Tanya Kausler

The Board of Trustees discussed the implementation of new digital accessibility standards for web content, video records, and instructional materials. Key topics included the regulatory requirements for making digital content accessible to individuals with disabilities, the use of AI tools to assist in creating accessible transcripts and documents, and the significant workload implications for faculty and staff. The board reviewed exceptions for archived content and explored strategies for transitioning existing digital resources to meet federal accessibility standards by the upcoming deadline.

The board meeting focused on the planning and launch of the university's Centennial campaign, which includes goals for academic innovation, student scholarship growth, athletic facility improvements for baseball and softball, and general campus vibrancy. Key discussion topics included the leadership phase of the campaign, strategies for donor engagement, historical fundraising benchmarks, and the implementation of campaign marketing and recognition structures. The board reviewed the campaign's strategic foundation, alignment with the university's Ascent 2029 plan, and the collaborative efforts required between the governing board and the foundation.

The board meeting covered several significant topics including institutional accreditation status, legislative updates and lobbying efforts, the receipt of congressional funding for early college initiatives, and the securing of an immigrant and refugee student success grant. Discussions also touched upon bargaining with academic unions, commemorative efforts for distinguished staff and faculty, and challenges faced by peer institutions. Additionally, the committee provided reports on financial and administrative matters, including the approval of new certificate programs and efforts to improve institutional accessibility.

The Board meeting agenda covered various institutional and financial matters, including the review of committee reports, approval of the FY26 Q3 management report, internal audit vendor selection, and the 2025 single audit report. Key topics included the approval of a new Business Analytics certificate, amendments to trustee characteristics for the upcoming academic year, and a name change for the Finance & Administration Committee. Financial items involved setting 2026-27 tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board rates, as well as approving the preliminary E&G budget, a quasi-endowment fund investment recommendation, and ballfield complex improvements. Additional discussions focused on enrollment support, legislative updates, shared governance reports, EOU Foundation updates, an annual KPI performance review, and an academic support showcase.

This guidebook, 'Making Value the Strategy: Infusing the Postsecondary Value Framework Into Strategic Planning,' serves as a resource for campus leaders to assess their readiness and integrate the Postsecondary Value Framework (PVF) into their institutional strategic plans. The PVF focuses on enhancing access, affordability, support, completion, earnings, and wealth for all students. The document outlines methods for embedding the PVF, assesses organizational readiness for change, and shares lessons learned from a strategic planning collaborative of five higher education institutions.