Rian C. Cheley

The board meeting addressed a broad agenda including executive sessions for legal, personnel, and real estate matters. Key actions included the approval of new policies related to artificial intelligence technologies, financial records, and risk management programs. The board formally approved the discontinuance of the M.A. in Journalism Entrepreneurship and the M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at CU Boulder, alongside various tenure and sabbatical actions. Significant financial discussions were held regarding the FY 2026-2027 budget, leading to the approval of tuition rates, student fees, and institutional compensation. Other business included the election of the Secretary of the Board of Regents, reports on strategic planning, and public commentary concerning the university's contracts with Key Lime Air and OpenAI.

The Board of Regents reviewed and approved the implementation of Regent Policy 13.H, which grants the university president limited authority to transfer certain non-restricted auxiliary funds to university-affiliated entities. This policy aims to facilitate strategic investments in university-owned or controlled technologies and research endeavors, provided such transfers serve a valid public purpose and directly benefit the university's mission.

The committee welcomed a new member and discussed ongoing communications projects, including the Faculty Voices series and the Committee Corner. The redesign of the Faculty Council website was reviewed, with plans to incorporate rotating updates. A discussion was held regarding the Faculty Handbook's web traffic and potential policy navigation improvements. The committee also planned the development of a semesterly newsletter and established a subcommittee to revise the committee's charge with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The committee discussed the launch of Faculty Voices in CU Connections, a new initiative to feature faculty-written op-ed articles. Key details covered included project logistics such as funding, article length, compensation, and frequency of publication. Guidelines for the editorial process were reviewed, emphasizing the need for well-researched, original, and timely topics relevant to higher education. Action items were assigned regarding presentations to campus faculty assemblies and the drafting of project guidelines and statements of intent.

The committee discussed the finalization of a Committee Corner article, including the development of a faculty guide survey, selection of polls, and coordination of headshots. The group also reviewed feedback on a Faculty Voice article and provided updates regarding the Faculty Guide links, focusing on ongoing resource development and anticipating next steps based on faculty survey results.