Zeb Baker

The discussions across the meetings centered on the Hallmark Experience initiative. Key agenda items included reviewing feedback from demos and determining next steps, such as initiating accessibility testing via the designated procurement request channel. The committee charge focused on finalizing the Request for Proposal (RFP), selecting a vendor, implementing the solution, and integrating the mechanism for co-curricular transcript tracking, goal setting, and reflection exercises. The status of the RFP draft was reviewed, along with a list of potential solutions from vendors like Modern Campus, Ready Education, EAB Navigate, Campus Community, Suitable, and Anthology Engage. Action items involved reviewing and providing feedback on the RFP draft, prioritizing preferred features, defining evaluation criteria, and preparing language for requesting demos.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting covered several key areas, including the presentation and consideration of multiple policy changes necessitated by Senate Bill 1, encompassing Faculty Performance Evaluation, Faculty Promotion and Tenure, Faculty Workload, Faculty Post-Tenure Review, and Retrenchment Policies. The Committee also reviewed the annual report on Remedial Education. New academic programs and structural changes were discussed, including recommending approval for a Master of Education in Health Professions Education (MEHPE) program, slated to begin in Fall 2026, which involves collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic. Significant discussion focused on a reimagined Miami Plan to modernize general education, streamline the curriculum, and integrate applied skills courses and ePortfolios to enhance career readiness. Updates were also provided regarding the growing relationship with the Northeast Ohio Medical School (NEOMED) concerning a proposed accelerated nursing program, the Polytechnic campus initiative, and Enrollment Management and Student Success strategies for Fall 2026, including the Academic Recruitment and Collaboration (ARC) model. Furthermore, University Communications and Marketing highlighted successful digital engagement, branding efforts like "The Power of Will," and innovative creative executions. Finally, the Committee reviewed positive first-year student transition survey results from Fall 2025 regarding academic and social adjustment.

The Finance and Audit Committee meeting included the presentation of the 2025 financial statement audit results by the independent auditors, Forvis Mazars, with no reportable matters found. Senior Vice President David Creamer provided updates on Fiscal Year 2025 financial highlights, noting strong net position growth primarily due to investment performance, and a reduction in long-term debt. The Committee received an update on the Workday implementation, which included identifying gaps in Workday Student processing capabilities, necessitating a pause in Go Live and the execution of an RFP for a separate Financial Aid tool. Capital Projects and Facilities updates covered completed projects like the Regionals Boiler Replacement, new leases supporting Miami Thrive operations near the Cleveland Clinic, and progress on the Advanced Manufacturing Hub and the New Basketball Arena. The Committee recommended approval for four capital project resolutions covering facility removals, refrigeration replacement, residence hall renovations, and capital improvements funding. Additionally, the Committee recommended approval for the annual Efficiency Report to the State of Ohio and the internal audit plan and Charter revisions. The Investment Subcommittee reported positive year-to-date returns, strong operating cash flow tracking ahead of forecast, and endorsed a resolution to allocate an additional $35 million from the Reserve for Investment Fluctuations to MiamiTHRIVE initiatives.

The Board of Trustees meeting included several key reports and actions. The Chair provided updates on Miami THRIVE initiatives, including expanded partnerships with The Cleveland Clinic and Northeast Ohio Medical School (NEOMED) for quantum computing and an accelerated nursing program. Athletics achievements were highlighted, such as the football team's bowl appearance and successes in Field Hockey, Men's Basketball, and Women's Basketball. A new National Trustee, David Dafoe, was elected. The University Senate Chair reported on revisions to the Enabling Act to align with new Ohio law concerning shared governance and curriculum approval. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee recommended approval for five policy resolutions related to faculty evaluation, promotion/tenure, workload, post-tenure review, retrenchment, the annual Remediation Report, and a proposed Masters in Health Professions Education program. The Finance and Audit Committee reviewed the FY2025 financial audit, noted a delay in the Workday student implementation due to necessary financial aid software integration, and endorsed four facility resolutions for building removal, ice center refrigeration replacement, residence hall renovation, and capital improvements. The Committee also approved an efficiency report, an amendment to the Internal Audit Charter, and allocated an additional $35 million for the MiamiTHRIVE Strategic Plan. Student Trustees reported on initiatives like the 'I'm Listening' program for mental health support and ongoing concerns regarding the Cook Field arena district and the Miami Plan revisions.

This document outlines 'A Strategic Plan for Miami's Future', with 'MiamiTHRIVE' serving as the current strategic plan. It aims to strengthen the university's teaching, research, and service missions by guiding decision-making and resource allocation to enhance academic excellence, research, student success, and community impact. The plan focuses on reimagining the university to adapt to evolving educational and societal needs and serve the dynamic interests of students.