Western Colorado University

The meeting was called to order by Chair Buckley. The agenda was approved as presented. The Board convened an executive session to consider personnel matters, specifically the President's Comprehensive 360 Assessment, which included input from over 120 stakeholder interviews. Upon returning to public session, the Chair indicated that the review was a strong endorsement of President Baca's leadership and that an executive summary would be distributed the following week. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

Key discussions during the meeting involved securing funding for the Leslie J. Savage Library remodel and upcoming legislative advocacy efforts. The board adopted a resolution designating Western as a bird-friendly campus and discussed upcoming searches for the provost and athletic director positions. Updates were provided on SGA allocations, faculty concerns regarding the presidential evaluation timeline, and progress on the Western Watershed General Education initiative. Action items included the approval of personnel actions, FY2025-26 Compensation Budget Amendments which featured a 2.5% salary increase effective January 1st, and revisions to the Handbook for Professional Personnel concerning compensation and workload. The board also reviewed the draft 2026-2027 meeting schedule and received reports on undergraduate enrollment growth, which showed a 20% increase in Colorado first-year students, and the legislative agenda emphasizing sustained higher education funding. A department report highlighted a state funding proposal that fell short of covering rising costs.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and academic matters. The President introduced the new VP of Advancement and announced the upcoming national search for the departing Provost. Strategic messaging efforts in preparation for the university's 125th anniversary were detailed, along with recognition for the Head Football Coach's recent achievements. The Board Chair provided updates on a comprehensive presidential evaluation and the success of Western Week. The Faculty Trustee reported on faculty involvement in supporting first-year students and ongoing curriculum updates. Faculty Senate expressed concerns regarding compensation levels relative to the cost of living. In administrative reports, updates were provided on campus activities, including strong athletic rankings and new collegiate licensing revenue streams. Action items included the approval of personnel actions, affirmation of support for the Petroleum Geology program, approval of the new nursing program curriculum, approval of a correction to the Graduate Education Course Fee, and approval of various updates to the Trustee Policy Manual and Handbook for Professional Personnel. Financial discussions covered closing FY25 with an increased reserve, offsets to projected FY26 shortfalls, and a renewed capital construction request for the Savage Library renovation. The 'Elevate Western' campaign update reported over $99 million raised. The meeting concluded with the formal presentation of a Resolution of Appreciation to Trustee Jim Pribyl for his service as Board Chair.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. These included updates to the Trustee Policy Manual, the presidential evaluation criteria, the soft launch of a School of the Arts, a compensation plan overview, undergraduate enrollment, the Elevate Western campaign, and an employee housing project. Updates were also provided on athletic programs, including the impact of the House Settlement on Division II institutions, the RMAC All-Sports Competition, and the Junior Mountaineers Camp. The session also explored current trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education, identifying key issues such as demographic shifts, enrollment patterns, financial constraints, and political dynamics, and included brainstorming of actionable strategies to address them.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The FY2025-26 Current Fund Budgets were presented and approved, which included details on tuition increases, state appropriations, salary payments, and funding for a Women's Wrestling program. The board also approved the proposed controlled maintenance, capital, and IT priorities for FY2026-27, including the Leslie J. Savage Library renovation and campus lighting and roadway improvements. Additionally, the election of officers for 2025-26 took place, with Trustee Buckley elected as Chair and Trustee Wiens as Vice Chair. The board convened an executive session to discuss negotiations related to the renewal of the president's contract. Updates were provided on enrollment, the Elevate Western Campaign, campus developments, athletic achievements, and legislative matters. The meeting also included reports from the Student Trustee, Faculty Trustee, Faculty Senate Chair, Administrative Leadership Council Chair, and Athletic Director.