Sarah Lutz

The Board discussed several key administrative and financial matters, including tenure appointments and faculty promotions, the adoption of new curricular items, and the approval of the 2026 College Completion Plan. Additionally, the Board reviewed the operating budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes allocations for Workday system implementation, healthcare funding, and various capital projects. The meeting also included reports on capital project progress, financial statements, and strategies for student success and workforce development.

The Board discussed and received updates on the Delaware Campus, including its branding, enrollment growth, and strategic partnerships. Key actions included the naming of spaces associated with OhioHealth Hall, the renaming of Delaware Hall to Brown Hall, and the approval of a Master Lease and Development Services Agreement for the Innovation Hub. The Board also reviewed the Columbus State YMCA project, received a report on student success work, and reviewed various financial and curricular items through a consent agenda.

This College Completion Plan for Columbus State Community College serves as a roadmap to address student needs from connection to completion and increase postsecondary credential attainment. It is founded on four strategic pillars: Student Success, Workforce Development, Community Impact, and Our People. Key priorities include providing affordable, accessible pathways, removing academic and nonacademic barriers, and fostering a sense of belonging. The plan outlines specific goals to increase course completion and early momentum, especially in mathematics, and to enhance credential completion prior to transfer, supported by initiatives such as shortened academic terms, a robust transfer initiative, and targeted workforce development programs.

The committee discussed several key items, including the acceptance of independent auditor reports for the college and foundation, and the approval of tax rates for calendar year 2027. They reviewed the naming of specific spaces within OhioHealth Hall, the renaming of Delaware Hall to honor Dr. Harold Brown, and the approval of a master lease and development services agreement for the Innovation Hub project. Additionally, the committee evaluated a project overview for a new YMCA facility on the downtown campus, reviewed revisions to policy regarding the approval of degrees and degree programs, and approved various curricular updates, including new major and certificate programs and the elimination of certain degree and certificate offerings.

The plan for Columbus State Community College's Delaware Campus focuses on expanding educational opportunities and enhancing student success. Key initiatives, commencing Fall 2025, include increasing academic offerings from 6 to 14 majors, enabling students to complete full degrees on campus, and establishing the campus as an innovation hub. The plan aims to provide debt-free degree pathways, strengthen workforce development partnerships for internships and job placement, and solidify the campus's role as the leading educational resource within Delaware County.