Zachary Krisher

The board meeting included updates from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and the Campus Advisory and Activities Board. Action items included the approval of an FY2026 budget amendment and the conferral of degrees and certificates for prospective graduates. Discussion topics featured the FY2027 budget draft, an update on the MSCHE self-study committee, informational policy updates, a review of board bylaws, and a report from the college president regarding enrollment and college initiatives. The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel matters and student housing.

The board meeting included reports from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and the Campus Advisory and Activities Board. Key action items included the selection of the recipient for the 2026 Board Award for Outstanding Contributions to Garrett College. Informational discussions covered updates on the #700 Building renovation project, progress on the MSCHE self-study steering committee, reviews of institutional policies, and an update from the Garrett College Foundation. Furthermore, the meeting addressed college administrative reports, local commemorative event planning, and updates regarding student housing strategies.

The agenda focuses on the review and approval of the FY2026 budget amendment and the FY2027 draft budget, alongside the conferral of degrees and certificates for upcoming graduates. Additionally, the board will discuss updates from the MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee, policy changes from the College Council, and a review of board bylaws. The meeting will also include administrative and financial reports from the college and the chair of the board, as well as an executive session.

The Board deliberated on several key agenda items, including the approval of Emeritus Status for designated recipients and the authorization of the FY2027 County Funding Request for presentation to the County Commissioners. Discussions also covered the establishment of the Board Award Committee, updates regarding the MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee, and a comprehensive report from the College President detailing enrollment metrics, athletic team successes, and student advocacy initiatives. An executive session was conducted to discuss confidential award nominations.

The open session meeting included several communications, such as updates from the Faculty Senate regarding the Emeritus Policy and Tri-model classes, and a report from the Staff Senate detailing governance updates and future forum plans. The Board approved the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which included the FY2027 Holiday Schedule and AY26-27 Academic Calendar. Action items involved the acceptance and approval of the Garrett College Federal Award Programs Single Audit Report for June 30, 2025, which received an unmodified opinion with no findings. The Board also unanimously approved the Garrett College 2026 Facility Master Plan Update, which focuses on renovations to the 700 Building and discusses potential future renovation of the 600 Building spaces. Discussion items covered the FY2027 Budget planning timeline and the Self-Study Steering Committee progress regarding accreditation standards reports. The Board recessed to an Executive Session to discuss confidential personnel matters related to Succession Planning and Deans Professional Development.