- The regular President’s Cabinet report presented by the Office of Planning and Institutional Research noted that spring admissions for Flagstaff campus undergraduates currently are up 36 percent over last year, and graduate student admissions are up 8 percent. Admissions for undergraduates and graduate students are up 89 percent and 90 percent, respectively, at NAU-Yuma. Admissions numbers will continue to fluctuate until the census count on the 21st day of the spring semester.
- Kevin Ordean, a student member of the Environmental Caucus, presented a draft survey for an “NAU Green Fund” to support campus sustainability projects. According to the proposal, the initiative would be funded by a $5 per semester fee paid by Flagstaff campus students. Discussion focused on whether it was more appropriate to work through the Associated Students of NAU and whether such a fee might be incorporated into the current student activity fee.
- Cline Library is discussing with Coconino Community College the feasibility of CCC utilizing NAU’s library.
- In a debriefing of last week’s snow closure and postponement of some finals, Provost Liz Grobsmith asked for faculty representation on a committee to develop a more comprehensive plan for such an incident and also to plan for the possibility of canceling commencement.
- Christy Farley, associate vice president for Government Affairs, noted the Legislature was expected to convene in a special session Dec. 17 to consider referring a one-cent sales tax increase to the voters; voting on $200 million in budget reductions (excluding K-12 and the public universities); and seeking access to funds reserved for voter-mandated programs.
- The Arizona Board of Regents continues to advance a revised university system architecture that could increase the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded and offer lower-cost options for those degrees. Issues include determining a new funding formula for the universities, increased competition among the universities and overall economic uncertainty.
- The Strategic Planning and Budget Committee has received about 40 proposals to date for the Innovation Fund. The deadline for proposals is Jan. 15.
- To date, 18 individuals have announced their intent to participate in the early retirement incentive for eligible faculty and academic professionals.
- The search committee for the position of vice president for Administration and Finance has received about 70 applicants and is in the process of narrowing the pool of qualified applicants.
Notes from previous President’s Cabinet meetings are available here.