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The below repository outlines the full roster of BoD Motions for the 2026 calendar year. In addition to listing the full motions, you can view a narrative digest of what was approved and discussed in the most recent board meeting.
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Financial Performance and Conference Overruns
The Board reviewed a significant financial report showing that conference registration revenue fell short of expectations, with the San Diego event incurring expenses of $955,100 against $813,699 in revenue. While membership revenue is down, the Board noted a positive shift in the "Program Efficiency Ratio" to 62% (demonstrating the percentage of expenses that are allocated to delivering on the NCHC’s mission), moving closer to the non-profit gold standard of 75%.
The "Accelerated Agenda" and Honors Interdisciplinarity
The Foresight Committee highlighted the impact of AP and Dual Credit "acceleration" on college curricula. This sparked a debate on the tension between major-specific honors tracks (to retain accelerated students) and the traditional interdisciplinary strengths of honors education.
Future Housing of NCHC Research Data
A critical discussion focused on the NCHC triannual census. The Board reached a consensus to have the Research Committee issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) to find a university partner to issue surveys and manage NCHC data, seeking a more sustainable and professionalized alternative to the current stipend-based individual oversight model.
University Press Transition
The Publications Board is evaluating a shift from self-publishing with Digital Media Commons to a partnership with a major university press (Illinois, Penn State, or Johns Hopkins). While the move could increase prestige, Board members expressed concerns regarding editorial control and the specific budgetary impacts of such a transition.
Ethical Investing and Endowment Management
With NCHC investment accounts totaling over $5.1 million, some Board members raised the question of holdings in sustainable funds and social media companies, to be further evaluated at the summer board meeting. The Board also discussed the optics of raising dues and fees while maintaining a large endowment, emphasizing the need for transparent communication with the membership.
Committee Structure and Review
Under "Vision 2028," the Board is implementing a rigorous review of committee activity. Key highlights included a proposal to provide registration discounts for committee chairs to aid recruitment and a discussion on whether the Science, Mathematics and Sustainability committee should be reclassified as an interest group due to leadership challenges.
Support for Small Colleges
The Board addressed the financial barriers preventing small college representatives from attending national conferences. Proposals included creating a "micro-sized" dues level and increasing virtual engagement opportunities to ensure these institutions remain part of the NCHC community.
Revision of "What is Honors?"
Executive Director James Zebrowski initiated a process to review and update the core "What is Honors?" definition document, which has not been updated since 2013. The Board plans to use the 2026 Conference to hold workshops and gather feedback from recent panels to redefine the sector’s standards.
Student Engagement and Recruitment Initiatives
Student Board members successfully advocated for more active roles, including a proposed co-chair position on the Student Affairs Committee. Additionally, the Board discussed a new initiative to host a national recruiting fair in future host cities (starting with Atlanta 2027) to attract high school and transfer students to honors programs.