Frances Mary Boshell

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key administrative and operational items, including the swearing-in of a new alumni representative, the review and acceptance of annual audited financial reports for both the College and its Foundation, and the approval of various financial vouchers. The Board also authorized several contracts, including mechanical infrastructure repairs, environmental testing services, and the acquisition of instructional equipment. Additionally, the Board discussed adjustments to marketing campaigns, software license agreements, personnel reappointments, and academic program changes, such as the discontinuation of an Early Childhood STEM certificate and the establishment of a new Associate of Applied Science in Game and Real-Time Interactive Design. The meeting also addressed updates to the Board meeting schedule and received comments from the public regarding college negotiations.

The Board approved various financial items including the Treasurer's Report, vouchers, and tuition and fees for the upcoming fall semester. Several procurement resolutions were passed regarding facilities maintenance, electrical services, HVAC repairs, and equipment for academic programs such as advanced manufacturing, cosmetology, and the ophthalmic program. Additionally, the Board authorized the issuance of an RFP for a student housing project and approved agreements for security services, software subscriptions, and learning management systems. Human resources actions, faculty appointments, and sabbatical leaves were confirmed. The Board also approved the discontinuance of several academic degree and certificate programs and rescheduled a previous meeting.

The event focused on the critical need for experiential, hands-on, real-world training for students to create career opportunities in high-demand, high-paying biotech jobs within New Jersey. Discussions emphasized that skilled individuals and hands are central to the operations in the industry, highlighting the importance of the partnership involved. Acknowledgments were made to individuals who contributed significantly to NJ Bio Futures since its inception. The overarching vision is to expand participation next year with more students, industry partners, and deeper stories.

The Board of Trustees conducted a regular meeting which included the swearing-in of a new member, Terence Byrd. Key actions involved the acceptance of financial reports, specifically the RVCC Annual Audited Financial Report for FY 2025 and the RVCC Foundation's Annual Audited Financial Report for FY 2025. Other resolutions addressed the Treasurer's Report, approval of various vouchers, and emergency/pay-to-play replacements for critical equipment, including an evaporator coil for the Data Center and a fan for the Science Building RTU-2. Additionally, actions were taken concerning environmental testing services, sterile tubing welder acquisition, marketing/digital advertising campaigns, a software license agreement swap (Ellucian StudentForms to EIP), and several Human Resources actions, including faculty/staff reappointments and the deletion of a Certificate of Completion program, as well as the establishment of a new AAS program in Game and Real-Time Interactive Design (GRID) and setting the time and place for future Board meetings.

Key agenda items included the President's report noting the end of the Fall term, spring enrollment status, and a successful fundraising event supporting student food security, which raised $68,000. A new Somerset County Commissioner liaison was welcomed. The Audit Committee reviewed the Annual Financial Reports for both the College and the RVCC Foundation for FY 2025. The Finance Committee approved the Treasurer's Report for October 2025 and passed several resolutions, including approvals for various vouchers totaling over $3.3 million. Specific purchases authorized included a fume hood for the Biotechnology Laboratory, a heat exchanger for the campus pool, security cameras for the Workforce Training Center Addition, customized online reviews for the NCLEX exam, lens edging equipment for the Ophthalmic Program, a mobile medication station for the Nursing Program, transportation services for the 2025-2026 year, a new utility cart for the grounds crew, and replacement computers for Somerset Hall classrooms. The Board also authorized the rejection of all bids for the New Modular Building project and a three-month extension for the Security Services Agreement. The Educational Programs and Services Committee approved personnel actions, including new hires and status changes for administrators and support staff, as well as an appointment for a full-time non-tenure-track faculty member for Spring 2026. A nomenclature change for the Graphic and Interactive Design Associate of Fine Arts degree was also approved. The Governance, Policy, and President Evaluation Committee discussed the Campus Safety Report and the formation of a new committee to review Board policies. Public comments addressed a postgraduate teacher certification course and a civic engagement event.