Vicki Cooper

The committee discussed strategies for the housing portfolio, including the sale of university-owned homes, purchasing properties for neighborhood development, and establishing a tiered tenant incentive structure. The administration was granted consensus to pursue the demolition of three vacant houses near campus. The committee reviewed a proposed adjustment to the teaching faculty renewal notification timeline to allow for budget-related flexibility. Additionally, the meeting covered proposed fee increases for recreation center usage, housing, and meal plans, along with a recommendation to mothball the East Village residence hall due to low occupancy. The committee also touched upon potential retreat locations and the agenda for the subsequent board meeting.

The committee reviewed the annual Single Audit results, which identified one significant deficiency and two compliance findings, and confirmed the implementation of corrective action plans. Reports were provided on the status of open audit recommendations. Legal and compliance updates included information on foreign gift reporting and emerging legal considerations. Specialized presentations addressed new Department of Justice Title II regulations for digital accessibility and a legal framework concerning employee free speech and employment risk. Additionally, the committee discussed institutional responses to feral cats on campus.

The committee reviewed student engagement metrics, including Homecoming participation trends and the status of registered student organizations. Discussions covered the gender-inclusive Homecoming Royalty model and the need for improved event promotion. The Student Government Association reported on recruitment challenges regarding Senate vacancies and discussed underutilized budget allocations. Furthermore, the committee evaluated a strategic vision for University Housing, which includes the implementation of a new residential model and the potential closure of East Village housing due to low occupancy and operational concerns.

The board reviewed committee reports, presidential recommendations, and institutional updates. Key actions included approving honorary degrees, faculty emeritus status, and organizational charts. Financial and operational items addressed were tuition, housing, and parking fee schedules for the upcoming fiscal year, the annual operating budget, and authorization for real property transactions. The facilities management report provided detailed updates on various campus renovations, construction projects, and building system upgrades. Furthermore, the board discussed legislative budget impacts and student enrollment updates.

The committee held a special recognition for the retiring Director of Financial and Operational Auditing. Business items included a review of external audit results for the fiscal year, which provided an unmodified opinion on financial statements, and a presentation on a cybersecurity tabletop exercise that assessed ransomware response readiness. The internal audit update covered recent operational reviews and the preliminary audit plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the compliance report highlighted institutional concerns regarding new federal visa fees and their potential impact on hiring and enrollment.