Union College Of Union County, Nj (Ucnj)

The Board approved the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Single Audit Report. Actions were taken to deregister the Blockchain Technology Option program, approve various faculty and staff personnel actions, and adopt revisions to several College-wide policies. The Board also approved budget amendments for the Perkins Grant and accepted funding for the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative. Additionally, the Board ratified several contracts for equipment and services, including simulation technology for nursing and respiratory programs and various operational services. Updates were provided on campus construction projects, including the Cranford Campus Physical Education Center renovation and engineering design services for paving improvements.

The board discussed the proposed 2026-2027 college budget and tuition rates, heard reports from the Educational Planning and Policy Committee regarding the college's reform agenda, academic program reviews, and student enrollment, and approved various personnel actions and college policies. Additionally, the board accepted grant funding for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Grant, authorized contracts for various college services including metered mail, software licenses, and event planning for commencement, and approved a $15 million HEFT Act grant for facility maintenance and a $6.8 million project for a new Skilled Trades Center on the Plainfield campus. Updates were also provided on campus construction projects, the cell tower installation, and the Kellogg building recovery status.

The board meeting agenda includes the acceptance of the FY 2025 Single Audit Report and several reports from committees. Key items include the deregistration of the Blockchain Technology A.A.S. program, various faculty and staff personnel actions, and a policy review. Financial and grant-related discussions cover investment and financial reports, as well as amendments and new applications for career and technical education grants. The agenda also details contracts exempt from competitive bidding for equipment such as virtual cadaver tables and simulation mannequins, along with surplus disposal authorizations. Building and grounds projects involve the prioritization of FY 2025-2026 initiatives, an amendment to a shared services agreement for the Cranford Campus physical education center renovation, and the approval of engineering design services.

The Board approved the acceptance of the FY 2025 Audit and other reports, awarded a contract for internal audit services, and confirmed staff personnel actions. Additionally, the Board authorized several grant acceptances, including funding for the County College Based Center for Adult Transition and the Hunger-Free Campus Grant. Several service contracts were approved, including payroll and tax filing services, cybersecurity software and hardware, and janitorial supplies. The Board also addressed capital projects, specifically the emergency generator installation for the Kellogg building and a change order for the electrical substation relocation on the Cranford Campus.

This Academic Master Plan aligns with UCNJ's mission to empower students through high-quality, affordable higher education. It outlines strategic and operational priorities for the Division of Academic Affairs to support student success, community engagement, and innovation through 2029. The plan addresses challenges in higher education, such as technological advancements and declining enrollments, by providing actionable steps for promoting enrollment, student success, innovation, and inclusion and belonging.