One-Minute Summary October 26, 2007 Commission Meeting

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at Ocean County College in Toms River on October 26, 2007. Chairman Laurence Downes presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Swearing-In of New Member: Ms. Maria Torres was sworn in as a new member of the Commission representing the Higher Education Student Assistant Authority.

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Downes commented on the release of the SCI report and the joint budget policy statement with the Presidents’ Council.

• Executive Director’s Report: Ms. Oates commented on the SCI report and its recommendations, submission of the Commission on Higher Education’s 2009 budget, and a statewide student leadership meeting being held on November 16, 2007.

• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Yaw commented on the Presidents’ Council meeting and discussing the budget with Chairman Downes and Executive Director Oates, the statewide transfer agreement, NJ Transfer budget, and the Campus Security Report.

• Overview of Governor’s School Student Surveys: Ms. Angela Bethea, assistant director of special projects, provided an overview of the results of the pre- and post-surveys of the students who attended the six Governor’s School programs this summer.

• College Spotlight: Dr. Jon Larson, President, Ocean County College, shared information about his institution with the Commissioners.

• Chapter 13 Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Regulations Sunset Readoption: The Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution readopting the current regulations for the Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund Act without change and directing their publication in the New Jersey Register for the purpose of soliciting public comment, as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.

• EOF Update: Mr. Collins commented on the planning of the EOF spring conference and cuts in funding for EOF.

• Comments from the Public:
  • Ms. Lakeshia Pharmes, student at Ocean County College, commented on the EOF program and the benefits of being an EOF student;
  • Dr. John Pace, President, Association of NJ County College Faculty, commented on the budget cuts, the student conference, and the transfer agreement;
  • Mr. John B. Wilson, President & CEO, Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of NJ, commented on the Independent College Fund of NJ’s annual meeting and appreciation of Commissioner Landgraf and Executive Director Oates’ attendance;
  • Ms. Amanda Perham, student at Brookdale Community College, commented on the budget and parking problems at the college;
  • Mr. Corey Hrubash, student at Ocean County College, commented on the advantages of the Special Needs Regional Centers; and
  • Ms. Cheryl Dahl, student at Ocean County College, commented on the advantages of the Special Needs Regional Centers.

• Update on College Bound and GEAR UP
• Budget policy statement adoption
• Minority Academic Career program update
• Innovative Partnership Institutes
• Report on Grants Won by NJ Institutions
• College Spotlight