Western Michigan University

The board discussed several key agenda items, including the 2026-2027 general fund operating budget, tuition and fee rates, and differential tuition rates. Key actions included the consideration of labor agreements with the Teaching Assistants Union and the Michigan State Employees Association, the initiation of a search for a new Senior Vice President of Budget and Finance, and faculty recognition for tenure and promotion. The board also reviewed updates on university enrollment, student achievements, transfer agreements with Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and the status of the new Valley Oaks residence hall.

The board meeting focused on several key institutional updates, including the success of the university's giving day and national championship titles achieved by the hockey, dance, and skating teams. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring the outgoing university president for his leadership and impact. The board announced the renaming of the student essential needs program to the McGomery Essential Needs Program to commemorate his legacy. Stakeholders, including representatives from the faculty senate and student association, provided remarks reflecting on the president's tenure and his contributions to student success, retention, and persistence initiatives.

The board meeting included updates from the President, Faculty Senate President, and student association leaders. Action items addressed and approved included updates to the non-discrimination and sexual misconduct policies, a liquor license application for the College of Aviation, a permanent utility easement for Consumers Energy, an amendment to the Bernadine P. Carlson scholarship endowment, and the creation of new academic minors in Product Design and Social Studies: Economics. Additionally, the board reviewed personnel reports, annuity and life income funds performance, and operating cash investment performance.

The meeting focused on key administrative and property actions, including the election of a new Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Additionally, the Board considered and evaluated the purchase of the Newell Rubbermaid property located at 3300 Research Way to relocate facilities and design teams, addressing long-term campus master plan needs regarding the decommissioning of the current Physical Plant building.

The document contains the records for multiple Board of Trustees meetings, documenting the official minutes and actions taken during the sessions held in February and March.