Michele Schaper

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.

The board meeting included presentations covering academic affairs, student life, and athletics. Key committee actions involved the approval and modification of several university policies, including those regarding facilities usage, real estate acquisition, student travel, research misconduct, discrimination and harassment, and the student code of conduct. The board also approved interfund transfers, tuition and student fees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, program and curricular changes, and recommendations for honorary degrees and commencement speakers. Governance matters included the nomination of board officers and a new national/global trustee, as well as an appreciation resolution for a student trustee.

The town hall meeting served as a second open dialogue session with the President and Provost, continuing the goal of transparent communication and continuous improvement. Key discussion topics included updates on the new Eastern Gateway Stubenville campus development, including plans to offer certificate and associate degree programs starting in Fall 2026, as well as the status of CDL and Aviation programs. The university also discussed its pursuit of Carnegie R2 high research activity classification, noting the targets for doctoral students and research expenditures. Further discussion addressed faculty staffing, confirming that while the institution prioritizes teaching, expansion of tenure-track positions would focus on strategic areas supporting R2 goals. Operational topics covered facility usage, noting plans for serving beer/wine at campus events while addressing challenges related to the lack of a nearby grocery store. A final significant topic addressed employee compensation concerns regarding rising living costs versus modest average raises, with management noting ongoing contract negotiations and providing context on current minimum compensation levels.