Southwestern Oregon Community College

The board meeting agenda includes an executive session regarding labor negotiations, property, records, legal rights, and personnel. Key agenda items feature introductions of new employees, Budget Committee interviews and reappointments, and board development presentations on the OCCA Executive Director and green crabs. College reports include updates from the President and a financial report. Business items involve a housing rate update, Budget Committee appointments, a Jenzabar contract renewal, tenured faculty status, the selection of an insurance agent of record, and a first reading of various board policy updates and renumberings.

The meeting commenced with an executive session pursuant to OS192.660 to conduct deliberations on confidential matters D, E, F, H, and I. Upon returning to open session, the board recognized the student athletes of the month for the men's and women's basketball teams, detailing recent game outcomes and championship qualifications. A significant portion of the discussion focused on performance review updates for mass and classified employees, noting that annual reviews commenced on January 1st after developing new forms with third-party consultancy and training supervisors. The process involves co-created SMART goals and competencies focusing on technical expertise, results orientation, communication, service centeredness, ethical decision-making, and code of conduct. The process also includes a 90-day review for new employees. There was discussion regarding continuous quality improvement and ensuring employees, including non-instructional staff, understand how their roles align with the institution's mission and strategic priorities.

The meeting commenced with a recess into an executive session to discuss confidential matters identified as Items D, E, F, H, and I, which are not to be repeated in open session. Upon returning to open session, the board recognized and welcomed several new staff members, including specialists in trio prequel, campus safety, payroll/accounting, care connections resource and referral, campus store/mail print services, and child care business advising, as well as a new custodian and curriculum scheduling coordinator. The board also recognized student athletes of the month for swimming and cross country, hearing brief introductions from the recognized students regarding their academic pursuits and accomplishments. Following the student recognitions, the Associate Student Government representatives introduced themselves and discussed their role in managing student life, including program management for free movie nights and overseeing 19 active clubs covering academic, fun pursuit, faith-based, and cultural interests. The presentation continued with an update on the STEP program (Student Equity and Achievement Program), detailing its priorities such as increasing student stability and success by reducing barriers and providing gap funding for tuition, transportation, and supplies. The update also covered efforts to strengthen college systems and funding through maximizing grant dollars and leveraging expansion funds, which have supported initiatives like library laptop loaners and welding equipment purchases. The success of the STEP program, including high referral rates, was highlighted.

The meeting commenced with a recess into executive session to discuss confidential matters including labor negotiations, property records, legal rights, and personnel issues. Upon reconvening to open session, the agenda proceeded with board development and the annual audit report presentation by the auditors (CLA). Key discussion points regarding the audit included the delay in receiving the single audit compliance supplement due to changes in guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, affecting testing until late November 2025. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and no findings for Oregon state regulations testing, though one exception was noted regarding an appropriation exceeding budget in the plant fund. The auditors also covered the implementation of new Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB 101 and 102) related to compensated absences and increased disclosures. A review of the statement of net position highlighted a decrease in cash and investments, largely due to the timing of state appropriation payments in a biannium year, offset by changes related to the completion of the EDA project. Operating revenues showed a decrease, primarily due to less federal, state, and private grant funding compared to previous years impacted by COVID funding. Expenditures saw an overall increase, impacted by higher student financial aid due to increased enrollment and increased depreciation, despite efforts to reduce general expenses. The governance communication letter confirmed no changes in audit scope, no uncorrected misstatements, and no significant estimates requiring special disclosure beyond routine matters.

The meeting included discussions on agenda changes, introductions of new employees, and updates from RAS. There were presentations about athletes of the month for volleyball and soccer. Jim Barren from Oregon Bay Area Beautification provided an update on cleanup projects. Campus safety presented on security measures, including cameras and access control using the Vicotta system.