Kean University

Key discussions during the public meeting included updates on the progress of R2 initiatives, specifically the redevelopment underway at 1085 Morris Avenue to support research missions in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The President provided an update on the strategic progress of the merger with NJCU and expressed optimism regarding approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Financial stability was noted, alongside caution due to anticipated state budget cuts. Student success initiatives were presented, covering the new General Education curriculum and a new career pathways initiative with Braven. Global engagement responsibilities were addressed in light of current events in the Middle East, followed by a presentation on a student TraveLearn trip to the UAE and Dubai. Resolutions approved by the Board included amending the designation of Official News Media, authorizing waivers of public bidding for transportation services and information technology services, approving personnel actions, authorizing a grant application, accepting the Draft FY25 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, adopting the new General Education Curriculum, approving various scholarships for FY27, and recognizing an emergency declaration due to freezing temperatures.

The Board of Trustees conducted numerous business items, primarily through resolutions adopted on June 23, 2025. Key actions included designating official news media for FY 2025-2026 notices, honoring Student Trustee Danielle Brathwaite upon her graduation, and approving tuition and fee changes for FY 2026, including an average 7% increase for general students and variable increases for cohort/special graduate programs. The Board also authorized the renewal of cohort rates for the "Kean Educational Affiliation Network" with various discounts and established tiered discounted tuition rates for High School Partnerships and Kean Scholars Academy (KSA) participants for FY 2026. Furthermore, resolutions were passed to establish a global cohort rate ($32,450 all-inclusive price) and a regional recruitment initiative offering in-state tuition rates to applicants from specified surrounding states. Several resolutions approved waivers of public advertising and bidding for FY26 for Information Technology services, advertising/recruitment services, professional legal services, professional consulting services, and student organization-related contracts. Amendments were also approved for existing FY25 waivers related to insurance services and the Greater Talent Network. Finally, the Board adopted the Kean University Computer Related Acceptable Use Policy, including guidance on Generative AI tools, and adopted the Policy on IT Governance and Cybersecurity, authorizing the IT department to develop related policies with annual reporting requirements. An executive session was also held to consider contract negotiations, real estate negotiations, and personnel matters.

The special public meeting addressed adherence to the Open Public Meetings Act. Key discussions included the need to discuss a contract matter in closed session, which subsequently addressed a potential licensing agreement. Following the executive session, the President expressed that the meeting marked an historic moment related to the merger project moving into action, emphasizing the shared mission with New Jersey City University (NJCU) to serve diverse communities. The primary action item was the approval of a resolution authorizing Kean University to acquire control of NJCU through an amendment to the Kean Act.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum and a statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, noting a remote session due to heat. Key resolutions approved included designating official news sources for the next academic year (AY2026) and approving the proposed schedule of public meetings for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Board also passed a resolution honoring Student Trustee Danielle Brathwaite for her service. The Finance Committee presented several resolutions for FY2026 consideration, focusing on changes to tuition and fees for various programs and establishing cohort rates, alongside authorizing waivers of public advertising and bidding for various IT, recruitment, insurance, legal, professional, consulting, and student organization services. A resolution establishing the Computer Related Acceptable Use Policy and one authorizing the development of cybersecurity policies were also approved. The External Relations Committee presented a resolution authorizing a bid waiver for professional services. The Board also conducted a closed (Executive) session.

The public meeting commenced with the installation of the new student trustee, Cylia Blackmon, followed by a roll call and statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Key discussions included the Chair's comments congratulating the President on achievements and recognizing the new strategic plan, Elevate 2030. The President's comments highlighted five years of progress, including record enrollment growth, achieving urban research university status, and the planned merger with NJCU. The Board adopted the Kean University Strategic Plan, Elevate 2025-2030. The Legal and Personnel Committee's resolutions addressed personnel actions and the adoption of several new policies, including Financial Conflict of Interest in Research and Prohibiting in Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, alongside authorizing a waiver for legal services. The Finance Committee resolutions covered the adoption of a Centralized Cash Management and Investment Policy, authorizing the elimination of Out-of-State Tuition Rates effective Fall 2026, and other fiscal matters including bid waivers. The Academic Policy and Programs Committee resolutions involved faculty reports, administrative appointments, the creation of a Cybersecurity Risk Management Certificate Program, honoring retiring professors, and adopting updated grade policies. The Facilities and Maintenance Committee awarded a contract for the Sozio Hall Elevator Modernization Project and recognized an emergency declaration due to a vehicular accident. The Board also approved the resolution related to the employment contract for University President Lamont O. Repollet following his annual review.