Nikki Barone

The session, identified as Session #1137 of the winter retreat, began with an icebreaker activity where members discussed their favorite college classes, including topics like healthcare administration, Gestalt learning theory, criminology, American history, international terrorism, Native American law, economics, and business law. Following the icebreaker, the primary agenda item discussed was a deep dive into the 2025 Climate Survey results, conducted as a compliance component for HB2864. The presentation detailed findings from the confidential survey (10% student response rate, 54% employee response rate) and 10 focus groups involving over 300 participants. Key discussion points focused on campus culture, interactions, and opportunities, highlighting differences in perception between students and employees regarding the alignment of organizational culture with mission, vision, and values. Positive themes identified included strong support from programming, events, and resources like the pantry and equity center, as well as a perceived campus willingness to change and an overall caring environment.

The meeting commenced with the declaration of a quorum for the regular session and subsequent approval of the agenda. Public input was accepted from several individuals addressing issues such as the demand for online course offerings, particularly Math 111, where waitlists exist while in-person sections are under-enrolled. Presentations were also given on the Natural Resources Technology program, highlighting its field-based learning and community engagement, including work on reforestation and wildlife management at the Port of Portland. Furthermore, the full-time faculty bargaining team provided an update, expressing concern over proposals to eliminate tenure and evaluation workgroups and restrict the faculty senate's role in policy changes, suggesting these actions undermine shared governance and are cost-neutral but damaging. Following public comment, the board moved to reports, including a legislative update from the Oregon Community College Association representative detailing advocacy efforts, the 2025-2027 budget cycle, and impending state revenue shortfalls due to federal funding changes, as well as ongoing budget planning and immigration enforcement discussions.

The meeting commenced with the declaration of a quorum for the January session. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the public input segment, where faculty representatives discussed the first bargaining session, noting the passing of initial proposals and the agreement for weekly sessions. A representative from the welding program promoted its strength and growth, inviting board members to visit. Subsequently, a report on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was presented, which included an unmodified opinion on the single audit (federal funds), though three findings were reported under Student Financial Aid testing concerning notification timeliness, PEL award calculations, and Return of Title IV funds documentation. An unmodified opinion was also issued for the financial statements and compliance with Oregon regulations. The board received updates on the bond projects, noting the slower than anticipated progress on the aquatic center enclosure construction due to piling installation and city inspections, with potential alternatives being explored. An update was also provided on the Request for Proposals for architectural and engineering services, and initial progress on the Visual Arts 11 building siding replacement project was shared.

The meeting commenced with the declaration of a quorum for the December session. The agenda was approved. During the public input segment, representatives from the funeral service industry presented on the critical nature of the Mortuary Science Program's accreditation, specifically addressing the American Board of Funeral Service Education's new standard requiring two full-time faculty members by January 2027, noting that failure to comply would severely impact graduates' ability to practice in Oregon. Industry speakers emphasized the program's role in providing dual-licensed professionals and supplying essential workers to the death care industry. A faculty member from the CIS and Cybersecurity program detailed the program's national recognition and the successful launch of the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity degree, which serves as a feeder for other community colleges. The reports and correspondence section featured an update from the executive director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), who provided an overview of the association's focus on advocating, communicating, and collaborating while leading with racial equity, in support of its 17 member colleges.

The board convened a study session to discuss and review various aspects outlined on the agenda, focusing on board operations and the need for work or study sessions. Key discussion points included the frequency of work sessions, the preference for online meetings, and the types of presentations desired. The board also considered the purpose of the meetings, aiming to balance report outs, strategy and policy discussions, and presentations on items for upcoming votes.