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The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling
Building, Trenton, on January 21, 2005. Chairman Francis Mertz presided.
Highlights from the meeting include:
Chairman’s Report: Mr. Mertz previewed the agenda. He also announced
the formation of a Capital Planning Task Force to develop a long-term
capital plan for higher education, as called for in A Blueprint for
Excellence. Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald reported on upcoming efforts
to draft regulatory amendments related to “hybrid” courses
and also to continue meetings with state and university leaders,
including legislators,
to build a coalition around shared goals. Comments from Roger L. Anderson, Executive Director of the
New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (EFA): Mr. Anderson presented an overview
of EFA’s background and function, including data on bond issues for higher
education facilities. Increased Research Dollars: The Commission adopted a report that identifies
five target areas for enhanced research funding and interim milestones
towards an improved national ranking in aggregate share of federal research dollars
by 2012. The report signals the beginning of significantly greater
collaboration
among colleges and universities, the private sector, and the state
to enhance competitiveness. Long-Range Plan Update: Dr. Oswald outlined the main tracks in preparing
the first annual update of the long-range plan, scheduled for July
2005. The update will essentially replace the November 2003 document. Data Collection Regarding the Use of Technology: Kris Krishnan, the Commission’s
director of research, and George Laskaris, executive director of NJEDge.Net,
gave an overview of data from the first annual survey of the institutions’ use
of technology to increase capacity, as recommended in the long-range
plan. Legislative Update: Dr. Oswald provided a general update on legislative
activity related to higher education over the past year. She highlighted several
pending
bills or initiatives related to Commission priorities, such as capital
needs, workforce shortages, and research funding. Capital Improvement Fund: The Commission approved the reallocation of
a portion of funds for Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund projects at
Rowan
University. HESAA: Commissioner Smith reported that audits of various aspects of HESAA’s
operations are being conducted, and preliminary indications of the
results are favorable. Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt commented on the release of
the remaining funds for NJ Transfer and noted the Council’s financial
commitment and enthusiastic support for the multiyear public awareness
campaign. Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, president, Association of New
Jersey County College Faculties, proposed creation of a citizens advisory committee
for the Commission.
Next meeting: Friday, March 18, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.,
Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton.
-
Report on Governor’s budget
- Long-range plan update
- Discussion of amendments to the Commission’s
code of ethics
- DeVry University petition to offer four new degree programs
- Discussion of possible teacher education incentive grant program
- UMDNJ Equipment Leasing Fund revision
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