Cindy Everts

The meeting included reports from the Wellness and Engagement workgroups. Wellness initiatives discussed included the employee annual enrollment, the purchase of a rack for the break room, and upcoming mental health collaborations with the Impact Committee. The Engagement workgroup reviewed plans for the Employee Appreciation Celebration, including an upcoming event at the Grandstreet Show, and discussed logistics for promoting fall activities. New business focused on planning summer events such as game days and potential potlucks, and participation in the SponCon upcycling competition and fundraiser. A previous successful BBQ event was also noted.

The cabinet discussed financial aid reporting, the management of the new website, and feedback regarding policies 100.3 and 100.3.1. Procedures for recording institutional travel on the Dean's calendar were established, and future cabinet meeting dates were reviewed. Additionally, the group addressed the alignment of annual plans for AY2627 with institutional priorities, final revisions for NWCCU commission approval, and planning for upcoming Gardner Sensemaking sessions, including scheduling onboarding meetings and working group dates.

The meeting included discussions on website updates regarding the Campus Coordinating Committee and upcoming discovery presentations. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to an FYE budget update, covering summer tuition revenue, constraints on Pro Card spending, travel approval requirements, and specific budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year involving reallocations and reductions. The Cabinet also brainstormed institutional priorities focused on expanding career development and workforce ties, emphasizing the need for mission development, professional support for faculty, and strategies to increase industry partnerships and student job placement.

The meeting addressed enrollment trends, equipment updates including the acquisition of an ambulance and training aids, and ongoing construction of a new fire training center. Discussions included personnel changes, student success metrics, and outcomes from the Firefighter 1 Academy. The board reviewed hiring forecasts from regional departments, discussed a five-year academic program review, and explored the role of artificial intelligence in fire and emergency services. Additionally, the board evaluated the value of the Associate of Science degree and potential curriculum adjustments to align with industry needs and paramedicine pathways.

The meeting focused on programmatic updates for the Accounting and Business departments, including curriculum alignment with industry standards, the introduction of a data analytics course, and revised capstone and internship requirements. Discussions on student performance identified gaps between academic instruction and workplace expectations, such as the need for stress management training, guidance on navigating state hiring processes, and the importance of professional adaptability. The board also addressed skill set development, including soft skills and negotiation, and explored future needs such as field trips to accounting firms and fostering connections between students and local businesses.