Jennifer Anderson

The Committee of the Whole meeting included opening remarks welcoming new Board members. Key discussions involved referring several action items to the full Board of Trustees for approval: the Series 2026 Bond Resolution to fund a new Columbus State YMCA building, a Resolution of Intent to Reimburse up to $2.0 million for preliminary design expenditures related to the YMCA project, the revised Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget (adjusting revenues based on enrollment projections and reallocating reserves for YMCA design costs), and approval of alternative tax budget information for bond certification. Additionally, a revised project overview for the Automotive Technology New Build detailed plans for a new facility with an estimated budget of $27.2 million. The committee also considered authorizing the third and final guaranteed maximum price amendment for the OhioHealth Hall construction. Information-only items included the Capital Project Report, Financial Statements as of November 30, 2025, and Personnel Information. Current updates covered the student success dashboard timeline, involvement in a national Scaling Shortened Academic Terms Initiative, implementation progress of Senate Bill 1 requirements, and the plan to seek adoption of a curricular approval process in March. The committee convened in executive session to discuss negotiations, legal matters, and personnel considerations.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included essential procedural items such as Call to Order, Roll Call, Certification of Conformity, Swearing-In of Officers, and Opening Remarks. Key business items included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the Series 2026 Bond Resolution for a partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio involving up to $36 million in financing, an Intent to Reimburse for related preliminary expenditures, the Revised Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget reflecting a $2.5 million revenue decrease primarily due to lower-than-projected enrollment growth, and approval for capital expenditure adjustments. Information-only items included the Capital Project Report and Financial Statements as of November 30, 2025.

The meeting included opening remarks from the Chair reflecting on the college's 2025 accomplishments, such as achieving a balanced budget, accelerating the capital plan (including the groundbreaking of OhioHealth Hall), and announcing new partnerships. The reappointment of three trustees was followed by the administration of the oath of office. The consent agenda, which included items discussed in September 2025, was approved, covering topics such as establishing a Student Recreation Fee, naming spaces related to OhioHealth Hall, and approving new and revised policies related to faculty workload, separation from employment, space use, and establishing an American Civics Education Course, as well as property acquisition. Information-only items included a Capital Project Report and financial statements. The President's report highlighted achievements of staff and trustees, updates on campus visits, workforce housing project approval, and positive enrollment trends exceeding 40,000 distinct students in the prior academic year, with significant momentum in Autumn 2025. Enrollment and student success outcomes were detailed, noting improved gateway course success rates and retention rates, with the college joining the Scaling Shortened Academic Terms Initiative. New business focused on the recommendation and election of new officers for the Board of Trustees. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss confidential matters.

The Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several substantive items. Key discussions included the proposal to establish a Student Recreation Fee of up to $65 per semester starting Autumn Semester 2028 to support a partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio for a new wellness facility, including childcare services. The committee also reviewed proposals for naming spaces associated with OhioHealth Hall based on philanthropic contributions. Several agenda items related to the College's response to Senate Bill 1 were discussed, including the adoption of new Policy 5-20 (Faculty Workload and Evaluation), revisions to Policy 3-30 (Separation from Employment) regarding faculty retrenchment, a review of Policy 5-19 (Promotion and Tenure), and approval of a revised plan to establish an American Civics Education Course. Further items included revisions to Policy 13-12 (Space Use), adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Efficiency Report, and approval of a strategic property acquisition at 183 Jefferson Avenue using bond issue proceeds to facilitate future development, such as relocating the Automotive Technologies program. The meeting concluded with a discussion in executive session concerning pending or imminent court action.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on various topics such as the student recreation fee, naming of spaces associated with OhioHealth Hall, faculty workload and evaluation policies, revisions to policies on separation from employment and space use, and the adoption of the FY25 Efficiency Report. Additionally, there will be updates on information-only items including policy 5-19 on promotion and tenure, capital project report, financial statements, and personnel information items. The agenda also covers the annual organization of the board, including the nominating committee report, election of officers, and the 2026 board calendar.