Damali Abbensetts

The Governance & Nominations Committee meeting included a policy review and approval session. Key discussion centered on the CSCU Contracting and Signatory Authority Policy, which proposes a two-tier oversight framework for contracts. Tier one involves reporting contracts between $1 million and $2.499 million for information, while tier two requires prior Board of Regents approval for contracts of $2.5 million and above, or those involving specific categories regardless of cost. The committee accepted amendments to this policy, including language clarifying enforcement. The committee also briefly reviewed the Governance and Nominations Committee Charter without recommending any changes. An executive session was held to discuss a preliminary draft document.

This document, 'CSCU 2030: A Generational Investment in Public Higher Education', presents a multi-year proposal for state financial support to the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. It addresses challenges including stagnant operating budgets and outdated infrastructure through strategic investments in two key areas: enhancing student supports and academic innovation, such as expanding the PACT program and developing new academic offerings; and implementing a comprehensive capital projects program for physical and technological facility upgrades. The plan aims to drive innovation and growth, cultivate a highly educated and diverse workforce, close achievement gaps, and ensure modern, accessible, and sustainable campuses to support Connecticut's communities and economy through 2030.

The 'CSCU Forward: Building Toward 2026' report from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system highlights its strategic progress and future directions. Key initiatives include enhancing affordability and access through programs like the Finish Line Scholars, strengthening systemwide compliance and accountability, fostering academic innovation and partnerships, and improving governance and communication. The report also details systemwide collaborations, strategic investments in capital projects and technology infrastructure, and adaptability to evolving federal regulations, all aimed at expanding access, promoting student success, and meeting Connecticut's workforce needs.

The CSCU 2030 Capital Program Plan outlines a generational investment strategy for public higher education. It details multi-year funding for critical projects from FY 2024 through FY 2030, including code compliance, infrastructure improvements, energy efficiency, and equipment replacement across various colleges and universities within the CSCU system. The plan aims to enhance facilities and resources to support the long-term needs of public higher education.

The special joint meeting between the Board of Regents (BOR) and the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) focused on strengthening collaboration and addressing systemic issues. Key discussion points included the misalignment of block grant funding with inflation, the obstacle to long-term planning caused by reliance on one-time funding, and concerns over administrative and management growth following the creation of CT State Community College. Faculty expressed frustration regarding past data processes and lack of inclusion in policy development. The Interim Chancellor accepted responsibility for timely data sharing and outlined plans for robust data governance and a system-wide 'level set.' Discussions also covered the PACT Plus initiative (Finish Line Scholarship) intended to support PACT recipients transitioning to four-year institutions debt-free. Stakeholders agreed on the necessity of establishing baseline numbers and framing higher education funding as a long-term public investment.