Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their first meeting of the 2020 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron.  Other officers for the 2020 calendar year are Vice Chair K. Brooks Miller and Secretary Sarah Burkemper.  The Board recognized Laura A. Crandall for her exemplary service as the 2019 Chair of the Board.

Deanna Schmidt and Katie Alexander, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report highlighting the many impactful activities and initiatives which have occurred or will occur during the current academic year.  A representative of GibbonsWorkman, LLC, the firm which serves as legislative consultants for the University, provided a report on the 2020 Missouri Legislative session, and Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Enrollment Management, provided an enrollment management report.  Within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on two Academic Affairs initiatives:  the Spring 2020 Financial Priorities Working Group and work to update Chapter 6:  Academic Affairs of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors.  The Financial Priorities Working Group was appointed by Provost Janet Gooch to provide counsel to the Provost and Deans as the University prepares for Fiscal Year 2021.  An open forum focusing on the revisions to Chapter 6: Academic Affairs is scheduled for February 14.  The Board received updates related to on-campus construction projects and initiatives within Student Affairs, and they reviewed their Conflict of Interest Policy as well as financial and investment reports.  Finally, within my report, I highlighted a number of campus and community activities, noting in particular my All-University Meeting entitled “Truman in Focus 2020” scheduled for 3 p.m. on February 18 and the campus community launch of the new University logo, tagline and brand to be held at 3 p.m. on March 4 in Baldwin Auditorium

In terms of action items, the Board accepted the proposal from RubinBrown of St. Louis to perform audit services for the University for a five-year period beginning Fiscal Year 2020 and ending Fiscal Year 2024.  The Board approved the McClain Hall Elevator and Water Line Project.  Work on the McClain Hall Elevator will begin immediately after the end of the Spring 2020 Semester and require at least 10 weeks to complete.  In addition, the general contractor will replace the severely deteriorated water line serving McClain Hall as the water line enters the building in the same mechanical room which houses the elevator equipment.  Lastly, the Board approved a change to Chapter 16 of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors pertaining to drug-free and alcohol-free campus to make language consistent with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986.  The change to the policy will align more consistently with the President’s authority to grant exceptions to the alcohol policy upon proper written request and removes the potential barrier for a pilot program for a new alcohol policy in specified residence halls.

A copy of the 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 regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, April 4.

As we have now settled into our new semester, I look forward to all of the ways you will positively impact our students and our University.  We are doing the hard work to take control of our destiny and I hope you will join me at the All-University Meeting on February 18 and the Launch of the New University Logo, Tagline and Brand on March 4.

Best regards,

Sue