Mark S. Denke

The committee meeting included a review of academic fee proposals for Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona for the 2026-27 academic year, encompassing new program fees, fee increases, and mandatory fee changes. Discussion also covered proposed revisions to various institutional policies, including those related to litigation, university rules, and capital development. Additionally, the committee addressed the approval of new academic programs across the universities and reviewed assets and liabilities under the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

The meeting focused on setting base tuition, mandatory fees, and various program fees for the 2019-2020 academic year across the university system. Key topics included the simplification of the fee structure at Arizona State University, the maintenance of tuition guarantee programs, and the authorization of capital outlay and lease agreements. Additionally, the board addressed the election of officers, appointments of Regents' Professors, the creation of new academic units, and updates on legislative activities and strategic plans for the Phoenix Biomedical Campus and University of Arizona Health Sciences.

The committee reviewed the current status of the fiscal year 2026 audit plan and proposed the audit plans for fiscal year 2027 for Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. Discussions focused on the university's IT structure, privileged access issues, firewall rule management, internal audit staffing, and training benchmarks. The committee also addressed fraud prevention practices concerning procurement cards and discussed the institutional response to recent technology service outages.

The Board meeting included the formal welcome of new regent nominees. The primary item of business was the consideration and subsequent approval of a request from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University to initiate litigation against third parties infringing upon trademarks owned by the Board, supplementing similar authorization previously granted to the University of Arizona.

The University Governance and Operations Committee meeting addressed an update on the University of Arizona's online modernization strategy and UAGC integration, confirming full compliance with board policies by July 1, 2026. The committee also discussed two ground lease agreements for Arizona State University, including the redevelopment of the Center Complex for student housing and the initiation of the West Valley Innovation Zone in collaboration with Phoenix Children's for a new pediatric behavioral health facility. Additionally, the committee reviewed fiscal year 2027 budget projections and third-quarter financial status, and discussed proposed revisions to board policies.