Regents committee recommends housing, IT and capital allocations; multiple motions pass unanimously

The fiscal affairs and audit standing committee of the Board of Regents met Dec. 18 and recommended approval of several agenda items that will go to the full board later that day. The committee approved its Nov. 20 minutes, recommended the consent agenda, and voted to recommend several staff proposals including housing and food service rate changes, the distribution of a state IT/cybersecurity appropriation, educational building fund (EBF) allocations and the first-year distribution of the Campus Restoration Act Fund.

The committee moved the full‑board action items up under new business to ensure the board received the committee’s recommendation. Chair called for approval of the Nov. 20 minutes; Regent Rolfe moved to approve and Regent Winter seconded (the motion carried after an 'aye' vote). Regent Dicus moved, and Regent Rolfe seconded, a recommendation to approve the consent agenda.

On the housing and food‑service rates, Vice President Frisbie and campus business officers reviewed updated tables in the packet and committee members discussed rising costs; the chair noted food prices are up nearly 30% over five years and said she was comfortable with the proposed rates. Regent Rolfe moved to recommend approval; Regent Winter seconded and the committee voted in favor.

Vice President Frisbie presented the recommended distribution of a state appropriation for IT infrastructure and cybersecurity for the public university system; she said the appropriation included a cited amount for Washburn and that campuses are at different stages in cybersecurity maturity. Following committee discussion and questions of IT staff, Regent Winter moved to recommend approval and Regent Rolfe seconded; the committee voted to recommend the distribution.

The committee also recommended staff allocations from the Educational Building Fund for FY2026 following a motion by Regent Rolfe and second by Regent Dicus. Finally, members recommended launching the Campus Restoration Act Fund in 2026 and approved the staff recommendation for first‑year allocations after discussion of match rules and program mechanics.

No opposing votes were recorded during the public committee session on these items; votes were announced by voice ('aye') and the committee chair confirmed approval for each motion. The committee noted several items will appear on the full‑board agenda later in the day for final action.

The committee adjourned after scheduling follow‑up items and noting that a capital renewal/space‑utilization report would be considered at the afternoon meeting.