Travis Brunner

The board meeting included the seating of a new Graduate Student Director and a presentation by Dr. Pedro Peloso on his work documenting threatened amphibian and reptile species. The board reviewed the annual report of indirect cost recovery expenditures for fiscal year 24/25 and accepted the finance committee report, which highlighted the first quarter financial status and pre-award metrics. Additionally, members discussed potential federal funding impacts from upcoming Office of Management and Budget guidance regarding indirect cost allocation and provided an update on a pilot administrative support pool program for principal investigators.

The committee reviewed the second quarter financial report, noting an increase in indirect cost revenue and accounts receivable, as well as the status of the current active project portfolio. Pre-award metrics were presented, highlighting new proposal submissions and received awards. Discussions included trends in faculty grant applications, strategies for sustaining proposal growth, and factors influencing indirect cost recovery. Additionally, the committee addressed recent adverse award actions, potential federal impacts on indirect cost rates, the transition of specific grants between departments, and institutional preparations for new national funding initiatives. Short-term budget stability and future budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year were also noted for further review.

The meeting included a research presentation on small mammals in the Neotropics, focusing on species diversity, distribution, and evolutionary history. The Audit Committee reported a clean opinion on the financial statements. The Finance Committee discussed the 4th Quarter Financial Report, the effective IDC rate, active projects, and new awards. The committee recommended amending the Indirect Revenue Distribution Policy. There was a discussion on a new pilot program for an administrative support pool for Principal Investigators and an overview of the current federal funding climate, including potential government shutdowns.

The committee reviewed the 1st Quarter Financial Report, noting a decrease in the effective IDC rate and an increase in invoiced and unbilled Accounts Receivables. The revenue is above the projected amount in all revenue categories. There was a discussion regarding potential changes to Indirect Costs (IDC), including a potential uniform 15% IDC cap across all agencies, and the importance of proactive communication with Principal Investigators about potential implications. The need to diversify the University's funding portfolio and increase engagement with corporate partners was highlighted.

The meeting included the seating of new board members and the nomination and approval of the 2025-2026 Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board of Directors. The committee membership and chairs for 2025-2026 were also approved. The Annual Managerial Report was presented, highlighting the transition of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs Foundation to the Division of University Advancement and the ongoing restructuring effort to strengthen institutional compliance services. The Annual Board of Directors Report was also presented. The Financial & Auditor's Report was reviewed and accepted by the Audit Committee. A point of order was raised regarding the bylaws concerning which officers can chair the meeting in the President's absence.