Deena Ata

The closed session commenced with a review session concerning the Board's self-evaluation and goal setting, which included a discussion on the current student success framework, 'You Matter We Care - Helping Our Students SOAR.' Key topics included addressing student financial instability, faculty engagement in student success, and strategic planning for advisor-to-student ratios. The meeting transitioned to a review of Academic Programs and Workforce Alignment, featuring updates on the Harper apprenticeship program where employers cover student costs. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the Harper Technology Strategy and Financial Updates, debating the accuracy of a $20 million IT figure, technology spending levels compared to Educause standards, and future assessment plans for IT strategy. The administration then presented the FY2025 Surplus Recommendations and Financial Reserves Update, detailing the allocation of the $10.9 million surplus, leading to a discussion regarding shifting funds toward Student Success Initiatives. Finally, the Board reviewed the FY26 President's Priorities/Board Goals, focusing on data timeliness for post-college employment evaluation, definitions of sustainability and diversity within the goals, and governance practices. A subsequent session, facilitated by Dr. Brad Ebersole, focused on governance and operational training, discussing trustee engagement, communication protocols, and the partnership between the Board and the President. No formal actions were taken during this closed session.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included a detailed financial update presented by the Controller, projecting a $6.9 million favorable variance for FY25, leading to an estimated total surplus of $11.3 million due to revenue increases outpacing expenditures. Proposed allocations for the surplus include support for FY26 needs, student success initiatives, and digital advertising, with the remainder to be discussed further. A preview of the updated five-year financial plan was provided, aiming for a soft landing to avoid future structural deficits. Budget plans for FY26 include budgeting 100% of state revenue and a modest tuition increase of $3 per credit hour to eliminate the distance learning fee. The administration detailed the planned addition of new and repositioned roles, such as a Student Engagement Manager, Dual Credit Advisor, Clinical Mental Health Therapists, and an International Recruitment and Admissions Specialist, which led to a discussion regarding the sustainability of moving positions from grants to operations. The timeline for the final FY26 budget, including public posting and hearings, was outlined. Additionally, the Chief of Staff and Vice President of External Affairs presented on the college's legislative affairs strategy, highlighting four pillars: building relationships, education, advocacy for student success legislation (like the Community College Baccalaureate degree), and regulatory compliance. Specific advocacy successes included engagement with federal representatives regarding Pell Grants and opposition to cuts to TRIO/Work-Study, and state-level progress on the CCB bill, securing over $900,000 in pending state funds for the Emergency Services Training Center. The meeting concluded with formal actions including entering and exiting a closed session to discuss the approval of minutes, followed by adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call. A public comment session was held with no comments received. A closed session was convened to discuss self-evaluation, practices, procedures, or professional ethics while meeting with a representative of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. Following the closed session, there were no formal actions taken during the public portion of the meeting before the final adjournment.

The regular meeting included several key presentations and actions. The Harper College Educational Foundation presented its Strategic Plan, including the "2030 by 2030" goal to increase student support by 56 percent. Reports were given by the Student Trustee, highlighting spring semester engagement and MLK Celebration attendance, and the Faculty Senate President, focusing on the digital accessibility initiative. The President reported on the start of the spring 2026 semester, a 1.2 percent increase in spring FTE, and updates on community partnerships, including the new aviation lab ribbon-cutting. The Alumni Relations Director provided an overview of engagement initiatives and outcomes, noting a 138 percent achievement of alumni giving goals. Public comments were heard from employees regarding facilities staff contributions and equitable resource allocation. The Consent Agenda approved expenditures, bid awards for a dental lab project and a Starfield Backdrop Curtain, a contract with Continual Engine for digital accessibility remediation services, a change order for the Building J replacement project, faculty/administrative appointments, board travel, and several policy amendments (Parliamentary Authority, Specific Requests by Board Members, and Social Media Policy) on first reading. New Business included the approval to amend the Partnership Agreement with Life Fitness to increase equipment value and the approval of the budget for Phase I of the Athletic Fields project.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included discussions on several key items. A primary topic was the FY2027 Tuition and Fees Recommendation, which proposed an increase of $4.25 per credit hour (approximately 2.6 percent) and an $8.00 increase to the per-semester Student Activity Fee (from $42 to $50), citing projected deficits in future fiscal years. There was also a presentation providing a final overview of the Athletics Phase I proposal, which covers facility upgrades including a new turf soccer field and track, estimated to cost $13.9 million inclusive of contingencies. Furthermore, an update was given on the FY26--29 Strategic Plan and FY26 Operational Plan implementation, detailing progress across the three institutional goals related to community cultivation, educational innovation, and organizational excellence. The Chair also announced committee assignments for faculty award selections.