Leo Burgess

This document outlines the strategic plan metrics, evolving from previous iterations and finalized in 2022, primarily aimed at achieving 100% student success while addressing pandemic impacts and equity gaps. The plan focuses on enhancing student success through improved retention and access for underserved populations, leadership in innovative academic and workforce programs, optimized communication and collaboration, fostering a diverse and engaged community, and strengthening organizational sustainability through strategic investments and enrollment management.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included the approval of fee increases effective for the upcoming fall term, a positive budget update with an anticipated surplus, and a report on enrollment growth. The Board reviewed academic and student support initiatives, including retention strategies and a revision to the Academic Standing Policy. Additionally, the Board considered emeritus status appointments for retiring faculty and staff, discussed fundraising progress through the college foundation, and reviewed legislative priorities and infrastructure funding updates presented by the President.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the previous meeting, the Trust Fund Report for FY26, informational personnel items, and approvals regarding the President's travel and leave time. Key discussions involved the Chair welcoming and introducing three new trustees and providing an overview of recent events, such as a Donor Reception and governance meetings. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported on the State Auditor's office audit findings, covering cybersecurity training, internal controls, and employee settlement documentation, noting all recommendations are being addressed. The committee also reported strong FY26 financial performance with an operating surplus of approximately $2 million, earmarked for strategic investments. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee approved a sabbatical leave application for Fall 2026 and the 2026-2027 College Calendar, and reported a positive Spring 2026 enrollment update showing significant increases in headcount and credit hours. The Executive Committee emphasized the importance of 100 percent trustee participation in annual giving and detailed the growing demand and services provided by the HomePlate Food Pantry. The QCC Foundation reported increased faculty, staff, and alumni giving, successful digital fundraising campaigns, and high scholarship demand. The Student Trustee detailed initiatives to enhance student engagement, including establishing a coalition of student club leaders for fund allocation. Finally, the President addressed campus safety measures, celebrated faculty recognition, provided updates on NECHE standards, announced the formation of a committee to review the College's mission and vision, outlined legislative priorities for MACC funding, and provided updates on campus construction projects.

The meeting covered several administrative and committee reports. The Consent Agenda, which included approval of previous minutes, acceptance of the Trust Fund Report, informational personnel items, and the President's out-of-state travel and leave time, was approved. The Chair congratulated a Student Trustee on a new appointment and reminded trustees about an upcoming donor reception. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported a clean, unmodified opinion on the FY25 audit, although one control issue regarding the QCC Foundation's contribution recording was noted. The committee also reviewed the FY26 operating budget, noting a 25% increase since FY23 due to MassReconnect and MassEducate, and discussed strategic investments planned from the operating budget surplus. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee reported an 11.6% increase in Fall 2025 enrollment headcount, noting that Latinx student enrollment surpassed the goal for HSI designation, and a 33% increase in Pell Grants. The committee also addressed the transition of the TRIO program following non-renewal, noting the award of a new five-year TRIO grant for STEM and healthcare preparation. The Executive Committee reported on coordinating presentations and trustee appointments. The Student Trustee reported increased student engagement and new initiatives for direct communication with trustees. The President reported on strategic investments, invited trustees to an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony, mentioned attending the ACCT Leadership Congress, and discussed monitoring federal funding uncertainties while maintaining focus on student success.

The meeting included updates from the Chair, including congratulations to Student Trustee Noah MacDonald and reminders about the upcoming donor reception. The Audit and Oversight Committee presented the FY25 audit results, highlighting a clean opinion and an increase in total assets. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee discussed enrollment updates, noting an increase in headcount and credit hours. The Executive Committee coordinated presentations and discussed trustee appointments. The Student Trustee reported increased student engagement and new initiatives. The President reported on strategic investments, campus updates, federal funding uncertainties, and the importance of maintaining focus on student success.