The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened in the Alexander Kasser Theater at Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J., on July 14, 2005. Chairman Francis J. Mertz presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Comments from Host: President Susan Cole welcomed the Commission.
• Swearings-In: Dr. Ralph Izzo, president and chief operating officer at Public Service Electric and Gas Company, and Ms. Fatima Chak, a student at Montclair State University, were sworn in as members of the Commission.
• Chairman’s Report: Commissioner Collins was elected vice chairman, and Commissioner Izzo was appointed to the Executive Committee. Mr. Mertz commented on work underway by the Capital Planning Task Force and the Senior Public Operating Aid Task Force.
• Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald commented on long-term New Jersey and national trends in public higher education enrollments and finance; a national report on the return on government investment in higher education; and new marketing materials developed by the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission that includes information about higher education in New Jersey.
• Long-Range Plan Update: Dr. Oswald discussed the status and timetable of the long-range plan update and summarized feedback on the three draft update sections circulated to date.
• Fiscal 2006 Budget Update: Nancy Style, the Commission’s chief of finance and policy analysis, highlighted key funding for higher education in the fiscal 2006 state budget.
• Annual Licensure Report: Kay Hancock, the Commission’s director of academic affairs, reported on activities related to licensure over the past year and on the horizon. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of careful review of institutional petitions to exceed or change programmatic mission. The Commission adopted a resolution formally honoring Ms. Hancock upon the occasion of her retirement.
• Montclair State University Petition: The Commission approved the petition from Montclair State University to exceed its programmatic mission and offer a new doctoral degree program in audiology.
• Atlantic Cape Community College Branch Campus: The Commission approved the petition from Atlantic Cape Community College to establish its Cape May branch campus in Cape May Courthouse, Middle Township.
• College Bound Grant Program: The Commission approved fiscal 2006 grants to 10 institutional programs for the final year of a five-year grant cycle and set aside funds for statewide efforts.
• Minority Academic Career (MAC) Program Regulations: The Commission readopted regulations governing the Minority Faculty Advancement and the Minority Undergraduate Fellowship programs (known collectively as MAC) with amendments.
• Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund: The Commission awarded unexpended funds from the South Jersey multi-institutional economic development portion of the facilities trust fund to The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey for the South Jersey Aviation Research Park-The First Steps.
• EOF and HESAA Reports: Commissioners Collins and Smith commented on the increased state support for student assistance programs in the fiscal 2006 budget.
• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt commented on two upcoming initiatives – a gubernatorial forum and discussions about creating a business/higher education forum.
• Recognition of Departing Members: The Commission adopted resolutions formally honoring Henry Johnson, Pedro Khoury, and Terrence Curran for their service on the Commission.
• Comments from the Public: J. B. Wilson, president, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey – recognition of departing staff member, Kay Hancock.

• Discussion of long-range plan update draft
• Discussion of fiscal 2007 budget policy statement
• Readoption of Capital Improvement Fund regulations
• Equipment Leasing Fund purchases – The College of New Jersey
• Distribution of funds for the Minority Academic Career program