Western Oregon University

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of quorum, while noting the absence of Chair Fana. The acting Chair welcomed attendees and outlined procedures for public comment. A significant portion of the discussion grounded the meeting in the university's strategic plan, mission, and core values (centering students, embracing diversity, fostering accessibility, and valuing community). The President provided an update regarding Southern Oregon University's declaration of financial exigency, the efforts to secure state assistance, and the ongoing monitoring of potential institutional survival plans, including merger or closure. The President emphasized that Western Oregon University is addressing its own structural deficit through planned cuts and restructuring over the next biennium. Positive updates included reaccreditation, stabilization in enrollment metrics (admissions, visits, and applications exceeding 10-year highs), receipt of a Title Three grant, and achieving Hispanic Serving Institution status. The report also highlighted the high percentage of first-generation students and ongoing partnerships for professional development, including civic engagement training.

Key discussions focused on the Multicultural Student Services and Programs 2026 updates and highlights. The committee reviewed the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee Charter and the Board Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Further topics included an update from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion regarding initiatives such as the Celebrate Your True Self Visit Day and planning for the Hispanic Serving Institution Summit and Cesar Chavez Leadership Conference. Progress on the Equity Assessment Action Plan was reviewed, along with initiatives for expanded bilingual engagement. A legal update covered support for immigrant-origin students, current immigration policy considerations, and legislative proposals for the 2026 Oregon Legislative Short Session. The committee also discussed a campus incident and the subsequent review of the time, place, and manner speech policy. Finally, the committee began the review process for the DEIAC Charter.

The meeting included discussions regarding ongoing headwinds facing the university due to federal and state matters, including anticipated impacts from SNAP benefit reductions on students. Key actions involved accepting the FY 2026 Management Report as of September 30, 2025, which noted lower-than-anticipated revenue due to enrollment decline but an increase in housing occupancy. The committee also recommended approval of the FY 2026 Adjusted Budget, which reflected a $2 million revenue decrease primarily from graduate enrollment dips linked to federal loan policy changes, and outlined expense reductions to compensate. A cybersecurity update focused on control gaps related to AI risks and the recommendation to mandate information security training. Further discussions covered data governance and digital accessibility initiatives from the University Technology Advisory Committee (UTAC), the financial oversight role and town hall activities of the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC), and the Finance and Administration strategic plan. Updates were also provided on campus safety, capital construction projects like the Student Success Center, and progress on the Data Center build, which is partially funded by the Oregon Legislature. The University Computing Solutions update detailed the Banner optimization project progress, including the elimination of paper time cards and the rollout of Elluciqn Experience. Finally, cash flow projections were reviewed.

The meeting spanned two days and covered several significant reports and agenda items. Stakeholder updates included reports from ASWOU leadership on student engagement and food insecurity initiatives, Faculty Senate on curriculum review and staffing concerns, and Staff Senate on engagement programs. Union reports addressed shared governance and faculty compensation. The first day included a Fall Kickoff Video presentation. During the second day, the WOU Foundation reported campaign progress, exceeding scholarship and student success goals, and noted an audit with no findings. The Legislative Report detailed state budget challenges and advocacy efforts. The President's Report highlighted strong fiscal discipline, enrollment increases in first-year and transfer students despite an overall decline, and affirmed Western Oregon University's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The Finance & Administration Committee recommended approval of the FY2026 Adjusted Budget, which reflected lower-than-projected enrollment leading to an increased operating deficit of $4.1 million. The Academic, Student & Athletic Affairs Committee reported on student-centered affordability initiatives like Open Educational Resources savings, graduate studies restructuring, and strong athletic performance. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Committee updated on the equity assessment action plan, prioritizing initiatives like expanding student representation on advisory committees and improving accessibility, including developing a digital accessibility policy. The Executive, Governance & Trusteeship Committee reviewed internal audit findings and trustee evaluation processes. The public meeting concluded with recognition for a retiring Senior Executive Assistant and an executive session to discuss faculty termination, pending litigation, and the President's performance review.

The meeting agenda included the President's Report, which addressed the financial challenges facing Oregon universities, highlighting WOU's comparatively strong fiscal performance based on a recent HECC report. The President also outlined plans for future expenditure reductions and restructuring. Stakeholder updates were provided by ASWOU, Faculty Senate (raising concerns about the Honors Program, graduate program leadership, and recent system changes), and Staff Senate (reporting on staff training and feedback mechanisms). The Finance & Administration Committee recommended approval for financing resolutions for the Heritage Hall Building Roof Renovation ($3.1 million) and the Campus Recreation Turf Field Replacement project ($1.2 million). Other discussions focused on institutional sustainability, including enrollment projections, the merger of the Sponsored Projects Office into Advancement, grant awards, and various initiatives related to student success and transformational diversity, such as the expansion of EAB Navigate and the repurposing of the Freedom Center space into the Mosaic Center. The meeting concluded with discussions on community strength activities and planned executive sessions to discuss pending litigation.