Jessica Wohlstetter

The board meeting included the swearing-in of new trustees and reports from the university president and union representatives. Key topics discussed were enrollment trends across the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses, executive searches, and student accolades. The Human Capital Committee presented extensive personnel actions, including tenure appointments, promotions, and reappointments for faculty and professional staff. Additionally, the board approved several infrastructure and operation contract awards related to IT licenses and facility replacements, and authorized a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Green Canopy Project.

Key discussions during the meeting included the President's address regarding the restructuring of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences following a collaborative process, and acknowledgments of several community members selected for the Governor-elect's transition team. Union reports covered the completion of the fall semester, the approval of new online programs, and concerns regarding the College of Humanities and Social Sciences restructuring process. Under Student Success, the Board unanimously approved the development of several new degree and certificate programs: an Undergraduate Certificate in Software Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Computational Linguistics, a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Systems, a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Analytics (Online), a Doctor of Education in Organizational and Interdisciplinary Leadership (Online), and a Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology. The Human Capital Committee reported on approving numerous personnel actions, including faculty appointments, managerial appointments, and professional staff appointments and reappointments spanning 1-year and 3-year terms. The Infrastructure and Operations Committee reviewed proposed changes to the University's procurement policy, resulting in the approval to increase the Board approval threshold to $850,000 and include a base contingency amount. The Audit and Risk Management Committee reviewed the SGA audit and adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Statements and Audit Report. The session concluded with reports from the University Senate and Student Representative, and the Board entered into Closed Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel matters, and other appropriate subjects.

The document details the Winter Commencement Ceremony of 2025 for Montclair State University. The event included acknowledgments of simultaneous interpretation and sign language interpreters, as well as music performed by the Gressy Brass Orchestra of New York. Key segments involved recognizing the 2,178 graduates from 41 states and seven countries, representing over 300 programs across 13 colleges and schools, including the first graduating class of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University and highlighting the colleges of Community Health, Education and Participatory Learning, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and the Feliciano School of Business and School of Nursing. The ceremony also included land acknowledgment for the Lenape people and recognition of the university's board of trustees, officers, faculty, staff, and supporters of the graduates. The President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees delivered remarks celebrating the graduates' dedication, resilience, and commitment to improving the world.

The agenda for the Public Session included the swearing-in of new Trustees: Eric Brophy, Leonard Carr, Tara Colton, Michelle DeAngelo Bucceri, Marie-Marthelle Guervil, and Arlene Quinones-Perez. Key action items involved personnel actions under the Human Capital Committee, covering faculty tenure appointments, non-tenure appointments, promotions, and various reappointments. The Infrastructure and Operations Committee sought authorization for contract awards, including increases for Workday licenses and projects, and permission to apply for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The committee also proposed amendments to the University's procurement policy, increasing the Board approval threshold. The Audit and Risk Management Committee planned to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Statements and Audit Report. The meeting also included reports from the Student Trustee and Faculty Representative, and a scheduled motion to enter a Closed Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel matters, and other permissible topics.

The meeting included a statement confirming compliance with public notice requirements and a recognition of Trustee Preston Pinkett's retirement after 25 years of service. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the University Mission Statement and associated commitments. The President provided updates on national rankings, recent grant awards totaling $19.3M in new research funding, the upcoming inaugural season for Women's Flag Football, and recognized student-athletes. The Faculty Union President addressed the need for management training on collective bargaining agreements and increased transparency in decision-making. The Human Capital Committee moved to approve several personnel actions, including managerial and professional staff appointments, leaves of absence, and the naming of five Professor Emeriti. The Infrastructure and Operations Committee approved contract awards, specifically for Credit Card Programs with Bank of America. Student and Faculty Representatives shared feedback concerning academic stress, space accessibility, graduate student involvement, and restructuring within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Board concluded by moving to enter into Closed Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel matters, and other appropriate items.