University Of Central Arkansas

The board discussed and acted upon several items including the authorization of provisional positions for the upcoming fiscal year, approval of revisions to room and board fees and various mandatory tuition and instructional fees, and the adoption of the 2026-2027 operating budget. Additionally, the board approved a Voluntary Employee Retirement Incentive plan, the renovation of the Innovation Campus property, and the UCA 2035 Strategic Plan. Revisions to the Faculty Handbook were approved, alongside the academic calendar for the 2029-2030 period. Notifications regarding new degree programs, concentrations, and certificate offerings were presented. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, including the approval of provisional positions, revisions to room and board fees, and adjustments to mandatory tuition and general registration fees. The Board also reviewed and approved the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, initiated a Voluntary Employee Retirement Incentive plan, and authorized the renovation of 355 Ledgelawn Drive for the Innovation Campus. Furthermore, the Board approved the UCA 2035 Strategic Plan, revisions to the Faculty Handbook, and the academic calendar for the 2029-2030 cycle. Several notifications regarding new and revised degree programs and concentrations were also presented.

The meeting agenda included several key items for action. Discussions covered a resolution of appreciation for Michael Stanton, approval regarding the reimbursement of expenses for official board duties per Board Policy No. 211, and authorization for conducting extracurricular camps under Board Policy No. 653, detailing participating programs and facilities. The Board reviewed a proposed property acquisition of 113 Baridon Street in Conway, Arkansas. Additionally, the Board considered a recommendation for the Distinguished Faculty Emeritus Award for Dr. John Passe-Smith and approved proposed changes to the academic calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 periods. Notifications were also presented regarding the introduction of a new BA in Applied Economics (replacing the BA in Economics), a new BS in Electrical Engineering, and a new BS in Robotics Engineering.

Key discussion points included reports on campus and enrollment updates, the ACCESS Bill compliance status, and a financial report. In the action agenda, the board unanimously approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Trustee Michael Stanton's service as chair in 2025, highlighting significant university progress during that time. The board also approved expense reimbursement guidelines for official duties for 2026 as per Board Policy No. 211. Furthermore, the administration received authorization to enter into agreements for various extracurricular camps under Board Policy No. 653. The board approved the purchase of a property located at 113 Baridon Street, Conway, Arkansas. The status of Distinguished Faculty Emeritus was unanimously approved for retired professor Dr. John Passe-Smith. Finally, the board approved the proposed academic calendars and critical dates for Fall 2026 through Summer 2028, authorizing the administration to make minor adjustments. Notifications included the replacement of the BA in Economics with a new BA in Applied Economics, and the proposal for new BS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Robotics Engineering.

The administration sought board approval, as required by Board Policy No. 416 for contracts exceeding $500,000, for entering into a contract with the Conway Development Corporation. The resolution adopted authorizes the administration to execute the contract. The contract involves leasing approximately 70,800 square feet of building space for the UCA Innovation Campus, which will integrate academic, industry, and community resources for regional workforce development and applied research. The initial contract term is for three years, commencing July 1, 2026, with an initial first-year cost of approximately $1,395,000, escalating by three percent annually, and includes options for two additional four-year extensions.