Sarah Born

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included several recognitions: a student success story featuring Princess Safa, who transferred from College of DuPage (COD) to DePaul for a journalism degree and later returned to COD in hospitality roles; recognition of the COD Chaparrels football team for winning their fifth consecutive NJCAA Division 3 National Championship; recognition for Black History Month, with discussions focusing on shared human heritage, cultural awareness, social understanding, unity, and intentional belonging, led by David Swope and Professor Thomas Hardy; and faculty and staff service milestone recognitions, honoring employees for 5 to 25 years of service, including several staff members reaching 25 years. The board concluded the open session by moving into a closed session to discuss matters related to appointment, employment, compensation, litigation, and review of lawfully closed meeting minutes.

The Budget Committee meeting included presentations regarding the FY2024 General Fund: Revenues, led by the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer and the Budget Manager. Key discussion points during this presentation included Board action on Student Tuition, Property Tax Levy, Out of District / Out of State Student Tuition, Elasticity of Tuition, and Outside cost containments. The committee also reviewed the next meeting date, scheduled for April.

The Budget Committee meeting included a presentation on the FY2024 General Fund Expenditures, covering topics such as specific projects, non-labor expenses, new positions, increases in benefits, IT and Cyber Security measures and insurance, Capital Outlay, and labor costs comparing union versus non-union compensation. Discussion also occurred regarding FY2024 General Fund Revenues. The Chair noted that the March 21, 2023 Budget Committee Meeting necessitated a Special Board Meeting on April 3, 2023, to address and vote on a tuition increase.

This Campus Master Plan Update for the College of DuPage guides future physical growth and renovation, considering current and future student needs and program considerations. It aims to unify the campus into a cohesive, connected whole, and generate a strong sense of place. Key strategic areas include documenting physical changes since 2010, establishing a physical framework plan, defining programmatic space requirements, and identifying transportation, parking, and infrastructure needs. The plan outlines future development opportunities for West, North, and South campus areas, while preserving natural features and addressing campus circulation and connectivity challenges.

The meeting included recognition of ICCFA Student Scholarship Winners and Faculty Grant Award Winners. Under New Business, the Board approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Professor Richard Jarman for his service spanning over 20 years, especially noting his support for undergraduate research and grant opportunities. Public comment addressed equity and staff resignations/retirements. The Board entered a closed session to discuss matters related to personnel, pending litigation, review of closed session minutes, and internal audit/fraud risk. Reports covered the Chair's remarks on Innovation DuPage's new partnership, the Student Trustee's update on semester wrap-up and upcoming events, the President's report detailing recognition as a "20-Year Top Producer" by the Gilman Scholarship Program, the awarding of the 2021 ICCET Innovation Award to the Lifelong Learning Program Manager, the receipt of the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and the College of DuPage Chaparrals winning the 2021 NJCAA Division III Football Championship. The Budget Committee Chair announced the start of the 2022 budget review process. Presentations included Model UN, Project Hire-Ed, Noel-Levitz Survey Results, and the Campus Resurgence Plan Update. The Consent Agenda covered various procurement approvals, including an Advanced Patient Simulator Manikin, testing services contract renewal, a Fiber Laser purchase, an engine upgrade contract, and a refuse collection services contract. The Board also approved various financial reports, personnel actions, and the minutes/closed session minutes from previous meetings.