Fairmont State Board of Governors holds bi-monthly meeting

Fairmont State University's Board of Governors held their bi-monthly meeting on October 23 at 9 a.m. in the Falcon Center Boardroom and virtually on Teams. Meeting highlights included Board approval of freezing in-state tuition and consolidating out-of-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year, as well as approval of the 2025-2035 Strategic Vision. The Board also voted to advance the repeal of Policy 50, "Policy on Policies," and its replacement, Policy 1.1, "Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of BOG Policies," to public comment.

Tuition Freeze

Fairmont State University is freezing in-state tuition and consolidating out-of-state rates for the 2025 academic year, after receiving approval from the Board of Governors at their bi-monthly meeting.

"Students are more cost conscious now than at any time in history," said President Mike Davis. "I am pleased to say that West Virginian students will not see tuition increases next year. We have also simplified our tuition structure, reducing the cost so it is the same for every student coming from outside the state."

Fairmont State previously offered two different tuition rates for out-of-state students depending on where they called home. For those living in bordering states, a reduced "metro rate" was offered. Meanwhile, students recruited from further away, especially student-athletes, were assessed a higher "out of state" tuition rate. This change eliminates confusion between the rates and makes Fairmont State less expensive than more than 175 other schools east of the Mississippi River.

Read more about the tuition freeze.

Strategic Vision

In addition to setting tuition rates, the Board of Governors unanimously approved the University's 2025-2035 Strategic Vision at their October meeting.

"Sixteen months ago, Fairmont State welcomed President Mike Davis. Early in his presidency, Mike initiated a transparent and participatory strategic planning process to chart the university's future," said Board Chair Jennifer Kinty. "Given the Board's unanimous approval of the Strategic Vision, it is clear this process was successful. I look forward to seeing the results of the next phase, implementation planning, to put the vision into action."

The University's approved Strategic Vision is composed of four elements:

1. The "Great Place" vision statement,
2. A revised mission statement focused on opportunity, growth, and achievement,
3. Three aspirational goals, or "North Stars," and
4. Five key initiatives to achieve each aspirational goal.

Learn more about the Strategic Vision and the next steps in the strategic planning process.

Policies

The Board also voted to advance the repeal of Policy 50, "Policy on Policies," and its replacement, Policy 1.1, "Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of BOG Policies," to public comment.

To conclude the meeting, Chair Kinty called the Board into executive session to discuss pending litigation, the award of an honorary degree, and personnel issues. When the Board concluded the executive session, they reported that the award of an honorary degree at the December convocation ceremony was approved. The meeting adjourned at noon.

The Fairmont State University Board of Governors' next meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 9 a.m. in the Falcon Center Boardroom and virtually on Teams.