CWU TRUSTEES QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING AGENDA February 20-21, 2025
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
Location: Wellington Event Center
1:15
Call to order (Erin Black)
1:15-1:25
Board Business & Communications
o Approval of the Agenda o Approval of October meeting minutes & December special meeting minutes o Official Communications o Public Comment 1:25-2:00 President’s Report
2:00-2:15
Enrollment Update
2:15-2:30
Budget Update
2:30-3:00
CWU Response to Executive Orders
3:00-4:00
Faculty Research Presentation
4:00
Business Meeting Adjourns
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Location: Wellington Event Center
9:00
Call to Order
9:00-10:00
High Impact Practices
10:00-10:30
Marketing and Communications Presentation
10:30-11:00
TRAFFIK.edu Brand Presentation
11:00-11:45
Program Updates/Graduate Program Review
CWU Trustees Agenda for February 20-21
11:45-12:00
Action Agenda
12:00
Meeting Adjourns
2
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 20, 2025
ACTION – Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings of October 17-18, 2024, and the special meeting of December 5, 2024.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the minutes of the regular meetings of October 17-18, 2024, and the special meeting of December 5, 2024.
Submitted:
Dania Cochran Secretary to the Board
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
Board of Trustees Minutes Board Meeting Wellington Event Center October 17-18, 2024
Draft
OCTOBER 17, 2024 EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chair Black called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. and announced that the board will begin with an executive session that is expected to last approximately forty-five minutes. The meeting room was cleared, other than board members, the president, assistant attorney general, and designated executive leadership team members. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss potential litigation, as allowed by RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i)(i). Executive session ended at 1:43 p.m. Present:
Erin Black, Board Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Ray Conner, Trustee Gladys Gillis, Trustee
Zabrina Jenkins, Trustee Robert Nellams (virtual) Jim Wohlpart, President Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Interim Chief of Staff Kelly Flores, Associate Vice President, Human Resources Staci Sleigh-Layman, Director at Large, Human Resources Ellen Evans, Assistant Attorney General Peter Kay, AAG Office
BOARD MEETING Trustees Present: Erin Black, Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Eliasib Alvarado
Ray Conner Gladys Gillis Zabrina Jenkins Robert Nellams (virtual) Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Interim Chief of Staff
Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Ellen Evans, Assistant Attorney General Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Executive Faculty & Staff: Paul Elstone, Vice President for University Advancement
Andrew Morse, Interim Vice President for University Relations Kelly Flores, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Chair Black convened the board meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Approval of Agenda Motion 24-25: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the agenda of the meetings of October 17-18, 2024. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion, which the board unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes Motion 24-26: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the minutes from the meetings of July 25-26, 2024. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Official Communications Since the last meeting, the board received three communications, which were included in the briefing materials: 1. Email from Otto von Volkmann, CWU student, August 29, 2024, regarding Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. 2. Email from David Douglas, Senior Lecturer/ITAM, September 11, 2024, regarding a local newspaper article on the annual presidential evaluation for 2023-2024. 3. Report from Peter Klosterman, Faculty Senate Chair, October 4, 2024, regarding an update from Faculty Senate. Public Comment Ray Wells, Office Assistant Lead, Office of International Studies and Programs, and President of the Public School Employees (PSE) of Washington Union, made public comment regarding classified staff salaries. Mr. Wells explained that a survey was conducted of PSE members to help inform planned higher education lobbying in Olympia in the coming session. Results from the survey were emailed to trustees following the board meeting. This information will be included in the February 2025 Board Communications Report. President’s Report President Wohlpart introduced Kelly Flores, Associate Vice President, Human Resources. Dr. Flores most recently worked as Chief of People and Culture Officer for Habitat for Humanity Seattle – King and Kittitas counties. She has been on the job for three weeks.
2 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
The Shared Governance group has continued to meet. They have done several readings as a group and have learned a lot about shared governance. Trustees will provide feedback on a document early next year. A QR code for the IERP dashboards was shared with trustees. President Wohlpart encouraged everyone to check out the dashboards. Jason Jones and his team did an excellent job developing these dashboards. Folks at the state level have reviewed the dashboards and are impressed with the information. Academic Programs Update Elvin Delgado, Associate Vice President, Faculty Relations, Equity, and Belonging, Sathy Rajendran, Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies, and Faiza Khoja, Dean, College of Business, gave an update on academic programs. Dr. Delgado gave a high-level overview of the new process moving forward with the creation of programs. He then introduced Deans Sathy Rajendran and Faiza Khoja to talk about two new programs. Dean Rajendran gave some background on a program that will be considered for approval during Friday’s action agenda. The proposed Master of Science in Sport Coaching (MSSC) program at Central Washington University aims to attract two main groups: current coaches and teachers in Washington State, as well as students from CWU's existing programs, particularly those studying Sport Management. The MSSC is designed to provide coaches with a strong foundation in coaching principles, including pedagogy, ethics, legal liability, risk management, and conditioning. It will also support career advancement by helping individuals meet the educational requirements often needed for head coaching positions. A recent survey indicated strong interest in the program, with over half of Washington State high school coaches expressing interest in enrolling. The MSSC program is planned as a five-quarter, 45-credit online course with one weekend of in-person seminars each summer. The program will leverage existing faculty from the Department of Sport and Movement Studies, with the possibility of adding adjunct faculty. Employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the coaching profession is expected to grow by 9% through 2032, which outpaces the overall growth rate for all occupations. This data supports the demand for advanced coaching education, which could enhance career opportunities for graduates, including roles in both coaching and education sectors. Dean Khoja summarized a Master of Business Administration program that will be coming forward for approval later this academic year. The MBA program, developed by the College of Business with input from multiple stakeholders such as businesses, College of Professional Studies, students, and administration is designed to prepare learners for leadership roles in a dynamic global business environment. Below are a few salient characteristics of the proposed MBA program: 1. Comprehensive Curriculum : The MBA curriculum is interdisciplinary, incorporating key business areas such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, analytics, and supply chain. It emphasizes systems thinking, ethical leadership, and data-driven decision-making, equipping students to tackle complex business challenges. The curriculum also integrates real-world experiential learning opportunities, such as capstone projects and case studies, ensuring that students graduate with practical skills as well as professional development in human-centric businesses, use of artificial intelligence, sales, etc.
3 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
2. Industry-Relevant Specializations : The program will offer specializations and stackable certificates tailored to current industry needs, including Cybersecurity Management, Business Analytics, and Healthcare Administration to name a few. These areas reflect high-demand skills in the marketplace and prepare students for careers in sectors with strong job growth projections. 3. Flexible : To meet the diverse needs of learners, the MBA program will be offered online with in- person/hybrid professional development to foster networking. This makes the program accessible to place-bound learners and working professionals. This flexibility aligns with Central Washington University's mission to expand access and success for all students. 4. Alignment with Workforce Needs : The MBA program responds directly to current workforce demands. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in fields such as financial and management analysis and healthcare administration with job growth rates exceeding national averages. The program will prepare graduates for roles in these expanding sectors, addressing both regional and national employment needs. 5. Competitive Advantage : The proposed MBA program is positioned to be competitive with other institutions in the Pacific Northwest. Its affordability, flexible delivery option, interdisciplinarity, and stackable certificates make it attractive to a broad range of learners, including CWU graduates, community college graduates offering a 4-year baccalaureate degrees, alumni, and learners from other diverse educational and professional backgrounds. 6. Contribution to CWU's Mission : The MBA program aligns with the university’s mission to foster equity, sustainability, and community partnerships. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and the development of sustainable business solutions, ensuring graduates are equipped to make a positive societal impact. The MBA program will enhance CWU’s academic offerings, contribute to enrollment growth, and strengthen partnerships with local and global industries. During the February 20-21, 2025, Board meeting, Academic Affairs will provide program updates and a review of Graduate programs. Enrollment and Budget Update EVP Klucking gave an update on enrollment and budget. As of the tenth day freeze, we had fewer confirmations, but we had a slight increase in enrollment of first year students. Transfer students continue to decline slightly. Housing and Dining participation is approximately 100 over last year. Apartments are a bit ahead. Housing experimented with one-room apartments with a shared kitchen space in Carmody Munro this fall. Each apartment was equipped with a microwave and mini fridge, so students were not required to purchase a meal plan but could if they so choose. Every room was occupied this fall, so Housing will conduct student focus groups to see about doing this arrangement in other dorms in the future. Newly enrolled students are fairly stable and first time in college students have grown slightly for three straight years. Our planning target for total enrollment (degree seeking) for Fall 2024 was 8700 with a 200-student contingency. We came in at 8509, which impacted net tuition with $1M less. We are close to hitting the HSI percentage. Full time undergraduate Hispanic/Latinx is at 24%.
4 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
College in the High School had significant growth in FY24 due to SB 5048. Fall 2024 numbers will be known at the end of the term. In our State and Local General Funds, revenues are up about one percent due to State funding, wage and benefits are flat with the three percent COLA, total expenses are flat, and our enrollment contingency remains intact. In our CWU Systems funds, housing/dining participation is up approximately 100 from Fall 2023, and there was no vacancy rate assumed. Renovations at Student Village are the only major upgrade planned this year. Operating Fund reserves are fairly flat. Ideally this should be more than double. Our 2025-27 Biennial Operating budget request is a heavy lift. The number one ask is the fund split/compensation. An emergency backup power system is the number one ask in our 2025-27 Biennial Capital budget request. Legislative session is expected to be challenging due to economic forecasts. The Governor’s budget is expected mid-December. During the action agenda on Friday, October 18, the Board will consider a recommendation to increase tuition 3.3 percent for all categories (resident and non-resident undergraduate, resident and non-resident graduate) for academic year 2025-2026.
The regular business meeting adjourned at 3:19 pm.
Board members and Executive Leadership Team members attended an immersive music experience with CWU’s Wind Ensemble in McIntyre Music. No business was conducted. Board members attended a social dinner at 5:00 p.m. followed by a CWU Volleyball game. No business was conducted.
OCTOBER 18, 2024
BOARD MEETING Trustees Present: Erin Black, Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Eliasib Alvarado Ray Conner Gladys Gillis Zabrina Jenkins Robert Nellams (virtual) Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President
5 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Interim Chief of Staff Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Ellen Evans, Assistant Attorney General Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Executive Faculty & Staff:
Andrew Morse, Interim Vice President for University Relations Kelly Flores, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Chair Black convened the board meeting at 9:00 a.m. and explained that the first order of business was a tour of the North Academic Complex. The group walked over to the construction site together. No business was conducted during the tour.
Chair Black reconvened the board meeting at 10:00 a.m.
APOYO Presentation Stefani Wickstrom, APOYO Executive Director, introduced her team for the presentation: • Ivan Miron, CWU Student Liaison (Board Member) • Michelle Carillo, Director of Governmental Relations (Board Member) • Rex Wirth, Food Services Director (Board Member) • Bernadette Jungblut, CWU Faculty Liaison (Board Member) • Carmen Barajas, Food Acquisition and Distribution Director (Staff Member)
• Noel Trujillo, Amigos Atléticos Coordinator (Staff Member) • Cristian Caballero, Food Services Assistant (Staff Member) • Gerardo Castillo, Food Services Assistant (Staff Member)
Mr. Miron gave an introduction of APOYO. APOYO means “support” and stands for “Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach.” In 1995, CWU faculty and friends in the immigrant community began distributing Northwest Harvest food. APOYO began operating on CWU’s campus in 1998 and became incorporated in 1999. In 2000, APOYO became a tax-exempt charitable organization. CWU and APOYO have been partners for 26 years. Over the years, APOYO has furthered their mission by offering internships, employing CWU students, and supporting student research projects. APOYO is a By-for organization sustained and managed by the people of the communities it serves. They distribute an average of 160 boxes weekly in Ellensburg and 75 boxes weekly in Mattawa and Royal City. Many of the people that APOYO serves are immigrants from Mexico and Central America, so they strive to offer culturally relevant food. Having foods to prepare meals according to life experience helps people attain some sense of security and wellbeing. Health and Wellness is another focus of APOYO. They collaborate with Kittitas County Health Network and Kittitas County Public Health Department to provide vaccine clinics, health fairs, and bilingual community workshops.
6 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
Dr. Wickstrom provided an update on APOYO’s future. They want to continue serving CWU students and connect Hispanic students to the Hispanic community here in Ellensburg. APOYO provides a sense of community for many CWU students, and they want that to continue. They are hoping to build a Community Outreach Center. They are currently looking at some possibilities for building, and they have some possible partners for the project. Faculty Research Presentation Dr. T André Feagin, Associate Professor in the Department of Music and Director of CWU Bands, presented to the Board on the 20 th World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles International Conference, Gwangju, South Korea, July 2024. Dr. Feagin gave a brief history of bands at Central Washington University. CWU had a pep band in 1926, a marching band in 1938, and a chamber band in 1950. Bands at CWU have been robust and nationally and internationally known for many years. CWU has an outstanding legacy of music. In 2024, bands are the largest area in the Department of Music, which includes wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, the wildcat marching band, and the pep band. The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) is a prestigious international conference for wind bands, composers, conductors, publishers, and lovers of wind band music. It is a rigorous selection process that includes an international jury. If you think of this conference academically, this is the highest achievement in band performance. Nine ensembles were selected from around the world and CWU Wind Ensemble was one of the nine. The invitation to the WASBE conference was a testament to the outstanding caliber of CWU’s music program and the dedication of its students and faculty. The students explained to the group that it was an honor to represent CWU and the U.S. at the conference. They prepared and rehearsed all year and added that rehearsal is the area of discovery, which is their favorite place to be. The collaboration and connections they made with one another during this time was life changing. The students added that they had so many special moments during the conference. The interaction with ensembles from other countries was amazing, and they had the opportunity to attend cultural exchange events. They were also able to visit the Korean War Memorial and listen to the United States Navy Band perform. They visited the Palace in Seoul, Korea and enjoyed the changing of the guard performances. Educationally, the opportunity to attend this conference was significant for their growth as musicians. They developed key skills including professionalism, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability. They were part of something great. Preparing for their performance was an opportunity to challenge themselves. Their collective sound grew together and matured. Dr. Feagin added that this conference raised the profile of CWU through media coverage and outreach. CWU’s reputation as a leader in music education and performance continues. Looking ahead, this opportunity opens the door for future invitations and collaborations. Dr. Feagin plans to continue raising the bar for CWU bands including future festivals, tours, and residencies. The power of teamwork and hard work is very impactful. It reaches across the globe.
7 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
ACTION AGENDA Approval of Consent Agenda The formal recognition for our faculty and staff is contained in our consent agenda. Motion 24-27: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the consent actions items submitted October 18, 2024. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of FY 25 Budget Motion 24-28: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 as presented. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Tuition 2025-2026 Motion 24-29: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves a 3.3 percent increase for all categories (resident and non-resident undergraduate, resident and non-resident graduate) for academic year 2025-2026. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of CWU/PSE Collective Bargaining Agreement Motion 24-30: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approve the 2025-27 collective bargaining agreement between CWU and the Public School Employees of Washington. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of CWU/Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement Motion 24-31: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approve the 2025-27 collective bargaining agreement between CWU and Teamsters Local 760. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of CWU/WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement Motion 24-32: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approve the 2025-2027 collective bargaining agreement between CWU and the Washington Federation of State Employees. Mr. Conner seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Master of Science in Sport Coaching Motion 24-33: Mr. Hensler moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the recommendation of the Faculty Senate (Motion No. 23-53) and hereby approve the Master of Science in Sport Coaching. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of President Wohlpart’s Evaluation Motion 24-34: Mr. Hensler moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the evaluation of President Wohlpart (CWUP 1-10-050) as presented. Mr. Conner seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
8 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
Approval of Resolution 24-02 Motion 24-35: Ms. Jenkins moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve resolution 24-02 authorizing defense and indemnification for James Wohlpart. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Resolution 24-03 Motion 24-36: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve resolution 24-03 authorizing defense and indemnification for Ruth Erdman. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
The next meeting of the board will be February 20-21, 2025, in Ellensburg.
Meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Dania Cochran, Secretary to the
Erin Black, Chair
CWU Board of Trustees
CWU Board of Trustees
9 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
Board of Trustees Minutes Special Board Meeting Barge Hall, Room 304 & Virtual via Zoom December 5, 2024
Draft
DECEMBER 5, 2024 EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chair Black called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and announced that the board will begin with an executive session that is expected to last approximately fifteen minutes. The meeting room was cleared, other than board members, the president, assistant attorney generals, and designated executive leadership team members. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss potential litigation, as allowed by RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i)(i). Executive session ended at 8:15 a.m. Present: Erin Black, Board Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Jeff Charbonneau, Trustee Gladys Gillis, Trustee Robert Nellams Jim Wohlpart, President Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Interim Chief of Staff Patrick Pease, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Evans, Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Olsen, Assistant Attorney General BOARD MEETING Trustees Present: Erin Black, Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Jeff Charbonneau Gladys Gillis Robert Nellams Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Interim Chief of Staff Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Ellen Evans, Assistant Attorney General
Executive Faculty & Staff: Patrick Pease, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Chair Black convened the board meeting at 8:15 a.m.
ACTION AGENDA Approval of Resolution 24-04
Motion 24-37: Mr. Hensler moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve Resolution 24-04 authorizing defense and indemnification for Lucinda Carnell, Kurt Kirstein, John MacArthur, Brian McGladrey, Sathy Rajendran, and Staci Sleigh-Layman. Mr. Nellams seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
The next meeting of the board will be February 20-21, 2025, in Ellensburg.
Meeting adjourned at 8:16 a.m.
Dania Cochran, Secretary to the
Erin Black, Chair
CWU Board of Trustees
CWU Board of Trustees
2 Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes December 5, 2024
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 20, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Board Communication Report The Board acknowledges receipt of the following communications: 1. Email from Ray Wells, President, Public School Employees Union, October 17, 2024, follow up from public comment made to the Board on October 17, 2024. 2. Email from CarolJean Metzelaar, CWU student, October 21, 2024, regarding the tuition increase of three percent. 3. Email from Neyda Flores, Office of the Washington State Auditor, December 3, 2024, regarding the upcoming audit exit conference, December 9, 2024, regarding results of accountability audit.
Submitted:
Dania Cochran Secretary to the Board
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
Comment for CWU BoT 17 October, 2024
Chair Black, President Wohlpart, and Trustees, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. The Public School Employees of Washington higher education zone, consisting of our chapter and the chapters at Western and Eastern, recently conducted a survey in which we asked our members to share their experiences trying to get by on a public employee’s salary in Ellensburg. We did this survey to help inform our planned higher education lobbying at Olympia in the coming session, but I think it’s important to share with you the feedback we got. Our leadership and many of our members are well aware of the university’s financial situation (Joel does his best to make sure of that), but there’s another side of it that is important to share, too. I’ll be emailing a PDF with CWU’s full results of the survey and a little supplemental information, but here are a few of the highlights: ● About half of those surveyed have nothing to put into savings each month ● Over two thirds have disposable income under $200 a month, with a quarter reporting no disposable income. ● Almost two thirds of respondents reported “nearly always” or “frequently” struggling to meet basic necessities or relying on assistance programs. ● The same number reported “nearly always” or “frequently” having anxiety about their finances. ● A majority reported having supplemental income – like second jobs or side hustles. ● Nearly all have seriously considered leaving Central, and all are at least open to the idea. As I expect you know, salary rates at Central have increased only with the state salary schedule, in the low single figure percentages each year. Meanwhile, inflation has surged almost 25% in the past five years, and over 33% in the past 10 – bringing the minimum wage up along with it. You may also be aware that the New York Times recently ranked Ellensburg the eighth-most expensive micropolitan area (cities & towns 10,000-50,000) in the nation.
As I mentioned, you’ll be getting the full results by email, I just need to press send.
Comment for CWU BoT 17 October, 2024
Looking forward, our zone’s plan is to try to coordinate with the Council of Presidents and the WEA higher education section in the hope that our stories will help encourage the legislators to fully fund our universities’ salaries and budgets. What’s my ask here today? It’s simple: read and digest the document I share with you, and let that help inform your decisions, especially if our combined lobbying efforts are successful.
PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
Notes added suggested that those surveyed didn’t necessarily count dependents outside the home like adult children or elderly parents.
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
How do you feel your buying power has changed in the last 5 years? My buying power has dropped. I do not have any buying power. I live paycheck to paycheck. Declined
With all goods and services rising in cost, I am able to afford less each month. I can’t put money into savings anymore and I often have to dig into savings to supplement the cost of necessities. We don’t go out to eat often, we don’t buy espressos every day. We don’t have car payments because we drive older cars. We try to live within our means daily. Four years ago, I spent between $100-$150 week on groceries. Today I spend $200-250 for less items. Decreased Buying power has significantly decreased in the last 5 years. It has gone down. Used savings have had to cut back My buying power has remained similar, largely because I went back to work fulltime. It's harder to have extra funds nowadays. It's hard to purchase anything extra (sports equipment for kids, dinning out for fun, extracurricular activities). Ellensburg cost of living is in the top 8 for the state so my salary is fully used each month on necessities. My pay just hasn't kept up with inflation. How has your change in buying power affected your life? What changes have you been forced or pressured to make? We're watching our spending much more closely I afford the necessities only Owning my own home seems like a joke. I can buy less. Inflation has decreased my food budget, so I don't eat as healthy. We are often unable to buy things we need unless we take out credit. We basically live paycheck to paycheck so we can’t do fun things that cost money, such as vacation, often. Buying a house as a single person is out of the question, thank God my partner has a better income Less disposable income. Less savings. Less money into my son’s college fund. No extras, very basic groceries. no vacations, eating out, entertainment etc. Deliver food 10-20 hrs per week for utilities and to afford the occasional date with my spouse/ It's stressful to go shopping. The bill is high. We have been forced to buy lower grade goods (veggies, fruit, dairy, meat) to make ends meet. October 24 3
PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
I have definitely had to cut back just to maintain the lifestyle I desire for my family. "If you own a home: Would you be able to afford to save and purchase the home you're currently living in on your current salary? How long do you think it would take? If you do not own a home: Would you be able to afford to save and purchase a home in the area you currently live in on your current salary? How long do you think it would take?" No. Never. I could not buy a home. I own the home I have now because my mother died and left me her home, which I sold in order to purchase this home. If I had not inherited that home I would not have been able to afford to rent I do have the ability to save for a home right now that I know of. Yeah probably. I think it would take over twenty years. I bought in 2007 and could not buy today. No way. With inflation and higher interest rates there is no way we could afford this home now. We budgeted that we would have $800-$1000 extra a month for savings at that time. But the reality is that after inflation and the rising cost of everything, we often dip into our savings. No, maybe 15 years realistically I own my home. I’ve been in it for 16 years. In today’s market I wouldn’t be able to afford to purchase it. No Home owner. To purchase my home in the current market would take 2 year salary down payment and 88% of my take home pay, or 1 year household income and 50% of take home. In
no way are our earnings close to a 'living wage' in this community. There is no chance, so I don't consider how long it might take
We own our home and can't do home improvements like roof replacement. We tried looking at larger homes (ours is 950sq. feet) and everything we see is in the $450k range. Crazy! We purchased conservatively, however with the high interest rates I wouldn’t be able to. I am expecting a 4th child, and we desperately need more space, but we can't do that until interest rates come down.
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
Why did you choose the response you picked in the last question? If I could find a better paying position I wouldn't even give 2 weeks notice. CWU has made it clear we mean nothing to them. The hit budget crisis and add positions making 3 plus time what we make and then try to balance their budget on our backs by cutting our positions or not filling vacancies. I do more work than my supervisor and he is paid twice what I am and complains that he does not make enough. I do not have a Bachelor’s degree and all areas I would like to work in require a higher degree than I have. I would like to make more money. I enjoy my colleagues and feel a responsibility to my chapter members, but I have searched very actively in the past. The Sr. Secretary makes about $2 over minimum wage. Supporting yourself is just about impossible. I love my job and am very good at it but I need to make more money for my family. Central would spend more money to replace me and train someone to do my job than it would be to give me a living wage. My guess is that they would try to pay someone less to do more. That’s the reality. Plus, with the “budget crisis” at CWU and the lack of restaffing positions, we are expected to do more for no additional compensation. The true motto of CWU today is “Do More For Less”. Money is always a concern. Pay is low for this economy. There is much better pay outside of CWU for the same thing or less Colleagues are sending me postings of similar jobs with $18-24k higher salaries I love where I work and find great value in what I do. My university has repeatedly told me they don't value my work, nor do they think it's necessary. If that changed and I was valued by the university as much as I am valued in my department then I would stay. I love the people in my department and the work I do to support my faculty, staff, students and the working environment of the department. I am looking to find a new job, not because of the pay but because I am no longer happy there. What other comments, stories, or information would you like to share? People are tired. Those of us that are at the top of the salary schedule especially. We get a COLA raise and it is sucked up by increased health insurance/parking/or union dues. If something does not change there will be people quitting enmasse. And the upcoming generation can not and will not do what we do. For over three years, I drove a paper route along with doing my full-time job at CWU. I worked over 1100 days straight at one job or both, starting at 3:00 AM. It took a toll on my health, my
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
sleep cycle, and my relationships with my wife and my children. And I've started wondering if I need to do it again. The medical insurance is a benefit. With high deductible and low pay, I would benefit from not working at all and living on assistance. Minimum wage increases faster than our COLAs do. The gap between minimum wage and my salary decreases each year. If this continues, people won’t need to go to college because they will make more as a minimum wage worker than one who spent 10’s of thousands of dollars on a college degree. When people have retired or left and not been replaced, I have been assigned their duties but no raise. Whole positions that money was saved but zero raise for me to do those duties Please see the value of my work. Please know that secretaries are the glue to the department which trickles down to the students. We are a fun place to learn and grow. Our students have repeatedly told me how important I was to their success. They call me the department Mom. Not because I do everything for them, but rather I support them when they don't know where to turn or just need someone they trust to talk with. It is embarrassing when people starting now (new into the field) with the increased minimum wage will quickly get paid the same as me even though I have been there 9 years more.
October 24
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PSE Zone 13 Survey, CWU Responses
Supplemental Information: Ellensburg Ranks in Top Ten Nationally Among Most Expensive Communities The New York Times recently ranked Ellensburg the 8th most expensive micropolitan area in the United States: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/realest ate/us-towns-home-prices.html Inside Higher Education Focuses on Destabilizing Effects of Staff Burnout A September article in Inside Higher Education focused on the destabilizing effects of staff burnout and understaffing: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/workp lace/staff-issues/2024/09/26/burnout-admini strative-staff-risks-destabilizing-colleges
October 24
9
Inquiry to the Board of Finance Trustees CarolJean Metzelaar (c. 10/31/24)
Dear Central Washington University Board of Trustees and Finance and Administration Committee,
I am communicating with you all today in regards to the recently announced 3% tuition increase. I’m not sure whether you were aware, however, the reason you have 69% retention rate – the lowest it's been since 2002 – is because of decisions such as these. You are rising prices which makes things less affordable for students, thus, you lose a large percentage. The reason this college is unable to sustain a sufficient amount of attendees or finances is because money is being mismanaged. If you make tuition more affordable you will receive an influx of students, you will have better reviews, and an overall happier campus environment. Central Washington University is one of the most beautiful campuses around Washington State, and I believe it would be a shame to not be shared with more potential students. The tours can only do so much when you keep raising prices for students who don’t always have parental support, job offerings, personal transport, and such.
My personal recommendations would include the following: ● Keep tuition where it is or lower it by 2% ● Invest more in your event marketing ● Slightly increase meal plan prices (1-2%) ● Increase on campus engagement
● Slightly raise merchandise prices (2.5%) ● Decrease laundry to 75¢ per load ● Improve overall social media presence With these recommendations, I believe you could retain current students for longer and appeal to more potential students. The main reason students are leaving Central Washington University (and many other Universities/Colleges) is due to the unaffordability. While the current economic climate is not the college’s responsibility to fix, it is crucial that the welfare of its students is #1. Just because other Higher Education Facilities are increasing their tuition does not mean that is what’s best nor what will work for Central. CWU already has an amazing LinkedIn page, wonderful people, fun student events, the friendliest town nearby and so much potential. Nevertheless, when that potential is not used optimally, it will eventually reach its own downfall. Please heed the aforementioned advice and take it into genuine consideration as it is well intentioned.
Sincerely, CarolJean
PS: below I have provided resources as supporting evidence to my aforementioned claims…
Binkley, Collin. “Why More Americans Are Skipping College.” PBS , Public Broadcasting Service, 11 Mar. 2023, www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/education/why-more-americans-are- skipping-college.
Dickler, Jessica. “Fewer Students Are Graduating from College, but Certificate Programs Are Way Up.” CNBC , Comcast NBC Universal, 12 Apr. 2024, www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/04/12/students-earning-college-degrees-notched-steepest-decline-on- record.html. Nadworny, Elissa. “More than 1 Million Fewer Students Are in College. Here’s How That Impacts the Economy.” NPR , National Public Radio, 13 Jan. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/01/13/1072529477/more-than-1-million-fewer-students-are-in-college-the- lowest-enrollment-numbers-. O’Connell-Domenech, Alejandra. “College Enrollment Could Take a Big Hit in 2025. Here’s Why. .” The Hill , The Hill, 10 Jan. 2024, thehill.com/changing- america/enrichment/education/4398533-college-enrollment-could-take-a-big-hit-in-2025-heres- why/amp/. Ward, Micah. “5 Reasons Fewer Students May Be Going to College This Year.” University Business , University Business, 7 June 2023, universitybusiness.com/5-reasons-fewer-students- may-be-going-to-college-this-year/#.
December 3, 2024 To the Board of Trustees,
We have completed our accountability audit of the Central Washington University for the fiscal years 2023 and 2022 and wanted to share our preliminary results with you. We are inviting you to attend an exit conference with your staff that we have scheduled for 9:00 AM on December 9, 2024 using Teams. To attend the meeting, please contact Patrick Stanton or Chris Huss for the meeting link. We believe participation at the exit conference by you and others charged with the management and governance of the University is an essential part of our audit process. It gives you an opportunity to hear our conclusions and discuss with us the resolution of any audit issues. Please note that if a quorum of Board of Trustees attend the exit conference, the University is responsible for ensuring requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act are met. If you have any questions or matters that you would like to discuss with us before the exit conference, feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Neyda Flores Assistant Audit Manager, Office of the Washington State Auditor (509) 517-5621 | www.sao.wa.gov Find helpful tools for local governments: Resource Library.
December 9, 2024 Dear Board of Trustee, We are pleased to notify you regarding the conclusion of our accountability audit of Central Washington University for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. An exit conference was held on December 9, 2024 to discuss the results of our audit. The attached items were discussed in detail with those in attendance, which included CFO Joel Klucking, Finance Director/Controller Patrick Stanton, Director of Finance Lacy Lampkins, Financial System Functional Manager Chris Huss and VP Campus Planning and Facilities Management Stuart Thompson. We also took the opportunity to extend our appreciation to your staff for their cooperation and assistance during the course of the audit. We are always available to discuss the results of our audit in further detail at your convenience. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Neyda Flores Assistant Audit Manager, Office of the Washington State Auditor (509) 517-5621 | www.sao.wa.gov Find helpful tools for local governments: Resource Library.
Enrollment Update Board of Trustees February 20, 2025
Hung Dang, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Budget & Enrollment Update Board of Trustees February 20, 2025 Joel Klucking CFO/SVP for Finance & Administration
Central Washington's STEM Ecosystem: Building a Network Hub for Ensuring Health and Innovation
Drs. Emilie Hancock, Allyson Rogan Klyve, Bruce Palmquist Student Support: Sydney Cater, Angela Eustaquio, Abner Ramos
1
Marketing and Branding Update University Relations, 2/21/202 5
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 21, 2025
ACTION – Approval of Consent Agenda The attached consent action/report and list are submitted by the divisions of Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, Student Engagement and Success, and the President.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees approves the consent action items submitted February 21, 2025. Submitted:
Patrick Pease Provost/Executive Vice President Academic Affairs
Joel Klucking, Sr. Vice President Finance and Administration
Margaret Ortega, Vice President Student Engagement and Success
Dania Cochran Int. Chief of Staff
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
CONSENT ACTION/REPORT LIST February 21, 2025 CONSENT PERSONNEL ACTIONS Faculty Emeritus Status Name Rank
Department
Effective
# Years 29 yrs.
Bartel, Kim
Professor
Family & Consumer Sciences Communication Biological Sciences
September 1, 2024
García, César James, Paul
Professor Professor
September 16, 2024 December 16, 2024
17 yrs.
34 yrs., 3 mos.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Appointments Name: Last, First Rank
Department Chemistry
Effective
Belofsky, Gil
Associate Professor
AY2025-26 AY2025-26 Fall 2025 Fall 2025 AY2025-26 Fall 2025 AY2025-26 AY2025-26 AY2025-26 AY2025-26 AY2025-26 AY2025-26 AY2025-26
Dormady, Jason Feeney, Sarah Hancock, Emilie Hoover, Amy Hougan, Eric Isakava, Volha Levine, Marilyn Lubinski, Pat Pedersen, Lene Seth, James Sipic, Toni Vajda, Szilard
Professor
History
Associate Professor Associate Professor
Family and Consumer Sciences
Mathematics
Professor Professor Professor Professor Professor Professor
Aviation
CSEL
World Languages
History
Anthropology Anthropology
Associate Professor
English
Professor
Economics
Associate Professor
Computer Science
Phased Retirements Name
Rank
Department
Effective
D’Acquisto, Leonardo (Leo) Professor
Health Sciences
Fall 2025 – Spring 2027 Fall 2025 – Spring 2027 Fall 2025 – Spring 2027 Fall 2025 – Spring 2027
McGladrey, Brian Schepman, Stephen Whitcomb, Katharine
Associate Professor
SAMS
Professor Professor
Psychology
English
CONSENT PERSONNEL REPORTS Faculty Sabbatical Leave Reports Name: Last, First Rank
Department
Effective
Andonie, Razvan
Professor Professor
Computer Science
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Boyle, Peter
Management
DeSieno, Marcus
Associate Professor
Art + Design
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Ely, Lisa
Professor Professor Professor Professor
Geology Biology Physics Physics SMED Biology
Ernest, Kris
Fallscheer, Cassandra Montgomery, Aaron Piacsek, Andrew Rogan-Klyve, Allyson
Associate Professor
Mathematics
Associate Professor
Scoville, Alison
Professor
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 21, 2025
Action – Fiscal Year 2026 Housing and Dining Rate Approval The Division of Finance and Administration seeks authorization to increase the room-and-board rate up to 4 percent (4%) aggregate for the 2025-2026 academic year (fiscal year 2026). The proposed rate was developed utilizing a comprehensive Housing and Dining Financial Master Plan. The Master Plan provides long-term strategies to fund debt service on buildings, fund building preservation and program enhancements, to address the asset renewal backlog, and to cover costs associated with large inflationary pressure including labor, utilities, and cost of goods. This increase represents a balanced approach to offset financial difficulties due to limited enrollment, and rising costs while preserving balances in accordance with debt coverage/bond covenants, and to maintain affordability for students. This proposal does not address ongoing financial challenges due to aging infrastructure and compounded deferred maintenance. Student stakeholders as well as shared governance campus stakeholders were consulted with no major concerns.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the Housing and Dining maximum rate increase, not to exceed 4 percent in the aggregate, for fiscal year 2026.
Submitted:
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Joel Klucking
Jim Wohlpart
Sr. Vice President, Finance and Administration
President
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 21, 2025
Action – Summer Session 2025 Tuition Rate Increase The Summer Session Committee seeks authorization to increase the Summer tuition fee rates as follows: • 3.0% for the resident undergraduate tuition fee, • 3.0% for the non-resident undergraduate and non-resident graduate tuition fees, and • 3.0% for the resident graduate and resident Business graduate tuition fees. State law provides a structure for tuition rates for fall, winter, and spring quarters. However, RCW 28B.15.067(4)] allows governing boards to "reduce or increase full-time tuition fees for all students other than resident undergraduates…including "summer school students."
The proposed rate increases are as follows:
CWU Summer Tuition Fee Per Credit 2024 2025
Difference
$ 287.56 $ 433.87 $ 356.73 $ 535.10 $ 509.10
$ 296.19 $ 446.89 $ 367.43 $ 551.15 $ 524.37
$ 8.63 $ 13.02 $ 10.70 $ 16.05 $ 15.27
Resident Undergraduate Non-resident Undergraduate
Resident Graduate
Business Resident Graduate
Non-resident Graduate
This rate increase will help offset the instructional cost of living increases and limit the impacts to Summer Session net profits.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the Summer Session 2025 rate increase of 3% for all student categories.
Submitted:
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Joel Klucking
Jim Wohlpart
Sr. Vice President, Finance and Administration
President
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