Marshall University

The board convened to discuss athletic department transitions, specifically the discontinuation of the women's swimming and diving program and the establishment of a new STUNT program. The discussions focused on financial sustainability, Title IX compliance, and the impact on student-athletes, with plans outlined to honor existing scholarships and provide transition support. The board formally approved both the discontinuation of the swimming and diving program and the addition of the STUNT program after hearing statements from university leadership and student representation.

The Board met to discuss personnel and commercial competition matters in an executive session. In open session, the President presented a proposal regarding the university's athletics department, specifically focusing on expanding participation opportunities for women and addressing financial infrastructure for Division I sports. The Board unanimously approved the resolution to reinstate the Women's Swimming and Diving program, which effectively vacates the previous resolution that had discontinued the program.

The board meeting featured reports from academic committees and the Provost, highlighting university enrollment growth for the fourth consecutive year and successful accreditation processes for various colleges. The School of Medicine provided updates on student recruitment, research productivity, and new initiatives in rural health and biomedical science. Additionally, the Chairman recognized the efforts of campus operations during severe weather and discussed the institution's commitment to affordability and return on investment in higher education.

The meeting included committee reports covering Athletics, Finance, Audit and Facilities Planning, Academic and Student Affairs, and School of Medicine updates. Key discussions and actions involved the retroactive approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Final Audited Financial Statements, approval of proposed changes to the 2025-2026 Academic Year Housing Rates, and the authorization by the President to establish the Bill and Lois Dolin Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-5 (Employee Dependent Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program) and Rule No. SA-1 (Student Rights and Responsibilities). Updates were provided on employee engagement survey results, Fall 2025 enrollment growth despite demographic headwinds, and the university's role in economic development initiatives like the IDEA District and positioning West Virginia as a Power Tech Center. The Student Representative provided updates on food drive initiatives, student organization allocations, the 55th Memorial Fountain Ceremony, and the upcoming Dancing with the HERD fundraiser.

The meeting included the swearing-in of two new Board members. Key discussions involved the IDEA District update, committee reports, and recognition of faculty achievements, including a NASA grant recipient and an award winner for preserving African American heritage. Action items included the approval of revisions to Board of Governors Rule No. AA-5 concerning the Employee Dependent Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program to ensure equitable fee remission regardless of residency, and the approval of revisions to Rule No. SA-1 consolidating student rights and responsibilities policies and adding mandatory reporting requirements. The Provost reported extensively on academic affairs, including updates from various colleges (Arts and Media, Engineering and Computer Science, Education and Professional Development, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science), the Division of Aviation, the Lewis College of Business, the School of Pharmacy, University College, University Libraries, and the Office of Online Education. The Student Body President provided an update on SGA activities, including food drive success during the SNAP benefit pause, the allocation of funds to student organizations, and the upcoming Dancing with the HERD event. The Dean of the School of Medicine reported on student performance in national examinations, preparations for Match Day, recent rural health awards, the launch of the Marco Mobile Medical Unit, and research achievements. The board also authorized the establishment of the Bill and Lois Dolin Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery. The Vice President for Student Affairs detailed the division's structure, staff, new initiatives like Esports expansion and the WOW Academy, engagement metrics, and upcoming priorities, including office relocations and system implementations. Action items from the Finance, Audit and Facilities Planning Committee included the receipt of the Final Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2025 and the approval of proposed changes to 2025-26 Academic Year Housing Rates for The Landing. The board also held an Executive Session to discuss matters involving commercial competition.