Fayetteville State University

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several agenda items. For Academic Program Review (APR), an update was provided on the status of nine academic programs (including Communication and Media Studies, Political Science, English and Literature, and Psychology) which are currently in their mid-cycle review, preparing for campus visits by external reviewers. For capital projects, the update on the Building Automation System (BAS) Upgrade Project noted a change in funding source for the Barber and Collins Halls portion to surplus funds from the Bryant/Vance Demolition project for information only. The Board was requested to vote on a motion to approve $200,000 in Overhead Receipts to relocate a large natural gas meter, which was removed from the scope of the Parking Deck project due to budget constraints. Finally, the Board was requested to vote on a motion to approve a $1,000,000 increase in budget authority for the Parking Deck project to address unforeseen site conditions related to utility connections and permit delays.

The Committee on Academic and Student Affairs meeting included academic affairs updates such as progress on the faculty workload policy, noting a decrease in differential teaching and updates on program reviews. Enrollment and Student Success updates highlighted record overall enrollment of 7,628 students, the largest freshman class since 2007, and a strong retention rate of 78%. Student Affairs reported on significant growth in disability services utilization and efforts to implement recommendations from an external review. Student well-being reports noted increasing needs for economic/basic needs support, with case management assisting a high volume of students facing housing and food insecurity.

The Committee on Athletics meeting included an update from the Director of Athletics who introduced two new departmental members: the Head Coach for Men's Basketball and the Associate Head Coach for Track and Field. The update detailed significant academic progress among student-athletes, noting an all-time high overall GPA of 3.42 in Spring 2025. A review of fall sports programs, football and volleyball, indicated efforts to align coaching staff numbers and increase volleyball athlete numbers to peer averages. Discussion also covered the status of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals, where seven football athletes currently hold agreements, and the department's primary funding sources, which consist of student fees (60%), state allocations (30%), and private donations (10%). The meeting concluded with the announcement of 2025 Fall championship dates.

The Board of Trustees meeting included updates and reports from various committees, including Academic and Student Affairs, Athletics, University Advancement, Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance, Budget and Finance, and Governance and Personnel. Key discussion points included academic affairs updates, enrollment and student success, disability services enhancements, athletic achievements, university advancement fundraising results, non-discrimination and Title IX training, risk assessment and workplan approval, budget updates, housing study outcomes, federal relations updates, and the faculty workload annual report. The board also addressed action items related to building automation system upgrades, health and wellness center project authority increase, and a new policy on non-salary and deferred compensation.

The Committee on Budget and Finance convened to discuss several financial matters and proposals. Updates were provided on the legislative budget, including the impact of the mini budget on FSU, and the finance update highlighted changes from the initially approved All Funds Budget. A housing master plan and capital projects were presented, focusing on strengthening the financial sustainability of the university's housing system. The committee also reviewed action items for academic year 26-27 rate adjustments, including graduate tuition increases, an increase in the education and technology fee, residential housing rate increases, and dining meal plan rates. The board approved the increase to graduate tuition rates, the increase to the education and technology fee, changes to residence hall room rates, and dining plan rates for 2026-2027.