The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, on April 22, 2005. Chairman Francis Mertz presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Mertz previewed the agenda.
• Comments from Dr. John J. Petillo, President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Dr. Petillo emphasized the university’s mission of service to the state and outlined key elements of its new strategic plan, highlighting the role of the university’s academic community in the planning process.
• Long-Range Plan Update: Dr. Oswald reported on results from an employer satisfaction survey by the John J. Heldrich Center and ongoing discussions regarding increased research funding.
• Telecommunications Summit (May 20): Dr. Oswald provided an overview of the upcoming summit on telecommunications, co-sponsored by the Commission, the New Jersey Legislative Caucus on Science and Technology, and Princeton University.
• New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS) – Sustainable Design: The Commission discussed with Dr. Walter Kanzler from NJHEPS design guidelines created by NJHEPS to help colleges and universities build sustainable, high-performance campus facilities.
• Special Needs Grant Program Allocations: The Commission approved the allocation of fiscal 2006 funding, pending fiscal 2006 state appropriations, to eight regional centers serving students with disabilities statewide.
• Reallocation of Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund Moneys at William Paterson University of New Jersey: The Commission approved the reallocation of a portion of capital improvement fund moneys at William Paterson University of New Jersey.
• HESAA: Commissioner Smith noted completion of a report on the Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program and commented on opportunities for disadvantaged students to pursue careers in the sciences.
• Presidents’ Council Report: In Dr. Pruitt’s absence, Dr. Oswald reported on the Council’s recent meeting, including agreement that the Emerging Issues Committee will work with the Commission on workforce supply/demand issues.
• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, president, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties – NJHEPS

_________________________________________________________________________________
Next Meeting: Friday, May 27, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton.

• Comments from Michael Angulo – executive director of HESAA
• Long-range plan update
• Report on budget hearings and deliberations
• Adopt form and content of institutional profiles
• Readoption of MAC regulations
• Adopt 2005-06 meeting schedule
• ELMS program allocations
• Brookdale Community College branch campus petition
• Syracuse University petition for Project Advance
• Jobs, Education and Competitiveness Bond Act projects
• Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund reallocation of moneys at Seton Hall University of New Jersey