Yan Wang

The board meeting featured extensive public comment regarding a new proposed internal adjunct faculty classification. Faculty speakers raised concerns about the plan's development process, the potential for creating a non-competitive hiring path for administrative staff, negative impacts on part-time faculty stability and compensation, and the overall devaluation of faculty expertise. Other topics included concerns about the diminishing transparency in faculty support services and the decline of collaborative governance practices at the college.

The board discussed several items including the sale and issuance of General Obligation Promissory Notes, approval of student and adult tuition fees, and the establishment of new policies regarding pre-employment criminal background checks and compensation for non-represented trades personnel. Reports were provided regarding commencement ceremonies, athletic achievements, and construction updates. Additionally, the board reviewed the fiscal year-end general fund projections, preliminary operating budget planning assumptions, and received updates on public safety, risk management, and community education programs.

The board meeting included the approval of a consent agenda, the authorization of two separate resolutions for the issuance of $1,500,000 in general obligation promissory notes, and a review of the revised pre-employment criminal background check policy. The session featured various reports covering the chairperson's updates, presidential initiatives such as college achievements and campus forums, the treasurer's audit report, student senate activities, and the Milwaukee PBS general manager's report. Additionally, the board conducted a review of its self-evaluation instrument and discussed ERP modernization efforts, while concluding with a closed session to address a litigation update.

The board meeting primarily focused on public comments regarding the Community Education division at MATC. Issues raised included concerns over leadership practices, lack of faculty consultation in decision-making, operational disruptions, and high levels of faculty burnout leading to staff resignations. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the complexity and accessibility of the student registration system, with requests for improved support and simplified processes for students.

The board retreat focused on several educational and operational topics, including a workshop on board finance, discussions regarding changes to accreditation standards, and an overview of updates to the Federal Pell Grant Program. Additionally, the session included a team-building activity, a tour of newly renovated student spaces on the downtown campus, and a review of parliamentary procedures. The discussion regarding ERP modernization was tabled for a future meeting.