University Of New Hampshire System

The meeting focused on fiscal oversight and planning, including an assessment of athletics program return on investment and the development of a facilities master plan dashboard. Updates were provided on fall enrollment and its impact on primary student revenue, alongside the approval of a $7 million amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget to cover one-time costs. The committee reviewed initial Key Performance Indicators for monitoring institutional progress and recommended maximum annual increases for tuition, mandatory fees, and housing and dining rates for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additionally, budget planning assumptions and parameters for Fiscal Year 2027 were approved, and information regarding Fiscal Year 2025 financial highlights and debt refinancing opportunities was reviewed.

The committee reviewed the university system's investment portfolio performance and discussed strategic initiatives for downsizing the campus footprint to improve operational efficiency and reduce capital requirements. During a nonpublic session, members deliberated on real estate and financial matters. The committee approved several capital projects, including the renovation of Morrison Hall at Keene State College, infrastructure renewal at Morse Hall at the University of New Hampshire, and HVAC and life/safety improvements for the PE Center at Plymouth State University. Additionally, the committee received updates on donor pledges, capital projects, and enterprise risk management.

The committee reviewed the external auditors' FY25 Uniform Guidance Audit reports, noting no required return of funds despite identified findings. The committee confirmed the appointment of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) as the external auditor for fiscal year 2026. The 2025 Annual Report of the Environmental Health and Safety Council was presented, covering accomplishments, incident reduction, and ongoing safety programs across the university system. Additionally, the committee received an annual report on Title IX compliance, an update on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program, and a status report on outstanding audit issues.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting to address personnel and compensation matters. Key discussions included entering nonpublic sessions to deliberate on the performance and compensation of public employees, as well as the hiring process. Significant actions taken by the Board included the appointment of an interim president for Keene State College and the approval of the fiscal year 2025 at-risk pay award for the President of Keene State College.

The Committee discussed the governance structure for a potential innovation park, reaching a consensus that an affiliated non-profit model would be preferable. Amendments to the Board Policy on trustee attendance expectations were reviewed and recommended for Board approval. The committee received a report on enterprise risk management, specifically focusing on leadership turnover and defining senior leadership roles. During a nonpublic session, the committee discussed personnel matters and directed staff to prepare a proposal designating the UNH President as USNH Chancellor. Additionally, the committee reviewed the annual trustee self-evaluation survey questions and the upcoming year's workplan, while maintaining diversity as a standing agenda item.