Chair Hensler convened the public board meeting at 8:32 a.m. He explained that time for public comment was limited. If time runs out, folks are encouraged to attend the regular board meeting on February 19 when we will have a longer public comment period. Public Comment Natashia Lindsey, Faculty Senate Chair, made public comment regarding shared governance. She thanked the board for listening to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee during a recent meeting, for being so deeply invested in the future of CWU, and for championing shared governance. Discussion and Potential Action Agenda Chair Hensler explained that before the discussion about the potential action of creating alignment between the shared governance document and the faculty code, the board has a few things to share. He stated that we all have a passion and love for Central Washington University, and we want what is best for the institution. Chair Hensler then explained that these discussions started when the board had concerns about some major issues. One was the scheduling of classes, and one was shared governance. The board explained at the time that they wanted a path forward that allowed for more efficiencies, so they tasked President Wohlpart to lead these efforts. This process has not been up to the standards of Central Washington University. The board has heard concerns from faculty and administration, but they have not heard from all voices. Moving forward, they want to make sure we are more inclusive in our shared governance document. The work that has been completed to date does not meet the expectations of the Board of Trustees. To remove any ambiguity, the board really means all parties have not met the expectations. A reset is needed. With this reset, the board would like the campus to take a moment to remember that our students must be our North Star. The board asks that the BOT Academic Affairs Committee work with the Faculty Senate leadership to continue to update the faculty code to ensure improved student success. This reset must also include greater communication, better collaboration, enhanced efficiencies, and a review of practices from peer institutions. Chair Hensler opened the discussion up to trustees for comment. Vice Chair Gillis expressed her appreciation in the direction for the BOT Academic Affairs Committee to engage with the faculty. This can go a long way. Trustee Gillis added that the board applauds the efforts of the team that developed clear guidelines to address the scheduling concerns. Having those concerns addressed before fall quarter was important. BOT Academic Affairs Committee members are anxious to work with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee to review what peer institutions are doing in this area. She believes this work can be done quickly and that results can possibly be delivered to the rest of the board as soon as February. Trustee Black reiterated that grounding everyone in the fact that we are all here for student success is important. She would like everyone to remember that students are our North Star. While we may have different ideas on the process we should use, or evaluation, or understanding of documents, we need to remember the importance of student success. We are all here because of the students and that must be what drives all our actions. Trustee Black added that in the spirit of shared governance, we need to include administration in this overall conversation with the Board and Faculty Senate Executive Committee. She also clarified the direction the board has discussed in public meetings where they would like President Wohlpart to focus and the goals that are set for his evaluation. One of those goals was bringing shared governance to life. They have also discussed the importance of needing the president during the campaign. He will need to be off campus a large amount of time to meet with donors and legislators.
2 Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes January 30, 2026
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