As we approach the last few days of the fall semester, I want to give you a quick update on the second Board of Trustees meeting (and associated activities) of the year, which was held Dec. 8 and 9. While there were only a few action items on the agenda, this was a busy meeting that helped move the University forward in important ways.

In addition to two committee meetings, Thursday, Dec. 8, saw the University’s first half-day Trustee Orientation. The orientation offered board members an opportunity to learn a great deal about our structures, policies, practices, and challenges, and to learn more about the operation of the board, the bylaws, and expectations of trustees. Not only did new members of the board attend, but the majority of long-standing trustees also were present.

The orientation was followed by the second Board “Plus” Dinner of the year. The trustees, University administrators, two school alumni board presidents, and eight faculty members were in attendance. This was an opportunity for all present to engage with one another in a discussion about the draft extension of the strategic plan. From my perspective, it was a great series of conversations. As an aside, please note that the draft plan has been posted at https://sites.suffolk.edu/strategicplan/ for input from the campus community, with a series of discussion meetings to be held in January.

Finally, during a very busy full board meeting on Friday, Dec. 9, among numerous other reports and discussions, the board voted to approve an updated capital budget for FY17. And the board appointed two new trustees: Nancy Stack and Maria DiPietro. Both are going to make fantastic additions to the board. Here’s more information on our two newest trustees.

I will share another board meeting update after the February meetings.

Wishing all of you a joyous holiday season and a very happy new year.

See you in 2017,

marisasig

Marisa J. Kelly
Acting President