Mirwais Azizi

The agenda for the meeting focuses on the review and action items related to several Board Policies (BP), including BP 3050 (Institutional Code of Ethics), BP 4225 (Course Repetition), and BP 4250 (Probation, Dismissal, and Readmission). The committee also planned to discuss policies previously reviewed by the District Consultation Council, specifically BP 2015 (Student Members), BP 4010 (Academic Calendar), BP 4020 (Program and Curriculum Development), BP 4025 (Philosophy and Criteria for Degrees), and BP 5050 (Student Success and Support Program). The meeting will also include an opportunity for public comment.

The Board of Directors meeting included a Treasurer's Report, which noted a transition of quarterly financial reporting to the Fiscal Affairs Office. Updates were provided for associated foundations, including NOCE, Cypress College, and Friends of Fullerton College. Cypress College Foundation reported on a successful Golf Classic netting $229,000 and establishing a new scholarship partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum. Friends of Fullerton College Foundation confirmed a new $4 million award from the Samueli Foundation, where the Foundation will act as fiscal agent, and discussed bylaw amendments to lower the minimum endowment threshold. A successful Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) event proceeds totaling $3,825 required authorization for a check transfer to the District Public and Governmental Affairs Department, as these were not Foundation funds. The meeting also confirmed the next meeting date as February 4, 2026, and discussed alternative plans for recognizing Vice Chancellor Fred Williams following the cancellation of his planned retirement celebration.

Key discussions included clarifications regarding funding sources for retirement events and the establishment of the Pure Ox Scholarship, which required a conditional vote pending a separate legal review of its criteria, though it was confirmed the criteria remained compliant based on a general legal opinion. The Treasurer's Report detailed quarterly financial activities through March 31, 2025, noting changes to the Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall Endowed Scholarship designation and tracking interest earnings across various scholarship funds. Updates were provided on Foundation NOCE Activity, including scholarship availability and applications for the Spring 2025 semester. The Cypress College Foundation reported on the success of the 50th Anniversary Americana Gala, updates to their money market account, and forthcoming events, including the Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Commencement. The Friends of Fullerton College Foundation discussed receiving a substantial estate donation and upcoming events. Discussions on the Investment Policy indicated the Foundation is currently 100% compliant with existing policies, though modifications regarding fossil fuel divestment were not approved by the Finance Committee. Finally, plans to sponsor a scholarship using funds related to Fred Williams' retirement were noted for the next meeting.

The Board meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, noting that a student member joined by teleconference, requiring all votes to be by roll call. Key discussion items included approving block vote items from sections three, four, and five. The Chancellor's report highlighted end-of-semester activities, the adopt a family holiday program at Fitton College, and feedback from a recent Chancellor Connect session regarding the district budget and resource allocation model. Congratulations were extended to the Fullerton College football team for advancing in the state playoffs and to several instructors honored as OC Teachers of the Year. The Board also acknowledged district participation in the CCLC annual convention and the Kleos conference, as well as the honoring of the late Dr. Richard Ramirez by the Latino Faculty and Staff Association. The Board received information highlights on professional development programs for Cypress College, Fullerton College, NOCE, and district services for 2024-2025. The board also conducted a first reading of the Cypress College 2025-2028 student equity plan, which prompted discussion regarding the underlying causes of equity gaps and the nature of planned interventions.

The Board of Directors Meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report, covering quarterly financial reports ending June 30, 2025, including pending year-end closing entries, a prior-year adjustment, interest earnings, and primary donation activity supporting the Pure Ox Memorial Scholarship. Scholarship details for Spring 2025 across Cypress College, Fullerton College, and NOCE were reviewed. Updates from NOCE indicated 22 scholarships were awarded, totaling over $1,600. Cash and investment balances as of June 30, 2025, were presented, totaling $248,480.98. Updates were also provided by the Cypress College Foundation, noting a recent board planning session, a significant future estate gift commitment, and the awarding of nearly $500,000 in scholarships at their ceremony. The Friends of Fullerton College Foundation reported transferring funds to investment accounts, planning a 5K Walk and a fundraiser, adopting a new scholarship management system, and securing $3 million in funding for a STEM-related project. Finally, the management of funding and expenditures for Fred Williams' retirement party was approved to be handled through the Foundation.