One-Minute Summary September 18, 2009 Commission Meeting

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton on September 18, 2009. Chairman Edward Graham presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Graham reported on the meeting held with the Executive Committee of the Commission and the Officers of the Presidents’ Council where funding of the capital needs of the colleges and universities and economic development were discussed.

• Acting Executive Director’s Report: Acting Executive Director Beardsley reported on the implementation of the directory of online degree programs on the Commission’s website, the meeting at Kean University on the Federal Stimulus Act and public/private partnerships, the conference call with the colleges and the Department of Health on the H1N1 virus, and the signing by the Governor of the “Troops to College” legislation.

• Presidents’ Council Report: President McCormick reported on the joint meeting of the Executive Committee of the Commission and the Officers of the Presidents’ Council and their discussion of the facilities needs of the colleges and universities, the colleges’ preparation for the H1N1 virus at their campuses, and the higher education economic impact draft report coordinated by President Levao.

• Presentation on the Activities of the Campus Safety and Security Committee of the NJ Presidents’ Council by Dr. Robert Altenkirch, President, NJ Institute of Technology, and Chair of the Committee: Dr. Altenkirch introduced Don Sebastian who discussed campus safety self assessment and peer review, and best practices.

• First Annual National GEAR UP Day Presentation: Michelle Johnson, GEAR UP State Director, showcased students who successfully completed the program and went on to pursue higher education, as well as providing an overview of the program’s major outcomes.

• Relicensure of the University of Phoenix: The Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution relicensing the University of Phoenix for a period of five years to offer the Bachelor of Science in Management, the Bachelor of Science in Business, and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at its facility in Jersey City.

• Expansion of Sites for Syracuse University Project Advance in High Schools: The Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to license Syracuse University, through its Project Advance, to offer Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry, and Presentational Speaking courses at previously approved locations, and to offer previously approved and new courses at Lenape Regional High School, Paramus High School, Passaic County Technical Institute, Red Bank Regional High School, and Kinnelon High School for the remainder of the current licensure period, which extends through academic year 2011-2012.

• EFA, EOF, and HESAA Updates: Mr. Landgraf commented on the EFA’s annual report and the debt of the colleges and universities for facilities, Dr. Lang commented on the finishing of EOF’s summer programs and the preparation soon for their annual student leadership and fall conferences, and Ms. Torres commented on the multitude of applications being received for financial aid and how NJ CLASS loan amounts are increasing from past amounts.

Next Meeting: Friday, October 23, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton, New Jersey.