James Russel Vernon

The Board of Trustees met to discuss and approve several key agenda items. Topics included the renewal of non-probationary and probationary faculty contracts, revised policies regarding employee business expenses, reporting requirements, and admissions. The meeting featured an excellence award presentation to a student sharing her academic and personal journey. Additional reports were provided by representatives of the Faculty Association, Staff Association, and the Student Government Association concerning their respective initiatives and accomplishments. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved the budget and corresponding appropriations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The Board discussed and reviewed several agenda items, including the potential removal of Aims from the French Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement, the proposal for a new International Business Certificate, and the creation of a Health and Human Performance Associate of Applied Science degree. Various policies were presented for revision, including policies on employee business expenses, reporting requirements, and admission. The meeting also included reports on college highlights, cybersecurity, academic program feasibility, and faculty association updates.

The board meeting included a student presentation highlighting experiences as a student and employee at the college. Updates were provided by representatives from the staff association regarding community outreach and wellness initiatives. A student representative shared a personal experience regarding the institution's support through a student emergency fund. Additionally, the board discussed and moved to approve the fiscal year 2026-2027 faculty consultation agreement, which included revisions to consultation policies and procedures and planning for academic celebrations.

The Board meeting included several policy updates, such as the hiring of an external financial auditor, revisions to student financial assistance and commencement attire policies, and the repeal of a policy regarding vocational school programs. Presentations were given by an alumnus, faculty representatives, and the student government association, focusing on student success stories and institutional achievements. Action items included the approval of resolutions to negotiate the lease-purchase of land for future campus expansion at the Windsor campus and the purchase of a hangar facility in Loveland to consolidate college operations.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda, presentations from students and staff associations, and several action items. A student presentation highlighted an individual's journey from nursing prerequisites to entrepreneurship in business management, emphasizing the support received from the college. The Faculty Association noted the English department's activity in adult education and commended a Mathematics professor for student guidance. The Staff Association detailed service activities, including volunteering at the Weld County Food Bank and planning staff wellness initiatives like guided walks and yoga. The Student Government Association reported on leadership attending a NASPA conference in Chicago, noting Ames' advanced student support services, and securing funding for a multi-game table at the Fort Lupton campus to enhance student engagement. Action items involved the approval of the fiscal year 2026-2027 proposed tuition rates, which included a $5 per credit increase for in-district students as part of a five-year plan, and the approval of a $1 per credit increase for the mandatory student fee supporting student life and SGA. Finally, the board designated the college website and the president's office as the official locations for posting public meeting notices.