Tom DePrenda

The meeting included the Chairperson's comments announcing committee assignments for 2026. The President's Report covered key initiatives for 2026, including finalizing the academic master plan, renovating culinary facilities, launching a new website, expanding partnerships, and evolving the Tech Building's identity. Enrollment figures showed a steady increase of approximately 2% in headcount approaching the spring semester. The President also reported on his nomination to the EAB National Research Advisory Council, the inaugural Foundation scholarship gala which raised over $200,000, STEM student success at the Marist Computing Conference, a $7,500 donation from Stop & Shop to the Bergen Cares Center food pantry, and a volunteer initiative involving teddy bears for Valley Hospital children. A moment of silence was held for an adjunct professor who passed away. Committee reports detailed upcoming resolutions for Audit, Finance, and Legal Affairs; Education and Student Affairs; Personnel; and Site and Facilities. New Business included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which authorized numerous financial transactions such as legal voucher payments, renewal of the Message Platform license, purchase of a pediatric simulator, replacement UPS batteries, fraud detection software, and student support resources. Personnel actions included approving several separations, numerous Lecturer appointments for the Spring 2026 semester, appointments of confidential, professional, and support staff, approval of stipends for Nursing Clinical Faculty, a merit increase for the President, academic chair appointments, and merit award increases for professional and support staff. Site and Facilities resolutions authorized agreements for restroom renovations at the Child Development Center, campus security plan specifications, and HVAC replacement drawings.

The meeting included a President's Report covering the kickoff of Black History Month, acknowledgement of essential workers' efforts during severe weather, updates on campus security camera installation, discussions on sustainability, and plans for the ACCT National Legislative Summit. A significant item involved the approval of onboarding the Civitas Learning platform for enhanced student data analytics and support. The date and location for Commencement 2026 were announced. The STEM Robotics Team received the Judges' Award at a VEX-U Qualifier competition. Committee reports detailed upcoming resolutions to be submitted for approval, covering Audit, Finance, and Legal Affairs; Personnel; and Site and Facilities matters. New business included the approval of various contracts and agreements such as renewing agreements with Aspire Technology Partners LLC for Cisco Flex Enterprise support, securing a venue with Devils Arena Entertainment LLC for commencement, purchasing the Civitas Learning platform, amending a contract with JK Deluxe for Advanced Manufacturing instruction, contracting with Entrinsik for an enrollment management system, upgrading AV technology with Cenero, renewing text-to-speech software licenses via ReadSpeaker, renewing agreements with Ready Education for campus apps, and renewing cyber liability insurance. Personnel actions involved approving separations, appointments (including a retroactive rescinded appointment), title changes, temporary appointments, lecturer appointments and rescissions, faculty reappointments with tenure, stipends for clinical faculty and theatre production personnel, and approving Sabbatical and other Leaves of Absence. Site and Facilities actions included awarding a bid for the Library Wing Roof Replacement, contracting RSC Architects for culinary facility renovation plans, and authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with the County of Bergen for snow and ice removal.

This document outlines presidential goals for Bergen Community College, focusing on enhancing student success, institutional effectiveness, and community engagement. Key areas include assessing and leveraging data for student success initiatives, integrating accreditation standards, optimizing academic programs, and developing workforce-ready credentials through new partnerships. The goals also address refining the Facilities Master Plan, advancing organizational development and compliance, transitioning to a next-generation ERP system, and strengthening multicultural programming, marketing, and fundraising efforts.

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.