Melissa Ramirez Cooper

The meeting featured reports from the Operational Assembly, including updates on the availability of institutional research data, the successful completion of an international STEMSEAS research trip, funding for the Safe Haven Program, facility improvements to cooling and flooring, and IT initiatives for online enrollment. The Academic Senate discussed course revisions, a pilot program for Blackboard usage, reviews of the forgiveness policy and course cancellation procedures, and upcoming student engagement events. Additionally, the Council reviewed the Troy Care Collective's support services and their impact on meeting student needs. Finally, the group reached a consensus on the Innovation and Technology goal for the upcoming strategic plan, focusing on leveraging AI for academic and operational processes and better coordinating technology initiatives.

The Council discussed several operational and strategic initiatives. Key topics included the introduction of student photo IDs for identification purposes, enrollment trends in Adult Education, and the status of the Pre-Employment Pre-Apprentice Academy program. The Testing Center provided updates on its recertification process, while the Academic Senate reported on program and course revisions, campus quality efforts, and the formation of committees focused on AI education and ethics. The meeting also addressed student support strategies, highlighting the use of data-driven outreach to improve engagement and retention. Additionally, the Council reviewed progress on automating graduation processes to improve completion outcomes and explored the potential integration of artificial intelligence tools across college operations.

The board approved several action exhibits and purchasing schedules, including a Smart Technology Refresh by Xerox and an education package for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The meeting also featured recognition for student athletes who competed at the NJCAA Men's Wrestling National Championships, as well as the institution's designation as a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream.

The meeting included public discourse regarding the inactivation of the Horticulture program, with administration providing clarification on enrollment trends. Reports were presented by faculty associations and the Student Senate, covering recent events and committee activities. Action items approved included board travel, budget transfers, consulting agreements, vendor contracts, and the release of closed session documents. The Board also reviewed and deliberated on a radiology equipment purchase, while votes on bills, invoices, and various human resources reports—including faculty and staff appointments—yielded mixed results with several motions failing.

The committee discussed several financial and operational items, including a human resources payroll report, budget transfers, and an agreement with Garrick Michael Consulting for athletic department support. The committee also reviewed a proposal for rental space at the River Forest Civic Center Authority, a vendor limit increase for Wolters Kluwer Health to support nursing programs, and new affiliation agreements with the University of Chicago Medical Center and AdaptHealth, LLC. Additionally, the committee considered a purchasing schedule for exterior landscape maintenance and received a monthly financial report detailing tax revenue, tuition collections, and operating grant funds.