Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with the annual Foundation Banquet.  It was fabulous to have such a large gathering of alumni and friends on campus and to have the opportunity to honor those who so generously give back to the University in time, talent and treasure.

During the Board of Governors meeting, Charles Hunsaker and Denise Smith, Interim Co-Directors for University Advancement, and Dr. Sharron Quisenberry, Chair of the “Pursue the Future” Campaign Steering Committee, provided an update on advancement activities, including a report on the Foundation Board meeting held earlier that morning and the “Pursue the Future” Campaign.  JJ Dorrell, President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report, and Professors Vaughan Pultz and Debi Cartwright, President and President Pro Tempore of Faculty Senate, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  I provided a President’s Report, which included among other topics, updates on recent campus activities, legislation and funding from Jefferson City, and Fall 2017 enrollment.  In addition, reports were shared from the Board’s three committees, which included a review of financial reports and updates on the Next Steps Teams, online program management, and various on-campus construction projects.

The Board took action on a number of items which had been previewed through their committees.  Within the area of finance and auditing, the Board approved a resolution to amend their Investments policy with the goal to enhance investment returns while still maintaining a relatively conservative approach.

Within the area of academic and student affairs, the Board approved a resolution to amend the Student Conduct Code.  The Code was made easier to read due to merging individual and organizational sections and with formatting changes.  The amendments also address how the Code applies to the expanding student conduct on social media, while studying abroad, during internships, and other activities that occur away from the University campus.

Finally, within the area of budget and capital, the Board took action on four items.

• They approved the Student Union HVAC Project to update the air handling units which serve key areas of the Student Union Building including the main kitchen.  This work was not addressed in previous renovations of the building but is needed to address problems with make-up air (outside ventilation) and condensation.
• The purchase of a Student Union Building dishwasher was approved.  The dishwasher for the Student Union food service operation is original to the building.  The new machine will be more energy efficient and utilize less water.  Funds for the purchase of the dishwasher are available from the Student Union equipment reserve.
• A subcommittee of the Board was appointed to act on behalf of the full Board to proceed with the repairs and renovation of the University Residence.  Bids for this project were significantly higher than the estimates provided by the architect and engineers; thus, the Board decided to reject those bids and asked that the University serve as the general contractor.  The work will be performed by in-house staff as well as through several small projects utilizing standard procurement procedures.
• The enrollment fees for the 2017-18 Academic Year were approved.  Tuition for 2017-18 will increase 2.1% for Missouri undergraduate students and 3.3% for non-resident undergraduate students, 2.1% for Missouri graduate students, and 3.3% for non-resident graduate students.

A copy of the complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at <http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/> .

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, June 10.

Best regards,

Sue