The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) meets today in the Student Memorial Union of UA for the second part of its two-day conference of the three state universities. Topics under discussion include more money for campus renovations, football coach Jerome Souers’ new contract and changes to NAU’s construction project plans.

The agenda for the meeting states NAU had asked ABOR for nearly a million dollars more for the Liberal Arts building renovation project — money still originating from the Stimulus Plan for Economic and Educational Development (SPEED) fund, which, according to the Office of the President, consists of 80 percent revenues from the state lottery system and 20 percent university money.

“Northern Arizona University requests revised Project Approval for the Liberal Arts building renovations being financed with SPEED revenue bonds,” the release said. “The revision includes a budget increase of $900,000 for outdoor exterior stairs and audiovisual upgrades. The total project cost is increasing from $8.7 million to $9.6 million.”

The agenda also shows NAU President John Haeger will be soliciting ABOR for approval to spend nearly $4 million in university money on the changes to the Walkup Skydome.

“Northern Arizona University requests revised Project Approval for the Skydome renovations originally being financed with SPEED revenue bonds,” the release said. “The revision includes a budget increase of $3.7 million to address foundation issues and additional code requirements. The increases will be funded with university funds. The total project cost is increasing from $21.9 million to $25.6 million.”

Other notable items on the schedule include a vote by the board on the FY2011 Capital Development Plans (CDP) for the university, which NAU revised. According to the details in the agenda, the changes include the addition of three projects slated to begin in 2011, bringing the final cost of all CDP endeavors next year to $125.4 million.

Of interest to NAU sports fans is the pending approval of a three-year contract extension for head football coach Jerome Souers. The vote is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. today.

ABOR has released their meeting schedule for next semester: ASU and UA will host the Regents in February and April (respectively) before visiting NAU on June 16 and 17.

For further updates about the ABOR meeting, go to JackCentral.com.