Western Carolina University

This document outlines the Project Summary for the Webster Village Housing Partnership, a collaborative initiative to develop a master-planned, multi-income housing community in Jackson County, North Carolina. The project aims to construct 210-235 new housing units, addressing shortages for low-income senior living, adult working professionals, and low-to-moderate income single-family homes. Key components include 120 senior living apartments by Givens Communities, 32 single-family homes by Mountain Projects, and 56-84 adult professional apartments facilitated by Western Carolina University. The plan seeks to provide stability for the region's workforce, create a safe environment for senior living, and offer valuable applied learning opportunities for students.

The subcommittee agenda includes an opening call to order, roll call, and ethics statement presentation by the Chair. Discussion items focus on Chancellor Comments, an overview of the Equality Within the University of North Carolina Executive Fall Semester, and a review of Scholarship Practices concerning alignment with current legal requirements and the Equality Policy. The agenda also notes a section for future meeting planning and a closed session dedicated to personnel discussion regarding employee performance.

The document indicates a motion to move into a closed session, citing Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, as stated in the publicly available closed session agenda.

The Board meeting included discussions on various topics such as the UNC System's concerns about the misuse of purchasing and travel cards, the impact of Hurricane Helene, and updates from the Board of Governors. The board also discussed research, scholarships, and grant funding, and university accolades. Reports were given by the Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee, the Administration, Governance, and Trusteeship Committee, and the Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, there were information reports from the Student Government Association President, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and Alumni Association. The board also approved the 2025 Legislative Advocacy Priorities, the WCU Undergraduate Admissions Special Consideration Exception Policy, changes to tuition, fees, rates, and surcharges for 2025-26, a revised Internal Audit Charter, a revised Finance and Audit Committee Charter, and the proposed design for the Athletic Facility Improvement Project for the West Side Stands.

The Board of Trustees meeting included a welcome to new members and recognition of outgoing SGA President. Chancellor Brown provided updates on enrollment, Board of Governors actions, federal guidance, NCAA updates, and graduation rates. The board discussed and approved waivers for exceeding the 120-credit hour limit, the All Funds Budget for 2025-2026, and James R. Vannoy and Sons Construction Company as the preferred Construction Manager for the New Engineering Facility. Updates were given on capital projects, athletic accomplishments, undergraduate admissions, and scholarships. The board also discussed federal actions affecting higher education, university communications, and marketing, and received reports from the Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and Alumni Association. Additionally, the board approved Kevin Fulk as the Kneedler Distinguished Professor and approved tenure and promotion candidates.