Report from the Board of Trustees

The Kenyon College Board of Trustees met by video conference on May 11, 2020. This was the second of two meetings held this spring to discuss the planning that is underway for next academic year in response to the Covid-19 crisis. In this meeting, the Board reviewed proposed changes to the 2020–21 operating budget and contingent plans in budgeting to manage potential volatility that may arise from the Covid-19 crisis. The Board reviewed financial models for scenarios at various levels of disruption, and will continue to monitor the situation closely, mindful that the College has balanced its budget for 49 consecutive years.

In other business, the Board received an update on the Department of Education’s new Title IX regulations, required to be adopted by colleges and universities by August 14. Kenyon’s Office for Civil Rights gathered preliminary input on the anticipated changes earlier this spring. The Board’s Title IX and Nondiscrimination Policies Committee will consider revisions to Kenyon’s Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy based on the new regulations in the coming weeks and will bring them before the full Board this summer.

In addition, the Board:

• Acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Alumni Trustees Donna Bertolet Poseidon ’75 and Doug Y. Yang ’78;

• Passed a memorial resolution honoring former Provost James Gunton;

• Approved the engagement of Maloney + Novotny LLC to provide audit services for the College’s financial statements and retirement plans; and

• Extended their appreciation to outgoing Provost Joseph Klesner, who will return to the faculty and lead the College’s next strategic planning process, having served as Kenyon’s chief academic officer for seven years.