Board of Regents Update | April 2020
Highlights from each Board of Regents meeting will be reported in the Pacific Insider to inform the campus community of the board's actions and major discussions. The board plays an important role as the governing body of the university, responsible for the quality and integrity of the education provided to students and the financial sustainability of the university. The chair and chair-elect of the Academic Council, the president and president-elect of the Pacific Alumni Association and the president and vice president of the Associated Students of the University of the Pacific are recognized as non-voting liaison representatives to the board and provide a report at each meeting.
The chair and chair-elect of the Academic Council, the president and president-elect of the Pacific Alumni Association and the president and vice president of the Associated Students of the University of the Pacific are recognized as non-voting liaison representatives to the board and provide a report at each meeting.
Pacific’s response to COVID-19
The regents discussed Pacific’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the university. Senior leaders discussed successes, challenges and lessons learned in each of their areas and student and faculty representatives discussed their experiences with online learning and teaching. Interim President Pallavicini subsequently provided this update to the university community.
Update: Student Emergency Fund and Leading With Purpose Campaign
The regents were updated on the emergency funds set up to support Pacific students facing unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 30, the funds have raised $107,017 from 332 gifts, which have benefited more than 350 students across our three campuses. These funds will be the focus of Giving Tuesday, a national day of giving on May 5, 2020. The board also received an update on the status of the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Leading With Purpose: The Campaign for University of the Pacific. To date, the campaign has raised $254 million toward the goal of $300 million.
Update: University website redesign and branding project
The board received an update on the status of the university’s website redesign and branding initiative. Pacific’s project partner, Simpson Scarborough, has developed a brand platform that uses feedback from research with students, faculty, staff and leadership on all three campuses and a competitive analysis to refine the university’s brand and distinctiveness. The new website will launch in September.
Program closure: Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
The board approved the closure of the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies degree offered by the College of the Pacific, upon the recommendation of program director Lydia Fox and Dean Rena Fraden. The interim provost and interim president supported their recommendation, citing continued current and projected low enrollments.
Transition of board liaisons
The regents thanked outgoing liaison representatives and welcomed incoming representatives from Associated Students of the University of the Pacific (ASuop), Academic Council and Pacific Alumni Association. These non-voting liaison representatives to the board attend and provide a report at each meeting.
ASuop
Outgoing
Emily Sackett – President
John Gutierrez – Vice President
Incoming
Randi Holguin – President
Liz Malone – Vice President
Academic Council
Outgoing
Jeff Miles – Past Chair, 2020–21
Incoming
Jeff Shafer – Chair, 2020–21
Paul Subar – Chair-elect, 2020–21
Pacific Alumni Association
Outgoing
Mary Pietanza ’86, Board President
Adam Ellison ’08, President-elect
Incoming
Erin Mettler ’01, Board President
LaNor Smith ’86, ’87, President-elect