Mr. Mason mentioned that the federal Higher Education Act will soon be up for reauthorization in 2013. Updates will be provided as they are received.
President Sias reported to the board that the university plans to apply for authorization from the Federal Communications Commission to operate a low power FM station on campus.
Mr. Eric Bergquist, Director of Information Technology, provided an overview of ongoing projects in Information Technology. Mr. Bergquist highlighted the following IT projects: upgrades to the telephone System, near completion of the transition to Microsoft 365, backup of data information, implementation of self-serve password resets and continued work to upgrade campus servers.
President Sias has appointed Mr. Eric Bergquist to spearhead the planning for the 2013-2020 KSU Strategic Plan. Mr. Bergquist outlined his plan to begin reviewing the mission, values and vision of the university as well as conducting a campus environmental scan. Mr. Bergquist also plans to benchmark the “best in class” universities, identify strategic issues for KSU, and conduct a gap analysis in an effort to develop the strategic plan.
President Sias reported that she met with the publisher to the Frankfort State Journal regarding the data that was published in the newspaper relating to KSU's crime statistics. The published information had erroneously indicated that KSU had higher crime rates than it actually had. President Sias stated that the types of crimes that mostly occur on campus relate to the theft of student belongings. To date, President Sias reported that the State Journal has not issued a retraction relating to the incorrect reporting of the crime statistics. However, President Sias stated that she felt that the conversation she had with the publisher was a good start for additional dialogue.
KSU's boat has been completed and is docked on the Kentucky River at Frankfort. The research vessel will be used to educate the community and students about environmental issues and particularly, about water pollution. The research vessel is docked near the KSU Downtown Annex (formerly the Old Federal Courthouse) and will be a part of the KSU Interpretive Center. An October dedication of the vessel is planned.