Sharon Abbate

The Board approved the acceptance of the FY 2025 Audit and other reports, awarded a contract for internal audit services, and confirmed staff personnel actions. Additionally, the Board authorized several grant acceptances, including funding for the County College Based Center for Adult Transition and the Hunger-Free Campus Grant. Several service contracts were approved, including payroll and tax filing services, cybersecurity software and hardware, and janitorial supplies. The Board also addressed capital projects, specifically the emergency generator installation for the Kellogg building and a change order for the electrical substation relocation on the Cranford Campus.

The meeting included several key agenda items covering personnel actions, financial reports, and contract approvals. Faculty personnel actions involved one appointment, three promotions, and three retirements. Staff personnel actions included two appointments, two promotions/reclassifications, and four separations. The Board approved a resolution establishing a salary increase pool equal to 4.5% of the aggregate total base salaries for full-time managerial and confidential employees. The Board also approved revisions to several college-wide policies, including those related to second degrees, transfer credits, tuition refunds, residency, and smoke-free environments. The Safety Report noted a suspected fraudulent activity investigation by the Cranford Police Department concerning a Foundation financial account. The Budget and Finance Committee reported that investments were in order and reviewed financial variances impacted by enrollment increases and timing of health benefit payments. Numerous resolutions were approved, including authorizations to obligate anticipated grant funding (Carl D. Perkins Grant, Community College Opportunity Grant, County College Based Center for Adult Transition Grant), acceptance of additional grant funding (CCOG, County of Union WIOA), acceptance of the Displaced Homemaker Program renewal, and authorization for the President to submit grant applications up to $5,000,000. Several contracts exempt from competitive bidding were approved, involving printing and mailing services, postage, Amazon specialty supplies, office/copier paper, library materials, digital subscription services (Cengage Learning), consulting services (EAB Global Inc.), content management software (Hyland Software), IT hardware/software renewals (SHI International Corp. and Aspire Technology Partners, LLC), temporary custodial staffing, temporary staffing services (Robert Half International), and professional development program services (EdCERT, LLC Dba ACUE).

The Board of Trustees meeting included a presentation on the Honors Program by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Humanities. The President's Report highlighted that UCNJ was named one of the top 200 community colleges by the Aspen Institute, the Chairman received a Trustee Leadership Award, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Physical Education Center (PECK), and the Foundation raised nearly $225,000 at its Scholarship Gala. The Board also discussed their admission to the Aspen Presidents and Trustees Collaborative. Key resolutions approved personnel actions, including several appointments, promotions, and separations. Revisions to several College policies (Attendance, County Chargebacks, Interpreter, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and Social Media) were approved. The Safety Report indicated no campus crimes or fire incidents from August 12, 2025, through October 14, 2025. The Budget and Finance Committee reported on investments and reviewed the Financial Report and Current Estimate Report, anticipating a $1.6 million transfer from Unrestricted Net Position. Resolutions approved funding for the College Readiness Now XII Grant, the renewal of cyber security software licenses with Aspire Technology Partners, LLC, the renewal of the emergency alert notification system with Rave Mobile Safety, and several general contracts between $17,500 and $44,900. One resolution authorized the disposal of surplus property valued at approximately $10. In Buildings and Grounds, a contract for concrete materials related to PECK construction was approved, and updates were provided on campus projects, PECK construction progress, the status of the cell tower DEP permits (which were not yet filed), the Kellogg recovery status for kitchen equipment, and recommendations for a backup generator location.

The board announced the 2025 meeting schedule, including joint and regular meetings at various campuses. A revised June meeting time and a special board retreat were announced. A public hearing was scheduled for the 2025-2026 college budget, detailing operational expenses, revenues, and capital outlay expenditures, including technology upgrades and capital improvements. Additionally, a public hearing was announced regarding a tuition change for the 2025-2026 academic year, introducing separate tuition categories for in-state and out-of-state students. The Board of School Estimate will hold a public hearing to discuss the amount of money estimated for operational expenses and capital outlay expenditures.

This Academic Master Plan aligns with UCNJ's mission to empower students through high-quality, affordable higher education. It outlines strategic and operational priorities for the Division of Academic Affairs to support student success, community engagement, and innovation through 2029. The plan addresses challenges in higher education, such as technological advancements and declining enrollments, by providing actionable steps for promoting enrollment, student success, innovation, and inclusion and belonging.