Kent State University

The special meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order to consider a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement between Kent State University and Kent State University Employees Local 153, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents approximately 385 employees in facilities management and culinary services. Prior to this, the Board met in Executive Session to review negotiations concerning employee compensation. The primary agenda item was the approval of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which the membership of AFSCME had ratified on November 5, 2025. The resolution authorizes the new agreement to be in full force and effect from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2028.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss employment/compensation matters and negotiations. During the subsequent Committee of the Whole session, updates were provided on the university's Kent State Works campaign and compliance efforts related to Senate Bill 1. The Board Business Meeting addressed routine personnel actions, including granting emeritus status to faculty and staff. The External Relations and Philanthropy Committee recommended the naming of the Herb Page Men's Golf Program and the Dr. Paula Treckel Women's Golf Program, and reported on fundraising status and legislative advocacy, particularly concerning federal student financial aid and the state's operating budget. The Academic Excellence and Student Success Committee endorsed the Transformation 2028 plan for non-degree granting colleges, which is projected to save $1 million annually, and endorsed the required 2025 University Report on low-enrollment courses. This committee also approved the establishment of the School of Aeronautics and the School of Engineering within the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. The Audit and Compliance Committee recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Internal Audit Plan. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended approval for an expenditure authorization for FY26 to maintain operations pending final state budget approval, the Kent State University Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project, revisions to nine university policies, and new tuition, room and board rates under the Tuition Guarantee Model for the Fall 2025 freshman cohort, as well as tuition and fee adjustments for other student categories. New Business included adopting the mandated Statement of Commitment and establishing the university policy concerning compliance with Senate Bill 1. Finally, the Board conducted the annual election of the President and reelected the slate of Board officers for FY26. Resolutions of appreciation were approved for retiring administrators Denise A. Seachrist and Mark Polatajko, and retiring Graduate Student Trustee Lara Shigo.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss employment and compensation of a public employee, legal disputes, and labor negotiations. Upon returning to public session, the Board adopted the agenda and received recognition for new and reappointed trustees, as well as thanks extended to the Faculty Senate Chair. Key actions included approving personnel actions, such as the request for emeritus status for Dr. Steve Mitchell. Committee reports covered external relations, including fundraising highlights, government relations updates regarding Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 96 implementation, and a fall sports update showing a record cumulative GPA for student-athletes. The Academic Excellence and Student Success Committee presented the conferral of degrees for Spring 2025 and approved the plan to develop the American Civic Literacy course as mandated by Senate Bill 1, including adopting exemption conditions. This committee also approved the establishment of a new Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics major within the Master of Science degree, effective Fall 2026. Informational reports included Fall 2025 enrollment figures and an update on research and economic development, noting the renewal of R1 status. The Audit and Compliance Committee reviewed the FY25 fourth quarter internal audit plan and activities report, alongside the annual cybersecurity update where Kent State showed measurable gains. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended approval for the Fiscal Year 2026 University Budget, totaling $722.9 million system wide, and amendments to pay structures for classified civil service staff and unclassified staff, effective October 2025. This committee also approved a process to contract for electricity supply via a reverse auction and authorized $5.75 million for the Eastway Residence Halls Central Ventilation Improvements, scheduled for Summer 2026. Finally, the Board conducted the annual review of the President, concluding with a determination for a 2% base salary increase effective October 1, 2025, and payment of the full annual performance incentive for FY 2025.