The February meeting of Board covered updates about progress on the college’s strategic initiatives, including the Law School’s new strategic plan and various activities and opportunities at the Graduate School.
Most notably, the Board approved a $5.8 million capital budget for FY27. Major approved projects include:
Akin Residence Hall Heating System and Roof Replacements
This project will replace the original 1950s steam heating system in this critical residential building. A new energy efficient electric heat pump system will improve climate controls in the building, aid in campus decarbonization, and provide summer cooling. Attic insulation will be restored to enhance building energy efficiency. Fluorescent lighting will be retrofitted to LED. In addition, the roof and gutters will be replaced, addressing repeated water intrusion issues.
Olin Center for Physics and Chemistry, Second Floor Updates
Phase Two of this multiyear project will replace air handling equipment on the second floor of Olin, following up on first floor updates completed in FY26. The existing air handling units are original to the building and well past their expected life span. This project will further advance the overall updating of Olin, allowing for various other building enhancements as part of the project.
Griswold Stadium Lighting Control System Replacement
This project will replace the current system at Griswold Stadium with a modern LED lighting system–replacing numerous inoperable lights, allowing for safer athlete participation, and reducing light pollution. In addition, we will begin the design and permit process to replace the existing field and track.
The Board also approved planning work for future improvements of the Law School’s student services suite and additional classroom space in Rogers Hall at the Graduate School.
In addition, after reviewing progress on the college’s top five strategic initiatives for the year, the Board approved the transfer of $6.5 million to the endowment to provide ongoing and dedicated funding for these initiatives. The Board authorized the president to allocate these funds among the strategic initiatives, taking into account factors such as the needs of a specific initiative, the timing of the initiative, the likely ability to raise philanthropic funds for the initiative, and the ability to leverage these funds as a matching incentive for philanthropic gifts. These funds, along with fundraising, will provide funding to launch and sustain these critical initiatives.
The Board also approved four percent tuition increases at the Law School and Graduate School for 2026-27. (In October, the Board approved similar increases for CAS.)
The Board approved emeriti appointments for retiring faculty members Associate Professor Benjamin David and Associate Professor Bruce Podobnik at CAS; for retiring faculty members Professor of Law William Chin, Henry J. Casey Professor of Law Lydia Loren, and Distinguished Professor of Law Brian Blum; for retiring Law School Associate Dean for Student Affairs Elizabeth “Libby” Davis; and approved dean emeritus status for former dean and Jordan D. Schnitzer Professor of Law Robert Klonoff. Congratulations to our colleagues on their well-earned emeriti appointments.
