Leadership Assembly Insights

NDSU community,

The Leadership Assembly met yesterday to discuss several important topics. Below is a summary of the key updates presented.

Master Planning
Presenter(s): Bruce Bollinger, vice president for finance and administration and Brent DeKrey, director of facilities management and Tyler Patrick, principal planner at Sasaki

Bruce and Brent shared that NDSU is developing a new Campus Master Plan due in 2028, per SBHE Policy 901. Tyler from Sasaki, one of two partners in this process, identified two key phases. Phase 1 conducts a 6-month data collection and space utilization analysis across classrooms, labs, offices and student spaces. Phase 2 integrates this data with NDSU's updated Strategic Plan and campus engagement to establish a physical roadmap. By evaluating building conditions, land, transportation and Foundation properties, the comprehensive model will help optimize current facilities and guide future campus growth.

Strategic Planning
Presenter(s): Jeff Boyer, vice provost for assessment and strategic initiatives

Jeff presented a summary of the Reimagine Workshop that was held earlier this month. This workshop was facilitated by the University Design Institute and is part of the ongoing work to build out a strategic framework that will guide NDSU’s future. About 40 leaders explored 16 strategic opportunities drawn from more than 800 constituent voices. Three strategic clusters took shape: land-grant impact, the Bison student experience and One NDSU culture and brand. Leaders also identified the capacity needed to deliver, including aligning budgets with priorities, building leadership, enabling responsible experimentation, breaking down silos and activating partnerships. The workshop set direction, not decisions. This work continues through the ASU Immersive, roadmap workshops and a final roadmap in February 2027.

Employee Engagement
Presenter(s): Carrie Anne Platt, vice provost for faculty affairs and Laura Oster-Aaland, vice provost for student affairs and institutional equity

Carrie Anne and Laura provided an update on the Employee Engagement survey, highlighting its role in improving the employee experience through meaningful feedback and action planning. Results from the first two years show strong participation, rising from 73% to 81%, improved engagement scores and evidence that departments are using feedback to make positive workplace changes. Year 3 introduces new questions on action-planning effectiveness and professional development needs, expanded language options and additional forms of supervisor support. Leaders were encouraged to revisit prior action plans, communicate progress and promote survey participation through October 30.

Fall 2026 Census Overview
Presenter(s): Seinquis Leinen, senior director of strategic enrollment management

Seinquis provided a Fall 2026 enrollment update covering headcount, credit hours, new and returning student enrollment, instructional modality, program trends, retention and degree completion. NDSU enrolled 11,609 students, a 2.9% decrease from the previous fall. New student enrollment declined 1.5%, and returning undergraduate and graduate enrollment decreased 2.7% and 7.7%, respectively. First-year full-time retention remained stable at 78.5%, and transfer retention increased to 79.5% (+0.7%). Enrollment growth areas included North Dakota first-years (+4%), new graduate students (+4.6%), new international students (+8%) and early entry/dual-credit enrollment (+45%). The median transfer credits among first-year students increased from 13 in 2020 to 19 this fall, and for those who graduated in 2025-26, 75% completed their degrees in four years or less.

Enrollment Summit Summary
Presenter(s): Shari Veil, provost

Provost Veil summarized conversations had at the recent Enrollment Summit, which examined the forces shaping NDSU enrollment and focused on actions colleges and departments can take to make meaningful impact on enrollment. A summary of the information presented is available in the report: Enrollment Belongs to All of Us. The summit reinforced that enrollment is everyone’s responsibility, from recruitment and affordability to belonging, academic progress and graduation. Each college and department will now review its scorecard, identify priorities, engage faculty and staff and submit an action plan by Dec. 18.

In closing, I reminded everyone that any issues the university faces aren’t the responsibility of one or two or even a small group of people to solve; they require the involvement of everyone in our community as One NDSU.

If you have any questions or would like further details on any of these topics, please feel free to reach out to the presenters or me.

Thank you for your continued commitment to NDSU.

Marshall Stewart, Ed.D.
President
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

NDSU community,

The Leadership Assembly met Tuesday to open the 2026-27 academic year and reflect on the year ahead. I centered my opening remarks on three themes: The People's University, Distinctive Excellence and One NDSU. Together, these themes reflect our commitment to serve the state and region through our land-grant mission, build on the unique strengths that set NDSU apart and work together as one university in pursuit of shared goals. Reflecting on my first 90 days as president, I shared three qualities I’ve learned about NDSU and North Dakota: grit, pride and potential. Those qualities help us navigate challenges, including budget pressures and enrollment challenges, and they will continue to position us for success.

Below is a summary of other key topics presented.

Strategic Planning Update
Presenter: Jeffrey Boyer, vice provost for assessment and strategic initiatives

Jeff shared an update on the status of the strategic framework that we’re working together to build. NDSU is partnering with the University Design Institute (UDI), a global leader in higher education transformation, to guide a process built to move from ideas to implementation. We’re currently in the Discovery Phase of this work, which is focused on listening and learning. UDI is gathering insights from students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, employers, industry partners, community leaders and North Dakotans through discovery sessions and through an online survey available by clicking here.

First-day Enrollment Data
Presenter: Seinquis Leinen, Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management

Seinquis provided an update on preliminary first-day enrollment. As of the first day of the fall semester, enrollment is down approximately 3% in headcount and 2% in scheduled credit hours compared to last year. Official enrollment will be reported following the 20th day of the semester in September. Despite the overall decline, NDSU has seen growth in several key areas, including fall-to-fall retention, new North Dakota first-time freshmen, new undergraduate international students, enrollment in the College of Health and Human Sciences and online-only students. As more than 3,000 new students join our community, and 8,000 students return this fall, faculty, instructors, and staff are encouraged to support their transition by utilizing Bison Advise alerts and connecting students to campus resources when needed.

2027 Legislative Session Preview
Presenter: Jace Beehler

Jace provided an update on preparations for the 2027 legislative session, noting that NDSU is finalizing its budget submission to the governor’s office and the state Office of Management and Budget. He emphasized that the governor’s proposed 3% budget reduction is a planning exercise, not a final decision, and that NDSU is also being asked how it would reinvest those funds. Discussions are ongoing to revise the higher education funding formula, including greater emphasis on credit production, high-demand workforce degrees and research activity. He also discussed leadership changes in the legislature, continued advocacy efforts and NDSU’s request for continued New Horizons funding. Regular campus updates will continue throughout the legislative process.

In closing, I provided updates on our national searches for the Vice President positions for Research and for Marketing and Communications. I also stressed the importance of moving forward as One NDSU and why it’s critical we show up and be engaged.

If you have any questions or would like further details on any of these topics, please feel free to reach out to the presenters or me.

Thank you for your continued commitment to NDSU.

Marshall Stewart, Ed.D.
President
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY