Montana Board of Regents adopts 2027 budget recommendations, approves tuition, facilities projects and personnel actions

The Montana Board of Regents met May 21, 2025, at Great Falls College and voted to adopt the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education’s (OCHE) 2027 biennial budget recommendations, approved several campus tuition and fee schedules and authorized multiple maintenance and capital projects, officials said.

Chair Todd Buchanan opened the meeting by congratulating spring graduates and thanking Great Falls College for hosting. Deputy Commissioner Tyler Trevor presented the 2027 budget framework, describing four budget drivers that inform tuition decisions: proposed resident and nonresident tuition increases, mandatory and program fee adjustments, state funding allocation components, and the system’s performance-funding model.

The Board approved the biennial budget recommendation (ITEM 218-101-R0525) on a 7–0 vote after questions and discussion about tuition comparisons and net tuition metrics. The board also approved campus-specific tuition and fee schedules and associated fee increases, including FY2026 and FY2027 rates for Dawson Community College, Miles Community College and Flathead Valley Community College; each motion passed by recorded vote as listed below.

The Board approved a package of facility and maintenance authorizations. Among those approved were authorization to proceed with major repair projects funded by the 69th Legislature (approximately $24,655,000 across 22 projects, pending the Governor’s signature on HB5), planning-and-design authority for a new Gallatin College building (total project budget $46 million, including $23.5 million in state long-range building funds and $22.5 million raised privately), and authorization to complete major maintenance at MSU Bozeman’s Molecular Biosciences Building. The Board also authorized repairs to the nearly 90‑year‑old Atkinson Quadrangle student housing and several other campus projects.

The Board approved MSU’s request to purchase the Nopper Complex (900–920 Technology Boulevard in Bozeman), a 59,076-square-foot property that MSU currently leases. The lease’s current base rent is $9.41 per square foot (about $555,905.16 annually). Per the lease terms presented, if MSU completes a purchase before Aug. 31, 2025, the purchase price would be $6,244,127.

Academically, the Board approved requests to plan several new degree programs and authorized the University of Montana to form a College of Science. Committees also presented emeriti and tenure lists; motions to approve those consent items passed.

Student and campus leaders spoke during public comment: Trey Magnuson (UM Director, MUSSA) updated the Board on MUSSA activities, and ASMSU President Lenny Triem explained his support for the proposed tuition increase.

Procedural and personnel actions received board approval as well, including a presidential hire at Montana State University and authorization to implement the MUS pay plan consistent with House Bill 13. The Board also approved the use of timber sales revenue for the 2027 biennium as allowed by policy.

Most motions carried unanimously (7–0). The ground-lease amendment for an MSU campus hotel (ITEM 218-2014-R0525) passed with one abstention: Regent Loren Bough abstained and the motion carried 6–0 with an abstention. In one procedural matter, the Board did not call a motion to hear an appeal; accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision on that appeal was upheld.

The meeting concluded with elections: the Board elected Todd Buchanan as Chair and Loren Bough as Vice Chair by unanimous vote, and adjourned at 4:49 p.m.

Votes at a glance

• Consent facility items a.–f. (classroom remodels, maintenance projects, easements, leases): motion by Regent Joyce Dombrouski; passed 7–0. • 2027 Biennial Budget Recommendations (ITEM 218-101-R0525): motion by Regent Jeff Southworth; passed 7–0. • Fee increases to support MSU student wellness and ASMSU shuttle (items b.–c.): motion by Regent Heather Hoyer; passed 7–0. • FY2026 tuition rates, Dawson Community College (ITEM 218-201-R0525): motion by Regent Loren Bough; passed 7–0. • FY2027 tuition and fee rates, Miles Community College (ITEM 218-400-R0525): motion by Regent Jeff Southworth; passed 7–0. • FY2026 tuition and mandatory fees, Flathead Valley Community College (ITEM 218-301-R0525): motion by Regent Joyce Dombrouski; passed 7–0. • Presidential hire, Montana State University (ITEM 218-104-R0525): motion by Regent Loren Bough; passed 7–0. • Staff/pay-plan item consistent with HB13 (ITEM 218-100-R0525): motion by Regent Joyce Dombrouski; passed 7–0. • Authorization to proceed with major repair projects (ITEM 218-103-R0525): motion by Regent Heather Hoyer; passed 7–0. • Group approval of items j.–m. (major maintenance, property purchase authorization, housing repairs, Gallatin College planning): motion by Regent Dean Folkvord; passed 7–0. • Ground-lease amendment for campus hotel (ITEM 218-2014-R0525): motion by Regent Joyce Dombrouski; passed (6–0 with one abstention by Regent Loren Bough). • Bio-Research building addition and related UM projects (items o.–q.): motion by Regent Jeff Southworth; passed 7–0. • Distribution of timber sales revenue (ITEM 218-102-R0525): motion by Regent Dean Folkvord; passed 7–0. • Academic committee consent items and requests to plan new programs: motions and approvals passed (typically 7–0; specific motion-makers recorded in meeting minutes).

What’s next

Several capital projects approved will not begin until statutory contingencies are satisfied, including the Governor’s signature on HB5 for projects that rely on long-range building funds. The Board will reconvene on its next scheduled date and retain oversight of implementation and reporting on these items.