizing initiatives like expanding student representation on advisory committees and improving accessibility, including developing a digital accessibility policy. The Executive, Governance & Trusteeship Committee reviewed internal audit findings and trustee evaluation processes. The public meeting concluded with recognition for a retiring Senior Executive Assistant and an executive session to discuss faculty termination, pending litigation, and the President's performance review.

The meeting agenda included the President's Report, which addressed the financial challenges facing Oregon universities, highlighting WOU's comparatively strong fiscal performance based on a recent HECC report. The President also outlined plans for future expenditure reductions and restructuring. Stakeholder updates were provided by ASWOU, Faculty Senate (raising concerns about the Honors Program, graduate program leadership, and recent system changes), and Staff Senate (reporting on staff training and feedback mechanisms). The Finance & Administration Committee recommended approval for financing resolutions for the Heritage Hall Building Roof Renovation ($3.1 million) and the Campus Recreation Turf Field Replacement project ($1.2 million). Other discussions focused on institutional sustainability, including enrollment projections, the merger of the Sponsored Projects Office into Advancement, grant awards, and various initiatives related to student success and transformational diversity, such as the expansion of EAB Navigate and the repurposing of the Freedom Center space into the Mosaic Center. The meeting concluded with discussions on community strength activities and planned executive sessions to discuss pending litigation.

The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled to cover several key agenda items. Stakeholder updates will be received from ASWOU, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, SEIU, and WOUFT. The Board is expected to consider the FY26 Management Report (as of December 31, 2025) and the FY 2025 Financial Statements Audit. Other matters for consideration include the approval of the Heritage Hall Building Resolution and the Campus Recreation Turf Field Reconstruction. The Board will also receive reports from the four standing subcommittees. A portion of the meeting will be held in executive session to consult with the General Counsel regarding current litigation, during which no official action will be taken. Two opportunities for public comment, in-person or virtual, are scheduled during the public portion of the meeting.

The Finance & Administration Committee meeting agenda included the consent agenda item for the approval of the November 4, 2025, meeting minutes. Key reports and action items involved the FY 2025 Financial Statements Audit, including highlights and the Eide Bailly presentation, acceptance of the FY2026 Management Report as of December 31, 2025, and approval of the Heritage Hall Building Roof Resolution. Discussion items covered reports from the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) and the University Technology Advisory Committee (UTAC), the Vice President for Finance & Administration Report which included updates on campus safety, computing solutions, and cash flow projections, as well as a review of the Finance and Administration Committee Charter and planning for future meeting formats.