Nana Kumah

The board meeting covered several critical updates, including the academic affairs committee's work on Open Educational Resources to reduce textbook costs. The president reported on the new Vice President of Personnel Services and General Counsel, addressed university enrollment challenges and the development of a unified management strategy, and discussed ongoing efforts to improve financial transparency and student support services. Additionally, the meeting included a review of Clery Act compliance and campus safety initiatives, updates on the university real estate portfolio and the upcoming renovation of Herlihy Hall, and a report on student engagement and governance activities. Finally, the board reviewed the fiscal year 2025 working budget and discussed personnel matters, including faculty sabbatical approvals.

The board meeting covered several critical areas including the welcome of the new university president and updates on her initiatives during her first 100 days. Key discussion topics included a comprehensive enrollment management strategy, the implementation of a new academic program review process using an external partner, and updates on the Student Government Association's activities and budgetary challenges. The board also reviewed the physical plant status, emphasizing long-term capital planning and sustainability efforts, and discussed an updated budget report for the current fiscal year that clarified prior financial accounting discrepancies. Additionally, the board reviewed committee structures and received general personnel briefings.

The board discussed and voted on the approval of the fiscal year 2024 audited financials. A clarification regarding the Composite Financial Index (CFI) was provided, noting that year-over-year changes were attributed to the absence of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HERF) grants in recent fiscal cycles, resulting in a stabilization to pre-pandemic figures.

The board meeting included updates on academic affairs, focusing on an upcoming portfolio analysis, a proposed new finance major, and a new cybersecurity concentration. The enrollment management report detailed strategies for forecasting growth and recruitment, while the housing report covered occupancy, property portfolio management, and MSCBA funding. The student trustee report highlighted efforts to support veterans, international students, and graduate students. Athletics leadership presented an overview of the program's success and potential expansion, and the marketing team discussed digital content and advertising campaigns. Additionally, the student life committee reported on dining services and campus support programs, and the finance committee discussed the budget planning process for fiscal year 2026.

The 2020-2025 campus strategic plan recognizes Fitchburg State as a public university that fosters an equitable society by working toward the principle of education justice and being a student-ready campus. The plan focuses on academic growth and stewardship, identifying synergies and opportunities for collaboration across divisions to better support academic excellence in teaching, learning, and knowledge-creation. The plan also aims to support the success of all students, increase their academic achievement, and develop their sense of belonging on campus. The university will continue to support a wide range of innovative scholarship, research, and creative practices built upon existing strengths and traditions in the liberal arts, social sciences, STEM, and the professions.