B. 2021 General Assembly Legislative Update
President Brown reviewed the 2021 legislative priorities in order of importance: 1. Post-Secondary Performance Funding, 2. Land Grant Matching, 2. Kentucky Work Readiness Support, 4. Property Exchange and Real Property Proceeds, and 5. EERC.
C. Board of Regents Self-Evaluation Results
As required by SACSCOC and the Gold Book and recommended by AGB, the Board conducted a self-evaluation. The results were captured by Institutional Research and listed in the Board Book. The strengths included approval of actions, supporting the President, and abiding by statute, however, the results did show room for improvement in areas such as communication and meeting preparedness. Discussion ensued regarding the Board creating a professional development initiative and an on-going campaign for the Board to participating in giving to the university.
D. Overview of Campus KRS Pension Liabilities and Obligations
President Brown reported that as discussed previously, KSU evaluated a number of options regarding the pension liability and chose to remain in KRS. The decision to remain in KRS was an action item in March of 2020 and approved by the Board. In order to pay off the Commonwealth to leave KRS, KSU would have needed to borrow $40 million. KSU is still paying the forty nine percent contribution rate, not the eighty percent rate, which is among the lowest in the Commonwealth.
President Brown stated that there have been no changes in the Kentucky State portfolio in regard to this issue but the Board is welcome to revisit if they wish.
E. Review of 2021-2025 Campus Strategic Plan
Dr. Beverly Schneller and Mr. Daryl Love, Co-Chairs of the Strategic Plan Committee, provided an update on the Strategic Plan revisions. The stages of the revision process are planning, listening, analyzing, developing, and execution. The new plan will be socialized at fall encampment and the plan's progress will be tracked using campus labs. The Planning Committee is looking at the new vision, new values, focus areas, and goals.
Chairperson Farris requested more clarification on the new strategic plan, specifically how the goals will be achieved, the timeline, and the budgetary impact. President Brown stated that the new plan will be brought as an information item in March and an action item in June.
F. Spring 2021 COVID Reopening Plan
Ms. Clara Ross Stamps, Senior Vice President of Brand Identity and University Relations, presented the Spring 2021 COVID Reopening Plan. She stated that KSU was prepared in 2020 and able to switch quickly to remote learning and telecommuting. The KSU has done exceptionally well with masking and social
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