Phillip Cappello

The meeting centered on detailed enrollment updates, including a report on spring census results which showed growth in continuing student numbers and total enrollment. Discussions covered the significant expansion of the dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits, and the positive start to summer registration trends. The committee also examined enrollment data discrepancies, noting declines in first-time-in-college and transfer populations, and received clarification on the classification of students within supportive academic programs versus general enrollment categories.

The Board of Trustees discussed a report from the Senate regarding new degree programs, course proposals, and upcoming academic calendars. The Board also entered into an Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel matters. Additionally, the meeting included reports on student and faculty achievements, athletic team successes, and public comments from professors urging the approval of faculty promotions and sabbaticals.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting includes a Salute to the Flag, a report from the Academic Senate Chair, and reports from the Standing Committees, including a Report of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Board is scheduled to enter an Executive Session to discuss proposed, pending, or current litigation, and matters related to the employment history or disciplinary actions concerning any individual or corporation, before reopening the public session.

The Finance and Capital Committee meeting addressed the Comptroller's Report for January, noting that 8 OTPS expenditures totaling $825,108 were examined and found to be in conformity with state regulations. The Accounts Receivable Report indicated that 62.7% of receivables were collected through January 2026. A discussion ensued regarding the College's policy allowing students with outstanding balances of $500 or less to continue registering. Additionally, updates were provided on the external audit, which is progressing smoothly and expected to conclude within the next month. A request was made to adjust the collections chart in the Accounts Receivable Aging Report for consistent year alignment.

Key discussions included the Honors Committee presenting recommendations to the Academic Senate in March, and the curriculum sub-committee considering revisions to the procedure manual regarding degree programs with fewer than 64 credits. A working group is being formed to address institutional challenges related to artificial intelligence, prompted by a recent court decision involving Adelphi University. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss negotiations involving the NCCAA and Department Chairs, proposed litigation, and personnel/employment history matters, reconvening afterward. Business transactions included approving a procurement agreement with Milcon Construction Corp. for $4,098,000. Additionally, the Board granted permanent academic titles of professor emeritus to numerous retired faculty members. Policy 6700, concerning investment objectives for the College's operating funds, was adopted following a second reading. Administrative updates noted the restoration of funding for STEP and CSTEP grants, congratulations to two recipients of the 2025-2026 All-New York Academic Team Award, the availability of the Strategic Plan monitoring report, and notification of the upcoming NCC Foundation Gala.