Oregon Coast Community College

The President's report highlighted recent activities since December 10, 2025, focusing on internal college relations, which included meetings such as the OCCC Board of Education Meeting, Town Hall All-Staff Meeting, and College Council Meetings. External relations involved numerous engagements with local entities like Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, the City of Newport Leadership, and organizations such as the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County. Professional development included participation in the Yaquina Bay Crabbing & Rock Fishing event and various OCCA/Legislative Relations meetings. The Academic and Student Affairs report detailed updates on an ICAP Grant for accessibility training, the upcoming 'I Love My Library' event, coordination of library access, new GED instructor onboarding, financial aid FAFSA Nights, faculty inservice focusing on course design and AI integration, and the development of an apprenticeship program for Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) funded by a 29-month federal grant. The Engagement report noted foundation activities including year-end tax receipt issuance, progress on the 'Pearls of Wisdom' event with secured sponsorships, the opening of the Foundation scholarship application, and ongoing grant submissions. Marketing activities included a Google ad campaign and support for AQS recruitment. Community Education reported on Real Estate courses, upcoming mixed-media and art courses, and the deadline for Spring 2026 course proposals. The SBDC reported on the Non-Profit Small Business Management group meeting and recruitment for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program. The Administrative Services report covered the finance department's decision to adopt Sage Intaact as the new financial software, targeting a July 1, 2026, GoLive date with integration advantages due to its use by Blue Mountain Community College. IT reported progress on the Fortinet network upgrade, including hardware delivery, and provided statistics on network traffic processing and email scanning by DarkTrace for December. Facilities reported the completion of the main Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) rebuild at the Central Campus, planned early work on the new East County location in February, and the ongoing reimagining of the OCCC Disaster Cache in collaboration with the Disaster Cache Planning Group volunteers.

Key discussions for this meeting included updates on the OCATT and Renovations, Accreditation, OCCA Monthly Report, SBDC Report, and the FY 26 September Financials. Action items included the approval and adoption of the college's amended and restated 403(b) plan effective January 1, 2026, and the approval of an amendment to the Lease Crutcher Lewis contract to cover costs for the OCATT Phase 2 Construction: Underground Utilities and Building Structure. The meeting agenda also allocated time for public comment and other board reports.

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on OCATT and Renovations, where inquiries were made regarding the priority process for Fix-It items and the utilization of local contractors. Reports were also presented on Title IX, ADA, Drug & Alcohol, Student Success & Support, Student Success Coaches, the OCCA February Board Report, and the President's Report. Information and discussion items covered the OCCC Statewide Apprenticeship Creation Grant and investigations into implementing Major Transfer Maps (MTM) for Associate of Science Transfer degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Action items involved approving construction costs for summer 2026 Fix-It work completion and approving construction costs for Security & Access Controls Replacement.

The meeting covered several significant operational updates and future planning items. Key discussions included an update on the OCATT & Renovations project, noting that bids came in $400k under estimate, with Phase 2 commencing in mid-late March. The Associated Student Government (ASG) highlighted their involvement, including a successful Thanksgiving food drive providing 40 meals. The Aquarium Science Program (AQS) is preparing for a National Visiting Committee annual visit in February 2026 for curriculum evaluation and student feedback sessions. The Registrar's office reported on functions including public record requests management and FERPA compliance. Future planning for 2026 involves continuing OCATT construction, expanding operations in Toledo through an agreement with LCSD to serve Siletz and Edyville areas, exploring a potential Sports Complex development, and entering into an MOU with OSU for a full Natural Resources program by Fall 2026. The Board also plans to renew and strengthen the MOU with WOU for the AQS program, in anticipation of the Year 7 Accreditation review.

Key discussions during the meeting included project updates on the OCATT Renovation, covering design completion status and the commencement of Phase 1 construction. The President's Report detailed college activities, noting a significant 49.5% increase in student FTE over the previous year, security measures blocking over 6000 phishing attempts, and recognition for the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs receiving the Cam Preus Award. Safety reports indicated zero reported incidents, alongside updates on facility projects such as exterior painting and boiler system installations. Financially, the Draft Year-End Quarter 4 reports showed strong performance. The Board discussed the proposed development of a Natural Resources degree program, citing strong community ties and potential transfer pathways with Oregon State University. Action was taken to approve an update to the college Mission Statement and to approve the investigation into the establishment of the natural resources academic program. A motion to amend board policy BP 2210 regarding the election process of board officers failed.