Cara Anderson

The board meeting agenda includes proclamations for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month and the recognition of numerous retiring college employees. Standing reports will be provided by student representatives, various faculty unions, the college foundation, and several board committees. The board will address personnel matters including faculty appointments and claim settlements, as well as administrative services such as the payment of bills, various campus infrastructure and technology equipment contracts, and financial reports. Additionally, the meeting will cover the approval of a tax abatement, the review and adoption of several board policies, an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement, the departure of the current student trustee, and the appointment and swearing-in of a new student trustee.

The committee reviewed several policies scheduled for first reading or approval. Discussion topics included the four-year review of the Emeritus/Emerita policy, revisions to personnel approvals and appointment procedures, updates to the administrative position review process to align with union contract language, and a review of international student enrollment data in relation to the F1 visa policy.

The Board engaged in various administrative and strategic discussions. Key items included the approval of the Women's History Month proclamation and the recognition of retiring staff members. Significant deliberations occurred regarding a proposed tuition increase to ensure long-term financial stability and service quality. Reports were provided on financial status, student government activities, faculty and adjunct union matters, and foundation successes, including grant acquisitions and scholarship programs. The Board also addressed personnel actions, including tenure recommendations, a workers' compensation settlement, and contract approvals for services such as lobbying and campus maintenance. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved specific policies and discussed board committee reports.

The board featured a community partner spotlight on VNA Healthcare, exploring opportunities to expand healthcare access and collaboration for students. Key agenda items included the approval of several proclamations, specifically designating Earth Month, Community College Month, and National Arab American Heritage Month. The meeting also addressed operational matters, including a report on course fees, and concluded with a moment of silence in honor of community members.

The Board Policy Committee meeting addressed public comments concerning Policy 01.36.00, Board Requests for Information, specifically regarding a perceived failure to adhere to the 48-hour response procedure. The committee also reviewed several policies slated for future action. Policies recommended for 'Review Only' in February include 02.01.03, Whistleblower Protection. Policies recommended for 'First Reading' in February cover updates to 01.45.05 (Electronic Attendance at Meetings), 02.01.06 (Discipline (Non-Union Employees)), 03.16.00 (Student Identification, including clarification on chosen names), 04.17.00 (Final Exams), 07.02.01 (General Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Engagement), and 10.01.06 (Cellular Mobile Device). The President commended the committee for its policy processing, particularly its work on board resolution 01.36.00.