Megan Sweeney

The Board of Regents took emergency action to approve the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to academic leader and legal scholar Kent Syverud. This action was taken in accordance with board bylaws allowing for official business to be conducted between scheduled meetings.

The meeting featured a range of discussions and actions, including the recognition of university achievements, the status of contract negotiations between Michigan Medicine and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and a reflection on presidential leadership. Key actions included the approval of honorary degree recipients, renaming of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Administration Building to honor Daniel E. Little, and the establishment of a new Master of Urban Technology degree. Several capital projects and renovations were authorized, including the Social Sciences Building relocation, Palmer Commons renovations, and utility tunnel reinforcements. Financial and contractual matters were addressed, such as investment agreements for the Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund, commercialization and license agreements, and fiscal year 2027 capital outlay submissions. The board also received reports from various committees, the Faculty Senate, and the Central Student Government before hearing public comments.

The Board of Regents meeting included reports on university athletic achievements, requests for approval of honorary degree recipients for spring commencement, and discussions regarding Michigan Medicine's ongoing contract negotiations with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. The outgoing president provided reflections on his tenure and recent university advancements, followed by committee reports from the Finance, Audit and Investment Committee, the Health Affairs Committee, and the Personnel, Compensation and Governance Committee. The faculty senate chair also addressed the board regarding shared governance, DEI initiatives, and the implementation of generative AI.

The Board of Regents approved a ground lease extension and expansion for the Ronald McDonald House. This action authorizes the lease of approximately 1.15 additional acres of university-owned land, currently used for parking, and extends the existing ground lease of 0.73 acres for an additional 45 years at no rent. The expansion aims to enhance the capacity and services provided to families of seriously ill or injured children receiving medical treatment.

The Committee on Honorary Degrees submitted recommendations to award honorary degrees to five individuals: Shirin Ebadi, Ingeborg Hochmair-Desoyer, Michael Phelps, Jalen Rose, and Ronald Weiser. The proposed recipients include a human-rights lawyer, an electrical engineer and cochlear implant pioneer, a world-champion swimmer, a sports analyst and former professional player, and a businessman and philanthropist.