Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Board Chair Sarah Burkemper.

The Board began the meeting by welcoming Former Board of Governors member David Lee Bonner and Truman student Ella Schnake.  Governor Bonner served as one of the two out-of-state members of the Board for the period of January 8, 2013, through May 31, 2022.  Ella, a political science and international relations major from Raymore, Missouri, was named the National Champion in Interviewing and the National Champion in Impromptu Speaking at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Tournament in March 2022.  Resolutions of appreciation and commendation previously approved at the June meeting were presented to Governor Bonner for his steadfast guidance and distinguished and commendable service on the Board and to Ella for her extraordinary achievements and exemplary representation of the University.

The Board heard reports from the morning committee meetings regarding the University’s financial, investment, and construction projects, as well as a report on the University’s Skills Alignment Initiative.  Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided an annual report highlighting the 2021-22 season and the many accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaching staff.

During my President’s Report, I introduced Dr. Charles McAdams, Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.  In addition, I provided an update on the status of federal appropriation funding for the Kirk Student Success and Skills Center and noted new associations with the Hawthorn Foundation and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.  I also highlighted a number of exciting start of academic year events.  Finally, I reported that the University will continue to follow current CDC guidelines regarding COVID mitigation strategies.  Based upon these guidelines, there continues to be no requirement for individuals to wear masks on campus.

In terms of action items, the Board approved two items within the area of academic affairs and students services and two items in the area of budget and capital projects.

Student Conduct Code
The Board approved revisions to the Student Conduct Code, Chapter 8 of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors.  The Conduct Code review was completed by the University Conduct Officer and Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment and Marketing, in consultation with the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, General Counsel, President of Student Government, Chief Information Officer, Director of Public Safety, Director of Residence Life, Institutional Compliance Officer, and the Executive Director of Student Union and Campus Recreation.  Two town hall-type events were offered to receive student input, and input was sought from the leaders of student organizations and members of the student conduct board.  A summary of changes to Chapter 8 along with a version with track changes can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.

Revised Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar for Summer Session 2023 through Summer Session 2024, previously approved at the December 2021 meeting, was revised to reflect the Juneteenth federal and state holiday for 2023 and 2024.  The previously approved Staff Calendar for 2022-23 will also be revised to incorporate the Juneteenth holiday.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2023
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus.  This year’s budgets were designed to reflect institutional priorities identified in Truman’s Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan as well as provide general budget parameters.  As capital projects are designed and bid, approval by the Board of Governors will be obtained for any funded project following established procedures.

State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2023
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  Truman’s Fiscal Year 2023 request includes a funding increase linked to the rate of inflation, maintenance and repair funds, and what are known as New Decision Items which target new academic initiatives.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 6 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.   The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, October 7, in conjunction with Truman Homecoming activities.

The August Board meeting signals that summer is rapidly coming to an end and the new academic year is about to begin.  We are so excited to welcome new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  Please consider volunteering to support Truman Week activities.  Most of the volunteer opportunities require an hour or less of your time and they are a great way to welcome our new Bulldogs.  Volunteers may sign up on the Truman Week website. Thanks in advance for helping out in this fun and impactful way!

Once again, we will gather for the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 19, at noon in the Georgian Room of the Student Union.

In addition, I invite all of you to attend a new event entitled “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, with President Sue Thomas” which will take place on Sunday, August 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. on the Quad.  In celebration of the start of the new academic year, a variety of mocktails, snacks, lawn games, party hats, noisemakers, and stickers specific to the event will be provided, and there will be a countdown to the new year.  It is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everyone at Truman and the magic and promise of the new year.  I hope to see you there and at all of the kickoff events!

Enjoy your last few days of summer,
Sue