Susan Callahan Barnard

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included administering the oath of office to newly appointed Trustees Marty and Blakesley. The President reported on the facility's transformation into a workforce hub, plans to expand hospitality services, and acknowledged staff efforts following severe winter weather and a recent blizzard, including gratitude for county partners' snow removal assistance. Enrollment for the spring semester was reported as essentially flat year-over-year. The President also announced the upcoming launch of a new podcast series, Book Club Conversations, and noted the installation of the Gilder Lehrman Institute's traveling exhibition, "Who Can Vote?" Committee reports covered recommendations for resolutions from Audit and Finance (AF1-AF4), Education and Student Affairs (ESA1-ESA3), Personnel (P1-P12), and Site and Facilities (SF1). The board concluded by passing resolutions related to these committee recommendations, approving the minutes from the February 3rd, 2026 board meeting, and adjourning.

The meeting commenced with a reading satisfying the Open Public Meetings Act requirements. Key discussions included the President's report, which covered the kickoff of Black History Month with a keynote speaker, appreciation for essential workers during a difficult weather month, the ongoing installation of a comprehensive security camera upgrade at the main campus, and plans for faculty senators to reinvigorate the sustainability committee. The President also noted upcoming travel to the ACCCT National Legislative Summit to address issues regarding grant suspensions and the accessibility of PEL grants. A significant agenda item involved the consideration for approval of onboarding the Civotas learning platform, which uses data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance student support and decision-making. Further, the date for Commencement 2026 was set for Friday, May 15th. An award synopsis was presented recognizing student participation in a December poster competition. The Robotics team, the Bergen Bike Squad, presented their recent trophy win at the VEXU competition against higher-tier universities, and discussed future plans, including attending a competition at Virginia Tech and establishing a high school VEX team. Committee reports included the Audit and Finance Committee recommending resolutions AF1 through AF10, the Personnel Committee recommending resolutions P1 through P13, and the Site Facilities Committee recommending resolutions SF1 through SF3. The board also approved the consent agenda items and accepted the minutes from the January 6th, 2026 board meeting.

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation that notice of the meeting was properly disseminated. Key discussions included committee assignments for the year, which involved restructuring leadership roles across Audit and Finance, Board of School Estimate, Education and Student Affairs, Foundation, Personnel, Site Facilities, Strategic Planning and Issues, and New Jersey Council of Colleges committees. The President's report highlighted upcoming major initiatives for 2026, such as finalizing a new academic master plan, renovating culinary facilities, launching a redesigned website, and expanding partnerships. The President also noted his nomination to a national research advisory council for community college presidents. Foundation efforts included reporting on a successful inaugural scholarship gala that raised over $200,000. STEM achievements included student and faculty recognition at a computing conference. The President also updated on the Bergen Cares Center receiving a $7,500 donation from Stop and Shop and noted the passing of adjunct education professor Lzette Vasquez. Committee reports were presented, with Audit and Finance, Education and Student Affairs, Personnel, and Site and Facilities preparing resolutions for board approval via the consent agenda. No executive session was held.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in honor of Mr. James Daly. The President's Report highlighted faculty accomplishments, including tenure achievements, and reported year-over-year enrollment increases, noting an 82% enrollment ratio across course sections due to data-informed decisions and partnership with Ad Astra. Facility updates included the unveiling of a renovated student center cafe and the installation of a new electronic sign. Upcoming events discussed were Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Week, "Bergenstock," and the dedication of the theatre season to the memory of Jared Saltzman. The College received notification from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) classifying Bergen Community College as being in the "Least Risk" Category. The President's Excellence Award was presented to Tom DePrenda. Committee reports indicated that the Audit, Finance, and Legal Affairs Committee and the Personnel Committee would recommend resolutions, while Education and Student Affairs and Site and Facilities Committees had none. The Board approved prior minutes and a consent agenda covering financial vouchers, renewal of Bloomberg Terminal licensing, leasing of Hydroponics Grow Containers, and numerous personnel actions including separations, appointments of professional, support, grant, academic chair, academic coordinator, and lecturer staff, approval of stipends for Nursing Clinical Faculty and theatre production personnel, and appointments to stipend coaching positions.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to Trustee Michele DiIorgi and her assignment to committees. Key discussions in the President's Report highlighted the continued importance of the Ciarco Learning Center and expanded course offerings like the Certified Nurse Assistant program. The President also reported on successful participatory governance events and the recognition of student Alicia Brownstein with the NJBIA "Rising Star Award." Furthermore, the report noted the graduation of 44 students from the PACE program and the college's new membership with the National Asian/Pacific Islander Council. Committee reports indicated that Audit, Finance, and Legal Affairs (Sept 22, 2025), Education and Student Affairs (Sept 22, 2025), Personnel (Sept 26, 2025), and Site and Facilities (Sept 25, 2025) met and will recommend resolutions. The Strategic Planning and Issues Committee met on October 3, 2025, to review the Strategic Plan implementation. The Chairwoman appointed the 2026 Nominating Committee for the election of officers. The Board approved the minutes of the September 4, 2025, meeting and the Consent Agenda, which included numerous resolutions covering legal vouchers, software renewals (Elevate, Laserfiche), a major grant application submission for the Higher Education Capital Facilities Programs ($18,500,000), personnel actions (approvals, separations, appointments, promotions, leaves of absence), and the award of a public bid for the Ender Hall Roof Replacement.