University of Minnesota System

The committee scheduled special non-public meetings as part of the Board's regular annual performance review process to evaluate the performance of the President of the University of Minnesota.

The meeting commenced with the approval of previous minutes. The President's report covered several key areas, including the vibrancy of the Fall semester, a tour of the Health Sciences Education Center, and updates on COVID-19 safety protocols such as mask and vaccine mandates, which resulted in extremely low case numbers. The President also detailed a shift in COVID-19 positive case guidance and the launch of the 'inform' page on the safe campus website. Significant discussion focused on public safety enhancements, including hiring additional police officers, a social worker, and a community liaison, alongside preventative measures like blue light kiosks and safety guide programs. The M Safe program review, related to UMPD, was also noted. Furthermore, the President announced several new leadership appointments, including Deans for the Humphrey School and CSE, and a Director for the Weisman Art Museum. Updates were provided regarding University history transparency efforts, the review of the namings policy, and an upcoming event with poet Nikky Finney. Other activities mentioned included Homecoming, the President's postdoctoral fellowship program, and ongoing board service commitments. Finally, the agenda covered reviews related to the PEAK initiative, the Twin Cities campus master plan, the strategic enrollment plan, and initial conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Finance & Operations Committee meeting addressed several key items, primarily focusing on fiscal matters and policy amendments. The committee reviewed and recommended for adoption proposed amendments to the Board of Regent's Policy: Property and Facility Use. Discussion ensued regarding how these policy changes would impact the receipt and management of donated properties, including those intended for monetization versus mission-related functions. The committee also reviewed the President's recommended fiscal year 2023 annual capital improvement budget, which included anticipated state funding requests, HEAPR funding levels, and various University-funded projects. Discussions also covered the fiscal year 2023 annual operating budget, noting its context within the state's biennial budget cycle, and the necessity of facility renewal funding to address a significant deferred renewal need. Specific details on the capital budget included the status of state funding requests contingent upon legislative action and the allocation of funds for repair and replacement pools.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of three senior leaders: Chancellor Janet Ericson of the University of Minnesota Morris, Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Shashank Priya (who transitioned to founding executive director of the National Security Research Institute), and Vice President and Budget Director Julie Thomasson. Additionally, Professor Paul Glevy was recognized as a Regent Professor. The agenda proceeded with the approval of the minutes and the consent report, which included gifts and committee reports. The President's report highlighted achievements, upcoming leadership transitions (including the naming of Michael Rodriguez as the new Chancellor of UMN Morris), ongoing work on strategic enrollment management, support for students experiencing food insecurity, and safety measures, including the introduction of the new Chief of Police, Dr. Michael Davis. Discussions also covered collaborations related to the Destination Medical Center (DMC) plan expansion and ongoing mediation between the university, Fairview, and M Physicians regarding health and healthcare faculty and staff.

The meeting included discussions and presentations related to the president's fiscal year 2017 operating budget. Key topics included the budget's alignment with academic excellence, access for qualified students, stewardship of tuition and public dollars, diversity, research aligned with the needs of the state, and public engagement. Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of the university's missions due to state revenues and tuition situations, with a focus on financial issues in individual colleges. Additional discussions covered student mental health, police forces, tuition hikes, and the treatment of university workers.