There were none. 

D. Phillips provided the report from the Finance & Administration Committee. She stated they had an informative meeting and as a committee they recommended the budget proposed with the fee increases as suggested.

The president spoke broadly about the budget relative to the changing higher education environment. He noted that on the revenue side of the equation there was an increase in state appropriations that included an increase in Mass Grant Plus. This will positively impact students through their financial aid packages. He indicated that the budget was based on using 2600 FTE as an estimate of fall student enrollment. Additionally, a fee increase is recommended. The university is seeing some growth in online programs. The online programs have been doing well. He stated that the budget assumes that residence hall occupancy will remain level.

The goal of the university is to try and repurpose some of the unused residence hall space. He reported that employee salary increases are to be awarded. The Governor has provided those funds, which include retro money plus a 2% increase for the coming year. He also indicated that the operating account budget cuts of 3% implemented across the divisions in the prior year would be returned. Finally, he discussed the allocation of innovation funds that are being made available.

J. Bry noted that as SGOCE growth continues there are also associated increases in expenses.

M. Fiorentino asked what is the focus with repurposing some of the residence halls? The president responded that two strategic plans ago, there was a reasonably strong interest by the campus community for day care. That interest still remains. We are exploring a day care option for campus members and the broader community. Also, there have been requests by organizations for us to consider housing for the homeless. 

The document was discussed. 

The document was discussed. 

D. Phillips stated that for the first time in five years the university is proposing
raising this fee which will still result in our fees being below of our sister
institutions.

J. Bry discussed the comparisons to the schools in our system. We still remain
next to the lowest with the exception of Mass Maritime.

D. Phillips indicated the finance dashboard was included for discussion.

J. Bry provided a quick review. Enrollments have been going down and trying to maintain the faculty/staff ratios is always at the forefront. He discussed the appropriations and percentages. We have been averaging around $21million and assets have increased. J. Bry suggested other data can be included in the future if that is the Board’s preference.

There was a discussion regarding getting the institution right sized given the past few years and looking at the dashboard more frequently.
 

The board thanked J. Bry for the information.

The personnel actions were submitted for informational purposes.  

The financial statements were submitted for informational purposes. 

J. Cautela provided a few updates since the last meeting regarding communication to Theater students. He met with Dr. Cathy Canney, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs to discuss some of these concerns. They had a productive meeting.

J. Cautela proudly announced that he and former Student Trustee, Steve Olson led the charge to vote against the Masspirg $9.00 charge to all students. Many students were unaware that they were being billed for this. The students voted to eliminate the Masspirg charge.

He next introduced Ms. Allison Turner, who was recently elected as the new student trustee.

He expressed his appreciation to the Board. He has learned so much by developing a new perspective on how the institution operates. He thanked everyone and has enjoyed working closely with the administration. He commended Dr. Laura Bayless and Dr. Cathy Canney for going out of their way to meet and attend student events such as the Student Government Association meetings. He concluded his remarks by asking the Board to continue to listen to
student voices.

D. Phillips thanked J. Cautela for his perspective and great reports. She stated
that the Board expects to hear from him in the future on all the numerous things
that he has accomplished.

The president asked about the initiatives that Masspirg had in place and how those plans would continue, especially around green initiatives?

J. Cautela responded that SGA has been taking on that charge to complete the open initiatives. SGA communicated to the students that there was a position to be filled to spearhead the green proposals moving forward. They have a sustainability committee which has implemented recycling bins around student campus living. He said, that the work that Masspirg should have been doing will now be completed by the SGA.

D. Phillips officially welcomed the newest trustees.

Mr. Eric Gregoire is the alumni representative to the board. He lives in Western Massachusetts where his family owns and operates a small farm. He also works at UMASS as a senior budget analyst in the President’s Office. E. Gregoire stated that he was also a student trustee during his time at Fitchburg State and is very happy to return to the Board.

Ms. Jennifer Flanagan provided information on her background. She graduated with her masters from Fitchburg State in 2004 while running for state office for the first time. She was elected State Representative for two terms. She was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in 2008 and served until 2017. She later went on to serve on the Governor’s Cannabis Commission and now is the Director of Regulatory Policy at Vicente Sederberg LLP. She noted while going to school here, she loved the faculty and staff, and indicated that her time at Fitchburg State was rewarding.

D. Phillips announced that M. Nicholson will be resigning as of July 1. We are sorry to see her go. She has made wonderful contributions to the board and her questions were always student focused. She will be missed.

The president next presented certificates of appreciation to J. Cautela and M. Nicholson and thanked them both for their service and contributions. D. Phillips acknowledged M. Nicholson’s role on the Provost search.

D. Phillips next asked for a volunteer to serve on the Steering Committee for the Theater Block project. The president said the seat to be filled would provide guidance with regard to philanthropic donors and an extra set of eyes on grant proposals, and fundraising.

M. Fiorentino stated that he would be pleased to serve. D. Phillips expressed her appreciation, and accepted his willingness to serve on the committee.

L. Barrieau wanted to inform the Board that the president was highlighted in the Worcester Business Journal as one of the Central MA Power 50. This distinction is so well deserved. She extended her congratulations.

The president said we are two weeks until the end of the academic year and in the past 2.5 years we have really weathered the storm regarding the health crisis. We have not had any major COVID-19 outbreaks and we continue to have conversations as a system on the subject. We will have to decide for the incoming new students and staff whether or not to mandate vaccines. We know it’s on top of everyone’s minds and he will keep the board posted on next steps.

The president said we are excited about holding our two in person commencements. All Board members are invited to be members of the platform party. He noted the dates and times.

The president provided an enrollment update. We continue to work aggressively on enrollment. Students are making decisions slower. He noted that in the Honors Program, there is a significant increase in interest and enrollment. He explained the Honors Program. He indicated that we will find the resources necessary to keep this program moving forward as enrollment grows. He stated that we are seeing healthy-sized campus tour groups around campus. Our biggest feeders are the Community Colleges and their current enrollment is down.

There was a discussion on the Honors Program, 3-year degree, and early college students.

The president extended an invitation to the Board to attend the nursing pinning.

The academic calendar was presented for planning purposes.

The news articles were submitted for informational purposes.

There was a brief discussion on the Dean search.
 

The president formally thanked Dr. Catherine Canney for her stellar performance this past year as the Interim Provost, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.