Kathryn Averyt

The meeting featured an information presentation concerning the accreditation process with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), highlighting the self-study submission deadline of August 31, 2026, and the accreditation visit scheduled for October 26-29, 2026. An update was also provided on the strategic planning process, indicating that the next plan would commence in academic year 2028 with a focus on improving students' lives and the community. The Board discussed aligning the strategic planning efforts with the forthcoming accreditation visit. The session concluded after a brief Q&A session regarding items on the Regular Meeting Agenda.

The meeting included recognition for the Government Finance Officers Association award for financial reporting excellence based on the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Public comment featured updates from the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. An information presentation was given on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2025, including the 2024-25 audit findings. College reports included a verbal update from Student Government. Board reports covered Executive Committee items and legislative priorities from the OCCA/OSBA Liaison. Action items included the first reading of revised policy BP-3250 (Institutional Planning) and new policy BP-3716 (Artificial Intelligence), and second readings/approvals for revised policies BP-3100, BP-3230, BP-5010, and BP-6250. The Board also approved several new programs: Bachelor of Applied Science in Education, High School CTE Teaching License Preparation Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician - Foundational, Fire Science - Foundational, and Pre-Dental Assistant Career Pathway Certificates. Additionally, approval was granted for GMP Amendment 1 with Adroit Construction, acceptance of the 2024-25 Audit, and granting Emeritus Status to Juliet Long. Old business included an update on the Transportation Technology Center Project. The consent agenda, including Quarterly Budget Transfers, was approved.

The meeting agenda includes initial items such as Awards & Recognitions and Public Comment, followed by College Reports from various associations. Board Reports cover activities of the Executive Committee, Board Outreach Committee, OCCA/OSBA Liaison, Foundation Board Liaison, and the President's Performance Review Committee. College Updates include reports from the President, Senior Leadership Team, Institutional Effectiveness, and the Foundation. Board Action and Information Items cover the Monthly Financial Data Report for January 2026, and first readings for 2026/27 Tuition Rates and Fees, and revisions to Board Policies BP-3430 (Prohibition of Harassment) and BP-3505 (Emergency Operations Plan). Second readings and potential actions include revisions for BP-3440 (Service Assistance Animals), BP-3500 (Campus Safety), and BP-3501 (Campus Security and Access). Other items include a second reading for BP-3503 (Missing Student Notification), the 2025/26 Supplemental Budget, and a contract with Johnson Controls for Access Control upgrades. New Business addresses the PERS Bond Update, and Old Business covers updates on the Transportation Technology Center Project and Facilities Conversation Moving Forward. The agenda concludes with the approval of the Consent Agenda and provision for an Executive Session regarding Labor Negotiations.

The special meeting, conducted as a work session, included introductions of several executive and dean-level guests. The primary discussion centered on the overview of the budget process, emphasizing the use of zero-based budgeting methodology aligned with the strategic plan. The presentation detailed the three-step roles and responsibilities for budget approval, from the departmental level up to the board. Key components of the budget development timeline were reviewed, including the discussion of state appropriation changes, CCSF structure, and reserves. Specific attention was given to the potential impact of a 1% reduction in state appropriations on the college. Furthermore, the meeting covered updates on website information presentation and detailed proposed tuition and fee increases for Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science programs for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The complexities of the quality growth factor, FTE reimbursement, and the current funding distribution formula were thoroughly analyzed, noting that Rogue Community College has the highest percentage of unfunded eligible FTE compared to other colleges.

The meeting began with awards and recognition for exceptional students nominated for academic excellence and engagement, including several students selected for the All Oregon Academic Team. The board heard updates regarding legislative matters from the OCCA OSBA liaison, covering Senate Bill 1537 regarding non-voting student board members, House Bill 4079 concerning federal involvement on campus, and House Bill 4124 which mandates a study on postsecondary education conditions. House Bill 4161, which relates to food and beverage service at official events, was also discussed. The board conducted its annual slate of officers election for the upcoming year, with the current president set to become past president and a new president designated. Updates from the President included thanks to the board and staff for leadership during a recent medical leave, and discussion of the precarious financial outlook for Oregon postsecondary education due to attached tax codes, despite slightly better current state revenue projections. Further committee reports covered the Executive Committee's discussion of the work session agenda and the president's evaluation process, and the Membership Services Committee's plan for an in-depth board member survey.