Lloyd Blanchard

This update outlines the strategic focus for the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) for 2024-2025, emphasizing rebuilding, re-engagement, and establishing a robust structure, culture, and goals to ensure long-term impact. Key initiatives include a culture reset, governance realignment with clarified leadership roles and a unified mission, and strengthened collaboration with Student Activity Directors. Accomplishments highlighted are enhanced communication with Student Government Associations and the formation of sub-committees for bylaws review and a systemwide student survey. Future plans involve leadership elections for 2025-2026, leadership training, and the finalization and distribution of a comprehensive systemwide student survey.

This joint meeting included discussions from the Academic & Student Affairs Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Key discussion points included the Annual Report on Sexual Misconduct presentation, with positive feedback on the supportive environment and potential for creating a training library. Academic updates featured Central Connecticut State University reporting over 10% enrollment growth, enhanced tutoring services via Knack, and progress on transfer initiatives using AI software named Raptor. CT State Community College noted an 8% rise in spring enrollment, hosting workforce development summits, and planning for short-term Pell Grant implementation, leading to the unanimous discontinuation of the Business Office Technology: Social Media Specialist certificate due to enrollment decline. Charter Oak State College presented updates on potential AI partnerships, discontinued two certificates (Physician Practice Management and Provider Credentialing Specialist), and received approval for new programs including a Bachelor of Science in Finance, an Early Intervention Certificate, and two Master of Science degrees related to Early Childhood/Special Education, while also modifying the Curriculum and Instruction Master of Science. Eastern Connecticut State University provided updates on December graduation and community engagement, while Western Connecticut State University reported an 8% increase in spring registration and significant focus on AI policy development and faculty training. Southern Connecticut State University reported on activities related to Quantum AI, climate change research, and efforts to support neurodiverse students, including collaboration with CT State honors students. Academic Affairs reported on policy reviews and the growth of the automatic admissions program.

The Governance & Nominations Committee meeting addressed several important matters. Initial remarks noted that several agenda topics were proceeding slower than anticipated due to System Office circumstances and ongoing presidential searches, emphasizing the priority to schedule the Board Retreat sooner. Key agenda items included the status of Board Bylaw Revisions, which involve researching details on the Chancellor's role, incorporating the Technology Committee Charter, and defining decision-makers for emergencies. A significant portion of the discussion focused on defining the Board's role and engagement level in institutional presidential searches, debating the balance between Board oversight and management versus the Chancellor's responsibility. The Committee also reviewed the Policy on Policies, which reaffirms the Board as the sole authority for policy adoption and standardizes the review and amendment processes. Due to the complexity, the Committee decided to schedule a special meeting for more thorough consideration of this policy.

The meeting commenced with quorum confirmation. Key discussion points centered on the Connecticut legislative session, including proper etiquette and process for the session, particularly regarding the appropriations committee hearings. Updates were provided on student advocacy, with 22 students testifying before the appropriations committee. The primary focus areas for funding included the full restoration and potential increase for the Finish Line Scholars Program, which aims to provide debt-free bachelor's degrees for CT State associates degree graduates, and addressing the structural deficit caused by state funding shortfalls for collective bargaining agreement increases. Discussions also covered deferred maintenance needs for state university buildings, which require specific capital bonding allocation.

The meeting focused on numerous academic and administrative updates across several Connecticut universities and the CSCU system. Southern Connecticut State University reported increased undergraduate and graduate enrollment, discussed an external review of its STAR program, and received approval to suspend the Classroom Teacher Specialist -- Sixth Year Certificate program. Southern also discontinued several graduate and post-master's certificates in Addiction Counseling and Reading, and unanimously approved the discontinuation of the Special Education, Specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis -- Sixth Year Certificate in conjunction with modifying the Applied Behavior Analysis -- Master of Science program. Western Connecticut State University provided updates on their NECHE site visit response, implementation of a new gen-ed framework, and the announcement of a significant $3.3 million gift from Dr. Carol Anne Hawkes, leading to a planned renaming of a campus center. Western also received approval for a promotion and tenure recommendation. Central Connecticut State University reported a 7% enrollment increase and discussed the Accelerate Central program, which aims to reduce time to degree by allowing students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees within five years across multiple tracks, including new pathways for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Central also implemented a new mandatory weekly class for freshmen on probation. Charter Oak State College reported a 15.3% enrollment increase and discussed expanding its Fast Track program options. CT State Community College highlighted a new agreement with CTECS for dual admission programs, approval from the Department of Education for prison education programs, and plans for new certificates in electric vehicles and public health. Finally, CSCU reported receiving a $2.4 million grant for the Excellence in Teacher Residency program and began work on a system-wide survey and the HR1 Committee related to federal changes.