Central Oregon Community College

The board meeting focused on several key items including a native lands acknowledgement and agenda changes. Significant public comment was provided regarding college financial data, specifically concerning the ending fund balance for fiscal year 2025, PERS debt, wage-dependent rollup costs, state funding projections, and the potential impact of union compensation proposals on reserves. Additionally, faculty representatives presented a petition in support of classified staff, emphasizing the need for improved salary and benefit competitiveness. Administrative reports covered monthly budget status, new hire updates, and an informational presentation regarding the transition to exploratory degree titles within guided educational pathways.

The meeting featured a native lands acknowledgement and roll call, followed by the recognition of the All Oregon Academic Team, highlighting high-achieving students across various programs including nursing, physics, and behavioral health. Additionally, the board discussed the process for faculty recognition, which encompasses tenure, promotion, sabbatical, and emeritus status reviews for faculty members.

The meeting agenda includes the Native Lands Acknowledgement, Roll Call, and Public Comment session. Key discussion items are categorized under Information Items, covering the Monthly Budget Status for January 2026, New Hire Reports, and Exploratory Degree Titles within Guided Pathways, including the inactivation of certain broad degree titles. New Business involves approval of tuition and fees for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The agenda also specifies Board of Directors' Operations, including Committee Updates and Board Member Activities, followed by the President's Report concerning legislative tracking, the documentary screening, and Data Week activities. The session is scheduled to conclude with an adjournment to Executive Session concerning Labor Negotiations.

The Policy Review Committee agenda for March 12, 2026, includes a review of the previous meeting's minutes from February 12, 2026. Key discussion points involve proposed revisions to policy BEP 9: General Fund Reserve Policy, specifically moving from a percentage range to 60 days of operating reserves with a minimum floor. The committee also planned to review the alignment of the internal calendar with GP 7: Board Planning Cycle, and review GP 9: Board Operations. Additionally, proposed revisions to BPR 1: Delegation to the President are scheduled for review.

The Advocacy Committee meeting agenda included reviewing updates on the College Funding Petition to Oregon Legislators and the OCCA Updates regarding priority bills in the 2026 Oregon Legislative Session. Key discussions also involved recapping the 2026 ACCT National Legislative Summit, providing an update on Elected Leaders Outreach, and reviewing the internal and external timelines for advocacy and legislative activities, including the upcoming legislative session end date and HECC schedule.