Washburn University

Discussions during the meeting included the Chair recognizing the Mayor's final meeting due to non-re-election and appreciation for his service. The President reported on the finalized University audit with no major findings, accolades received by Washburn Tech, strong performance by School of Business students on the Major Field Test, and successes of the Debate Team. Progress updates were given on the KC campaign, Lee Arena renovations, and the Advisors Excell Hall construction. Committee reports covered the Executive and Governance Committee's development of a shared governance statement and the Academic and Student Affairs Committee's review of academic program updates, learning pathways, and student life services. New business involved approving liquidated claims from previous months. Action items included bestowing the Eminentes Universitatis designation upon two long-term employees, approving Academic Sabbaticals for the 2026-2027 year, and approving the new Washburn Tech Medical Assistant Certificate B program due to high local demand. The Board also approved a $22.5 million budget for the Campus Mechanical Systems Upgrade project with Trane, adopted a resolution for issuing revenue bonds not to exceed $23 million for financing, and approved the replacement of the Yager Stadium turf and the Mulvane Art Museum lighting system.

The Chair reported on the recognition of Mayor Padilla and the diligent work on shared governance, noting an upcoming Executive and Governance committee meeting. The President reported positive fall enrollment figures, social media rankings success, and various campus engagement events, including Women in Science Day and High School Art Day. The Compliance, Audit and Risk Committee received an unmodified audit report, with the Federal report potentially delayed, and reported on planning for a risk management committee, Clery Act, and the Anti-Hazing Act compliance. The Finance and Capital Strategies Committee reported on flat health insurance renewals and capital projects progress, while also analyzing state funding for budget gaps. New business included approving the consent agenda, which covered minutes from a prior meeting and liquidated claims. The Board approved an expenditure of $283,808 to Walz Tetrick for the annual digital media campaign and renewed health plans for one year effective January 1, 2026, noting stable premiums due to proactive wellness strategies. Finally, the Board adopted a resolution establishing intent to issue tax-exempt obligations to finance potential future costs related to updating the campus heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure, based on an estimate from Trane.

The meeting agenda covered several key areas including Officer Reports such as the Chair's Report and the President's Report, which featured a presentation by the AI Task Force. New Business included several Consent Agenda items, such as the approval of liquidated claims for October and November 2025, and revisions to Policy Section BB of the WUPRPM regarding Computing and Information Technology Resources. Action Items included the approval of Honorary Degree Candidates, bestowal of the Eminentes Universitatis designation, the naming of the Tennis Complex as "The Castillo Family Tennis Complex," discussion on Washburn Tech Operating Grants, authorization for Washburn University Refunding and Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, and authorization for Kansas Municipal Investment Pool Transactions. Informational items included a presentation on the Healthcare Center Project Design and a review of the FY26 Quarterly Financial Statements.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The board considered the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and several sets of liquidated claims. They also discussed the designation of Eminentes Universitatis to long-term employees, approved academic sabbaticals for the 2026-2027 academic year, and considered a new Medical Assistant program at Washburn Institute of Technology. Additionally, the board addressed campus mechanical systems upgrades, the issuance of revenue bonds, a turf replacement project for Yager Stadium, and a lighting replacement project for the Mulvane Art Museum. The meeting also included a quarterly financial report and an executive session.

The meeting included a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue Neutral Rate and the Fiscal Year 2025 Public Budget. The Board also discussed the Board Retreat, campus vibrancy, and upcoming events. An update on activities in Student Life was presented. The Board discussed sabbaticals and heard about a faculty member's sabbatical experience. The naming of the Indoor Athletics Facility the Sneed Indoor Athletics Facility was approved. The Board approved a contract to rpk for a Data Reporting Project for Long Term Financial Sustainability. An updated Project Budget for the Washburn Tech North project was approved. The renewal of casualty insurance coverage for fiscal year 2026 was also approved. The meeting moved into executive session to discuss personnel matters.