IM West demolition

The plan to demolish Intramural Recreational Sports West, commonly known as IM West, was initially proposed in November 2024, where it was listed under potential demolition in MSU’s design guidelines for the campus.

Following this, the board was set to vote on whether to demolish the facility in February 2025, ultimately delaying the decision to its June meeting where a planning study was unanimously approved which would determine the future of IM West. The study examined whether the building should be renovated or demolished.

Built in 1958, IM West is the university’s largest recreational sports facility, with 7,000 square feet dedicated to free weights, an indoor pool and a multipurpose gym that seats 650. The building also houses a variety of kinesiology and group fitness classes.

Friday’s vote follows more than a year of deliberation over the fate of the facility. If demolished, the site would be converted into additional parking and green space.

Wilson Hall renovations

The board first approved plans in April 2024 to renovate a former dining hall and kitchen on the second floor of Wilson Hall. Friday’s vote will determine whether the university moves forward with converting the space for the College of Engineering’s technology engineering program.

The roughly 20,000-square-foot renovation would include instructional laboratory space, two single-occupant accessible restrooms, a wellness room and storage areas.

The board’s recommendation also includes life safety upgrades to the residence hall. Proposed upgrades include installing a new fire suppression system and replacing the building’s fire alarm system.

The project totals $34.8 million. Of that, $27 million for the academic renovations would be debt financed and repaid by central sources, while $7.8 million for life safety improvements would be cash funded by the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services.

VP for Research and Innovation

Following the retirement of former Vice President for Research and Innovation Doug Gage in December, the board will vote on his successor.

The candidate, Shashank Priya, served as vice president for research and innovation at the University of Minnesota for three years. In December 2025, he became a special adviser and the founding executive director of the National Security Research Institute at Minnesota.

If appointed, Priya would begin his role Feb. 16.

2025-26 Audit

The board will also vote to appoint the public accounting and advisory firm Plante & Moran as external auditors for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

The 2025-26 fiscal year marks a new six-year auditor eligibility cycle, and according to the board’s recommendation, Plante & Moran may receive annual reappointment as auditors for a total of six years “provided service, terms and conditions are satisfactory to the university.”