Robert Andersen

The meeting covered several key agenda items, including the approval of the agenda. Board development included an overview of Robert's Rules of Order for Trustee training. Decisions were made regarding the appointment of members to the Ownership Linkage Committee and the Governance Committee. Community comments included an address by the Vice President of Student Government regarding student advocacy. The Chancellor provided remarks, including an overview of the Highland Lakes Community Forum outcomes, leading to a motion to approve Plante Moran to create a timeline for the disposition of the northern portion of the Highland Lakes Campus. Board comments addressed research on the Academic Senate as a standing item, appreciation for assistance with facilities access, and positive notes on winter registration and student safety efforts.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes board development, specifically an overview and highlights from the Trustee Jackson Governance Leadership Institute, and a self-evaluation of the meeting governance process. Key operational items involve the Highland Lakes Campus Northern Portion Disposition Timeline and required approvals, notably the AFSCME Local 2042 Labor Agreement. The Board plans to enter a closed session to receive an update on labor negotiations, pursuant to Michigan's Open Meetings Act.

The meeting covered key items including the approval of the agenda and the October 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes with an amendment requested for clarification on PDA execution and slides. Community members voiced concerns regarding the potential sale of public lands and how surplus funds are being utilized. Reports were delivered from the Academic Senate and the Interim Provost. The Chief provided the Clery Act & Public Safety Report. A major action item involved the adoption of the 2027 Fiscal Year tuition rates for the Fall 2026 semester. Several information items were reviewed and filed, including quarterly reports for Finance, College Facilities, Information Technology, and the OCC Foundation, as well as a Strategic Plan Update. Board members offered condolences and noted participation in community projects.

The agenda for the meeting included the call to order, approval of the agenda, board development, a declaration of conflict of interest, and governance process items for decision, specifically the appointment of committees such as the Ownership Linkage Committee and the Governance Committee. Key discussion items during the Chancellor's Insight segment involved outcomes from the Highland Lakes Community Forum, where community input regarding the disposition of Phase 2 of the property emphasized preserving green space, maintaining public access, and considering community-aligned development or park usage. Action items included the adoption of the 2026-2027 tuition rates. Information items covered the quarterly reports for Finance, College Facilities, Information Technology, and the OCC Foundation, along with a Strategic Plan Update.

The meeting included community comments from adjunct counselors regarding the discontinuation of their services, a report from the Interim Provost, and comments from the Chancellor who also recognized faculty retirees. The annual audit for 2024-2025 was presented and received. The Board approved the 2026 regular meeting and conference schedule, an amendment to the fiscal year 2024-2025 General Fund appropriation, and the second reading of amended and new Board policies and bylaws. Updates were provided on finance, college facilities, information technology, the OCC Foundation, the strategic plan, and community education.