Portland Community College

This document details Portland Community College's application to the Northwest Commission on Community Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for approval of an Associate of Science Transfer - Psychology program. This initiative is undertaken in response to Oregon House Bill 2998, which aims to establish foundational curricula and statewide transfer agreements to streamline pathways for community college students transferring to in-state public universities. The program aligns with the college's strategic themes of Academic Excellence, focusing on student success, delivery, and programming, and Community Engagement, emphasizing workforce, education, and industry alignment.

The Board of Directors held a business session that included a COVID-19 update and several personnel actions such as new hires and commendations for retiring employees. The board addressed various bids and contracts, including the Facilities Plan Phase 2, project management services for the Sylvania Health Technology Building renovation, the purchase of learning management system licenses, an early work amendment for Rock Creek construction projects, and modifications for the Sylvania Child Development Center. Additionally, the board discussed revisions to board policy regarding student representation and reviewed proposed changes to the Community College Rules of Procurement.

The public hearing focused on a budget review and certification process, highlighting the college's fiscal sustainability framework and action plan for long-term health. Key discussions included revenue uncertainties, the strategic plan's goals for online learning and student accessibility, and the potential sunsetting of certain academic programs due to workforce alignment. A federal response task force was introduced to monitor potential impacts on student support services resulting from federal funding changes.

The meeting focuses on the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement between the college and the Portland Community College Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals. Key provisions of the agreement include salary increases for faculty and academic professionals effective June and September 2026, one-time payments for various employee groups, adjustments to the part-time pay schedule, and the introduction of a one-time stipend for employees holding doctoral or terminal degrees. Additionally, the agreement covers increased monthly college contributions toward health insurance, details regarding HSA-eligible plan contributions, and procedures for cashing out accrued vacation or personal leave.

The board convened for a special executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2) (f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.