EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan State University (MSU) trustees are being told to look—but not touch, copy, or discuss—details of a new athletics fundraising venture, or risk a six-figure penalty.

A proposed nondisclosure agreement tied to Spartan Ventures would fine trustees up to $250,000 if they share or retain confidential information, according to documents obtained through The Detroit News. The restrictions require trustees to review sensitive materials in person on a “strictly view-only basis,” with no notes, photos, or copies allowed.

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Spartan Ventures was created to raise money and expand business operations tied to MSU athletics, including through its for-profit arm, Spartan Media Ventures. While university officials describe the nonprofit as separate, MSU leadership maintains significant overlap. Currently, the university’s president, athletic director, and board chair collectively hold three of the venture’s seven board seats.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said the confidentiality rules are meant to protect proprietary business information. 

However, some trustees worry the strict confidentiality rules could limit their ability to fulfill their oversight responsibilities. Trustee Mike Balow said the arrangement risks sidelining the elected board.

“It’s creating a separate class of individuals outside the university board, who were elected as oversight,” Balow said. “This one has some of the most convoluted language I’ve seen.”