The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, on March 18, 2005. Chairman Francis Mertz presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Mertz previewed the agenda. He also commented on the Capital Planning Task Force. Several members have been named to the panel and others will be named later this month. The task force will convene this spring and report recommendations by January 2006.
• Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald highlighted a recent report, Accountability for Better Results – A National Imperative for Higher Education, and referenced the commonalities with A Blueprint for Excellence.
• Comments from Lucille Davy, Special Counsel to the Governor for Education: Ms. Davy discussed the gap between high school course requirements and preparation needed for higher education and business. She indicated that New Jersey has joined a 13-state network committed to addressing this gap through the American Diploma Project.
• Long-Range Plan Update: Dr. Oswald discussed initial efforts to better align P-12 and higher education. She also discussed initiation of institution-specific goal identification, as well as enhancements to Objective VI relating to partnerships with the business community.
• Overview of the Acting Governor’s Proposed Fiscal 2006 Budget for Higher Education: Nancy Style, the Commission’s chief of finance and policy analysis, reviewed the proposed budget.
• Reapplication for GEAR UP State Grant: The Commission endorsed the reapplication for a GEAR UP state grant.
• DeVry University Petition to Offer Four New Programs: The Commission licensed the University to offer four new degree programs.
• Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund Regulations: The Commission approved a proposal to readopt the capital improvement fund regulations with amendments.
• Reallocation of Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund Moneys at Saint Peter’s College: The Commission approved the reallocation of a portion of capital improvement fund moneys at Saint Peter’s College.
• Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund – Revised Purchases at UMDNJ: The Commission approved revised purchases by UMDNJ with equipment leasing fund moneys.
• EOF: Commissioners Collins and Khoury commented on the recent annual EOF conference. Mr. Collins noted two upcoming meetings.
• HESAA: Commissioner Smith reported on compliance with the Executive Order regarding audit committees.
• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt having departed earlier, Dr. Oswald reported that presidents are meeting with legislators on the budget.
• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, president, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties – algebra course content, capacity, higher education budget.
  

Next Meeting: Friday, April 22, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton.

• Comments from Dr. John Petillo, new president of UMDNJ
• Long-range plan update
• A Jobs, Education and Competitiveness Bond Act allocation
• Special Needs grant program allocations
• Syracuse University petition for Project Advance

May Date Change: The Commission will meet on May 27, instead of May 20 as originally scheduled (same time and location).