Nicole Garaffa

The board meeting included the swearing-in of a new trustee, presentations regarding a strategic realignment plan, and the subsequent formal approval of said plan to address enrollment and operational challenges. The finance committee reported on various contract awards, amendments, and rescissions, including professional services and software agreements. The bylaw, policy, and curriculum committee presented revisions to academic programs and courses, and a temporary policy suspension for an upcoming event. Updates were provided on facilities projects, student experience initiatives, and foundation activities, alongside a report on college enrollment and upcoming institutional events.

The Board discussed several key items, including a presentation on an Economic Impact Study regarding the college's contributions to the regional economy. The Finance Committee presented the 2027 budget, which includes a tuition increase, and the board approved the budget, tuition policy, and various contract awards and amendments. The Bylaw, Policy, and Curriculum Committee received approval for revised college senate bylaws, program name changes, certificate updates, and several program and course inactivations. Additionally, the Buildings and Grounds Committee provided an update on facilities projects, and the Personnel Committee submitted its report for approval. The President shared updates on environmental conferences, enrollment statistics, and upcoming foundation events, and a resolution was adopted to recognize the service of a retiring trustee.

The board accepted the statement of income and expenditures and adopted numerous resolutions regarding capital facilities projects, including renovations to the Administration Building. Contract renewals were authorized for various software systems, including course evaluation, ticketing, recruitment, and scheduling platforms, as well as cloud and cybersecurity services. Purchasing approvals included a campus safety vehicle, furniture for the Technology Building, and miscellaneous maintenance and operational supplies. Furthermore, the board approved revised academic programs, certificate completions, and course updates. Personnel actions included the approval of new faculty and administrative appointments, changes of position, and the acknowledgment of resignations and a retirement. Additionally, the board rescinded a previous contract and amended a grant award for the NJ Education, Climate Awareness, Training and Engagement program.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key items, including a presentation on an Economic Impact Study and the recognition of a student athlete. Financial actions included the approval of the FY 2027 budget, a tuition increase, and the awarding and amendment of various contracts for services such as construction, architectural design, and food management. Academic items approved included revisions to senate bylaws, changes to degree programs, and the inactivation of various courses. Additionally, the meeting included reports from the Buildings and Grounds Committee on facilities master planning, personnel matters including retirements and appointments, and student experience updates. A resolution was adopted regarding the retirement of a board member, and the President's report highlighted upcoming events and institutional enrollment updates.

The agenda focuses on financial and operational recommendations for the college, including the acceptance of income and expenditure statements, revisions to student tuition and fee policies, and the adoption of the FY 2027 budget. Key agenda items involve awarding and amending various contracts for food service, automatic door maintenance, building renovations for health programs, architectural and engineering services, electronic security system maintenance, the purchase of dental supplies and musical instruments, and participation in the NJ Cooperative Purchasing Alliance. Additionally, the committee discussed a budget amendment for career and technical education grant funding.