Mercer County Community College

The Board discussed a mid-year institutional goals update covering budget, grants, enrollment, and cost-savings strategies. Key finance and facilities actions included the ratification of financial statements, investment reports, and various service contracts such as document management software, architectural services for a greenhouse project, and chiller replacements. The Board also reviewed personnel actions including appointments, reclassifications, and faculty reappointments. Additionally, the Board approved the revision of policy #910 regarding non-union employee benefits and the sunsetting of several outdated policies. Updates were provided on New Jersey Council of County Colleges activities, institutional assessment, and campus facilities preparation.

The board received updates on the college's website redesign project, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges' economic impact study, and discussed tuition increases. Financial actions included the ratification of monthly financial statements, investment details, and various purchase orders and contracts. The board also approved the sale of Educational Broadband Service licenses to T-Mobile, finalized the fiscal year 2027 operating budget, and authorized tuition and fee adjustments. Human resources matters addressed included the ratification of personnel appointments, receipt of staff separation reports, and the reappointment of first-year faculty members. Additionally, the board approved the guiding principles for the 2027-2031 strategic plan and reviewed the monthly report on crime, fires, and other emergencies.

This Master Plan Report for Mercer County Community College outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance its facilities and programs across the West Windsor and James Kerney campuses. The plan is designed to improve the student experience, increase graduation rates, and boost enrollment, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Key strategic areas include optimizing classroom utilization, fostering active learning environments, addressing deferred maintenance, enhancing wayfinding and accessibility, and implementing robust sustainability initiatives such as upgrading mechanical systems, increasing renewable energy use, and promoting energy efficiency. The plan emphasizes a pragmatic, phased implementation approach with both short-term and long-term aspirational elements.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a statement regarding public notification compliance. Key discussions included the President's update noting MCCC was named a finalist for the AACC Corporate Partnership Award. Finance & Facilities Matters involved ratifying the Monthly Financial Statement, Investment Detail, and Purchase Orders/Contracts under $44,900, alongside approving resolutions for various contracts including a parking license agreement renewal with 116 E Hanover LLC / Ajax Management Group, contracting with Consolidus, LLC for promotional items, and agreements with Craftmaster Hardware, LLC, Gammon Miller, L.L.C., Imbue Creative LLC, Innvoke, LLC, Integrity National Corp. for janitorial services, Laerdal Medical Corp. for virtual nursing programming, and an amended resolution for W.W. Grainger, Inc. supplies. The Audit Committee accepted the FY 2025 College Financial Audit which rendered an unmodified opinion. Human Resources Matters included ratification of appointments, promotions/reclassifications, stipends, receipt of the staff separation report, approval of tenure appointments effective 2026-2027, reappointment of fourth and third-year faculty members, and approval for a sabbatical leave for Professor Mauro Zamora in Fall 2026. Operations Matters involved ratification of reports on November and December 2025 reportable incidents and the approval of revised policies regarding Emeritus Rank, Academic Honors, Academic Standing, Acceptable Use of Social Media, and approval of a new policy for Perkins Supply Inventory Control. Other Matters included the formal acceptance and approval of the Facilities Master Plan and the adoption of a new Mission Statement for the College. The Board also authorized a settlement agreement with College Employee Marcia Carpino following an Executive Session.

The meeting focused on the review and discussion of the Facilities Master Plan. Key discussions included the plan's process, function, purpose, and cost estimates provided by Spiezle Architectural Group, as well as a list of draft priorities. Trustees inquired about potential audiences for the plan, such as grantors, and the procedures for future updates. A suggestion was made to modify a specific item related to recreation. The next steps identified involved the formal approval of the Facilities Master Plan and the endorsement of the priority list, with an annual review suggested for the latter. Detailed cost estimates for numerous projects, ranging from wayfinding and building renovations to new construction like the Fieldhouse Bubble and a new Automotive Building, were presented.