Jennifer Aquila

The meeting covered reports and updates across several areas. The Treasurer's Report detailed cash balances and noted that state appropriations were received late, impacting the year-to-date revenue percentage. The President reported on welcoming Amazon Web Services for a Fiber Optic Splicing workshop and noted upcoming curriculum work with BitFarm. It was also mentioned that the State Board of Higher Education is releasing its strategic plan. Enrollment data showed slight declines in headcount for both Winter and Spring semesters, while FASFA applications trended upward. A Sabbatical Presentation highlighted research findings regarding Latin American and Latino studies, curriculum review, and demographic analysis of the Lehigh Valley, suggesting the exploration of AI-based translation tools to improve accessibility. The Legislative/Governmental Affairs Update mentioned a Senator's visit and challenges related to evidence collection for the Middle States Standard 7 self-study. The Finance and Facilities Committee reviewed the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit and discussed the proposed 2026-2027 budget. In Old Business, the search for the Vice President of Finance and Administration remained open. An announcement noted the retirement of the College's solicitor after 55 years of service.

The strategic plan for Lehigh Carbon Community College, titled "Many Voices, One Vision," outlines a roadmap for the period 2023-2026. It focuses on six key strategic initiatives: enhancing communication through a comprehensive plan, fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making, developing meaningful student and community engagement opportunities, improving employee experience through recruitment, retention, and work-life balance, increasing student enrollment and retention, and growing educational pathways to meet student needs. For the 2025-2026 year, the plan also emphasizes a unified "College Experience and Wellbeing" approach and integrates "Resilience" as a guiding theme across all initiatives.

The meeting included discussions and reports on various topics. These included a report from the Commission's fall retreat, which covered the state budget, higher education, and potential funding challenges for colleges. An enrollment report indicated decreases in headcount and credits for the winter and spring semesters. A presentation was given on the ESL Redesign and Curriculum Revision, detailing the creation of a new course and updates to the curriculum. There was also a legislative update covering the federal budget, dual-enrollment programs, and student loan borrower issues. The board approved amendments to the College Policies and Regulations Manual, as well as the Carbon Three C Scholarship Program for the academic years 2026-2029. Updates were provided on the search for the Vice President of Finance and Administration position, and Dr. Bieber received the Friend of LCTI Award.

The meeting included discussions on the state budget, where community colleges initially expected a funding increase that was later cut. An enrollment report indicated a rise in fall headcount but a slight decrease in credit hours. Updates were provided on the progress toward accreditation with the Middle States self-study, including the submission of the Self-Study Design and ongoing preparation of the Self-Study Report. The board also discussed an amendment to the College Policies and Regulations Manual and received updates on legislative and governmental affairs.

The meeting included discussions on the Treasurer's Report, which initially contained incorrect financial figures but was later clarified. The President reported on the potential passage of the Pennsylvania budget and its impact on grant fund release, a visit to the Amazon Web Services center, and plans for the Dental Hygienist program and aviation program expansion. Enrollment data indicated slight decreases in headcount and credit hours, but increases in fall and FASFA applications. The Strategic Plan Year 2 update was presented, highlighting achievements and ongoing objectives across various categories, including communication, data, engagement and wellbeing, employee experience, enrollment and retention, and programming. Updates were also provided on legislative affairs, finance and facilities, and the LCCC Foundation, including new board members and scholarship awards.