Western Washington University

This document outlines a multi-year Intercollegiate Athletics Budget Plan for Western Washington University, focusing on a financial recovery strategy to resolve an outstanding deficit. The plan, specifically scenario C, aims for financial stability through sustained annual stabilization fundraising, the approval of a new athletics fee to increase revenue, and the preservation of all current sports programs. It projects achieving annual surpluses starting from FY2028, thereby improving the program's overall financial balance.

The board conducted a work session regarding the university's operating budget, state budget context, and strategies for addressing financial deficits. Reports were received from the University President, Faculty Senate, and the Associated Students regarding faculty promotions, Title IX updates, student engagement, and campus safety concerns. The Board approved amendments to the Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing Charter, winter quarter degrees, construction contracts for safety and electrical upgrades, and the acceptance of the FY 2024 financial reports. Additionally, the Board approved a reduction in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Active Transportation fees.

The Board discussed a variety of operational and financial items. Key topics included the approval of an MOU with the United Faculty of Western Washington, the adoption of a Board Policy on Socially Responsible Investing, and approval of several construction contracts. The Board also reviewed the annual state operating, capital, and intercollegiate athletics budgets for 2025-2026. Additionally, the Board recognized outgoing leadership and legacy, received updates on legislative reports, student research activities, and heard reports from the university president, faculty senate, and associated student government.

The Board meeting included presentations on Applied Doctorate programs in Audiology and graduate research education. Reports were provided regarding the 2026 Legislative Session, university faculty senate initiatives, student association activities, and various committee updates including finance, audit, and enterprise risk management, and academic affairs. Action items involved the approval of contract renewals for external auditing services, the acceptance of financial reports, the approval of committee charters, the authorization of a construction contract for a data center, and the approval of future board meeting schedules and student degrees.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting featuring work sessions, reports from the Board Chair, University President, Faculty Senate, and Associated Students of Western Washington University. Key agenda items included updates from the Board Finance, Audit, and Enterprise Risk Management Committee and the Board Academic Affairs and Student Success Committee. Discussion items focused on the 2026 Legislative Session update, the 50th Anniversary of the College of Business and Economics, and the 50th Anniversary of the Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Department. Action items included the approval of several construction contracts for facilities improvements.