The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, on November 19, 2004. Chairman Francis Mertz presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Swearing-In: Dr. Norman Samuels, University Professor and Provost Emeritus of Rutgers, Newark, was sworn in as a member of the Commission.

• Minutes: Minutes of the October 29, 2004, meeting were approved.

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Mertz previewed the agenda and commented on the fiscal 2006 budget policy statements of the Commission and Presidents’ Council, concluding that it will be important to work together with the Presidents’ Council to coordinate efforts and present consistent, effective messages before the Legislature in the spring.

• Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald discussed Commission priorities for December 2004-March 2005 in policy and planning, and advocacy and initiatives. She also discussed implementing a tactical plan for the Commission’s work, and reorganizing staff to carry out the tactical plan and make the most of limited resources.

• Proposal for Increased Federal Research Dollars: The Commission’s working group established to develop strategies to increase federal research dollars coming to higher education in New Jersey presented its report for discussion. Dr. Oswald introduced the report and two other members of the working group, Philip Furmanski, executive vice president of academic affairs at Rutgers University, and Donald Sebastian, vice president of research and development at NJIT, reported to the Commission on five key research areas recommended as targets for New Jersey higher education institutions: Stem Cell Research, Biomedically-Related Nanoscience, Homeland Security, Advanced Imaging Technology, and Genomics/Bioinformatics.

• EOF Outcomes-based Plan: Dr. Glenn Lang, executive director, Educational Opportunity Fund updated Commissioners on plans to develop and implement an outcomes-based plan for increased Article IV funds.

• Adoption of Incentive Program for Underserved Areas: Commissioners adopted a framework for the incentive program for underserved areas of the state.

• Inventory of P-12/Higher Education Partnerships: Kilpatry Cuesta, State Coordinator, NJ GEAR UP state project, reported to Commissioners on a new P-12 and higher education partnerships inventory.

• MAC Regulations: Commissioners approved noticing of revisions to the regulations governing the Minority Faculty Advancement and the Minority Undergraduate Fellowship programs.

• Capital Improvement Fund Reallocation: The Commission approved the reallocation of $1,436,200 from the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt reported that Dr. John J. Petillo has been appointed the president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, President, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties, commented on authority to remove tenured faculty.

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Next meeting: Friday, December 17, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton.

• Report from the State Treasurer—John McCormac
• Discussion of Outstanding Scholar Recruitment Program report and distribution of merit-based aid—Michael Angulo
• Adopt proposal to increase federal research dollars
• Report on baseline employer satisfaction—Carl Van Horn
• Adopt Long-Range Plan assessment process