Casey Denis

The meeting featured the introduction of three new trustees and committee updates. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported on the state audit response and a positive FY26 budget update. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee approved a sabbatical leave application and the 2026-2027 college calendar, while also providing a positive enrollment report for the spring semester. The Executive Committee highlighted the importance of annual trustee giving and reviewed the operations of the HomePlate Food Pantry. The QCC Foundation reported progress in fundraising and scholarship distribution. The Student Trustee outlined initiatives to revitalize student engagement. Finally, the President discussed campus safety measures, the formation of a committee to update the college's mission and vision, and legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

The board meeting covered several critical organizational and financial topics. Discussions included the FY26 budget performance and preliminary assumptions for the FY27 budget, which account for rising personnel, benefit, and fixed costs. The board granted approvals for tenure for faculty members, the conferral of Professor Emeritus status, the nomination for the Trustees' Citizen's Award, and the closure of the Early Childhood Education degree program. Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation on resources available through the Association of Community College Trustees, a report on QCC Foundation fundraising and donor engagement, and an update on student organization activities. The president provided reports on legislative advocacy efforts, enrollment trends, support initiatives for students affected by the closure of Anna Maria College, and overall student success outcomes compared to state peers.

This document outlines the strategic plan metrics, evolving from previous iterations and finalized in 2022, primarily aimed at achieving 100% student success while addressing pandemic impacts and equity gaps. The plan focuses on enhancing student success through improved retention and access for underserved populations, leadership in innovative academic and workforce programs, optimized communication and collaboration, fostering a diverse and engaged community, and strengthening organizational sustainability through strategic investments and enrollment management.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included the approval of fee increases effective for the upcoming fall term, a positive budget update with an anticipated surplus, and a report on enrollment growth. The Board reviewed academic and student support initiatives, including retention strategies and a revision to the Academic Standing Policy. Additionally, the Board considered emeritus status appointments for retiring faculty and staff, discussed fundraising progress through the college foundation, and reviewed legislative priorities and infrastructure funding updates presented by the President.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the previous meeting, the Trust Fund Report for FY26, informational personnel items, and approvals regarding the President's travel and leave time. Key discussions involved the Chair welcoming and introducing three new trustees and providing an overview of recent events, such as a Donor Reception and governance meetings. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported on the State Auditor's office audit findings, covering cybersecurity training, internal controls, and employee settlement documentation, noting all recommendations are being addressed. The committee also reported strong FY26 financial performance with an operating surplus of approximately $2 million, earmarked for strategic investments. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee approved a sabbatical leave application for Fall 2026 and the 2026-2027 College Calendar, and reported a positive Spring 2026 enrollment update showing significant increases in headcount and credit hours. The Executive Committee emphasized the importance of 100 percent trustee participation in annual giving and detailed the growing demand and services provided by the HomePlate Food Pantry. The QCC Foundation reported increased faculty, staff, and alumni giving, successful digital fundraising campaigns, and high scholarship demand. The Student Trustee detailed initiatives to enhance student engagement, including establishing a coalition of student club leaders for fund allocation. Finally, the President addressed campus safety measures, celebrated faculty recognition, provided updates on NECHE standards, announced the formation of a committee to review the College's mission and vision, outlined legislative priorities for MACC funding, and provided updates on campus construction projects.