emails to the Board of Trustees need to be sent to CWU.Trustees@cwu.edu and not directed to any individual board member. Public Comment Chair Hensler reminded the group that the board has set aside six minutes for public comment. There are three individuals signed up, so each person will have two minutes for their comments. Kara Gabriel, President of United Faculty of Central, made public comment about converting the shared governance document into policy. Although supportive of the aspirations of the document, concerns were raised that portions of the shared governance document risk infringing upon areas already governed by the faculty collective bargaining agreement. She added that while the shared governance document includes staff, it does not codify staff in a durable way. Dr. Gabriel also requested that the shared governance document be advanced through collective and collaborative discussions at the bargaining table with the relevant unions where all parties can participate equally. Allyson Rogan-Klyve, Chair, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, spoke on concerns about reduced number of faculty, insufficient number or sections of courses being offered, course scheduling changes, and student issues related to services at the Counseling Center, resolutions through Title IX, and food insecurities. Tim Englund, Chair, Department of Computer Science, made public comment on connections at CWU and asked that board members believe in the faculty and their commitment to students and the long- term health of CWU. Board Discussion Chair Hensler reiterated that the board is taking this seriously. Over the last several weeks, board committees have heard from many members of the CWU community. The board recognizes that this is a significantly challenging period for the faculty, staff, and students. Through all these engagements, the board has gained a deeper understanding and perspectives across the university, which was their intention when they started this process. The timing and manner of the vote of no confidence came as a surprise to the board, as they hoped additional avenues could be exhausted first. Members of the board have maintained regular communication with faculty leadership, participated in learning sessions, and spoken with presidents of other institutions. The BOT Academic Affairs Committee continues to strengthen communication and has a shared understanding of the concerns raised by everyone. The Board remains committed to the university’s direction and they are confident in advancing key institutional priorities. The Board of Trustees affirms its full support of President Wohlpart, who will remain in his role as President of Central Washington University. The Board will be releasing a statement, hopefully later today. This concludes our special meeting of the Board of Trustees, March 20, 2026. Approval of Meeting Adjournment Motion 26-14: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University adjourn the March 20, 2026, special meeting. Ms. Jenkins seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
The next meeting of the board will be February 19-20, 2026, in Ellensburg.
2 Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes March 20, 2026
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