The Carleton Board of Trustees met in Northfield for its Fall Term meeting on October 24-26, 2024. The following is a brief summary of major topics discussed and actions taken during their meeting:
1. The Board discussed and unanimously approved the framework proposed by the Sustainability Working Group: Sustainable Futures Framework.
2. The Board approved Phase Three of the Student Life and Housing Plan, a phase which renovates 70 beds and adds 30 new beds within four houses – Douglas, Parish, Page, and Rice houses – and on the ground floor of Davis Hall, with an estimated budget of $19.6 million.
3. The Board approved new and changed faculty leaves of absence for 2024-26.
4. The Board approved the request for 21 mid-year B.A. degrees, effective November 25, 2024, pending successful completion of their remaining requirements for graduation.
5. The Board approved the audited financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2024, as well as the Carleton College Defined Contribution Retirement Plan audited financial statement and IRS 5500 for the year ending December 31, 2023.
6. The Board approved membership into Founders Court to one donor, an honor recognizing extraordinary generosity to the College, based on cumulative irrevocable gifts totaling or exceeding $5 million.
7. The Board approved the issuing of William Carleton medals to three donors, an honor recognizing those whose total lifetime giving meets or exceeds $1.5 million.
8. The Board approved the promotions to Senior Lecturer Emeritus of David Hougen-Eitzman (Biology).
9. The Board approved a memorial resolution honoring former trustee Arthur Schulze, Jr. ‘52
10. The Board heard from Provost Michelle Mattson, CIO Janet Scannell, and Professor Anna Rafferty about Artificial Intelligence and how it may be applied at Carleton.
11. Dina Zavala, VPIEC, introduced the Board to upcoming IDE initiatives that the Board will participate in.
12. Laura Hartpence, Career Center Director, was introduced to the Board.
13. Kelsey Deshler, CIO, gave an update on the College’s endowment
14. Trustees were welcomed by President Byerly and Steve Jensen for a special dinner at Nutting House.
15. Trustees joined a group of students for a breakfast prior to the Student Life Committee meeting, and had the opportunity to hear from the group about student experiences at Carleton.
16. Trustees were given tours of the new Multicultural House and Neil House.
17. Trustees had the opportunity to dine with student athletes at a Friday evening reception and dinner.