Shelley Esker

The committee discussed and approved the revised Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee Charter. It reviewed the committee work plan and received updates on external and internal audit reports, including the University Annual Report for the fiscal year ending 2025. The committee recommended approval of the fiscal year 2026 Audit Risk Assessment and Audit Plan, the Compliance and Ethics Program Plan, and the Performance-Based Funding Audit Scope and Objectives. Additionally, the committee reviewed the President's evaluation instrument for the 2025 fiscal year, received a report on employment practices, and reviewed a summary of the President's accomplishments for the fiscal year ending 2025.

The committee reviewed the Strategic Initiatives and External Relations Work Plan. Key discussions included an update on the university's legislative budget status, highlighting cautious optimism amidst state budget cuts. Furthermore, the meeting covered various industry partnerships and regional collaborations, including outreach to healthcare organizations to support the new Biomedical Sciences program. The committee also received a presentation on the university's global strategy, which included international partnership highlights and upcoming campus visits by high-level international delegates aimed at elevating the institution's global reputation.

The board meeting agenda focused on various governance, financial, and strategic items. Key discussion topics included the approval of the general education course list, audit plan changes, and presidential goals for the fiscal year. Financial and facility matters addressed the selection of a housing partner, construction management for the student achievement center, and budget increases for the engineering center project. Additionally, the board reviewed progress on the strategic plan, officer elections, proposals for a new degree program in biomedical sciences, and the authorization to form a direct support organization for the NREC affiliate initiative. Legislative session updates and out-of-state fee increase proposals were also scheduled for consideration.

The agenda focuses on critical university business, including the review and action required for the University Accountability Plan for the fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the Board will consider amendments to the General Education Course List for the 2026-27 academic year and a proposed increase to out-of-state fees.

The committee reviewed the academic and student affairs work plan and recommended approval of the 2027-28 general education course list, which includes new offerings in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Discussions were held regarding the development of several new bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, along with an update on the university's accreditation transition. Additionally, the committee received a report on record-breaking enrollment figures, recruitment statistics, housing capacity, and the launch of new athletic programs.