Mark Anderson

The meeting included several key agenda items covering personnel actions, financial reports, and contract approvals. Faculty personnel actions involved one appointment, three promotions, and three retirements. Staff personnel actions included two appointments, two promotions/reclassifications, and four separations. The Board approved a resolution establishing a salary increase pool equal to 4.5% of the aggregate total base salaries for full-time managerial and confidential employees. The Board also approved revisions to several college-wide policies, including those related to second degrees, transfer credits, tuition refunds, residency, and smoke-free environments. The Safety Report noted a suspected fraudulent activity investigation by the Cranford Police Department concerning a Foundation financial account. The Budget and Finance Committee reported that investments were in order and reviewed financial variances impacted by enrollment increases and timing of health benefit payments. Numerous resolutions were approved, including authorizations to obligate anticipated grant funding (Carl D. Perkins Grant, Community College Opportunity Grant, County College Based Center for Adult Transition Grant), acceptance of additional grant funding (CCOG, County of Union WIOA), acceptance of the Displaced Homemaker Program renewal, and authorization for the President to submit grant applications up to $5,000,000. Several contracts exempt from competitive bidding were approved, involving printing and mailing services, postage, Amazon specialty supplies, office/copier paper, library materials, digital subscription services (Cengage Learning), consulting services (EAB Global Inc.), content management software (Hyland Software), IT hardware/software renewals (SHI International Corp. and Aspire Technology Partners, LLC), temporary custodial staffing, temporary staffing services (Robert Half International), and professional development program services (EdCERT, LLC Dba ACUE).

The Board of Trustees meeting included a presentation on the Honors Program by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Humanities. The President's Report highlighted that UCNJ was named one of the top 200 community colleges by the Aspen Institute, the Chairman received a Trustee Leadership Award, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Physical Education Center (PECK), and the Foundation raised nearly $225,000 at its Scholarship Gala. The Board also discussed their admission to the Aspen Presidents and Trustees Collaborative. Key resolutions approved personnel actions, including several appointments, promotions, and separations. Revisions to several College policies (Attendance, County Chargebacks, Interpreter, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and Social Media) were approved. The Safety Report indicated no campus crimes or fire incidents from August 12, 2025, through October 14, 2025. The Budget and Finance Committee reported on investments and reviewed the Financial Report and Current Estimate Report, anticipating a $1.6 million transfer from Unrestricted Net Position. Resolutions approved funding for the College Readiness Now XII Grant, the renewal of cyber security software licenses with Aspire Technology Partners, LLC, the renewal of the emergency alert notification system with Rave Mobile Safety, and several general contracts between $17,500 and $44,900. One resolution authorized the disposal of surplus property valued at approximately $10. In Buildings and Grounds, a contract for concrete materials related to PECK construction was approved, and updates were provided on campus projects, PECK construction progress, the status of the cell tower DEP permits (which were not yet filed), the Kellogg recovery status for kitchen equipment, and recommendations for a backup generator location.

The board announced the 2025 meeting schedule, including joint and regular meetings at various campuses. A revised June meeting time and a special board retreat were announced. A public hearing was scheduled for the 2025-2026 college budget, detailing operational expenses, revenues, and capital outlay expenditures, including technology upgrades and capital improvements. Additionally, a public hearing was announced regarding a tuition change for the 2025-2026 academic year, introducing separate tuition categories for in-state and out-of-state students. The Board of School Estimate will hold a public hearing to discuss the amount of money estimated for operational expenses and capital outlay expenditures.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding various topics. A Memorandum of Understanding between the college and the Union County Prosecutor's Office/John H. Stamler Police Academy was approved. Faculty and staff personnel actions were approved, including appointments, promotions, reclassifications, reinstatements, and separations. Contracts with the Public Safety Association/NJEA and the Staff Association/NJEA were approved. Revisions to college policies were also approved. The board approved grant funding from the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development on behalf of the WIOA Title II, ABLE PLUS Consortium and accepted Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) funds from the State of New Jersey, Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). Contracts were awarded for electric supply service, rental of snow removal equipment and van rentals, and other goods and services. The board declared certain items as surplus and authorized their disposal. An application to the Higher Education Capital Facilities Programs for the Lessner Building Modernization project was approved, along with the Facilities Master Plan and Deferred Maintenance Plan. A change order for the electrical substation relocation on the Cranford Campus was approved. A contract was awarded to the Union County Improvement Authority for the removal of renewable energy panels on the Cranford Campus. The board also authorized the issuance of Aspen Stipends to eligible employees.

The Union County College Board of Trustees convened a special meeting to discuss and approve resolutions related to grant applications for the Higher Education Capital Facilities Programs through the New Jersey Office of Higher Education. The resolutions included the approval and authorization of an application for the construction of a Skilled Trades Center project, as well as the Lessner Building Modernization project. Both resolutions involved the approval of the Facilities Master Plan with addendum, Deferred Maintenance Plan, and authorization for the President to execute certifications and grant funding applications. The board also went into a closed session to discuss potential litigation.