Hudson County Community College

The Board of Trustees discussed various administrative and academic matters, including reports from the Student Government Association and All College Council. Key actions included the approval of faculty tenure, various faculty promotions, and the appointment of both full-time and temporary staff. Financial and administrative items approved included a lease extension for the 26 Journal Square office space, the selection of legal counsel for real estate services, and the establishment of commencement details. Additionally, the Board authorized several affiliations and memorandums of understanding with external partners.

The Board of Trustees reviewed various institutional reports and recommendations. Key topics included the presentation of newly tenured faculty, the approval of a change order for the construction of a mixed-use academic building, and the authorization of water infiltration remediation services. Additionally, the Board authorized the renewal of software, Latino outreach consultation services, and established the date and venue for the upcoming commencement ceremony. Personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, faculty tenure approvals, and staffing modifications, were addressed. The Board also authorized affiliation agreements and memorandums of understanding with external partners for academic and workforce development programs.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence to condemn violence and hatred globally, including racism, anti-semitism, and Islamophobia. Key discussion points included sharing good news regarding the NJA Jim George Collective Bargaining Summit award for best contract throughout New Jersey, reflecting strong collaborative efforts between administration and the union. There was also a report on the campus's commitment to federal compliance working group activities in response to Washington directives, and a brief mention of the Supreme Court declining to hear a challenge to gay marriage. Updates were provided regarding support for students, including an upcoming immigration law session scheduled for December 4th and continued efforts to bolster the campus food pantry, supplemented by a recent $52,000 grant. Furthermore, the college is participating in the next cohort of the Citizens and Scholars Campuswide Immersion Project (CWI), co-led by Dr. Cade Thurman and Dr. Chris Conzen, which focuses on promoting civic fluency through civil discourse, navigating information, and collaborative problem-solving, with assessment and action planning scheduled through the upcoming year.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for victims of violence globally and a statement condemning all forms of hatred. The discussion focused on several areas of celebration, including the opening of the 50th anniversary museum exhibit at the Jersey City Museum of History, which commemorates the college's legacy. The success of the 28th annual Foundation Gala was also highlighted, noting a sell-out attendance, significant collective contribution from honorees ($45,000), and progress toward building a $2.5 million college endowment which generates annual revenue for student scholarships. A significant agenda item was the submission of a $4 million proposal for a FIPSY grant supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI) work, which was prepared rapidly with input from multiple sister colleges and national organizations. Key personnel leading this grant effort, along with the advancement and culinary teams responsible for the gala's success, were recognized and thanked.

The agenda for the meeting included key reports from the Student Government Association President, All College Council Chair, and the College President, which featured a presentation on the STEM Capstone Project. Regular monthly reports and recommendations covered resolutions for fiscal, administrative, lease, and capital matters. Significant fiscal actions included awarding a month-to-month contract for project management support services for the Center for Student Success construction, renewing Content Management System (CMS) services for the website, purchasing a College Data Platform from EAB Global Inc., renewing the Helpdesk ChatBot Platform, authorizing Special Conflict Counsel Services, authorizing Risk Management and Insurance Brokerage Services, authorizing the purchase of Commencement Regalia, authorizing Collection Services, and authorizing an addendum to an agreement with the Business-Higher Education Forum. A resolution was also presented to terminate all participation under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). Personnel recommendations involved approving a retirement, resignations, appointments of full-time staff and faculty, authorization of part-time staff, appointments of new hire adjunct instructors, and modifications to the staffing table. Academic and Student Affairs recommendations included authorizing several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements with entities such as New York University and various other organizations.