Thank you, Jim. Good afternoon, everyone.
I hope everyone had a good break and that your new year and this semester have started off on a high note.
Today, I am going to briefly touch on these topics:
- a resource page for the Commission for Public Higher Education;
- the New York Loft;
- UNC System syllabus requirements; and
- the upcoming Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting.
Last fall, App State submitted a letter of intent to seek accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education, a new accrediting body developed by and for public colleges and universities, including those in the UNC System. To provide information about this process, Academic Affairs has created a webpage under the “Resources and Forms” tab on our website. Look for the menu item titled “Commission for Public Higher Education Accreditation Information.” Here, you can find information that answers common questions, as well as a link to the commission’s website. I hope you will take the time to visit the page and learn more about what to expect going forward. We will also have the opportunity to learn more about the program and its process when Director of Institutional Effectiveness Tina Hogan presents on this subject.
In December, I shared an update about the New York Loft. A comprehensive review was conducted by the Division of Academic Affairs during the fall 2025 semester, which included a faculty working group, five listening sessions, a survey of App State affiliates and alumni and internal budget assessments. The review identified changes in New York City housing regulations regarding short-term rentals.
As a result, at this time, the university will continue to prioritize academic student trips and will not accept individual reservations. This regulation requires further review, which we are continuing to pursue through the Office of General Counsel; however, it may impact future loft reservations. As I said, we are prioritizing academic trips to New York, and I encourage you to look for those opportunities.
Last week, Interim Vice Provost Mark Bradbury shared an email about App State’s syllabi policy — Academic Affairs Standard Operating Procedure 2.3.1 — which is still in effect for spring 2026. As Chair Westerman noted in a recent email, the new UNC System minimum syllabi requirements, including a new public platform for all syllabi, do not take effect until fall 2026.
Academic Affairs continues to review this matter, and we will update you with any new information.
As you may have read in the chancellor’s newsletter on Friday, this year, we will undertake the development of a new university strategic plan for 2027–2032, and we will also develop a new Master Plan. The development of these plans will involve participation from faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the Boone and Hickory communities. The plans, especially the Master Plan, serve as guiding documents for the growth and development of App State’s Boone and Hickory campuses. In the coming weeks, you will receive updates on both of these important frameworks, which will serve to guide the long-term strategy and roadmap for the future of our university.
On Feb. 6, I will host the 2026 Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting in the Grandview Ballroom. During this meeting, you will hear updates from Chancellor Norris and me, as well as remarks from Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown, Chair Westerman, Staff Senate Co-Chair Katie Leslie and Student Government President Nicole Tran. I look forward to seeing all of you there.
Chair Westerman, this concludes my remarks.