The Board of Trustees conducted its annual retreat on June 1 and 2, 2023. The following is a summary of the Board’s key business and actions:
Election of New Trustees: The Board elected to the Board of Trustees Mr. Paul Wyckoff and The Honorable Richard Jones ’72. Mr. Wyckoff is a Seattle native who has served charitable organizations and non-profits throughout his entire career. He is deeply committed to humanitarian causes, including economic growth in undeveloped countries. Judge Jones was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from Seattle University in 1972 with a Bachelor’s in Public Administration. He graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1975 and has spent nearly his entire career in public service. Judge Jones was nominated in 2007 for a federal judgeship in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and has served there ever since. Judge Jones’ term on the Board will begin on May 1, 2024. Mr. Wyckoff’s term began on June 1, 2023.
Annual Evaluation of the President: The Board conducted its annual evaluation of the President’s performance and engaged in a preliminary discussion with President Peñalver on his goals for the year ahead.
Board Self-Assessment: The Board reviewed the results of its biennial self-assessment and discussed Board priorities for 2023-2024.
Honorary Degree: The Board ratified approval of the award of a Doctor of Humane Letters (Litterarum humanarum doctor) (D. Hum. Litt.) to Douglas “Doug” Baldwin Jr. Mr. Baldwin is the speaker at the 2023 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
Academic Affairs Committee: The Board approved amendments to the Faculty Handbook as proposed and approved by the Faculty Handbook Revision Committee and Academic Assembly and recommended by the Provost and President.
Investment Committee: The Board approved an amended Investment Committee charter.
Audit and Risk Committee: The Board discussed the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Process intended to enhance the University’s ability to identify, understand, and manage institutional risks.
Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee: The Board engaged in a discussion on reshaping Seattle University’s internet/intranet and web presence.
Advancement Committee: The Board appointed Mary Hermann Welch, ‘69, ’76, to the Advancement Committee as a non-voting member.
Institutional Research Organizational Update: The Board heard an update on the organizational restructuring of the Institutional Research and IT Services Business Intelligence teams.
Finance Committee: The Board heard the FY23 financial forecast, approved the extension of endowment loan terms, approved the preliminary FY24 Budget, and reviewed the 5-year financial plan.
Mission Priority Examen: The Board engaged in a Mission Priority Examen Listening session.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Board heard a Freedom School presentation.
Generative AI and ChatGPT: The Board engaged in a discussion of AI-led by Associate Provost Rick Fehrenbacher and Chief Information Officer Travis Nation.
Recognition of Peter Fewing: The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Peter Fewing for his contributions to the Men’s Soccer Program, the University, and the community as a whole.
The next meeting of the Board is on September 13, 2023.