The Evergreen State College

The meeting featured an executive leadership report, student trustee updates, and various representative reports. The board addressed committee matters including an accreditation update and strategic plan dashboard metrics. A significant portion of the session focused on authorizing supplemental operating budget requests for the 2026 legislative session, specifically regarding the rescission of unnecessary budget cuts and funding for the maintenance and operations of the Historic Lord Mansion. The meeting concluded with a joint workshop held with the Board of Governors to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.

The board meeting agenda included several key items such as the approval of the Services and Activities Fee amended budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, the implementation of a new student recreation fee for the Costantino Recreation Center, and the approval of 2025-26 housing and dining rates. The board also reviewed an increase for the Clean Energy Fee, a change to the New Student Fee, the 2025-26 Tuition and College Spending Plan, and the Intercollegiate Athletics Budget. Additionally, the meeting covered the approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Student Support Services Staff Union, the resolution to proceed with the Social and Sustainable Impact Master of Business Administration (SMBA) program, and the election of board officers.

The board meeting focused on several strategic and operational items for the college. Key topics included the approval of the 2026 Board of Trustees meeting schedule, an enrollment and retention update highlighting data trends, and a presentation on Academic Leadership Team project priorities. The Finance and Budget Committee presented proposals regarding tuition recommendations, specifically detailing a 3.3% increase in operating fees and the introduction of a tiered tuition structure for graduate programs to maintain competitiveness and address budget requirements. Additionally, the board reviewed fundraising progress, received representative reports, and held an executive session for the president's performance evaluation.

The Board meeting agenda included reports from executive leadership, students, staff, faculty, and the Geoduck Student Union. Key discussion topics included a review of the strategic planning scorecard regarding graduate enrollment and a general enrollment update. The Student Achievement and Success Committee provided updates on the Sustainability program and student achievements. Fundraising and campaign counting criteria for the upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign were reviewed for approval. The Board also addressed legislative reports and finance committee updates, including proposed tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year, specifically creating a tiered graduate tuition structure. Additionally, the Board discussed management teams for classified and SSSSU employee bargaining.

The Board of Trustees reviewed the strategic planning scorecard, discussed enrollment updates, and received reports from the Student Achievement and Success Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Key items included a fundraising update, campaign preparation planning, and an executive session regarding the President's evaluation and contract. Additionally, the Board reviewed administrative reports from executive leadership, legislative updates, and student and staff representatives.