Yolanda Aguilera

The meeting addressed several procedural and operational matters, including a successful motion to permit remote participation for two Trustees. Public comment was received regarding contract negotiations and amendments to parental leave rules. Key updates included remarks from the President on a successful semester and upcoming strategic plan presentation, and introductions of the new Chief of Police and the new Director of El Centro. The Board reviewed committee reports, including informational briefings on academic affairs, enrollment management, student affairs, and technology. Action items approved by the Board included the naming of the University Auditorium for Sasha L. Gerritson, approval of a contract with American Campus Communities for temporary management of The Nest, approval of the FY26 Strategic Planning Development Fund Request, and approval of a sole source agreement with American 3B Scientific for the nursing simulation lab equipment. Information items covered the FY26 1st Quarter Budget to Actuals Report and the Institutional Advancement Framework, which outlined the NEIU Foundation's structure and upcoming comprehensive campaign. The Board also discussed the President's FY26 salary increase, which President Bell-Jordan subsequently declined. Finally, the Board considered and ultimately decided against altering the established 2026 meeting pattern.

The 2026-2031 Strategic Plan for Northeastern Illinois University focuses on rebuilding, stabilization, and growth to ensure long-term success as an urban, public comprehensive university. The plan is guided by five key features: commitment, actionable goals, resource planning, assessment metrics, and adaptability. It outlines five primary goals: strengthening student success and retention, enhancing curricular innovation and faculty/staff excellence, improving infrastructure, elevating the university's identity and regional impact, and advancing fiscal stability and growth. The overall aim is to advance opportunity, elevate its identity, expand its regional impact, and reaffirm its commitment to student success and institutional excellence, particularly as a minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution.

Although a quorum could not be achieved, an informal information session was held. Public comment focused on concerns regarding Campus Recreation leadership and staff accountability. The President reported on significant developments including the finalization of the NEIU strategic plan, ongoing infrastructure projects (new education building, nursing simulation lab, One Stop Center, and B.I.G. Center), and a recent credit rating upgrade from Moody's. Academic Affairs noted upcoming registration dates for Summer and Fall 2026, and the review of a new Computer Science AI program. The College of Arts and Sciences detailed efforts to enhance programs by creating new minors and piloting a transitional bilingual curriculum. The Goodwin College of Education is implementing a state-funded teacher apprenticeship program, pursuing online status for the Rehabilitation Counseling program with a $1,000,000 grant, and planning the Fall 2026 launch of an Ed.D. program. The College of Graduate Studies and Research is focusing on supporting graduate programs, investigating 4+1 pathways, and seeking funding for assistantships. Enrollment Management reported a 2% increase in Spring 2026 headcount and credit hours compared to the previous year, and noted the success of the early A/R hold pilot program in recovering $2.15 million in revenue. Student Affairs is managing the transition of operational ownership of the Nest, selecting a new housing CRM system, and reintroducing Goldie Bucks. Technology reported progress on the Workday Finance system go-live scheduled for July 1, 2026, and developing an AI governance framework.

The committee meeting included remarks from the Chair and President, noting that the strategic plan is nearing completion, the Governor's State of the State address is approaching, and the University received a ratings upgrade from Moody's. Key information items presented included the FY2026 2nd Quarter Budget to Actual Report, detailing revenue changes due to enrollment and tuition rate increases, and expense changes related to personnel and debt refinancing. The report also highlighted a significant shortfall due to the withheld 2% state appropriation. The Buildings and Grounds Report covered completed 2025 projects and plans for 2026, including the creation of a master plan, construction starting on the Business Innovation and Growth (B.I.G.) Center, renovations to the Auditorium lobby into the Sasha Garritson Theater, planning for a new One-Stop Center and nursing simulation lab, a $2 million pool renovation, and discussions regarding the demolition of vacant Bryn Mawr Avenue properties. A purchase report detailed the acquisition of a new Steinway Model D concert grand piano. For consideration, the Committee recommended approval of the FY2027 Tuition and Fees Recommendations, which propose a 1% increase in undergraduate base tuition, a 3% increase in graduate base tuition, and an increase in the mandatory general fee from $100 to $125 per credit hour.

The Academic/Student Affairs, Enrollment, and Technology Committee meeting included remarks from the Chair and President regarding the start of the academic cycle, welcoming students, and condemning violence while promoting respectful dialogue. Key discussions involved a motion recommending approval for a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, designed to launch in Fall 2026 with a focus on ethics and modern AI tools, which generated enthusiasm despite some general concerns about AI's broader impacts. Information items covered the approval of the Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry doctoral program and the M.S.N. Entry into Practice program. Updates were provided on the ongoing academic advising review (ICare initiative) in coordination with NACADA, the 10-Year HLC accreditation review cycle, and upcoming collective bargaining negotiations for the UPI agreement. Enrollment updates indicated a shortfall in freshman headcount for Fall 2025 but growth in transfer and graduate enrollments, along with a noted decline in international students. Retention rates showed an 8% growth compared to the prior year for first-time students. Student Affairs reported that NEIU has acquired the Nest facility outright following debt refinancing, with a transition plan in place involving a nine-month operating agreement. The committee also convened in and reconvened from Closed Session.