Dear Colleagues:<\/p>\n
I am pleased to provide a brief summary of the August meeting of the Truman State University Board of Governors as well as extend an invitation to attend the Fall Opening Assembly and Ready-or-Not Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, August 18.<\/p>\n
The Board met this past Saturday in the Student Union Building.\u00a0 Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the annual athletics report, and Curtis Kelsey, staff member in Information Technology Services and Chair of Staff Council, reported on the work of Staff Council throughout the past fiscal year.\u00a0 The Board also heard reports in their committee meetings on Truman Transformation, the Student Conduct Code revision process, financial reports and construction projects currently taking place on campus.\u00a0 I provided a President\u2019s Report which included an announcement by Charles Hunsaker, Interim Co-Director of Advancement, of a recent $1 million gift commitment through the Pursue the Future Campaign. \u00a0This gift brings the campaign to $30.6 raised toward the $40 million goal. \u00a0Further information about this special gift commitment will be shared after the University is able to finalize publicity details with the donors. \u00a0The Board also reviewed the latest draft of the University Strategic Plan (2016-2020). \u00a0The proposed draft will be shared with campus at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop scheduled for August 19, with the intent to ask for Board approval at their next regular meeting.<\/p>\n
In terms of action items, the Board approved four items within the area of budget and capital projects.\u00a0 A State Appropriations Request for Fiscal Year 2018 was approved which includes funding based on the Performance Funding model, additional funds to expand training for mental health professionals as well as an increase for STEM programs and Maintenance and Repairs funding.\u00a0 The Board approved the Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2017, with a major focus on utility and infrastructure improvements for both academic and auxiliary buildings.\u00a0 The Board also approved architectural services for the Greenwood Center Project and the University Residence Project.\u00a0 The Greenwood Center Project will involve a renovation of the Greenwood Elementary School to provide interdisciplinary assessment intervention for children with Autism or suspected Autism as well as other neuro-developmental disorders.\u00a0 If all goes according to plan, construction will begin in late Spring 2017 with the Center scheduled to open in Fall 2018.\u00a0 The University Residence Project will provide an analysis of the facility, including potential improvements ranging from basic issues that must be addressed to renovations that would retain the historical integrity of the home.<\/p>\n