Ocean County College

Key discussions included recognizing the Facilities Department for snow removal efforts and a presentation by a Communications Intern regarding student publications. A faculty member reported on a sabbatical project and was subsequently recognized as Professor Emeritus. Public comments addressed concerns about finance and curriculum agenda items related to restricted offerings. The Finance Committee announced a forthcoming meeting with the Investment Committee. A significant resolution was adopted concerning a Declaration of Reduction in Force due to student diminution, citing declining enrollment, shifts in instructional delivery models, and escalating operational costs, particularly health benefits premiums. Financial matters involved accepting the statement of income and expenditures as of December 31, 2025, and accepting the Ocean County College FY 2025 Audit. Various contracts were awarded, amended, or approved, including those for grounds maintenance, HVAC supplies, GNSS equipment, recruitment platform subscription, and furniture purchases for the new Administration Building. A resolution was adopted to sell 1,500 library books based on circulation statistics and relevance. Appointments were made to the Ocean County College Board of School Estimate. The Bylaw, Policy, and Curriculum Committee approved new, revised, and rescinded policies, along with several new and revised courses. The Buildings and Grounds Committee accepted its report after receiving updates on capital projects. The Personnel Report was unanimously approved. The Student Experience Committee discussed student concerns regarding mental health and strengthening relationships between OCC and Kean Ocean. A resolution was adopted to schedule a closed meeting for personnel action, collective bargaining, and litigation. Updates were provided on the Spring 2026 enrollment figures, the success of the Spring 2026 Colloquium, the approval of the Associate in Applied Science Dental Hygiene program, and athletic achievements. The OCC Foundation reported on fundraising efforts, including the Annual Appeal and the Miniature Golf Tournament, and announced upcoming events and acknowledged a staff member's retirement.

The Finance Committee accepted the statement of income and expenditures as of January 31, 2026. Several actions were awarded, including architectural/engineering services for roof replacement at the Information Technology Building and William T. Hiering Science Building, the purchase of high-accuracy GNSS equipment for the Barnegat Bay Partnership, and general contractor work for the Planetarium dome roof replacement. Key resolutions adopted included accepting the President's Realignment Plan, authorizing reusable seats for ESL instruction via the AECWP/Title II Grant, renewing software agreements for Microsoft Volume License and Omnigo incident management, purchasing environmental testing instruments for the Barnegat Bay Partnership, and authorizing the emergency replacement of a broken transformer at the Gateway Building. The committee also amended agreements with Bloomberg Finance, LP due to pricing structure alteration and with Ace Outdoor Power Equipment for additional parts and repair services. Furthermore, a contract awarded at the March 27, 2025 meeting to Door Services Corporation was rescinded due to non-compliance with the New Jersey Public Works Contractor Registration Act. The Building and Grounds Committee accepted the Facilities Engineering and Operations Status Report for February 26, 2026. The Bylaw, Policy, and Curriculum Committee approved revisions to degree and certificate programs, added a new course, revised several courses, and approved a temporary suspension of Policy #8600 for a scholarship celebration scheduled for June 4, 2026. The Personnel Committee detailed employment actions including new hires, position changes, resignations, retirements, and additional duties assignments for faculty and staff.

The meeting included an announcement regarding public meeting compliance and acknowledgment of a departing trustee. The preliminary audit for FY 2025 showed no findings, with the final report expected in January 2026. Presentations covered the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) accreditation process and an immigrant staff member's journey. The Finance Committee approved the October 31, 2025, statement of income and expenditures and awarded several contracts, including those for IRS 1098-T processing, website redesign, grounds maintenance, travel services for a study abroad seminar, purchase of dental equipment, and installation of electric distribution facilities. A contract renewal for Accuplacer Units was also approved. One existing contract for Administration Building construction services was amended to cover asbestos abatement costs. The Bylaw, Policy, and Curriculum Committee approved various revisions, including a revised Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee, new and revised policies (with number and name changes), and numerous course and degree program changes (additions, revisions, reactivation, and inactivation). The temporary suspension of a policy for a foundation golf tournament was also approved. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported on ongoing campus projects, and the Personnel Report was approved. Student concerns regarding curriculum changes and the discontinuation of certain engineering courses were addressed with detailed explanations regarding alternative pathways and course offerings to ensure proper transferability. Enrollment updates showed slight decreases in overall unique students and credits compared to the previous year, with growth in Early College enrollments. Workforce and Professional Education updates included progress on a fluency series for Community Medical Center employees and efforts to develop internship opportunities. The OCC Foundation reported on upcoming Blauvelt Speaker Series events.

The meeting commenced with the announcement of the public meeting compliance under the Open Public Meetings Act, noting the special meeting was announced on January 15, 2026. Following the pledge of allegiance, there were no public comments. A resolution was adopted via unanimous roll call vote to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining, and pending/anticipated litigation. The public meeting resumed after the closed session concluded.

The Board of Trustees agenda for the upcoming meeting includes committee reports covering finance, bylaws, policy and curriculum, buildings and grounds, personnel, and student experience, with all presenting 'Bd. Action' items. A resolution is recommended for adoption regarding a future closed meeting on March 26, 2026, to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, and pending/anticipated litigation. The document also details the schedule for subsequent committee and board meetings on March 26, 2026. Additionally, this document references and includes the minutes from the previous public meeting held on January 29, 2026, which covered significant actions such as adopting a Declaration of Reduction in Force due to student diminution, accepting financial statements and the FY 2025 Audit, awarding various contracts (including those for maintenance services, HVAC supplies, GNSS equipment, furniture installation, and athletic uniforms), amending several existing contracts, adopting resolutions for library book sales and appointing members to the Board of School Estimate. The Bylaw, Policy, and Curriculum section detailed the approval of a new policy (#3067) and several new, revised, and rescinded student-related policies, along with new and revised courses. The Buildings and Grounds Committee report accepted updates on numerous capital projects. The President's Report highlighted successes such as the Spring Colloquium, the approval of the new Dental Hygiene program, high passing rates on the NCLEX exam, and positive athletic semester results.