Valerie C. Paape

The strategic plan for Allegany College of Maryland serves as a roadmap to address new opportunities and challenges, reinforcing its mission to deliver high-quality, relevant education centered on student success. It outlines three key strategic priorities: Student Access, Student Success, and Workforce Development. The plan aims to expand educational access and opportunities for all students, ensure timely student progression and completion, and align workforce training with regional economic demands, fostering a supportive and engaging community.

The board discussed a range of institutional topics including the Chair's update on budget presentations to county commissioners, a comprehensive Foundation overview featuring benchmarking and scholarship statistics, and the upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign. Information was provided on the regional digital opportunity planning proposal and the selection of a consultant for that project. Action items included the approval of a revised Professor Emeritus/Emerita policy, the selection of a contractor for student housing siding and window replacements, and a revised Memorandum of Understanding. The board also convened for an executive session to address personnel appointments, tenure and promotion recommendations, in-class advancements for staff, and a review of tracking procedures for executive orders and federal directives.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several institutional updates, including athletic program developments and priorities, such as website compliance and student housing initiatives. Policy and operational approvals included a new Background Check Policy, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding regional education funding, and the acquisition of a new college bus. Furthermore, the Board authorized the replacement of the College Center chiller and the selection of Hannon Hill’s Cascade CMS for a website redesign. Additionally, the Board discussed strategies for tracking and managing federal executive orders and directives to ensure institutional compliance.

The meeting featured an update on the college's COVID-19 response, including the tracking of cases and vaccination site preparations. Discussion points included spring semester enrollment trends, the reception of federal supplemental funds for pandemic relief, and the status of state-funded HVAC and building improvements at the Bedford County Campus. Additionally, the Board reviewed progress on the MSCHE self-study process, approved updates to the Facilities Master Plan for state submission, and enacted a temporary extension of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave policy for COVID-19 to June 2021. The Board also entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting agenda includes several key discussion topics, such as the presentation of the Chairman's and President's updates, the establishment of meeting dates for the upcoming year, and a review of the MACC legislative agenda. Additionally, the board will discuss the results of the 2024 Great Colleges to Work for survey, review and take action on the 2025-2026 academic calendar, and evaluate the status and ESA approval of the campus microgrid and resiliency project. The board will also convene an executive session to address personnel matters.