Fall 2024 Board of Trustee Meeting Summary

Dear Grinnell Community,

The Board of Trustees gathered for their fall meeting on campus September 27-28, 2024. Board leadership arrived early to meet in person with the Executive Council, Staff Council, and Student Government Association leadership. Connecting with these groups shapes Board discussions and is an important part of the Board engaging with campus.

On Thursday the Board joined members of the Humanities Division and learned about Korean temple cuisine from Dixuan Yujing Chen, Assistant Professor. After dinner, trustees gathered with students in the HSSC atrium for dessert.

On Friday morning, Trustees had breakfast with the staff from Intercultural Affairs and went into executive session to hear reports from President Harris, Chair Kahn as well as an introduction to Jerry Seaman, Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

For the remainder of the morning, the Board was in general session with members of the Executive Council, faculty that serve on board committees, Staff Council leadership, SGA leadership and members of Senior Leadership. That session consisted of committee reports, a report from the Alumni Council and the year-end financial report for FY 24. Additionally, those assembled continued their focus on the College’s financial model by hearing from Bernadine Douglas about philanthropy and a recent campaign feasibility study.

During lunch students who participated in donor funded internships joined the board and many connections were made. Some trustees have made gifts to internships, either personally or through a class gift, so getting to meet the students and hear about their experiences was delightful for them.

After lunch, Graham Miller, Director of Strategic Research, presented the College’s approach to the Board of Trustee core metrics, our new Peer 17 group. and the Strategic Plan dashboard. (The Peer 17 group will be made available from the Senior Leadership page by next week).

The final session on Friday was dedicated to discussion and deliberation about need-blind and need-aware financial aid policies. Both policies include meeting 100% of demonstrated need and having no loans in financial aid packages. Any potential upcoming financial aid policy changes will not impact current students. Over the coming months, the principles and history of financial aid at Grinnell, as well as comparative and institutional data will be shared with faculty, staff, student, and alumni groups for discussion about the strategies available to meet the College’s values of access and socio-economic diversity.

The board joined those gathered on Friday evening to celebrate Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 and adjourned to Central Park to enjoy the band playing on the outdoor stage.

Saturday morning the following votes were taken and passed:

• Approval of minutes from May 2024 and the award of degrees to those eligible for December 2024 graduation
• FY 26 Comprehensive Fee
• FY 24 Audit
• Capital Campaign
• Fund amendments changes for 5 donor funds
• Long-term financial sustainability plan for discussion during winter meeting

The Board and so many others attended the Renfrow Dedication Ceremony in front of Renfrow Hall, at the conclusion of their meeting and what a joyous end to a weekend of dedication to Grinnell College.

With thanks for all that Grinnellians on campus and beyond do to achieve our academic mission and institutional goals.