February 2024
CWU TRUSTEES QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING AGENDA February 15-16, 2024
All times are approximate and subject to change.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Location: Wellington Event Center
10:00 AM
Business Meeting begins – Call to order (Erin Black)
10:05-10:20
President’s Report (Jim Wohlpart)
10:20-11:00
Enrollment & Budget Update (Joel Klucking)
11:00-11:45 Research Presentation (Amy Claridge) “Parental Mental Health and Child Wellbeing: The Role of Relationship and Policy Context in the Transition to Parenthood.”
12:00-1:00 Lunch No business conducted.
1:15-1:30
Strategic Plan Update (Jason Jones)
1:30-1:45
New Degree Program Proposals (Kurt Kirstein)
1:45-2:45 High Impact Practices Presentation (Yurim Lee, Landen Hashimura) Student Price Index (SPI): Measuring the Cost of Living for College Students in Ellensburg, WA
2:45-3:15
Health and Safety Promotion (Laura Brant, John MacArthur)
3:15-3:30
Break (clear the room for executive session)
3:30-4:00 Executive Session As allowed by RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i)(i)
6:00
Board Dinner at University House (Trustees, Melissa Nelson, Jim and Sasha Wohlpart)
No business conducted.
Last updated February 5, 2024
CWU Trustees Agenda for February 15-16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Location: Wellington Event Center
9:00-9:30
Community Relations and Economic Development (Dania Cochran, Andrew Morse)
9:30-10:00
Business and Community Services (Andrew Morse, Rob Ogburn)
10:00-10:30
Kittitas County Economic Development Plan (Kelle Vandenberg, Heidi Cerniwey, Cory Wright)
10:30-11:00
BOT Discussion of CWU & Community Economic Development
11:00-11:30
Action Agenda
11:30
Expected Adjournment
2
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 15, 2024
ACTION – Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings of October 19-20, 2023.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the minutes of the regular meetings of October 19-20, 2023.
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 19-20, 2023
Draft
OCT 19, 2023
BOARD WORK SESSION Trustees Present: Erin Black, Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Jeff Charbonneau Gladys Gillis Zabrina Jenkins Sasha Mitchell Robert Nellams (via Zoom) Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President
Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Executive Liaison for the President’s Office Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Vice President for Finance and Administration Andrew Morse, Chief of Staff & Interim Vice President for University Relations Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Melissa Nelson, Assistant Attorney General Executive Faculty & Staff: Lucinda Carnell, Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Paul Elstone, Vice President for University Advancement Margaret Ortega, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Staci Sleigh-Layman, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Ms. Black convened the board meeting at 10:06 a.m. and provided the group with a couple of announcements: 1. CWU is participating in International ShakeOut Day, which is the annual earthquake safety drill. An alert notification will be delivered today at 10:19 a.m. by text, email, and phone call to everyone in the CWU community who has signed up for RAVE Alert; and 2. Today is Purple Thursday in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple Thursday is a day where folks can wear purple to show support for survivors of domestic violence. Purple ribbons were provided to everyone at the meeting and a group photo was taken to share on social media.
Approval of Agenda Motion 23-29: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the agenda of the meetings of October 19-20, 2023. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion, which the board unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes Motion 23-30: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the minutes from the retreat of July 20-21, 2023. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Official Communications Since our last meeting, the board has received one communication, which is included in the briefing materials: o Memo from Josie Rollins, Employee Council Chair, October 4, 2023, regarding Employee Council’s quarterly report to the Board. Public Comment No one signed up for public comment. President’s Report President Wohlpart introduced Jason Jones, Assistant to the President and Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Planning, and John MacArthur, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX, and thanked Dr. Michelle DenBeste for her service as Provost. He then provided an update on CWU’s Strategic Plan implementation. Jason Jones will lead the Strategic Plan Team. The unifying value of the Strategic Plan is student success with engagement, belonging, and stewardship as core values. President Wohlpart added that CWU will be implementing values-based budgeting with four principles: 1. Cover instructional expenses to meet teaching needs and meet the goals of the strategic plan. 2. Invest in non-instructional expenses to meet the goals of the strategic plan. 3. Provide sufficient goods and services budget to the meet the needs of the university. 4. Create a values-based fund to invest in the strategic plan. President Wohlpart added that as part of CWU’s values-based Performance Management, Dr. Kris De Welde, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, and Professor of Sociology, from College of Charleston, spent several weeks on campus. She met with faculty and held an all-faculty town hall on Establishing Equity in the Faculty Evaluation process. High level enrollment numbers were shared as well. Compared to 2022 and 2023, we are up in applications, admits and accepts for 2024. We are the leading provider of College in the High School in Washington state. There are ninety-five students taking English 101 and 102. The state is now paying for College in the High School, so this is a huge opportunity for CWU. Wildcat Preview Day was held on campus Saturday, October 1. We had 332 students, and 438 family members participate in the day. The Admissions Office did seventy-seven on the spot admissions. It was a highly successful day.
2 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Enrollment and Budget Update Executive Vice President Klucking explained that budget planning begins in spring and culminates after fall quarter 10 th day census, at which point the final budget adjustments are made based on actual enrollment. Fall 2023 enrollment in all categories, except Latinx, is down. Occupancies in on campus housing is also down. EVP Klucking then shared a compressed look at sources of funds at CWU. He added that during the action agenda on Friday, the board will vote on a revision to the Athletics budget that was approved in July and a three percent increase for all tuition types. Legislative Budget Review Update Andrew Morse, Chief of Staff, and Interim Vice President for University Relations, explained that CWU’s 2024 supplemental operating budget requests include: • College in the High School (CiHS) Instructor Institute; the mission will be to provide coursework and scholarships for high school teachers who want to teach CiHS. • Student Basic Needs, which will make permanent student service positions created with one- time funding. • Police/Teamsters Contract; a new collective bargaining agreement was ratified in April 2023, which missed the biennial budget cycle. Steve DuPont, Government Relations Manager, updated the group on CWU’s 2024 supplemental capital budget request: • Secondary Geothermal Well, which will be located centrally near the location of the old bookstore and will provide heating/cooling for Health Science, Discovery, and Samuelson; qualifies for funding from the Climate Commitment Account and is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 22,000 metric tons. • Science Building Carbon Reduction; has the highest EUI rating on campus, other than the boiler plant. Overhauling the mechanical systems and components to increase energy efficiency is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 1,900 metric tons and save $150K annually. • Emergency Backup Power System: installation of a 3-megawatt generator to be used in case of emergency, which will be important to preserve life and safety of facilities. Dr. Morse then reported on CWU’s federal priorities, which include: • Economic Development, Technological Commercialization, and Workforce Alignment. • Aviation/Hangar – FAA infrastructure funding opportunity as a potential revenue. • Green Energy Adoption/Inflation Reduction Act. The morning session adjourned at 11:17 a.m.
Trustees had lunch with students in Sue Dining. No business was conducted.
Chair Black reconvened the board work session at 1:15 p.m.
3 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Strategic Recruitment Plan Update Peg Blake, Interim Executive Director of Admissions, introduced the following Admissions staff who presented to the board:
• Manuel Rodriguez, Director, Early College Outreach • Andres Moreno Benito, Director, Admissions/Recruiting
• Megan McConnell, Director, Transfer Center • JoAnn Page, Assistant Director, Admissions
Recruiting new students to attend Central Washington University requires strategic thinking and planning, as well as collaboration and coordination across the institution and with external organizations. Because of our recent enrollment declines, CWU has invested in new programs and staffing as well as strengthening our traditional recruitment efforts. Additionally, we have contracted with AACRAO Consulting to assess our recruiting and admissions efforts and to assist us in writing a strategic recruitment and communications plan. The recruitment process begins through our Early College Outreach & Campus Visits operation and focuses on visibility and relationship-building with schools and community-based organizations. It includes providing opportunities for elementary and middle-school students to visit campus for programs, camps, events, and tours, as well as inviting high school juniors and seniors for individual or group tours that include assistance in completing the CWU admissions application, filing the FAFSA/WASFA, and more. The recruitment of traditional-aged students takes many forms including classroom presentations in high schools, participating in college fairs, offering admissions-on-the-spot programs in high schools and on campus, individual appointments with prospective students, and a lot of travel! We will visit most of the high schools in Washington at least once and are recruiting in seven other states. Recruiting transfer students involves community college visits, transfer student fairs, and individual appointments with prospective students. We are also piloting a program this year to recruit Washington residents who have attended college but left without receiving a degree.
The recruitment process ends with new student orientation and onboarding.
Chair Black had to leave the meeting early, so Vice Chair, Jeff Hensler, led the meeting starting at 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the afternoon. DEIA Professional Development Lucinda Carnell, Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity presented to the Board on DEIA professional Development. Central Washington University is committed to realizing our vision towards becoming a model learning community of equity and belonging. Essential to building this community is a professional development training plan for faculty, staff, and students that provides the skills, practices and relationship building necessary for making this vision a reality. We are well positioned for this work as climate survey report of faculty and staff indicate that 80 percent of faculty and staff are interested in engaging in these types of learning opportunities.
4 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
We are taking a multi-tier approach towards these training opportunities. Tier-one is a foundational online training called DEI in the Workplace , which launched this fall to ensure the capacity to train all new employees and the majority of existing employees, and to meet people where they are on their DEI journey. It provides basic training illustrating the importance of this work and utilizes case studies to understand and explore micro aggressive behavior and unconscious or implicit bias and how to disrupt them and includes a section on allyship. The tier-two trainings are audience-specific intensive sessions which will provide more in-depth, interactive, and sustaining professional development opportunities that align with goals and strategic plans. This two-tier approach supports faculty professional development in delivering culturally responsive and sustaining practices and build faculty learning communities. Employee-focused trainings will center around personal development skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship and community building, and equitable and inclusive leadership. Student DEIA trainings are being developed this year for implementation in AY 24-25. A fundamental component will engage new students as part of their University 101 coursework. In addition, CWU will provide a required course in Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion for students, approved by Faculty Senate in AY 21-22. These approved courses can be offered by any department, major, program, and minor to be applicable to their future interests and careers. Climate Action Plan Central Washington University’s Sustainability Officer, Jeff Bousson, provided a high-level overview of CWU’s draft institutional Climate Change Action Plan. He introduced and thanked Lily De Young and Delano Palmer, who he partners with in this work. For the past several months, Jeff has collaborated with the campus and local community to identify, develop, and prioritize strategies that will enable CWU to achieve 45% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030. Before CWU’s Climate Change Action Plan is completed in February 2024, Jeff is seeking input and guidance from the campus community, including the Board of Trustees, to generate support and ownership of the goals, strategies, and action steps listed within the Plan. Jeff provided insight on CWU’s current climate footprint, the progress already occurring on campus, and the process for infusing community feedback as we shape a more sustainable and decarbonized future for our university. Additionally, Jeff shared the overarching goals, key pillars, and focus areas of the draft Climate Change Action Plan as well as CWU’s approach to implementing sustainability initiatives and climate pollution reduction strategies at CWU for many years to come. Feedback and guidance are encouraged as we further develop and refine actionable strategies that demonstrate our commitment to fostering high impact practices, sustainability, and authentic community partnerships that are grounded in meaningful relationships. Jeff added that five classroom presentations are planned this fall, CWU is hosting an Environmental Justice Summit November 3-5, 2023, and a Sustainability Forum November 14, 2023. The public portion of the Board Work Session adjourned at 2:48 p.m. Vice Chair Hensler explained that the Board will move into executive session at 3:00 p.m. and that no action will be taken following the executive session.
5 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Executive Session Briefing Vice Chair Hensler convened the Executive Session at 3:00 p.m. and announced that the session was expected to last approximately 60 minutes. The meeting room was cleared, other than board members, Melissa Nelson/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). The executive session ended at 4:00 p.m. and no action was taken following the executive session.
The Board Work Session adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Trustees, President and Mrs. Wohlpart, and Melissa Nelson, Assistant Attorney General, attended a social dinner at the University House from 6:00-8:00 p.m. No business was conducted.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 BOARD BUSINESS MEETING Trustees Present: Erin Black, Chair Jeff Hensler, Vice Chair Jeff Charbonneau Gladys Gillis Zabrina Jenkins Sasha Mitchell Robert Nellams (via Zoom) Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President
Dania Cochran, Board Secretary and Executive Liaison for the President’s Office Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer and Vice President for Finance and Administration Andrew Morse, Chief of Staff & Interim Vice President for University Relations Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Melissa Nelson, Assistant Attorney General Executive Faculty & Staff: Lucinda Carnell, Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Paul Elstone, Vice President for University Advancement Margaret Ortega, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Staci Sleigh-Layman, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Chair Black convened the board meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Retention Council Update & Initiatives Margaret Ortega, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, and Robbi Goninan, Director of Orientation and Transition Program, presented to the Board on the Retention Council and initiatives.
6 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Orientation consists of two onboarding events, Admitted Student Day and Week of Welcome. The intent is to share information about the revisioning of the Orientation experience for our first year and transfer students. Orientation has had many reiterations over the last few years, and the goal is to provide a streamlined approach that focuses on the warm handoff from the recruitment staff to the orientation staff. These experiences are steps forward in the student’s journey to becoming a Wildcat. The Orientation office also provides retention and recruitment for the Jump Start program. For the Fall 2023 cohort of forty-eight students to the Jump Start program, staff have decided to expand the program to a year-long engagement opportunity for these students to continue connecting with each other, peer mentorship and navigating the university system. Lastly, the Orientation team supports Wildcat Preview Days. These are the largest recruiting events held for prospective, newly admitted students and their families. We know that visiting CWU is one of the best ways for students and families to envision themselves as a part of the Wildcat Family. Orientation and onboarding experiences provide students with the resources they need to successfully navigate University life. In spring 2023, the Yield/Anti Melt Task Force and the Persistence and Completion Council were launched to begin the process of reviewing and evaluating immediate programs and initiatives to address the enrollment decline and develop a strategic marketing plan. What emerged from these two groups was a broader and intentional need for recruitment and retention efforts to work in alignment with each other. The proposed Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Model was approved by the Executive Leadership Team in September. In August, consultants from AACRAO (Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) visited the campus and met with executive leadership, deans, and staff with the dual goal to provide a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and assessment of CWU’s recruitment and retention efforts. The SEM Model provides an important level of coordination and collaboration between recruitment and retention programs and initiatives. The SEM Model allows for targeted workgroups to be identified on an as needed basis and work on specific time frames to develop and complete initiatives, identify priority areas, or assess and evaluate programs. The SEM Model brings together faculty, staff, and data experts to continually consult and interact as projects move forward. The SEM Model is a national best practice from the (AACRAO). Recruitment Marketing and Web Update Andrew Morse, Chief of Staff and Interim Vice President for University Relations, Emilie Hobert, Executive Director of Marketing and Branding, Emma Keene, CRM Communications Manager, and Marty Romero, Director, Web Development, updated the Board on recruitment marketing and the new website. Dr. Morse explained that during the 2022-23 academic year, the Division of University Relations undertook two critical projects to position Central Washington University for continued vitality in the short- and long-terms: (1) a new website that will support the strategic and intentional recruitment, retention, and success of students; and (2) a comprehensive marketing plan to support enrollment growth while further elevating the university’s brand recognition across Washington and beyond. Ms. Hobert noted that her team has been focusing on digital marketing. They have worked closely with Admissions this year to review all the Admissions materials. A brand management platform will be launched soon. Ms. Keene added that they have developed strategic goals for Slate Communications. Those goals are: • Develop and implement a design strategy that enhances brand recognition, evokes emotions through visual storytelling, and improves user experience.
7 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
• Create campaign messaging that aligns with CWU’s brand message, mission, and vision while addressing our target audience’s needs, challenges, and experiences. • Leverage analytics to make data-informed decision that align with CWU’s Integrated Marketing Plan and support enrollment objectives. • Develop a cross-functional collaboration strategy between Marketing and Communications and campus partners. Ms. Keene added that they have also developed performance reports for Slate Communications. They can track data in real time and adjust as needed. Mr. Romero updated the Board on the new website launch. Today marks six weeks since the launch of the new website. Monthly page views have more than doubled and bounce rates have gone down by half. The average time on a page has almost doubled. The new website is 100 percent compatible with mobile devices. They are tracking all this information and will review numbers again at the three-month mark. In addition, webpages are being converted into Spanish. There have been a few bumps in the launch, but website staff conduct weekly office hours online for anyone to join and ask questions. Tracking and testing of web pages will continue, but the Web Office is relying on the campus community to let them know when they see something that needs review and/or fixing. Federal Grant Programs Miriam Bocchetti, Executive Director, Federal Grants/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Ramon Cardenas, Program Manager, High School Equivalency Program (HEP), Maria Isabel Morales, Director, Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), and Rachel Williamson, Director, Student Support Services (SSS), presented on the impact of these programs on their target populations, as well as their collaborations on and off campus. Three of these five programs are located off campus and within communities heavily populated by the underserved demographic to whom these programs outreach and serve. HEP, CAMP, EOC and SSS are programs that value access, equity, and belonging and contribute to the retention and graduation rates at CWU. Their staff are highly skilled and diverse; the majority of whom are bilingual and biliterate. Through intentional outreach and holistic support services, these programs have experienced much success and some challenges over the years. Oftentimes, programs that exist on soft monies are seen as peripheral and excluded; however, at CWU these programs are very much embedded in the fabric of the institution and an essential part of the division of Student Engagement and Success. ACTION AGENDA Approval of Consent Agenda The formal recognition for our faculty and staff is contained in our consent agenda. Motion 23-31: Mr. Hensler moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the consent actions items submitted October 20, 2023. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Motion 23-32: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 as presented. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
8 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Academic Year 2024-2025 Tuition Increase Approval Motion 23-33: Mr. Hensler moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves a 3.0 percent increase for all categories (resident and non-resident undergraduate, resident and non-resident graduate) for academic year 2024-2025. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Fiscal Year 2024 Corrected Athletic Budget Approval Motion 23-34: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the corrected athletic budget of $7,268,055 for Fiscal Year 2024 as presented. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of President Wohlpart’s Evaluation Motion 23-35: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the evaluation of President Wohlpart (CWUP 1.10-050) as presented. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
The next meeting of the board will be February 15-16, 2024, in Ellensburg.
Meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
Dania Cochran, Secretary to the
Erin Black, Chair
CWU Board of Trustees
CWU Board of Trustees
9 Board of Trustees Minutes October 19-20, 2023
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 15, 2024 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Board Communication Report The Board acknowledges receipt of the following communications:
1. Email from Masa Equitas Global, December 4, 2023, regarding Starbucks. 2. Email from Neyda Flores, Washington State Auditor’s Office, February 7, 2024, regarding CWU’s upcoming financial audits.
Submitted:
Dania Cochran Secretary to the Board
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
Received in the CWU Trustees email account on Monday, December 4, 2023:
Hi,
We are writing from the advocacy organisation Equitas. Equitas is a UK-based charitable organisation that works to promote consumer protection and animal welfare in corporate supply chains. We are aware that you are associated with Starbucks’ SVP, Chief Procurement Officer Kelly Bengston since Kelly Bengston serves on the University Foundation Board and chairs their Board Development Committee. Additionally, Kelly Bengston received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Central Washington University. Starbucks has come under mounting negative publicity recently for severe animal cruelty in its supply chain, and for taking food safety risks that endanger the health of its customers. Dozens of other leading restaurant and coffee chains have already committed to using only cage- free eggs across the US, Europe, and Asia including Costa Coffee, Dunkin Donuts, Tim Hortons, Pret A Manger, Illy, and many others. Leading QSR chains such as Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s have also pledged to use only cage-free eggs at all stores globally. Cage-free eggs are much safer for customers, higher in food quality, and more humane for animals. Sadly, Starbucks has not followed the responsible path that its competitors have taken. The company continues to serve eggs from filthy and cruel caged-egg farms globally, with no commitment to change. In her role as SVP, Chief Procurement Officer at Starbucks Kelly Bengston has the power to help implement a timeline to shift to cage-free eggs across the company’s supply chain, just as so many other similar companies have already done. But so far, Kelly Bengston has failed to do so. We have just launched this website to inform the public of Kelly Bengston’s association with cruelty and food safety risks: www.KellyBengston.com. We strongly urge you to reconsider your association with Kelly Bengston now that you know about her lack of action on this important animal welfare and food safety issue.
Yours sincerely, Equitas Campaigns Team equitasglobal.org
RECEIVED BY EMAIL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024 To the Board of Trustees
We are pleased to notify you regarding the beginning of our Financial audits of Central Washinton University and System for fiscal year 2023. The State Auditor’s Office is committed to maintaining positive relationships and open communication with the governments we audit. As a member of the governing body, we believe you should be fully informed about our audit work. Therefore, we are inviting you to attend an entrance conference we have scheduled with your staff at 3:00PM on February 14, 2024 using Microsoft Teams . To attend the meeting, please contact Patrick Stanton or Chris Huss for the meeting link. At the conference, we will discuss the audit and ask if you or University staff have any areas of concern that you would like us to include in the scope of our audit. We will also discuss the timing and cost of the audit. After we finish our audit work, we plan to contact you again to invite you to attend an exit conference, in which we will share the results of the audit. This is an opportunity for you to hear directly from us about what we found and to ask any questions you may have about the audit process or results. Please note that if a quorum of Trustee members attend either of these conferences, the University will be responsible for ensuring requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act are met. We take very seriously our responsibility of serving citizens by promoting accountability, fiscal integrity and openness in state and local government. We believe it is critical to citizens and the mission of the University that we work together as partners in accountability to prevent or constructively resolve issues. We look forward to meeting with management and the governing body at the entrance conference and hope to see you there. If you have any questions or matters that you would like to discuss with us, feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Neyda Flores Assistant State Auditor Office of the Washington State Auditor
Creating Our Future President A. James Wohlpart February 15, 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting
Finance & Enrollment Update
Board of Trustees February 16, 2024 Joel Klucking CFO/SVP for Finance & Administration
Parental Mental Health and Child Wellbeing: The Role of Relationship
and Policy Contexts in the Transition to Parenthood
Dr. Amy Claridge, LMFT Professor and Program Coordinator Child Development and Family Science Director, Family Resource Center
CREATE YOUR FUTURE
Strategic Plan Accountability February 2024
Jason Jones Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Planning (IERP)
Student Price Index (SPI): Measuring the Cost of Living for College Students in Ellensburg, WA
CWU Board of Trustees Meeting - HIP Feb. 15 th , 2024
Dr. Yurim Lee and Landen Hashimura
John MacArthur, M.S. (he/him/his) Title IX Coordinator
Laura Brant, M.Ed., MPH (she/her/hers) Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Health and Safety Promotion Compassionate Compliance: Our Response to and Prevention of Sex Discrimination at CWU
Civil Rights Compliance &Title IX
CWU TRUSTEES QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING AGENDA February 16, 2024
All times are approximate and subject to change.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Location: Wellington Event Center
9:00-9:30
Community Relations and Economic Development (Dania Cochran, Andrew Morse)
9:30-10:00
Business and Community Services (Andrew Morse, Rob Ogburn)
10:00-10:30
Kittitas County Economic Development Plan (Kelle Vandenberg, Heidi Cerniwey, Cory Wright)
10:30-11:00
BOT Discussion of CWU & Community Economic Development
11:00-11:30
Action Agenda
11:30
Expected Adjournment
Last updated February 5, 2024
Community Relations & Economic Development
Dania Cochran, Executive Liaison Andrew Morse, VP University Relations
Business and Community Services (BCS)
Overview February 2024 Andrew Morse & Rob Ogburn
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN Building the next layer of collaboration for Kittitas County IMPLEMENTATION
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 16, 2024
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 16, 2024. Submitted:
Joel Klucking, Vice President Finance and Administration
Kurt Kirstein Provost/Vice President Academic Affairs
Margaret Ortega, Vice President Student Engagement and Success
Andrew Morse Chief of Staff & Int. VP, University Relations
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
CONSENT ACTION/REPORT LIST February 16, 2024 CONSENT PERSONNEL ACTIONS Distinguished Service Recognition Name Title
Department
Effective
# Years 27 yrs.
Morefield, Tina Sterkel, Kendra
Program Support Supervisor Registrar
Feb 1, 2024
Program Coordinator
Aerospace Studies Jan 23, 2024
35 yrs., 10 mos.
Faculty Emeritus Status Name
Rank
Department
Effective
# Years
Appleton, Laura
Professor Professor Professor
Sociology
August 1, 2016 45 yrs., 11 mos. January 3, 2024 10 yrs., 10 mos. January 1, 2024 29 yrs., 3 mos. June 16, 2024 35 yrs., 4 mos. August 1, 2013 25 yrs., 4 mos. July 1, 2023 36 yrs., 10 mos.
Avitts, Ellen
Art + Design
Cleary, Delores
Sociology
Lefkowitz, Natalie Professor
World Languages & Cultures Family & Consumer Sciences
Perkins, Robert Sledge, Andrea
Professor
Assoc. Professor Education, Development, Teaching & Learning Assoc. Professor Sport & Movement Studies
Young, Therese
Dec. 16, 2023
24 yrs., 9 mos.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Appointments Name Rank
Department Anthropology Accounting Health Sciences
Effective
Amason, Hope Ambrosio, Fabio Beeson, Tishra Claridge, Amy
Associate Professor Associate Professor Associate Professor
AY 2024-25 AY 2024-25 Fall 2024 AY 2024-25 AY 2024-25 AY 2024-25 AY 2024-25 AT 2024-25 AY 2024-25 AY 2024-25 Fall 2024 AY 2024-25 Winter 2025
Professor Professor Professor
Family & Consumer Sciences
Coe, Cynthia Egger, Anne
Philosophy
Geology and Science and Mathematics Education
Eliatamby-O’Brien, M
Associate Professor
English Geology
Gazis, Carey Klyve, Dominic
Professor Professor Professor Professor Professor
Mathematics
Kovalerchuk, Boris Quinn, Sterling
Computer Science
Associate Professor
Geography
Sun, Lixing
Biology
Wang, Penglin
Anthropology
CONSENT PERSONNEL REPORTS Faculty Sabbatical Leave Reports Name Rank
Department
Effective
Bartlett, Gary Herman, Daniel Kaspari, Susan
Professor Professor Professor Professor
Philosophy & Religious Studies AY 2022-2023
History
AY 2022-2023 AY 2022-2023 AY 2022-2023
Geological Sciences
Lea, YiShan
Education, Development, Teaching, & Learning Finance & Supply Chain Management Anthropology & Museum Studies Mathematics
Liao, Kun
Professor
AY 2022-2023
Loke, Sooie-Hoe Mayhew, Jessica Moore, Stephen Pereira, Liane Stringfellow, Julia
Assistant Professor Associate Professor
AY 2022-2023 AY 2022-2023 AY 2022-2023 AY 2022-2023
Professor
History
Associate Professor
Psychology
Professor
Library Archives & Special Collections
Spring and Summer 2023
Tester, Griff
Associate Professor
Sociology
AY 2022-2023
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 16, 2024
Action – Fiscal Year 2025 Housing and Dining Rate Approval The Division of Finance and Administration seeks authorization to increase the room-and-board rate up to 3 percent (3%) aggregate for the 2024-2025 academic year (fiscal year 2025). 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 decreased 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 3 percent in the aggregate, for fiscal year 2025.
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 16, 2024
Action – Summer Session 2024 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 2023 2024
Difference
Resident Undergraduate Non-resident Undergraduate
$ $ $ $ $
279.18 421.23 346.34 519.51 494.27
$ $ $ $ $
287.56 433.87 356.73 535.10 509.10
$ $ $ $ $
8.38
12.64 10.39 15.59 14.83
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 2024 rate increase of 3% for all student categories.
Submitted:
Approved for Submittal to the Board:
Jim Wohlpart President
Joel Klucking, Sr. Vice President Finance & Administration
Central Washington University Board of Trustees February 16, 2024
ACTION – Mandatory Fee Increase: Summer Recreation Fee and Orientation Fee
The following mandatory and/or voluntary fees have been proposed effective summer term 2024 and require Trustee approval prior to implementation: Summer Recreation Fee The Summer Recreation Fee supports the operations and maintenance of the Recreation Center and contributes to the annual debt service related to the SURC. This proposed change is to align the Summer session fee with that of the academic year. The BOT previously approved an increase to the Recreation Fee in 2019, from $102 to $117. The proposed summer increase matches that, setting the summer fee at $117 for the 9 week and $78 for the 6 week sessions. Orientation Fee CWU has an existing Orientation Fee, set at $200 per participant. In Fall 2021, the fee was temporarily modified, coming out of the pandemic and we are planning to re-instate the Orientation fee this with this cycle of orientations with an increase the fee from $200 to $225. For comparison, this fee puts CWU near the low end of a similar fee at other Washington institutions. We are returning to a required new student orientation model for Fall 2024. All first-year incoming students will be required to attend New Student Orientation sessions offered in April, July, and September. Offering multiples dates allows us to reach early, traditional and late admitted students. Having a student and their support network come to campus for New Student Orientation helps confirm a student’s intent to return in Fall when they will begin their college career at Week of Welcome. Re-implementing this fee will be a return to a pre-pandemic fee model and will fully support orientation programming. First Year, First Year Transfer and Transfer Freshmen would be charged $225.00 and be required to attend New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome. Transfer students would be charged $100.00 and be required to attend Week of Welcome. The fee would be posted to each students Fall Quarter student account which allows Financial Aid and Scholarships to help cover the cost. Currently the Orientation department is unfunded.
We recommend the following motion:
The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the Summer Recreation Center Fee increase of $15 for the 9-week summer session ($117) and $10 for the 6-week session ($78) to match the academic year fee amount, and a $25 increase to the Orientation Fee for incoming students ($225). 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 16, 2024 ACTION – Addition of the Master of Applied Science (MAS) Degree Type
The Master of Applied Science (MAS) degree is a graduate-level academic qualification that typically focuses on the application of scientific principles and theories to solve practical problems. The MAS degree is commonly associated with engineering and technology disciplines, but it can also be found in other fields such as applied sciences, health sciences, and environmental sciences. Essentially, the MAS provides students with a graduate credential while focusing more time on practical, professional skill development. Given CWU’s status as a teaching institution that produces job ready candidates, the MAS degree would be a good option for many of our graduate programs that now require a thesis. Rather than writing about a discipline, students in an MAS program will complete projects where they utilize the material that they have covered in their program to solve practical problems in their field. The expanded focus on the development of professional skills aligns with the institution’s focus on high impact practices (HIPs). CWU would like to add the MAS as a degree type that can be used for its professionally focused master’s degrees. We recommend the following motion: The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University endorses the recommendation of the Faculty Senate (Motion No. 23-15) and hereby approves the addition of the Master of Applied Science (MAS) degree type this day February 16, 2024. Submitted: Approved for Submittal to the Board
Kurt Kirstein
Jim Wohlpart
Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
President
The Cultural and Environmental Resource Management (CERM) Masters Program, which was established in 1983, is housed within the Anthropology and Geography departments in the College of the Sciences, and is a highly interdisciplinary program with a focus on environmental, cultural, and economic resource management. (Strategic Plan Core Value: Stewardship, Initiatives 1.1 and 1.2) Since its inception the program has graduated more than 350 students, almost all of whom have gone on to successful careers in resource management or higher-level academic degrees. As a result, the CERM program has become one of the most well-regarded resource management programs in the western United States, drawing students from almost every US state and numerous other countries. Our existing Master of Science (MS) degree is a 60-credit, thesis-based degree that includes a core of 35 credits plus 25 elective credits. We propose to create a 45-credit Master of Applied Science (MAS) degree that would be offered in addition to our existing 60-credit Master of Science (MS) degree. The new MAS degree could be completed in as little as three quarters and would utilize an applied project, instead of a thesis, as the culminating experience. This degree is appropriate for those who wish to go on to careers in resource management, or those who wish to advance their current careers by attaining a post-baccalaureate degree.
Why does CERM need a MAS degree?
1. The proposed CERM MAS degree will increase the diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity of the CERM program and Graduate Studies at CWU. (Strategic Plan Unifying Value: Student Success, Initiative 1.3; Core Value 2: Belonging, Initiatives 2.2 and 2.3) This degree was specifically designed to close diversity, equity, and accessibility gaps. In talking with a number of potential CERM applicants, they indicated that the completion of an original (i.e., substantial) thesis, and the cost of a two-year program, are major barriers to both applying to and completing a CERM degree. By providing a degree program that does not mandate an intensive thesis requirement and, instead, offers an alternative culminating experience tailored to individual career aspirations, we open the doors for a more inclusive cohort of students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to pursue their graduate education. This approach not only broadens the pool of applicants to our program but also enhances the prospects for success among students who choose to embark on their journey in the field of Cultural and Environmental Resource Management. 2. The proposed CERM MAS degree will increase enrollment in the CERM program and CWU. (Strategic Plan Unifying Value: Student Success, Initiative 1.1) While many CERM applicants come from other universities, nearly half of the students who enroll in the CERM program are CWU graduates. If this new degree is approved, we would be able to market the CERM MAS degree to potential and current students in the many undergraduate programs that feed into the CERM Program, like Anthropology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Economics, Geology, Biology, Political Science, History, and others, as an accelerated masters program so that students could attain both an undergraduate and graduate degree in only five years. We believe this will provide a large incentive for students to come to CWU for an undergraduate degree and then stay to complete a CERM graduate degree. 3. The proposed CERM MAS degree will increase enrollment in CERM core courses, as well as Anthropology, Geography, and Economics elective courses . (Strategic Plan Unifying Value: Student Success, Initiatives 1.5 and 2.1) With higher enrollment in the CERM program, this would ensure that our CERM core courses are offered every year, thereby reducing time to graduation, and providing students with a predictable schedule of when these courses are taught. Additionally, greater CERM graduate student enrollment would also mean more students enrolled in Anthropology, Geography, and Economics upper-level electives, and would ideally allow us to teach the necessary courses that provide students with the hands-on skills required for career advancement
more often. From our perspective, this presents a clear and mutually beneficial scenario, especially when considering our ample capacity to accommodate additional students in all core CERM courses and the majority of departmental upper-level electives. Importantly, the creation of the CERM MAS degree relies on no additional resources or FTE to offer the required core or elective courses. 4. The proposed CERM MAS degree will allow us to better serve working professionals of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest region through greater opportunity for career advancement. (Strategic Plan Core Value 1: Engagement, Initiatives 1.1, 1.3, and 2.1) This degree was designed with considerable consultation with Tribal communities, professionals at state and federal agencies, and private and non-profit organizations. Well- trained professionals are desperately needed to fill a large number of current job openings in the field of resource management. Almost every day CERM faculty are bombarded with requests to pass along job advertisements to our students because more and more people are needed in the workforce, immediately. This is especially true given the recent federal investments in Central Washington from the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Management Plan and the 2021 Infrastructure Act, as well as state investment from the Wildfire and Forest Health Act. A 45-credit degree in which the culminating experience can be designed to more cohesively align with the students’ career goals, and one that will provide the applied skills desired by working professionals, will make this degree attractive to a wide range of applicants. With the creation of the CERM MAS degree, we believe we will be better able to serve the needs of those already in the resource management workforce in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest region, and those looking to join it, by offering a more practicable path forward in terms of their career advancement. In summary, students who complete the proposed CERM MAS degree will earn a highly valuable masters degree through hands-on, high-impact experiences, and will be able to advance their professional careers in a shorter, less expensive, and more concentrated and flexible manner.
Additional Information:
What is a Masters of Applied Science Degree?
A Masters of Applied Science degree is a graduate-level college degree that teaches students to apply scientific principles in the real world. While some institutions have dedicated Masters of Applied Science programs, many universities split their degrees into more specialized areas, like food science, biomedical engineering, resource management, or applied physics. MAS programs focus on preparing students for a career, rather than an academic research path. (Indeed Career Guide, 2023)
Master of Applied Science Definition
The proposed wording for the MAS degree type was designed and approved by members of CWU’s Graduate Council in spring quarter 2023. It is now with the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee, awaiting the arrival of the CERM MAS degree proposal. The creation of this definition is necessary because the CERM MAS degreed would be the first degree of this type at CWU. Master of Applied Science (M.A.S.). The Master of Applied Science is a graduate degree designed for programs with curriculum focused on applied knowledge and research in a scientific, technical, or professional field.
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