Eastern Oregon University

The committee discussed the trustee nomination and recruitment procedure, agreeing to create a plan for staggered term limits and candidate selection. They approved a board note card procedure, allowing for official board communications and individual personal notes. Additionally, the committee began developing criteria for presidential evaluations, addressed risks regarding the use of personal email accounts for board business, and reviewed plans for legislative advocacy. Finally, the committee discussed the issue of staggering board terms, noting the need to coordinate with the Governor's office.

The committee received an update on the university foundation's strategic plan and fundraising initiatives, including the use of new donor database tools and the formation of regional advisory councils. Discussions covered the status of trustee recruitment and reappointments to fill upcoming vacancies. The committee also reviewed the Annual Board Evaluation Questionnaire, deliberating on potential technical improvements and procedural changes for future evaluations. Additionally, members provided feedback on the previous retreat and discussed planning for the upcoming retreat, with a focus on community outreach, venue selection, and trustee orientation.

The committee reviewed several financial and operational items, including financial forecast scenarios, proposed tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year, and room and board rate proposals. The committee also examined the FY2019 budget draft and capital requests for the 2019-21 period. Additionally, the committee received an update on online program management involving Pearson and a legislative update regarding the university's designation as Oregon's Rural University and funding secured for a new fieldhouse.

The committee meeting addressed staffing updates in the finance department and approved an extension for the audit services contract with CliftonLarson. The HECC Director provided an informational overview on new funding models and capital project priorities for public universities. Additionally, the committee evaluated two tuition rate scenarios for the upcoming academic year and recommended approval of the proposal that maintains flat tuition for on-campus and resident online students while implementing specific fee increases. A review of the Fund Balance Policy was postponed until a future meeting.

The committee meeting covered several financial and administrative items. Key topics included the approval of a change to the committee charter regarding property sales, a review of the draft operating budget, and the scheduling of budget monitoring. Additionally, the committee discussed financial reporting procedures for the full board, updates on SEIU contract costs, funding considerations for the Eastern Promise program, and an informational presentation from the IT department. Other discussions involved the status of the Internal Audit RFP, the upcoming External Audit RFP, and the development of a decision model tool with external assistance.