Utah State University

The meeting encompassed a strategic plan preview, a report on legislative and audit updates, and a comprehensive review and approval of the 2026-2027 tuition rates and student fee adjustments. Key discussions included the transition of various student fees to tuition, athletic department budget and revenue strategies in light of the move to the Pac-12 Conference, and various academic approvals concerning administrative units, name changes, restructuring, transfers, and new program emphases. Additionally, the Board addressed policies regarding student aid fraud and residency, approved a new earthquake engineering center, accepted external audit reports, and reviewed a lease agreement.

This Strategic Reinvestment Plan outlines Utah State University's approach to optimizing resource allocation in alignment with statutory guidance and its institutional mission. It details disinvestments in program eliminations, program effectiveness, cost-efficient instruction and programming, and administrative efficiency. Strategic reinvestments are concentrated in innovation in academics, research, and community; land-grant and statewide mission initiatives; and student support. The plan aims to enhance efficiency, support student success, and ensure the university's continued fulfillment of its land-grant R1 mission and state needs.

This Strategic Reinvestment Plan for Utah State University outlines a comprehensive strategy for optimizing resources following HB 265, focusing on a 10% instruction funding adjustment. The plan is guided by priorities to preserve a student-focused environment, prioritize job-ready skills, and enhance financial effectiveness. It details four areas of disinvestment: program elimination, improving program effectiveness, achieving cost-efficient instruction and programming, and administrative efficiency. Concurrently, it outlines reinvestment strategies aimed at expanding programs and student support, strengthening community well-being and statewide economies, advancing research, and building pipelines in high-demand areas such as health, engineering, technology, and human services.

The Regular Meeting agenda included a welcome, closed session, committee reports from Executive, Audit, Risk and Compliance, Research and Academic Approval, Athletics, and Honorary Degrees, Awards, and Recognition. The President's Report was presented, followed by strategic agenda items covering a research report and an athletics report. Key action items in the action agenda involved approval for the disposal of 19.50 acres of agricultural property and approval of the President's Office Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting also addressed student resolutions of commendation and concluded with an information agenda. Related committee discussions highlighted the review of research policies, including misconduct, the potential sale of agricultural land, updates on the search for a Chief Audit Executive, progress on the 2026 Audit Plan, and the review of schematic plans for capital improvement projects.

The USU Board of Trustees held a regular meeting to discuss various topics, including commendations for Trustee Kent Alder and a student resolution. The agenda included the President's report, discussions on USU's economic impact, and committee reports from Executive, Audit, Risk, and Compliance, Student Success, Honorary Degrees, Research and Academic Approval, Statewide Mission and Campus Oversight, and Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising. The board also discussed and approved the construction of Phase II of the James D. Ballif Building and the Utah Forest Restoration Institute. Additionally, the board addressed policy approvals, academic program changes, and discontinuations. Updates were provided on leased space, investments, and year-end reports of auxiliaries and service enterprises. The meeting also included reports from various departments such as Academic Enterprise, Student Affairs, Advancement & USU Foundation, Aggie Athletics, USU Extension, Finance & Administrative Services, Government & External Affairs, University Marketing & Communications, Operational Management, Research Enterprise, and Statewide Campuses. The board also discussed performance metrics and preparation, trustee training on conflict of interest and Title IX, and capital improvement priorities.