Thomas A. Barron

The board reviewed the amended contract with the AFSME bargaining unit, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between AFSME Local 1214 and the BSAA was discussed. The board voted to approve the Memorandum of Agreement. The MOA includes an extension of the agreement term to June 30, 2016, modifications to compensation, job security provisions, and participation in Labor Management Committees on Savings/Transformation and Information Technology.

Charter Oak State College's strategic plan (Fall 2023-Spring 2028) focuses on becoming a premier online workforce college. The plan outlines five key pillars: Academic Quality (enhancing the learning management system, improving digital classroom standards, and aligning program content with career channels); Cultivate and Improve Strategic Partnerships (partnering with CSCU, enhancing program offerings, and strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders); Inclusive Excellence (developing culturally responsive training, creating a DEI webpage, and performing a DEI assessment); Growth (growing admissions, increasing matriculation, and identifying new populations to recruit); and Student Experience & Success (establishing a Center for Academic Excellence, providing career-relevant content, and enhancing career services). The plan aims to improve student success, innovation, affordability, and sustainability, aligning with the CSCU Board of Regents' key areas of focus.

The meeting covered several key topics, including the conferral of degrees, approval of an additional faculty member for core faculty, revision of the Charter Oak role and scope statement, and revision of designated reserves. Discussions also included CTDLC fee revisions, the role and responsibilities of the personnel committee, and combined COSC & CTDLC personnel requests. Reports and discussion items included marketing, a new building report, a CTDLC report, financial aid, enrollment management, financial reports, and a COSC Foundation audit report. The meeting also included chairman's and executive director's reports, and an executive session to discuss personnel items.

The meeting covered several key action items, including the conferral of degrees, revision of the student code of conduct, updates to the P-card policy, payment plan revisions, a write-off policy for unpaid student balances, and the replacement of faculty members. The board also approved new personnel positions and reclassifications, and recognized Marlene Woodman for meritorious service. Reports were given on CTDLC activities, financial matters, enrollment management, marketing, financial aid, and adjunct faculty. An executive session was held to discuss the SEBAC agreement.

The meeting covered several key topics, including the conferral of degrees to approximately 593 graduates, the approval of a framework for planning the college's future, and adjustments to fees for the CTDLC eTutoring program. A new Board Ethics Policy was also approved, along with a personnel change involving the reclassification of a position. Discussions included criteria for granting preferred lender status, an update on the college's accreditation, a legislative update, and various reports on student financial aid, CTDLC activities, financial matters, enrollment management, and adjunct faculty. Finally, the meeting included announcements of college initiatives involving studies on LPN to RN transitions and CNA program improvements, and a collaborative effort in early childhood education.