The Illinois State University Board of Trustees approved several resolutions at its regular quarterly meeting on May 8. The actions include updates to the university’s constitution, the creation of new academic programs, major campus construction projects, and recognition of student leadership.
These decisions reflect ongoing efforts to update university policies, respond to student demand for new programs, and improve campus facilities. The changes are intended to support academic growth and enhance the learning environment for current and future students.
Among the measures approved was an amendment to the Illinois State University Constitution. The amendment updates language in several sections and was previously endorsed by a unanimous vote from the Academic Senate on February 4 and approved by the president on February 12.
Trustees also authorized a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Film, which will be managed by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film. This program replaces an existing sequence within theatre degrees that began in 2020. Enrollment has grown from 11 students in Fall 2020 to about 124 students in Fall 2025; it is expected to reach approximately 150 students with around 35 degrees awarded annually once fully implemented. Students will have options for concentrations in production, screenwriting, or film studies.
A $1.5 million project was approved for a comprehensive campus master plan that will guide future capital development across more than 1,180 acres containing over six million square feet of building space. Trustees also voted to proceed with Weber Electric as contractor for upgrades at the Center for Performing Arts’ audio and lighting systems after rescinding a previous bid award; this $4.4 million project is scheduled for completion by September.
The board gave approval for demolition at 300 North Street—formerly known as the Center for Civic Engagement—due to deteriorating conditions requiring increased maintenance; plans call for using this site as part of a new Science Complex featuring STEM teaching spaces and research facilities. Three separate resolutions authorize design and construction services: a five-story STEM building budgeted at nearly $50 million; an addition to an existing laboratory building costing over $27 million; and greenhouse facilities budgeted at just over $7 million.
Finally, trustees recognized outgoing Student Trustee Ryan Russell for his service during two academic years.
