The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, on December 17, 2004. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Minutes: Minutes of the November 19, 2004 meeting were approved.

• Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald discussed a new data source available through the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative that enables institutions to compare themselves with peers nationally. She also provided highlights of her recent presentation to the New Jersey Technology Council.

• Report from New Jersey State Treasurer John E. McCormac: Treasurer McCormac reviewed the revenue projections for the current fiscal year and updated the Commissioners on expected timeframes for the availability of more refined data on current year revenues. He also reviewed the extreme challenges posed by the projected gap between revenues and expenditures in fiscal 2006.

• Report on Baseline Employer Satisfaction Survey: Dr. Carl Van Horn, Director and Professor of Public Policy at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, provided a preliminary overview of a baseline survey of employers conducted by the Center on behalf of the Commission on Higher Education.

• Adoption of Long-Range Plan Assessment Framework: Commissioners adopted a framework to assess progress in achieving the goals of the Long-Range Plan. The assessment will be incorporated in the annual update of the long-range plan, beginning in July 2005.

• Adoption of Proposal for Increased Federal Research Dollars: Executive Director Oswald recommended postponement of this item until January, in order to discuss the report further with presidents, enhance the report with additional background, and ensure clarity and comprehensiveness.

• Long-Range Plan Update: Dr. Oswald recalled the major elements of Stage 2 of the planning process: further development of performance measures, enhancement of Objective VI (partnerships with business and other sectors), and development of Objective VII (enhancement of public research universities).

• Update on Plans for a Multiyear Public Awareness Campaign: Dr. Oswald reported on preliminary work for the campaign and stressed the importance of having the enthusiastic support of the institutions before taking additional steps.

• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt reported on progress of NJ Transfer and commented on the work of the senior public institutions in developing funding recommendations.

• New Business: The resignation of Laurence Downes was announced, and the Commission unanimously approved a resolution honoring him for three years of distinguished service and his accomplishments as a Commissioner and the former chair of the Commission.

• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, President, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties, commented on the state budget process. Andre Gilchrist, a student, commented in favor of extending in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.

• Comments from Roger Anderson, Executive Director, Educational Facilities Authority
• Discussion of Commission’s code of ethics
• Results of data collection regarding the use of technology - George Laskaris and Kris Krishnan
• Legislative update
• Reallocation of Capital Improvement Program funds