Fiona Approo-Johnson

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence to condemn violence and hatred globally, including racism, anti-semitism, and Islamophobia. Key discussion points included sharing good news regarding the NJA Jim George Collective Bargaining Summit award for best contract throughout New Jersey, reflecting strong collaborative efforts between administration and the union. There was also a report on the campus's commitment to federal compliance working group activities in response to Washington directives, and a brief mention of the Supreme Court declining to hear a challenge to gay marriage. Updates were provided regarding support for students, including an upcoming immigration law session scheduled for December 4th and continued efforts to bolster the campus food pantry, supplemented by a recent $52,000 grant. Furthermore, the college is participating in the next cohort of the Citizens and Scholars Campuswide Immersion Project (CWI), co-led by Dr. Cade Thurman and Dr. Chris Conzen, which focuses on promoting civic fluency through civil discourse, navigating information, and collaborative problem-solving, with assessment and action planning scheduled through the upcoming year.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for victims of violence globally and a statement condemning all forms of hatred. The discussion focused on several areas of celebration, including the opening of the 50th anniversary museum exhibit at the Jersey City Museum of History, which commemorates the college's legacy. The success of the 28th annual Foundation Gala was also highlighted, noting a sell-out attendance, significant collective contribution from honorees ($45,000), and progress toward building a $2.5 million college endowment which generates annual revenue for student scholarships. A significant agenda item was the submission of a $4 million proposal for a FIPSY grant supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI) work, which was prepared rapidly with input from multiple sister colleges and national organizations. Key personnel leading this grant effort, along with the advancement and culinary teams responsible for the gala's success, were recognized and thanked.

The agenda for the meeting included key reports from the Student Government Association President, All College Council Chair, and the College President, which featured a presentation on the STEM Capstone Project. Regular monthly reports and recommendations covered resolutions for fiscal, administrative, lease, and capital matters. Significant fiscal actions included awarding a month-to-month contract for project management support services for the Center for Student Success construction, renewing Content Management System (CMS) services for the website, purchasing a College Data Platform from EAB Global Inc., renewing the Helpdesk ChatBot Platform, authorizing Special Conflict Counsel Services, authorizing Risk Management and Insurance Brokerage Services, authorizing the purchase of Commencement Regalia, authorizing Collection Services, and authorizing an addendum to an agreement with the Business-Higher Education Forum. A resolution was also presented to terminate all participation under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). Personnel recommendations involved approving a retirement, resignations, appointments of full-time staff and faculty, authorization of part-time staff, appointments of new hire adjunct instructors, and modifications to the staffing table. Academic and Student Affairs recommendations included authorizing several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements with entities such as New York University and various other organizations.

The agenda for this Regular Meeting included calling to order, roll call, comments from the public, and a determination regarding closed session. Reports covered the Student Government Association President's Report, All College Council Report, and the President's Report, which featured a presentation on the STEM Capstone Project. Regular monthly reports covered minutes of previous meetings and gifts, grants, and contracts. Fiscal, administrative, lease, and capital recommendations addressed contract awards for project management support services for the Center for Student Success (to MAST Construction Services, Inc.), renewal of Website Redesign Content Management System (CMS) Services (to Modern Campus), purchase of a College Data Platform (to EAB Global Inc.), renewal of the Helpdesk ChatBot Platform (to GovConnection, Inc.), authorization for Special Conflict Counsel Services (to Ruderman & Roth, LLC), authorization for Risk Management and Insurance Brokerage Services (to Acrisure), purchase of Commencement Regalia (to Follett Corporation), authorization for Collection Services (to Allied Account Services, Inc. and Transworld Systems, Inc.), an addendum to the agreement with Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), and a resolution to terminate participation under the SHBP and SEHBP. Personnel recommendations included the approval of one retirement, one resignation, several appointments of full-time and temporary staff and faculty, authorization of part-time staff, appointment of adjunct instructors, and modifications to the staffing table. Academic and student affairs recommendations involved authorizing MOUs and agreements with various external entities like New York University (NYU) and Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST).

This document outlines key steps for students to achieve a successful Fall semester at Hudson County Community College. It provides a chronological guide from September to December, emphasizing crucial actions such as attending classes, confirming schedules, utilizing digital resources like HCCC Email and Canvas, managing deadlines, and actively engaging with support services like tutoring and academic advising. Key priorities include timely registration for spring classes and early application for financial aid for the subsequent academic year.