Meeting Summaries

Summary of Seattle University Board of Trustees Action June 3 and 4, 2021

June 7, 2021

The Board of Trustees held its annual Board Retreat on June 3 and 4, 2021.  The meeting was held via Zoom.  The following is a summary of the Board’s key business and actions:

University Representatives: The Board welcomed President-Elect Eduardo M. Peñalver.

Welcome of New Trustees: The Board welcomed new trustees Hon. Anita Crawford-Willis, Mr. Melvin Flowers and Ms. Mary Kipp.

Enrollment Report: The Board heard a positive report on Fall 2021 first time in college (FTIC) enrollment projections.

Trustee Elections:  The Board elected Mr. Tod Leiweke and Fr. Fernando Alvarez Lara, S.J. to four-year terms on the Board of Trustees. 

Combining Two Existing Endowment Funds: The Board adopted a resolution combining the Jesuit Educational Trust and the Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J. Endowment for Jesuit Teaching and Ministry.

Board of Regents Bylaws: The Board adopted a resolution approving Board of Regents amended bylaws.

University Advancement Committee: The Board adopted a resolution reinstating the Board’s University Advancement Committee and approving an amended committee charter.

Socially Responsible Investment Committee: The Board ratified the appointment of trustees Anita Crawford-Willis and Melvin Flowers to the Socially Responsible Investment Working Group.

Academic Affairs:

  • The Board heard a report from Provost Martin on the outcome of the Academic Calendar Review.
  • The Board adopted a resolution accepting the Academic Portfolio Review Recommendations.
  • The Board approved amendments to the Faculty Handbook, including those proposed by the Advance Grant.
  • The Board adopted a resolution approving a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in the APNI to DNP program, pending approval by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).
  • The Board adopted a resolution approving a new India Law J.D. program in the School of Law.

FY 21 Budget: The Board heard a report on the FY21 budget.

FY 22 Budget: The Board approved the preliminary FY22 budget.

Finance: The Board heard a report on the preliminary 5-year financial plan.

Student Development: The Board heard a report on the results of the annual SU Student Survey.

Racial Equity: The Board engaged in a trustee development session around racial equity at Seattle University.

Executive Committee: The Board elected Fr. Arturo Araujo, S.J.  to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2021.

President’s Reflections: The Board heard President Sundborg’s concluding reflections on Board governance and service.

Emeritus Policy: The Board adopted a President Emerita/Emeritus Policy.

President Emeritus: The Board named President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. President Emeritus effective July 1, 2021.

Board Priorities: The Board discussed the results of its self-assessment and set Board priorities for AY21-22.

Board Chair Selection Process: The Board approved a process for the nomination and selection of the next Board Chair.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is Sept. 14 and 15, 2021.