Jennifer Aitken

This strategic plan aims to foster an inclusive and empowering campus environment, nurturing student success, promoting civic responsibility, and strengthening university-community connections. It is built upon four strategic pillars: Student Success and Retention, Community Engagement, Culture of Continuous Improvement, and Financial Stewardship and Responsibility. Key objectives include increasing graduation rates, creating pathways to financial security, enhancing the overall student experience and well-being, fostering leadership and civic engagement, building inclusive communities, strengthening partnerships, and supporting student-athletes.

The special meeting included a public comment from a student urging the Board to discontinue the use of the Pearson educational platform due to its design flaws and inaccurate materials. President Acebo provided an overview of the state mandate's maintenance bond, which aims to address infrastructure needs and invest in campus beautification projects. The Board unanimously approved a resolution to complete and submit the maintenance bond application to the state.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. There was a board reorganization with a new Chairman and Vice Chairwoman appointed. Public comments addressed concerns about faculty representation in subcommittees related to the merger with Kean University, with assurances from the University President about ongoing managerial meetings and a scheduled Town Hall for further details. The President's report highlighted increased enrollment, a MOODYs rating upgrade, infrastructure repairs, and reduced spending. The board approved items on the consent agenda, including personnel actions, professor emeritus designations, and bid waivers. Additionally, the board approved a definitive partnership agreement between New Jersey City University and Kean University.

The agenda includes an executive session, a public session call to order, roll call, and approval of public meeting minutes from September 29, 2025. Reports will be given by the Board Chair and the President, including updates from the University Senate, students, and on the FY26 budget. The consent agenda features resolutions authorizing a CIF/HEFT supplemental submission, affirming the Long-Range Facilities Plan, authorizing a bid waiver for Loeb & Loeb, authorizing an academic catalog/portfolio update, and directing institutional reorganization and restructuring. The meeting will also cover old and new business.

The strategic plan for the NJCU School of Business aims to be a responsive regional public business school, fostering community and leading adaptive, innovative, and transformative business education. It outlines three core strategic initiatives: ensuring sustainable fiscal and administrative operations, developing innovative educational and technological infrastructure for the full life cycle of learners, and applying a Sustainable Development Goals approach. The plan seeks to provide professional business skills, promote economic and social mobility, and enhance experiences through technical skills development and business knowledge.