Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda | July 2021

Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda | July 2021

July 2021

CWU TRUSTEES QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING July 28-30, 2021

Wednesday, July 28

5:30-7:00

BOARD AND COMMUNITY RECEPTION (No business)

Thursday, July 29

9:00 CALL TO ORDER

• Approval of the Agenda • Approval of meeting Minutes • Public Comment • Official Communications

9:05-9:30

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

9:30-10:15

PROVOST’S REPORT

10:15-10:45 CAPITAL UPDATE

10:45-11:15 BOARD BUSINESS

12:00-1:45

TRUSTEES LUNCH (No business)

2:00-3:15

FACULTY/STUDENT EXPERIENCE

3:30-4:30

WORK SESSION – FY22 BUDGET

6:00-7:30

DINNER (No business)

Central Washington University Board of Trustees July 29, 2021

ACTION – Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings of May 13-14, 2021 and the special meeting of June 24, 2021

We recommend the following motion:

The Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the minutes of the regular meetings of May 13-14, 2021 and the special meeting of June 24, 2021.

Submitted:

Linda Schactler Chief of Staff

Approved for Submittal to the Board:

Jim Wohlpart President

Board of Trustees Minutes Mary Grupe Faculty Center (streamed live and recorded at media.cwu.edu) May 13 & 14, 2021 May 13, 2021

The Kittitas County Public Health district and CDC guidelines allowed for the board’s first in-person meeting since February 2020. All participants who met in-person were fully vaccinated, and only the people necessary for the business of the board were in the room.

WORK SESSION Vice Chair Nellams convened the board work session at 1:15 p.m. Trustees Present: Ron Erickson, Chair (via Zoom) Robert Nellams, Vice Chair Erin Black

Ray Conner Gladys Gillis Jeff Hensler

Zabrina Jenkins Nate McMillion Staff to the Board: James Gaudino, President Linda Schactler, Board Secretary & Chief of Staff Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer & Vice President for Business & Financial Affairs Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Alan Smith, Assistant Attorney General (via Zoom) Executive Faculty & Staff: Michelle DenBeste, Provost/Vice President for Academic & Student Life Andreas Bohman, Vice President for Operations Josh Hibbard, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Kremiere Jackson, Vice President for Public Affairs Elvin Delgado, Faculty Senate Chair (via Zoom)

Approval of Agenda Motion 21-14: Ms. Black moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the agenda of the meetings of March 13 and 14, 2021. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion, which the board unanimously approved.

Approval of Minutes Motion 21-15: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve the minutes from the meeting of February 25, 2021. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. FY20 BUDGET OVERVIEW Vice Presidents Klucking and Hibbard gave a joint presentation on enrollment and budget forecasts. VP Hibbard reported on Enrollment. College enrollment trends during the pandemic continue to vary greatly across institution type and region. Some of the variance can be explained by the variety of ways institutions responded to the virus. While some institutions moved to mostly online course modality and limited residential housing and programming, other institutions did not. CWU’s transition to mostly distance education modalities last spring offered a safer environment for our students and community, yet negatively impacted overall enrollment. Currently, CWU carries this decline in enrollment through spring 2021, with 584 fewer students over the prior year, a 6 percent decline. This is slightly greater than CWU’s 5.4-percent, year-over-year decline last fall. These figures include students with admit types of first-year, transfer, post-baccalaureate, re- admit, and graduate. CWU continues to see year-over-year increases in re-admit (+66 students, +15 percent) and graduate (+62 students, +12 percent) student enrollment in spring 2021. Much of the decline in year over year enrollment for spring 2021 can be attributed to fall to spring persistence. While our fall 2020 transfer cohort persisted at a similar rate than past cohorts (90.5 percent), our fall 2020 first-year cohort persistence rate from fall to spring dropped to 83.9 percent, a 3.4 percentage point drop from the prior five year average of 87.3 percent. The overall impact of the lower persistence rate is amplified by the lower than anticipated fall 2020 first-year cohort. For comparison, 1819 of our fall 2019 new first-year students were enrolled the following spring, compared to just 1402 of our new fall 2020 first-year students, a difference of 417 enrollments. CWU is projecting a slight decline in fall 2021 overall enrollment: about 10,700 graduate and undergraduate student headcount in fall 2021, which is a decline of 471 students from the prior year. Given the plan to resume in-person learning and increase student housing this fall, enrollment declines are expected to slow, and then to rebound in the next 12-18 months. VP Klucking then gave a quick update on the budget. All institutional portions of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) I & II have been used to offset revenue losses in Enterprise Funds-- housing, dining, bookstore, and parking--to avoid violating bond covenants. He added that federal funding has restricted use of the funding. For students, direct-assistance requirements include any component of the cost of attendance and emergency costs associated with the coronavirus: tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental), and childcare. Institutional assistance requirements can only be used to defray lost revenue and expenses associated with coronavirus including: reimbursement for pandemic expenses; technology costs associated with a transition to distance education; faculty and staff training; payroll directly related to the pandemic; and additional financial aid grants for students.

2 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

Since the February board meeting, changes in FY21 operating funds include: ¾ $17.5M increase in operating revenues due to state and federal funding decisions ¾ $0.6M decrease in operating expenses due lower staffing ¾ $15.5M swing in net margin compared to budget ¾ Bond covenants are satisfactory for now

VP Klucking also gave an update on the State Biennial Capital budget. CWU received re-appropriations for Health Sciences, Health Education, Minor Works Program, Minor Works Preservation, and campus security funding in the amount of $20,630,000. In addition, new funding ($72,360,000) was received for Health Education, chiller addition, Humanities and Social Science Complex, Minor Works Program and Minor Works Preservation. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 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 and 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.” President Gaudino outlined deferred needs that require one-time investment, and which could 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. Motion 21-16: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University direct staff to work with President Wohlpart to develop recommendations for further consideration in July. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

The regular meeting of the board ended at 2:30.

EXECUTIVE SESSION The executive session was scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. Trustee Nellams announced that the executive session would begin at 2:45 p.m. The board convened in executive session at 2:56 p.m. for 30 minutes as allowed per RCW 42.30.110 (g). The executive session ended at 3:26 p.m. Board and Cabinet members participated in a walk-through of the new Health Sciences building followed by a reception at the University House/President’s Residence. The group was given a briefing

3 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

and tour of the construction and renovations they funded last year in advance of the arrival of President Wohlpart. Board members and President Gaudino attended a dinner at Basalt Restaurant in downtown Ellensburg at 6:30 p.m. No business was conducted.

May 14, 2021

BUSINESS MEETING Vice Chair Nellams convened the board business meeting at 9:03 a.m. He began by thanking President Gaudino for all he has done for CWU and wishing him well in retirement. Trustees Present: Ron Erickson, Chair (via Zoom) Robert Nellams, Vice Chair Erin Black

Ray Conner Gladys Gillis Jeff Hensler

Zabrina Jenkins Nate McMillion Staff to the Board: James Gaudino, President Linda Schactler, Board Secretary & Chief of Staff Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer & Vice President for Business & Financial Affairs Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees Alan Smith, Assistant Attorney General (via Zoom) Executive Faculty & Staff: Michelle DenBeste, Provost/Vice President for Academic & Student Life Andreas Bohman, Vice President for Operations Josh Hibbard, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Kremiere Jackson, Vice President for Public Affairs Elvin Delgado, Faculty Senate Chair (via Zoom) PUBLIC COMMENT • Jeff Snedeker, Professor of Music, 2020 Trustees Distinguished Faculty Award recipient, to share appreciation for the award and discuss how he has used award funds over the past year. • Katharine Whitcomb, chair, Academic Department Chairs Organization , to request use of federal funds appropriated through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) for faculty and department needs. • Jim Daly, community member, would like to address the closure of the CWU tennis courts. • Sonja Huebner , who wished to voice opposition to the proposed COVID vaccination requirement for fall 2021.

4 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE Fall Opening Update. CWU opening plans for academic year 2021-22 have been developed in conjunction with the Kittitas County Public Health Department Medical Director, Dr. Mark Larson. The health and safety of the university community continues to be of utmost importance. All planning continues to take into account the evolving COVID situation. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Communications. The president noted communications from the Faculty Senate. Resolution 21-02 ASCWU Student Government WHEREAS , members of the 2020-2021 Associated Students of Central Washington University (ASCWU) Student Government (SG) served with distinction and conducted themselves in a professional manner befitting their leadership positions; and WHEREAS , the SG respected and supported the shared governance process, engaging fully in campus committees, and establishing constructive communication and positive relationships among the ASCWU and students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community; and WHEREAS , The Student Engagement Hub was established where our Governmental Affairs office was able to have students, faculty/staff, and community members register to vote AND submit their ballot in the same day on our campus in the SURC. About 150 people submitted their ballots with us; and WHEREAS, recognizing the ASCWU’s key involvement with the S&A base-funding allocation process for the next quadrennium and spearheading a survey which helped to gauge which departments, areas, organizations that students felt were key to their extracurricular student experience at CWU; and WHEREAS , the SG worked to enhance the student governance structure through an update to their constitution allowing for greater senate representation in the coming years; and WHEREAS , the SG participated in the Presidential Search; and WHEREAS , the SG came together during significant and impactful times in an effort to support the student voice, and their response to the multiple social justice movements have shown clear indication that DEI is one of their top priorities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Board of Trustees wishes to publicly express its appreciation to the members of the 2020-2021 ASCWU SG for their dedicated service to Central Washington University and its students, and to wish them well in their future endeavors. ADOPTED and signed this 14 th day of May, 2021. Motion 21-17: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve Resolution 21-02 honoring the ASCWU Student Government. Ms. Black seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Resolution 21-03 Faculty Senate Executive Committee WHEREAS , the Faculty Senate is the primary means by which faculty collectively share in the governance of Central Washington University by shaping the university’s academic environment; and

5 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

WHEREAS , the Faculty Senate Executive Committee serves a leadership role for the Senate by receiving, evaluating, and directing the disposition of items under Senate consideration; and WHEREAS , the Faculty Senate Executive Committee represents the Senate in discussions with various committees, administrators, and other university groups on issues related to the academic mission of the university; and WHEREAS , the Faculty Senate Executive Committee completed a number of important initiatives during the 2020-2021 academic year and participated in the presidential search; and WHEREAS , the Faculty Senate Executive Committee worked with various committees, administrators, and other university groups to adapt to the rapidly changing and continually evolving environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREA S, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee has provided frank and engaging insight to the Board about the classroom, research, and campus life of faculty; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University extends its appreciation to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee for their hard work and dedication in articulating the academic mission of the university as it moves forward to meet its challenges. ADOPTED and signed this 14 th day of May, 2021. Motion 21-18: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve Resolution 21-03 honoring the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. Ms. Black seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Resolution 21-04 Nate McMillion WHEREAS , Nate McMillion has served the State of Washington as the student trustee on the CWU Board of Trustees during the 2020-21 academic year; and WHEREAS, the board appreciated Nates’s willingness to speak out on behalf of Washington state students and to speak his mind on difficult and complicated issues; WHEREAS , despite the challenges of virtual meetings during the pandemic, Nate has provided valuable insight about meeting student needs, addressing issues of mental health need, retention, among many subjects; and WHEREAS , Nate has promoted a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture by serving as the president of the Black Student Union and engaging in the Brother 2 Brother chapter and the Cross Cultural Leadership Program, as well as working with the public relations team at the Diversity and Equity Center; and WHEREAS , Nate was a thoughtful and passionate participant in the presidential search, and was a strong voice for a president committed to student engagement and to equity and inclusion; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that this Board of Trustees and the university community extend their deepest appreciation to Nate McMillion for his leadership throughout his student career, and for his collaborative, insightful and dedicated service on the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University.

6 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

ADOPTED and signed this 14 th day of May 2021.

Motion 21-18: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve Resolution 21-04 honoring Nate McMillion. Mr. Conner seconded the motion. The motion was approved. PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION A. James Wohlpart Contract Amendment On January 14, 2021, the Board of Trustees appointed A. James Wohlpart, Ph.D. to be the next president of CWU. The president’s contract stipulated that the appointment would run for a term of three years, beginning June 21, 2021. However, the board and university community indicated to Dr. Wohlpart that an earlier start date also would be welcome. Dr. Wohlpart now is able to begin his appointment on June 7, 2021. Motion 21-19: Ms. Black moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University adopt the amendment to Dr. Wohlpart’s contract. Mr. Conner seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Resolution 21-05 Appointment of Sasha Wohlpart as Associate to the University WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart desires to serve Central Washington University and to assist President Jim Wohlpart in the development of strong relationships with alumni, students, employees, public policymakers, and various professional and stakeholder organizations; and WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC; and WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart has valuable experience teaching in secondary and post-secondary institutions, as well as leading educational outreach for non-profit environmental organizations; and WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart has shared her research on teaching sustainability through many refereed conference presentations and has been published in numerous peer-reviewed publications; and WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart’s leadership and teaching expertise has been recognized with numerous awards, including Friends of Housing Award, Florida Gulf Coast University (2014), Palm Beach Post Teacher of the Week (December 2003), and Outstanding Environmental Teacher of the Year (April 2003); and WHEREAS, Sasha Wohlpart’s extensive community service includes the Cedar Falls Community School Board (2017-2021); member-at-Large, Legislative Resolution Committee, Iowa Association of School Boards (2018-2021); member, YWCA Board of Directors (2017- 2021); board member, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (2016-2021); systems director, Cedar Falls Lions Club (2019-2021); member, Dry Run Creek Watershed Improvement Project Advisory Board (2018-2021); member, Iowa Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Commemoration Organizing Committee (2017-2020); member, UNI Women in Politics Bipartisan Scholarship Benefit Advisory Council (2018-2021);

7 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University, pursuant to its authority under RCW 28B.35.120 to appoint the President of the University and the President’s assistants, hereby establishes the volunteer position of Associate to the University to assist the President and this Board of Trustees by serving as a goodwill ambassador to the University’s various constituencies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Associate to the University shall be authorized to travel to and represent Central Washington University at meetings and events, to gather information about how Central can better serve the citizens of the State of Washington, and to work with staff and volunteers in developing and strengthening Central’s relationships with its constituencies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Associate to the University, to the extent authorized by law, shall be afforded those benefits and protections as are made available by the State of Washington to volunteers acting on behalf of the University, including but not limited to reimbursement of reasonable travel and other business expenses, and for this purpose the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs is hereby delegated authority directly from the Board of Trustees to lend such review and approvals as may be appropriate or necessary to give effect to these resolutions; and NOW BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED , that the Board of Trustees hereby appoints Sasha Wohlpart as Associate to the University and accepts her volunteer spirit and services in assisting President Wohlpart and this Board in promoting Central Washington University, in consideration for which services the Board hereby gratefully extends to Sasha Wohlpart its warm and sincere appreciation.

Adopted and signed this 14 th day of May, 2021.

Motion 21-20: Ms. Black moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University approve Resolution 21-05 appointing Sasha Wohlpart as Associate to the University. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. ACTION AGENDA Approval of Consent Agenda The formal recognition of employees is contained in our consent agenda. Motion 21-21: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the consent actions items submitted May 14, 2021. Ms. Black seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Promotion, Tenure, Post-Tenure Review Motion 21-22: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves faculty tenure, promotion and post tenure review as recommended by the Provost this day May 14, 2021. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Distinguished Faculty Motion 21-23: Ms. Black moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves appointment of the 2021 Distinguished Professors. Mr. Hensler seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Services and Activities (S&A) Fees Base Budget Allocation for Fiscal Year 2022-25

8 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

Motion 21-24: Mr. Conner moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the Services and ActivitiesFee base funding allocation of $7,450,000 per year for fiscal years 2022 through 2025. Ms. Gillis seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Approval of Mandatory Fee: Student Medical and Counseling Clinic Fee Motion 21-25: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves assessing the assessment for the Student Medical and Counseling Clinic to all CWU students in order to provide critical services regardless of physical location. Mr. Conner seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board will be July 28-30, 2021.

Meeting adjourned at 10:38 a.m.

Linda Schactler, Secretary to the

Ron Erickson, Chair CWU Board of Trustees

CWU Board of Trustees

9 Board of Trustees Minutes May 13-14, 2021

Board of Trustees Minutes Virtual Special Meeting via Zoom Barge Hall, Room 412

June 24, 2021 Trustees Present: Ron Erickson, Chair Robert Nellams, Vice Chair Erin Black

Gladys Gillis Jeff Hensler Zabrina Jenkins Staff to the Board: Jim Wohlpart, President Linda Schactler, Board Secretary & Chief of Staff Joel Klucking, Board Treasurer & Vice President for Business & Financial Affairs Kim Dawson, Executive Assistant to the President/BOT Alan Smith, Assistant Attorney General Executive Faculty and Staff: Michelle DenBeste, Provost/Vice President for Academic and Student Life Others Present: Rod Younker, CWU’s Chief Negotiator EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board executive session was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Linda Schactler announced the session would begin late as we waited for a board quorum. Ron Erickson convened the Board executive session at 8:42 a.m. Ms. Schactler took roll to confirm that a quorum of the board was present. The board met for 5 minutes in order to consider the faculty collective bargaining agreement under RCW 42.30.110 (g). Executive session ended at 8:47 a.m. BUSINESS MEETING Chair Erickson called the Board business meeting to order at 8:49 a.m.

Approval of Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement Motion 21-26: Ms. Gillis moved that the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University hereby approves the 2021-2023 collective bargaining agreement with the United Faculty of Central. Mr. Nellams seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by roll call.

The meeting adjourned at 8:52 a.m.

Linda Schactler, Secretary to the

Ron Erickson, Chair CWU Board of Trustees

CWU Board of Trustees

2 Board of Trustees Minutes March 20, 2020

Central Washington University Board of Trustees July 30, 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Board Communication Report The Board acknowledges receipt of the following communications:

1. Letter, April 30, 2021, Katharine Whitcomb on behalf of ADCO, requesting use of Stage 3 HEERF funding to ameliorate the effects of COVID-19 on academic departments and faculty. 2. Email, June 11, 2021, Robin Feil, regarding the pride flag burning incident.

Submitted:

Linda Schactler Chief of Staff

Approved for Submittal to the Board:

Jim Wohlpart President

April 30, 2021 Dear Members of the Board of Trustees and President Gaudino,

On behalf of the Academic Department Chairs Organization, I am requesting consideration for a portion of the $12M Institutional Portion of the Stage 3 HEERF funding to ameliorate the effects of COVID-19 on the departments and faculty at CWU. COVID-19 has had an impact not only on the financial stability of the institution but has taken a painful toll on key aspects of the departments’ ability to fulfill our academic mission. ADCO chairs have identified the need for HEERF funds to help defray expenses associated with lost revenue in the following areas: • Restoration of strategic faculty lines and faculty searches lost during the COVID-19 hiring freeze. • Retroactive funding for online course development. • Subvention of under-enrolled classes necessary for program integrity, department course breadth and student graduation plans. • Emergency and/or supplemental funding for NTT faculty whose contracts were negatively impacted by declining enrollment. • Retroactive reinstitution of faculty raises that were bargained in 2020-2021. • Mental and physical health initiatives to support faculty and chairs experiencing negative effects of working under prolonged COVID-19 stress. If there is a process for submitting these requests, please let us know. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Katharine Whitcomb Chair and Professor| Department of English ADCO Chair 2020-2021 University Distinguished Professor of Teaching Central Washington University [email protected] she/her/hers

Friday, June 11, 2021 To: Office of the President Subject: Information for administration and trustees

Hello,

I have just watched the TV news and saw a piece that concerned me enough that I felt compelled to email. I had a lot of trouble finding an email address to anyone I felt was appropriate. Because yours addressed the board of trustees, I felt you could help. I hope I am correct... My concern is VERY simple. The story concerns a CWU student burning a Pride flag on campus. I find this action to be beyond intolerable! I want to strongly encourage the administration to investigate this action completely. If found to be accurate and the student is identified, the student should be permanently expelled and banned from the campus. Hate can not be tolerated and actions of this type must be dealt with swiftly, severely and finally!

Please forward this email to all trustees and the university administration.

Thank You, Robin Feil

Respond Recover Thrive

Respond ƒ Virtual Teaching and Learning ƒ Remote Work ƒ Flexibility, Adaptability, and Grace

Recover ƒ Fall 2021 Planning Committee and Shared Governance ƒ Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan ƒ New Budget Model

Thrive ƒ Academic Excellence and Student Success ƒ Recruitment, Retention, and Graduation ƒ Marketing and Brand Presence

Questions?

CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Board of Trustees July 29, 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Fall Planning

Fall planning, guided by a Fall Planning Committee and Fall Planning Task Force, is well underway for a thriving fall quarter (see attached memo from Dr. Wohlpart). Planning groups will have all met at least three times prior to the July Board of Trustees meeting, and are hard at work trying to consultatively and collaboratively make the best decisions possible, guided by up-to-date information from state and local authorities, for our entire Wildcat community. The members of the task force are committed to listening intently and respectfully to the ideas, concerns and preferences of each of the shared- governance groups represented. Their mission is to come together to draft a comprehensive set of recommendations that will help ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and faculty during the upcoming academic year. As was true in 2020-2021, the health and safety of the university community must come first. All of our plans continue to take into account the evolving COVID situation. While we are planning a near-normal academic year in 2021/22, we also understand the need to constantly assess our protocols and planning. The COVID-19 Fall 2021 Planning Task Force is currently focusing on how the university will implement the requirements of a Fully Vaccinated Campus, as defined in Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-12.3 on Higher Education on June 30, and by Department of Health guidelines provided on July 1. The first priority of the planning task force will be to determine the method of verifying students’ vaccination status and the requirements for submitting exemption requests. We will then turn our attention to addressing the same questions for employees. The task force will rely heavily on recommendations from the Washington State Departments of Health and Labor & Industries. The governor’s proclamation allows universities to establish their own means of obtaining or observing proof of vaccination, as well as requiring self-attestation. This choice will impact further decisions, such as the fall ‘21 face-covering policy and isolation protocols, should students or employees contract COVID-19. Many students, parents, and employees are eager to learn more about vaccination requirements, exemptions, and related procedures for fall. We plan to have a recommendation for student vaccination and exemption requirements for the Executive Leadership Team to review by August 5, with a recommendation for employees to follow soon after. To help educate the university community about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines—and to dispel some common vaccine myths—we have created the attached quick reference guide, and created a Vaccination Information webpage. A separate Vaccination Requirement page contains updates about the fall quarter vaccination policy, and our FAQ pages provide the most up-to- date information for students, parents and employees.

While the task force continues their work, we are in the midst of in-person, hybrid and virtual orientation programs; student advising; fall activities planning; and a university-wide effort to return our campus to a thriving learning community, a safe and educational living environment, and an engaging workplace. A post-COVID fall quarter will allow CWU to focus on fundamental and ongoing initiatives such as college advising and student support, assessment and accreditation efforts, retention and graduation initiatives, transfer student support, inclusivity and diversity, and professional development for our faculty. We are excited to begin our “new normal” as we once again come together as a Wildcat community.

Submitted:

Approved for Submittal to the Board

Michelle DenBeste

James Wohlpart

Provost/Vice President for Academic and Student Life

President

July 1, 2021

TO:

CWU Community

FROM:

Jim Wohlpart President

Subject:

COVID-19 Fall 2021 Planning Committee and Task Force

Dear Colleagues,

In order to protect the health and safety of our campus community, Central Washington University has determined that the best approach to reopening our campus in the Fall 2021 Quarter is to require vaccinations for all employees and students, with exemptions for medical and religious/philosophical reasons, pending approval of the vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This decision follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state of Washington Department of Health, and the local Kittitas County Public Health Office. We now have a series of other decisions that need to be made that will require communal input and feedback. In order to elevate our work together around the challenges of safely reopening campus for mostly in-person instruction, we are establishing a new framework for our deliberations that will incorporate the voices of representatives from across the campus community. First, we will carry forward our work from the past with a slightly reconfigured COVID-19 Fall 2021 Planning Committee that will meet weekly to review guidelines from the CDC, as well as state and local offices, in order to make science-based decisions about the future. The Fall Planning Committee will be co-chaired by Gail Mackin, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and Gregg Heinselman, Dean of Student Success. The Committee will include a representative from Human Resources, Government Relations, Faculty Senate, Student Government, and the Kittitas County Public Health Office, and will be supported by our Project Management Office. The Fall Planning Committee will meet weekly.

Office of the President 400 East University Way • Ellensburg WA 98926-7501 • Office: 509-963-2111 • Fax: 509-963-3206

Office location Barge Hall Room 314 • Web: www.cwu.edu/president EEO/AA/TITLE IX INSTITUTION • FOR ACCOMMODATION E-MAIL: [email protected]

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