The Board of Governors met last week.

We sent out communications Friday about one important result from the board meeting: masks will no longer be required in academic buildings and classrooms on campus.

You can see the new masking policy on the COVID-19 Information Center.

Compensation a priority in FY23 budget

At committee meetings, the board took a first look at the FY2023 budget.

The board made it clear that faculty and staff compensation will be a priority for the coming year.

The Executive Budget Committee will meet throughout the coming months. We will discuss the budget with the board again in May and bring them a final budget for approval in June.

Festival to highlight the Ozarks

The board received a presentation about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

In the summer of 2023, the festival will feature the Ozarks, and Missouri State University is serving as the lead organization to plan, promote and conduct this major national program in Washington, D.C.

We are working with businesses and organizations throughout the region to showcase the faces and facets of the Ozarks.

Revised academic calendar

The board also approved changes to the 2022-23 academic calendar.

The revisions:

• Eliminate classes during the week of Thanksgiving.
• Start the spring semester a week later.
• Reduce spring holiday from two days to one day.

These changes apply only to the academic calendar. The staff holiday calendar has not been adjusted, and the university will continue to be open on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Partnership formed to offer PsyD program

The board also approved a program proposal for a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.

This program will train and develop clinical psychologists to meet the immense mental health challenges that our communities experience.

MSU is collaborating with Burrell for financial support, practicum placements, and employment opportunities for students and graduates.

Approving financial decisions

The board also approved the refinancing of the 2015 MOHEFA education public bonds that financed the renovation and expansion of Glass Hall. Over the life of the bonds, this refinancing will save the university a little less than $1 million.

Finally, the board approved plans to distribute the remaining $1.3 million in COVID relief funds the university received from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF).  Eligible students on the Springfield campus with an expected family contribution less than $5,846 will receive a grant of more than $150.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!