Rachel Barnett

The Board of Trustees meeting covered a wide range of academic and administrative actions. Academic items included the approval of promotion and tenure recommendations, emeritus status, an honorary doctorate for Rick Valicenti, several new academic programs, and the 2026-2028 Campus Completion Plan. Financial and administrative approvals included tuition and fee revisions for the upcoming fiscal year, infrastructure projects such as the Hayes Hall renovation and IT network upgrades, and the authorization to lease land for a solar array project. Additionally, the Board approved naming rights for three campus facilities and confirmed the appointment and reappointment of National Trustees.

The meeting featured a report from the President regarding university academic rankings and key engagement initiatives. The Board approved a new Curricular Approval Policy to comply with state requirements, as well as the establishment of an Accelerated Bachelor of Applied Studies in General Business and changes to the Special Education (BSED) program. Financial actions included authorizing the University's participation in a local administration competency certification program for capital projects, approving rate increases for fiscal year 2027 residence hall rooms and meal plans, and authorizing revisions to academic course fees. Additional committee reports covered research, enrollment management, student engagement, foundation activities, and trustee selection processes.

The meeting featured a presidential report covering enrollment, rankings, research, and upcoming university events. Academic affairs discussions included the adoption of a plan for a required American civic literacy course. The board ratified the appointment of the new Vice President for University Advancement and President/CEO of the BGSU Foundation. Additionally, the board approved an annual salary increase and a discretionary bonus for the President in recognition of his performance during the previous academic year. Constituent group representatives provided updates on their respective activities and plans.

The Board received a report from the President regarding university updates on retention, facilities, research, and athletics. Key academic actions included the approval of program changes for the Associate of Applied Business in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity degree and the adoption of new faculty policies required by the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act. Finance and administration approvals were granted for multiple campus renovation projects, including the Founders Residence Hall, Kreischer Quadrangle residence hall design services, and the Kreischer Sundial Dining Hall. The Board also approved the university's six-year capital plan for fiscal years 2027-2032 and the fiscal year 2025 efficiency report. Various subcommittees provided informational updates, including reports on audit and risk management, development, and governance.

The Board of Trustees conducted several key actions, including the approval of the Low Enrollment Course and Program and Duplicate Programs Report and the ratification of faculty appointments with tenure in Applied Statistics and Operations Research and Computer Science. The Board granted emeritus status to a faculty member and approved the Fiscal Year 2026 continuation budget along with revisions to instructional, general, and academic special fees. Furthermore, the Board authorized amendments to the Falcon Tuition Guarantee Plan, approved a Memorandum of Understanding for intergovernmental transfers with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, and finalized the naming of several university facilities and positions in honor of donors. Additionally, the Board appointed a new Vice President for Finance and Administration and approved the meeting schedule for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.