Terry Barnes

The meeting included a moment of silence for a longtime faculty member, a motion to go into closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy, and citizen participation regarding the DDA expansion. Special reports featured a presentation on a student's success in international welding competitions and an introduction to the upcoming master planning and strategic planning process by the lead campus planner.

The board discussed several topics, including the process for nominating honorary associate degree recipients, market analysis of tuition rates among Michigan community colleges, and a proposed strategic framework for setting tuition. The board reviewed plans to align online tuition rates with face-to-face rates, ensuring modality neutrality, and proposed a structured multi-year adjustment for non-in-district tuition rates to remain competitive. The discussion also focused on maintaining access, affordability, and the value proposition for different student demographics, including guest students and in-district residents.

The board meeting included citizen participation where one speaker addressed the need for clear, intentional communication plans regarding changes to student services and instructional initiatives, citing issues during the TIAA situation and recent positive outcomes from ADA training sessions. Another participant offered consultation on the EV project and expressed concerns about reports indicating declining intelligence in Gen Z due to screen time, advocating for centers focused on blue-collar trades like manufacturing. Special reports included the mission moment highlighting the largest non-trades revenue-generating conference held by Dominoes IT staff, and an update on the Reconnect program noting WCC's recognition as Michigan's number one community college for completion and number one Reconnect institution. Personnel recommendations were reviewed, including granting commendation for 31 years of service and clarifying the replacement for a non-instructor full-time hire in instruction.

The event was the 20th annual recognition of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, featuring a speaker, brunch, and guest musician. The proceedings included honoring the team that organized the event, including the executive director and coordinator of academic access and success. Recognition was also extended to members of the Board of Trustees for their support. Key discussions centered on Dr. King's legacy, the theme "Mission Possible Number Two: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way," and the importance of justice, courage, and responsibility. Two Justice in Action Awards were presented: one to Andrew Mongia, Director of Financial Aid, for exceptional dedication to student empowerment and equitable access to higher education, and the second to the WCC Accessibility Task Force for shifting accessibility from a reactive fix to a shared campus practice, focusing on student dignity and sustainable instructional practices. The keynote speaker, Hill Harper, delivered remarks focusing on Dr. King's call to action, distinguishing between protection from fear and living from the heart, and emphasizing that history bends towards the courageous rather than the clever or powerful.

The meeting included approving the agenda, followed by recessing to a closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy, and later reconvening. Key discussions during the open session involved public comments regarding the Pledge of Allegiance, special reports highlighting the college's mission and appreciation for grounds and facilities staff following a recent snowstorm, and a detailed recap of the auto show presence. The auto show recap emphasized the college's leadership in mobility, showcasing 12 electric vehicles and detailing support received from grants and state officials. A specific project involving the retrofit of a 1974 Volkswagen bus into an electric vehicle, in partnership across transportation disciplines, was also announced.