Campus Operations and Safety Update (Chief Cloutier)

• Recruitment and Retention: The department experienced a 41% loss in frontline patrol and sergeant ranks since July of the previous year, primarily due to officers leaving for more competitive municipal agencies. Proactive steps taken in collaboration with HR and AFSCME included elevating compensation and implementing an alternative work schedule. Vacancies include three patrol positions and one frontline supervisor; three strong candidates are currently in the hiring process.
• Emergency Preparedness: A comprehensive family reunification plan is being finalized in collaboration with Fitchburg Public Schools and city police/fire. The Wallace Civic Center Complex is designated as the primary reunification location. Initial training for the reunification team is scheduled for February. A grant-funded training on "conducting risk assessment for critical community assets" through Texas A&M Extension Services is planned for next month. Discussion emphasized the strategic separation of Cabinet members from the functional roles of the Emergency Management Team (EMT) for improved crisis decision-making.
• Clery Act Compliance: The university met new mandates for hazing transparency; no student organizations were found responsible for any hazing incidents during this reporting cycle.
• Performance Metrics (Fall Semester): Despite staffing challenges, the department saw a 33% increase in personal safety course offerings (reaching over 730 community members), a 68% increase in CARE referrals, a 40% reduction in reported Clery Act crimes, and a 51% decrease in judicial referrals.

Construction and Auxiliary Services Updates (M. Lechter)

• Capital Planning and Maintenance (CPM):
  • EV Charger Program: Phase 1 was completed, increasing campus-wide chargers from two to eight. Usage increased significantly, with 38 unique vehicles and 325 total charging sessions recorded in December. Phase 2 will install the first Level 3 (fast) chargers in the Fitchburg community near the recreation center, leveraging grant funding at no direct cost to the university.
  • Sustainability: Recycling increased by 86% (from 24 to 227 tons) in fiscal year 25.
  • Elevator Study: A comprehensive campus-wide elevator study is underway to guide long-term maintenance and plan for potential Bright Act funding utilization.
  • Decarbonization Study: A study is being conducted with DCAMM to inform replacement decisions and major project planning, with a roadmap to be completed in Spring 2026.
  • Project Updates: The third-floor Conlan restroom passed its final inspection (Phase 1 of a larger redesign). Planning continues with MSCBA for summer residence hall projects (estimated $1.2 million), including heating/hot water boiler replacements in the townhouses, updated flooring in Herlihy, and LED lighting upgrades in Aubuchon.
• Auxiliary Services:
  • Bookstore: The first "holiday shopping event" was hosted in December to increase visitation and morale.
  • Dining Services: A fully negotiated 5-year extension with Chartwells was finalized in November. Recent capital improvements include a fully repainted dining hall and new carpet installation, with further planning for kitchen and soft seating areas.

The CIO was not present. There was no update given.