The Board of Trustees Meeting at the University of Utah on January 14, 2024, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and student support. The meeting began with a significant announcement from Dr. Montoya regarding the launch of a shared services project involving four different colleges. This initiative is part of the university's broader operational excellence efforts.

Dr. Montoya emphasized the potential benefits of this project, particularly in increasing student completion rates. By consolidating services such as counseling, mental health support, and financial assistance, the university aims to provide a more comprehensive suite of resources to students. The collaboration is expected to lead to improved graduation rates and a more efficient use of university resources through pooled services and cross-training of staff.

The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of Mitzi and her team, who have dedicated over six months to studying and developing this project. The collaborative effort received praise from faculty leadership, highlighting the importance of teamwork in implementing such significant changes within the university.

In addition to the shared services project, the meeting included reports from senior vice presidents, the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU), the academic senate, staff council, and the alumni association. Trustees were encouraged to review these reports in preparation for more detailed presentations scheduled for the next meeting.

Overall, the meeting underscored the university's commitment to enhancing student services and operational efficiency, setting the stage for future discussions and developments.