Nicole M. Addington

The strategic plan for Cleveland State University (CSU) is centered on the mission to be Cleveland's University of Infinite Opportunity. The plan focuses on equipping learners with knowledge and future-ready skills through innovative research, dedicated service, and strategic partnerships. Key priorities include advancing academic offerings, reimagining community partnerships, and restructuring the operational and financial model to foster student success and address Cleveland's social and economic challenges. CSU aspires to be a national leader in social and economic mobility, aiming to be a great place to learn and work.

The meeting included welcoming new Governor-appointed Trustees, a report from the Chair, and a resolution recognizing the contributions of a departing Trustee. President Bloomberg's report covered Homecoming week, the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan (including its three priorities: advancing academic offerings, reimagining community partnerships, and restructuring the operational and financial model), and the revised mission, vision, and values statements. Reports were given from Student Trustees, Faculty Representatives, the Financial Affairs Committee, and the Academic Affairs and Student Success Committee. The Consent Agenda included approvals for faculty emeriti status, the FY24 efficiency report, a license agreement, capital funding, and bond issuance. The CSU Foundation report highlighted fundraising progress. New business included the FY24 External Audit Report and approval of a $1 million gift for the naming of the Business Student Services Center. An executive session was held to discuss litigation, collective bargaining, and confidential information.

The meeting included reports from the President on the deployment of the Cleveland State United strategic plan, updates on faculty and staff changes, equity initiatives, and the Biomedical Discovery Complex. Reports were also given by student trustees, faculty representatives, and the Financial Affairs and Academic Affairs and Student Success Committees, covering topics such as the FY26 budget process, enrollment updates, internal audit findings, campus improvement projects, the new Core Curriculum, research progress, and student success initiatives. The consent agenda included items such as amendments to the Internal Audit Charter, authorization for campus improvement projects, and approval of faculty leaves of absence. New business included resolutions related to the Fenn Tower renovation, the Fenn Hall renovation, and the implementation of recommendations from the Athletics Review Working Group. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss litigation, trade secret information, and personnel matters.

The meeting included reports from the chairman on board officers' meetings, covering real estate matters and the approval of lease, sublease, and development agreements for the Middough Building. A memorandum of understanding between the university and the Cleveland State University Foundation was approved, clarifying their relationship and responsibilities. The president's report covered accreditation, an upcoming U.S. Department of Education audit, the NEOUCOM collaborative initiative, fundraising efforts, and enrollment. The Academic Affairs Committee's report included updates on dean searches and a confidential student matter. The Financial Affairs Committee's report covered budget planning. The Facilities Committee's recommendation regarding the North Campus project was tabled. The consent agenda included approval of meal plan rates and acceptance of gift reports. Finally, the board authorized discussions regarding the lease of the 1836 Euclid Building.

The meeting covered various topics including a summary of the University System of Ohio Trustees Conference, highlighting the need for relevance to Ohio's economy, resource efficiency, and exploring cost-saving options like digital textbooks. Several board officers' resolutions were reviewed, including the approval of a presidential performance bonus, management agreements with Global Spectrum, L.P. and Nelligan Sports Marketing, Inc., a food and beverage agreement with Ovations Food Services, L.P., and the ratification of a provost appointment. The president's report included updates on the Campus International School, the College of Education and Human Services, and the School of Nursing. Discussions also included the upcoming searches for senior administrators, the Campus Neighborhood Project, the Playhouse Square Project, and enrollment numbers. A resolution of tribute was passed for former trustee Judge Alvin I. Krenzler. The meeting also covered the selection of honorary degree recipients, a consent agenda including faculty and dean emeritus nominations, a gift report, sponsored programs summary, an alternative retirement plan amendment, and a joint use agreement with University Hospitals. The Institutional Diversity Plan was reviewed and approved, along with financial affairs including the arts campus project, investment and financial reports, and the 2010 accreditation review.