Central Washington University Board of Trustees May 13, 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Long-term Investment
Extreme restrictions associated with the delivery of educational programs and the operation of the residential campus have placed historic stress on university resources. Federal assistance and a flat state budget have forestalled a budget crisis for now, but the future is uncertain. Public health regulations and challenges continue to shift and CWU’s enrollment position will not recover fully for some time. Federal COVID-relief funds are “one-time” funds; they may only be used once, are restricted other ways in their use. Similarly, the absence of state funding cuts in FY21 also will result in the availability of funding that only can be used once. At the board’s February meeting, trustees expressed the need to plan strategically for the emergence from the pandemic. Rather than looking backward to “pre-COVID” budgets, the trustees directed that the university should look forward and construct budgets based on the work needed to support student success and to ensure a stable and effective educational environment going forward. In February the board unanimously approved a motion directing staff to “develop recommendations for long-term Investments that will position the university to deliver a unique, relevant and high-quality educational experience that differentiates CWU from other Washington universities.” At the May 13 meeting of the board, President Gaudino will outline opportunities for one-time investment, that may occur in phases over more than one year. The investments support one of CWU’s three top priorities and/or reduce liability. The investments are of value to the entire enterprise of the university and fall generally into two categories: updating and upgrading information infrastructure and modernization of equipment. Following this summary is additional information for each of these investments.
Submitted by:
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Linda Schactler, Secretary to the Board
James L. Gaudino, President
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker