March 19, 2025

Dear NDSU Community,

The Leadership Assembly met yesterday to discuss key initiatives. Here’s a summary:

Welcome, University Registrar
Presenter: Jeff Boyer, Vice Provost of Assessment and Strategic Initiatives

Kim Gourneau joined NDSU as University Registrar on March 17. She holds a bachelor’s in accountancy from UND and an MBA from the University of Mary. Previously, she served as director of registration and academic records at Minnesota State University Mankato and held roles at Bemidji State, Leech Lake Tribal College, and others. Originally from Rolla, ND, Kim is returning to her home state.

A special thank you to associate registrars RaNelle Ingalls and Jackie Schluchter for serving as interim co-registrars.

Federal Action Update

Presenter: Chris Wilson, Chief Compliance Officer

NDSU continues to monitor federal changes that may impact research funding and operations. The Preliminary Injunctions on the OMB Memo and NIH indirect cost directive remain in place, and the Dear Colleague Letter is still in effect. Chris encouraged leaders to review the U.S. Department of Education’s FAQ document.

For updates and to share feedback, visit ndsu.edu/federal-actions.

Legislative Session Update

Since the last time we met, I testified before the ND House Appropriations Education and Environment Division on New Horizon: NDSU 2035, which focuses on workforce alignment, industry partnerships, and student success. I will present again today to address questions. This evening, I will join university leadership in Bismarck for a Legislative Social to discuss NDSU’s impact on education, research, and community growth.

Legislative session is a team effort—thank you to those who continue to press forward to envision what NDSU will be in the future, and for those of you who testify or advocate for the university. Every member of our Bison community is appreciated as we provide an excellent learning experience for students, conduct innovative and impactful research, and engage with our communities around the state and region. 

Leadership Connections

Presenters: Carrie Anne Platt, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Laura Oster-Aaland, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Institutional Equity

Unit leaders discussed Employee Engagement survey responses and exchanged strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction. This survey is designed to help all of us find ways to strengthen engagement in our workplace. Employees can share input with the Employee Engagement Initiative Steering Committee at ndsu.wellbeing@ndsu.edu.

Investments in Well-Being

Presenter: Laura Oster-Aaland, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Institutional Equity

Recent investments in student and employee well-being align with the President’s Council on Well-being, including:

• Community awareness initiatives like Suicide Prevention Week (Fall 2024) and Hidden Disabilities Week (March 2025).
• Staffing in Counseling, Accessibility and Disability Services, and Case Management. Thank you for all of your hard work in supporting our Bison!
• Professional advising to support students and faculty. We continue to see improvements in our learning experience through the retention and success of our students. 
• Employee engagement efforts to address workplace challenges collectively.
• Faculty support programs, including affinity groups, mentoring networks, and work-life balance resources.

Staff Senate Announcements

Presenter: Kay Hopkins, Staff Senate President

Staff Senate nominations are open until April 2 for 0000-7000 bands, excluding 2000.

Gunkelman Award nominations are open until March 31.

For questions or further details, reach out to any presenter or me.

Thank you for your continued commitment to NDSU!

David Cook