Meeting Summaries

Summary of Seattle University Board of Trustees Actions November 18, 2021

November 23, 2021

The Board of Trustees conducted its regular meeting on November 18, 2021.  The meeting was held in Student Center 160 and via Zoom.  The following is a summary of the Board’s key business and actions:

University Academic Leaders & Representatives: The Board welcomed the Cabinet, Deans, guests and representatives from the Board of Regents, Alumni Board of Governors, Academic Assembly, Staff Council, SGSU and GSC.  The Board also welcomed and introduced newly appointed Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement Ellen Whitlock Baker.  Ms. Whitlock Baker joins SU from the University of Washington, where she has served for 16 years, including more than seven years with the UW Alumni Association (UWAA).

Acknowledgement: The Board recognized and congratulated Lucas Sharma, S.J. on his recent ordination as Deacon. 

Academic Affairs: The Board received the fall 2021enrollment report.

Mission Integration: The Board approved a Vice President for Mission Integration to oversee programs, initiatives, and activities aimed at promoting and celebrating Seattle University’s Catholic and Jesuit dimensions.

Strategic Directions:  The Board approved Reigniting Our Strategic Directions: A Jesuit University of Distinction for a Time of Change, 2022-2027, an updated strategic planning document developed through a process involving the broad SU community.

FY22 Budget:  The Board approved the FY22 operating budget.

FY23 Budget: The Board approved the cost of attendance planning parameters for the FY23 operating budget.

Endowment Spending Rate: The Board adopted a resolution approving the current endowment spending rate of 4.5% for FY23.

Annual Audit Report: The Board received a report on the FY 21 audited financial statements.

Cybersecurity: The Board heard a report on cybersecurity risks and mitigation.

Seattle University Foundation:  The Board elected directors for the Seattle University Foundation.

Mission, Inclusion, and Culture Committee:  The Board separated the MIC committee into two committees in order to focus more closely on important agenda items.  The committees are Mission Integration and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is on February 17th, 2022.