The Iowa Board of Regents will convene Wednesday and Thursday in open session to address a wide range of issues, from new degree proposals to financial updates for review.
New academic programs
Iowa State is requesting approval for two new undergraduate programs.
The first is a Bachelor of Arts in digital storytelling, designed to prepare students for careers in media, journalism and communication fields. The degree would combine writing, design and technology to meet the growing industry demand for multimedia skills, according to the Board of Regents document.
“This request for a new degree in digital storytelling is part of the ISU Degrees of the Future strategic initiative,” the proposal stated.
The second proposal is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, which would expand ISU’s fine arts offerings. The program would provide specialized training for students pursuing careers as professional illustrators in publishing, advertising and digital media.
“All students who complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration will have a strong foundation in drawing and design, and will be knowledgeable about professional practice and available markets,” according to the proposal.
Financial oversight and investments
Iowa State’s finances will also be part of the Board’s Investment and Finance Committee discussions. The committee is scheduled to review the investment and cash management report for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, which includes ISU’s financial performance data.
“The primary goals for investment prudence of the operating portfolios include safety of principal, maintenance of liquidity to match expected liabilities, and a reasonable return,” according to Board documents.
The Board will also examine an annual review of peer group comparisons, which places Iowa State’s financial and operational performance alongside similar institutions nationwide.
These comparisons are used to evaluate efficiency, spending priorities and long-term fiscal planning across the Regent universities.
Systemwide policies and facilities
Several agenda items will impact all three Regent universities, including Iowa State. The annual facilities report and the fiscal year 2027 capital request will set priorities for construction and renovation projects across campuses.
Other funds include building repair funds, auxiliary services such as athletics and residence systems, donor gifts, federal grants and departmental renewal and replacement funds, with occasional support for campus road projects.
“The 5-Year Capital Plan for Other Funds totals $1.1 billion across the three universities, a 54% increase from last year’s $726 million,” according to the Board documents.
Iowa State officials emphasized that addressing deferred maintenance is vital for both campus growth and student success.
A part of the proposal includes maintenance to buildings across the ISU campus, including Atanasoff Hall, Gilman Hall, Town Engineering and the College of Design.
“A complete renovation of Atanasoff Hall is essential to provide the Department of Computer Science with modern teaching, research and administrative facilities. Updated, technology-rich spaces are crucial for attracting top students and faculty and preparing a cyber-savvy Iowa workforce,” according to the proposal.
ISU’s Five-Year Capital Plan for Other Funds, which excludes state appropriations and Academic Building Revenue Bonds, totals $374 million, marking a 22% increase from last year’s $307 million.
The Free Speech and Student Affairs Committee will provide its annual update on First Amendment training and request authorization for the 2025-26 free speech survey, which all three universities will participate in.
Human resources and employee benefits
The Regents will also consider making the adoption assistance program a permanent benefit for employees after its three-year pilot phase.
“The purpose of the program is to reimburse eligible employees for all or a portion of the cost of certain qualified adoption expenses incurred for the adoption of an eligible child,” according to the proposal.
Iowa State elected to participate in the pilot, with four employees each receiving the maximum $5,000 benefit per adoption.
Audit updates and compliance reports, covering both state and intel reviews, will also apply to Iowa State.
State funding request
On Thursday, the Regents will consider the fiscal year 2027 state appropriations request, which outlines funding needs for Iowa State, Iowa and UNI. The request is a central piece of the Regent’s legislative agenda, with implications for academic programs, faculty resources and student services.
Board members will also review a facility analysis of presidential residences, which includes the official home of Iowa State’s president, Wendy Wintersteen, in Ames.
To see the full agenda, visit the Iowa Board of Regents. The meeting’s open sessions will be live-streamed from the Board of Regents website beginning at 9:30 a.m.