The Finance & Facilities committee approved several operational contracts and accepted foundation‑driven real estate projects on Thursday, advancing vendor continuity and foundation‑funded campus construction that trustees said will support housing, events and community engagement.

Key outcomes (committee votes and actions)
- Transfer evaluation system extension: The committee approved an extension of the College Source Transfer Evaluation System (TESS) contract through June 30, 2028, with additional one‑year options to 2031. The extension aligns TESS with other College Source solutions while system leaders continue to evaluate future Workday functionality and pilot AI‑assisted equivalency tools. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Online tutoring extension: The board approved a one‑year extension of the systemwide online tutoring contract (tutor.com) through June 30, 2027, to ensure continuity of after‑hours academic support while the system runs a market review (RFI) for next‑generation tutoring solutions. The extension added $500,000 to the contract authorization to avoid service disruption during peak online enrollment cycles. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Winona State Foundation gift of land: Trustees approved acceptance of nine small parcels as a gift from the Winona State University Foundation. The parcels (combined area slightly under one acre; assessed value about $285,000) are adjacent open space or parking and had Phase I environmental assessments with no adverse findings. Trustees noted this acceptance is separate from a foundation‑led residence hall project discussed later in the meeting. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Winona State Foundation Hall lease: The committee approved a long‑term management lease with the Winona State University Foundation for a donor‑financed, 340‑bed residence hall (approximate project cost cited by campus: $30 million). The arrangement mirrors prior foundation‑managed housing models; foundation net proceeds will be returned to the university as scholarships. The property will sit adjacent to campus and was presented as a priority to free up older residence halls for renovation and air‑conditioning upgrades. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Minnesota State University, Mankato ground leases: Trustees approved two ground leases with the Maverick Real Estate Foundation (a supporting organization) for a purpose‑built stadium/event venue and a mixed‑use student housing/retail facility. Campus leaders described a multi‑phase, donor‑led stadium project (targeted philanthropic total approximately $60 million for stadium elements) and a mixed‑use housing project financed with nonprofit bonds and private partners. The university projects regional economic impacts and increased visitor spending from additional events. (Both motions approved by roll call.)

Vote records and procedural notes
Committee votes were taken by roll call and committee chairs recorded “aye” on each motion; motions were carried and advanced for board action where required. Several approvals were routine contract extensions; foundation and lease approvals were discussed in detail with campus representatives present.

Context and implications
Trustees and staff framed these approvals as continuity and capacity moves: maintaining tutoring and transfer‑evaluation services while core student systems are implemented; enabling foundation financing to address campus housing shortages; and creating community‑oriented venues that campus leaders say will boost recruitment, experiential programming and regional economic activity. Several trustees emphasized the need for transparency on project benchmarks, environmental reviews, and long‑term operations plans as privately financed projects move from concept to construction.

Ending
Committee members directed campus and system staff to continue providing updates on budget implications, project timelines and the phasing of campus‑level renovations tied to new foundation‑funded housing and event facilities.