John B. Araujo

The council meeting included updates from various departments and discussions on several key areas. The President's Remarks included a student sharing their story and CCRI experience. Academic Affairs showcased a new academic assessment portal. Student Affairs reported on community college enrollments, noting a recent up-tick. Finance & Strategy discussed departmental restructuring and a simplified model for the chart of accounts. Administration reported on HR changes focused on customer service and new vendor search for position advertisements.

The council meeting included updates on remote teaching, learning, and working, as well as the FY21 budget. There was a review and approval of the Academic Quality Assessment Committee's proposed policies and procedures, including the Academic Assessment -- Academic Program Review Policy and Procedure, and the Annual Assessment Reporting Policy. The selection of Jessica Wilkie as Director of Guided Pathways was announced, along with the approval of several certificates and a degree by the Council on Postsecondary Education. Updates were provided on transitioning student services to online platforms, managing COVID-19 related supports, and enrollment figures. Finance and Strategy reported on efforts to move the college to a completely remote environment, while Administration discussed capital projects and the use of Warwick and Newport as COVID testing sites. Institutional Advancement reported on fundraising efforts for the student relief fund.

The President's Council meeting included updates on NECHE's visit and feedback on the self-study draft, recognition of the Cybersecurity Program's NSA designation, and the launch of a cross-college working group with Bally's. There were also discussions on the Division of Workforce Partnerships receiving the PBN Manufacturing Award, the DEI Award for Postsecondary Education, and the GWO wind training facility. Updates were provided on Academic Affairs, Student Services, Human Resources, Administration & Finance, Strategic Initiatives, Faculty Senate, and Staff Assembly, including enrollment numbers, upcoming events, new staff onboarding, budget updates, Early College opportunities, and collaboration between the Faculty Senate and Staff Assembly. The meeting concluded with a report on the success of the "Say Yes" lunches and a grant received for the education of incarcerated individuals.

The meeting included welcoming new members, updates on the pandemic's impact, budget information for FY21 and FY22, and RI Promise. Changes to the Student Handbook, mainly related to Title IX regulations, were reviewed and approved. A policy on Online Learning was discussed and then tabled, while the IRB Policy was approved. Updates were provided on Academic Affairs, Student Services, Finance & Strategy, Administration, and Institutional Advancement, including faculty training, new certificates and degrees, enrollment statistics, budget decreases, COVID-19 protocols, trustee elections, and fundraising efforts.

The meeting included discussions on the largest gift ever received from a private donor, which will support student outcomes. Updates were provided on faculty recruitment, including the distribution of positions, the impact of retirement incentives, and the status of searches. The New Faculty Mentoring program was launched and met with a positive response from current faculty. Updates were given on the Liston and Flanagan campuses, including the need for supervision and administrative support, summer session numbers, and options for students. The new VP for Workforce Development and the new Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX were introduced. The draft of the strategic goals is on the SP website, along with a survey to respond to them.