Marshall University

The meeting included the review and recommendation of the 2025-26 Academic Program Review recommendations, which involved decisions to continue, consolidate, discontinue, or expand various undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. The committee also considered the approval of Board of Governors Rule No. AA-17 regarding Faculty Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. Informational items included a presentation on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in online teaching, skills mapping, and digital accessibility initiatives, as well as a strategic planning presentation from the University Libraries regarding AI-enhanced discovery and integrity.

The meeting focused on the Athletics Committee annual activity calendar and the "Student-Athlete First: Building Champions Beyond the Game" report. Key topics included academic performance, student-athlete well-being, competitive excellence, and NCAA legislation updates. The committee reviewed strategies for fan experience, revenue growth, and resource development, including new sponsorship deals and facility projects. Financial updates were provided, covering year-over-year operational expense and revenue analyses, as well as fundraising priorities for facility maintenance, debt reduction, and student-athlete support programs.

The Board of Governors discussed several key administrative and academic initiatives. Actions included approval of revisions to the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking, and Retaliation Policy; approval of the 2025-2026 Academic Program Review recommendations; and authorization of a new rule regarding Faculty Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. Financial items approved included the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 university and athletics budgets, tuition and fee rate schedules, the reallocation of funds from the State Institutions of Higher Education Deferred Maintenance Grant Program, and the purchase of property in the Huntington Gideon District. The Board also received reports from the President, the Student Representative, and the School of Medicine, and conducted an executive session to discuss commercial competition and personnel matters.

The committee meeting covered updates regarding academic and student affairs, as well as career outcomes and graduation data. Key discussion topics included a Provost report, a review of the annual activity calendar, and a strategic planning update for University College. The committee recommended for approval the revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-6, which outlines a comprehensive framework for faculty classification, appointment, promotion, tenure, and emeritus status.

The board discussed a variety of agenda items, including updates from the Provost on enrollment growth and departmental achievements, a student representative update regarding student initiatives, and a report on the School of Medicine's progress in research and rural health programs. The board also addressed significant developments in the Athletic Department, specifically concerning the discontinuation and subsequent reinstatement of the women's swimming and diving program, the addition of a STUNT program, and the expansion of roster sizes for women's sports. Additionally, the board considered the approval of revisions to board policy regarding faculty classification, tenure, and related professional processes.