Samuel Arruda

The meeting included several key discussions and actions. The Board dispensed with the need for a roll call vote for unanimous votes for the duration of the meeting. The Chairperson's Report recognized faculty promoted to Full Professor. The Student Trustee provided an update on SGA activities, focusing on student feedback, AI interest, and goals related to accessibility and mental health awareness. The President's Report reflected on the university's 185th anniversary, faculty dedication, and BSU's strong enrollment standing, the largest first-time, full-time incoming class in history, and adherence to academic freedom principles amidst federal discussions. Updates were also provided on commuter engagement enhancements and recent staff appointments and retirements. Key actions included the approval of the draft Independent Audited Financial Statements for June 30, 2025, which received an unmodified opinion, and the approval of the President's Budget for FY2026. The Board accepted the Annual Report of Grants and Sponsored Projects, totaling $4.2M received for the reporting period. The FY2026 Budget, reflecting a $258+M total expenditure, was approved, as was the FY2025 Year-End Trust Funds Report. Meal Plan Rates for AY2026-27 were approved with a 3.8% increase. Authorization was granted to borrow up to $18 million for the Burnell Renovation Project. The contract for Athletics Transportation with A&A Metro was approved. The Racial Justice and Equity section reviewed Campus Climate Survey results, noting high feelings of welcome, but identified further work needed regarding belonging for students of color and transgender students. The Alumni and Development section reported exceeding FY2025 fourth-quarter goals, raising over $4.9M. The Ad Hoc Enrollment and Marketing committee reported strong growth in first-year, transfer, and graduate student enrollment for Fall 2025. The Honorary Degree Committee reviewed nominations for future commencement ceremonies.

Bridgewater State University's Strategic Plan 2.0 is a comprehensive roadmap for advancing its mission through five key goals and eleven strategic priorities. The plan focuses on enhancing student success, fostering an exceptional teaching and learning environment, enriching the employee experience, serving as a regional catalyst for engagement, and leading in equity and social justice. Key priorities include innovation, employee well-being, racial justice, capital improvements, affordability, career pathways (BSUWorks), enrollment management, and community partnerships, aiming to ensure lifelong student success and benefit the wider community.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on various topics such as the Chairperson's report on year-end festivities and Trustee Rose's contributions, updates from the new student trustee, and the President's report covering retirements, student achievements, and the passing of notable figures. A presentation was given on the Canadian Studies Program and its challenges due to changing U.S.-Canada relations. The board approved the FY2026 budget, an honorary degree for Pedro Pires, and ratified the honorary degree for Robert T. Hale, Jr. Other key discussions included the delegation of authority contract, strategic plan updates, financial reports, tuition and fee schedules, contract approvals, alumni and development updates, safety response for mental health, male student success, racial justice taskforce recommendations, and the slate of board officers for AY2025-2026.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics. The newest board member was welcomed. Updates were provided on service trips, the Center for the Advancement of STEM Education (CASE), and the Student Government Association's revised constitution was approved. The board also discussed promotions to the rank of Full Professor, tenure recommendations, and orientation reimagination. A contract with Pappas Industries, Inc. for Boyden Hall Cupola and Main Entry Stair Renovation was approved. Updates were given on the FY2025/Q2 Alumni and Development Dashboard Report, Fall 2025 Enrollment, Strategic Enrollment Plan, Elevating Business Marketing Campaign, Expanding Business Outreach and Engagement, EXCEL: Expanding Outreach and Engagement, BSU Economic Impact Report, Gardner Institute Update, and Recruitment and Retention Practices.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on DEI commitment, a welcome to a new Trustee, and updates from the Student Trustee. President Clark provided updates on enrollment, the CC2BSU program, Governor Healey's visit, collective bargaining progress, an advertising campaign, the MBTA extension line opening, and a trip to India. An AI presentation highlighted campus activities and planning, including the AI Advisory Committee, training programs, and the Bear Co-Pilot program. The board also discussed public-private partnerships, honorary degree recipients, contract approvals, divisional priorities, trust funds, budget reports, financial reports, capital projects, the master plan, and the FY2026 budget. Discussions also included racial equity and justice initiatives.