Meeting Minutes June 2017

Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (Official) – June 14, 2017

A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in the Hartleb Technology Center at the Haverhill Campus at 5:00 PM.

Present

Ms. Cerasuolo-O’Rorke
Mr. Cox
Ms. Daly-O’Brien
Mr. D’Orazio
Ms. Estrella
Mr. Forman
Mr. Garcia (Arrived at 5:15PM)
Mr. Guilmette
Mr. Linehan
Ms. Paley Nadel

Also Present: President Glenn

Call to Order

Chairman Linehan called the meeting to order at 5:09 PM.

Approval of Minutes

On a Motion by Trustee Daly-O’Brien, seconded by Trustee Forman, it was voted unanimously to approve the May 3, 2017 minutes as presented.

Correspondence

President Glenn noted that the packet included an email to NECC’s Sue Tashjian and Jody Carson from Rice University regarding the college’s partnership with Rice University and OpenStax, an Open Educational Resource (OER). The email noted that NECC has led the state in this effort by providing 644 students with open educational resources this year saving them just over $350,000 a year. Since the partnership started, NECC has saved students over $1 million in the costs of books and other educational resources. President Glenn noted that Ms. Tashjian and Ms. Carson should be commended in their work of OER and saving our students an enormous amount of money.

Unfinished Business

There was none.

Education Report

Mobile Advising @ NECC (ADM-3395-061417)

President Glenn introduced Dr. William Heineman, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs who introduced Jayne Ducharme, Coordinator of Academic Advising at the Lawrence Campus and Stephanie Wares, Coordinator of Academic Advising in Haverhill. Ms. Ducharme and Ms. Wares provided a brief report about NECC mobile advising which brings advising services to students when they can’t necessarily get to campus to access these services. Ms. Ducharme noted that the college continuously tries to find new ways to be accessible to students. The Mobile Advising Unit was designed to provide returning students with quick, on-the-spot registration services for an upcoming semester. It was developed out of an urgency to assist continuing students in registering on time and to meet students where they are located in the academic buildings. Advisors visit the academic building locations and students can meet with them before class, as they pass between classes, or after class. The program provides quick, easy access to advisors and also serves light refreshments and hosts raffles to help draw students in.

Trustee Garcia arrived 5:15 PM

Ms. Ducharme noted that evening students in particular have had positive impressions of the mobile advising pilot, and many have taken advantage of the service. Registering for a subsequent semester is not typically a top priority for evening students, so they seem to be very appreciative of the service being readily available. She noted that advising for transfer to 4-year schools is also available to any student who would like assistance. Looking ahead, in fall 2017, the focus will continue to be on assisting as many evening students as possible as they struggle to make it to the college’s Career Planning & Advising Centers.

With no questions, Chairman Linehan thanked Ms. Ducharme and Ms. Wares for their report.

Report of Board Committees

Audit and Finance Committee

Trustee Paley Nadel noted that the Audit and Finance Committee had a number of motions to discuss and approve including the college operating budget. Regarding the first motion, the A&F Committee looked at the fee structure and are asking for approval of an increase of $9 per credit. She noted that next year will continue to be a challenging year and she expressed her and the committee’s thanks to President Glenn and the entire finance staff in their assistance in providing trustees with a balanced college budget.

1. FY2018 College Fee – Regular (AFC17-06)

   Trustee Paley Nadel reiterated that the fee has been raised by $9 (to $177 per credit) this year which is similar to the increase over the last two years. Proportionately, this is a small increase and the A&F committee considers the increase to be a very responsible approach.

   On a Motion by Trustee Daly O’Brien seconded by Trustee Cox, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY2018 College Fee-Regular which is assessed on all credit courses that are non-Health to be $177 per credit.

2. FY2018 College Fee – Allied Health Courses (AFC17-07)

   Trustee Paley Nadel then noted that this motion also includes a fee increase of $9 per credit and is necessary due to the costs associated with offering the allied health courses which are considerably more expensive to run. The FY18 rate for these courses will now be $257 (up from $248 last year).

   On a Motion by Trustee D’Orazio, seconded by Trustee Daly O’Brien, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY2018 College Fee for Allied Health Courses to be $257 per credit.

3. FY2018 High Cost Course Fee (AFC17-08)

   Trustee Paley Nadel noted that this fee is for courses that include consumables and/or equipment for which the college incurs additional costs. The fees are structured by tiers with an increase of $2 for each tier in FY18. This fee is in addition to the $9 College Regular Course fee.

   On a Motion by Trustee Daly O’Brien, seconded by Trustee Estrella, it was voted unanimously to approve the increase in the FY2018 High Cost Course Fee in the amount of $2 per course.

4. FY2018 College Budget (AFC17-09)

   Trustee Paley Nadel noted that the Audit and Finance Committee fully recommends that the board approve the college budget of $44,566,482 as detailed in the attached summary report in the packet.

   President Glenn noted that this budget is approximately a half million dollars less than the college’s current year budget. The college continues to contain costs and reduce spending wherever possible. At the October Board meeting, a supplemental budget will be presented to the board which will reflect further reductions as the college most likely will not meet the 5% enrollment reduction as noted within this current budget estimate. He cautioned trustees that enrollments may fall a few more percentage points and may be as high as an 8% reduction. It’s important to note that the college’s sister institutions are also having similar enrollment issues. However, the college is seeing some initial return on investment with the work around the Early College programming and high school seniors. The college administration is hopeful to see some additional returns on the work around international students and our traditional continuing student population as we progress through the summer.

   Trustee Daly O’Brien thanked President Glenn for his work on the budget and noted a recent article in Time Magazine regarding how community colleges are the backbone of higher education. She noted the article was very insightful on the role NECC plays here in Massachusetts and all community colleges in every state. “We have an impact in this state, and I hope there is more public awareness and support for the work that NECC does. We provide what no other college can, and we are very aware of our service area needs. What a difference NECC makes – so it is hard to cut some things as we make such a difference.”

   On a Motion by Trustee Cox, seconded by Trustee Daly O’Brien, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY2018 College Budget of $44,566,482 as detailed in the Summary Report.

5. FY2018 Student Activity Fund Budget (AFC17-10)

   Trustee Paley Nadel noted that the Audit and Finance Committee recommends that the Board approve the FY2018 Student Activity Fund Budget of $540,938 which is based on a $6 per student per credit fee with the exception of online course credit. She noted that the detailed summary report provides all the information necessary, and also noted that Trustees are only being asked to approve the Revenue side of this fund. An updated Expense report will be submitted when the college’s supplemental budget is finalized in October. This fund is a standard item every year and supports athletics and other student activities.

   On a Motion by Trustee Estrella, seconded by Trustee Forman, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY2018 Student Activity Fee Fund budget of $540,938.

Presidential Evaluation Committee

Trustee Forman, Chairman of the Evaluation Committee, noted that the committee had met a number of times over the last few months as they embarked on the President’s evaluation. This year, the process was shortened as the Mass. Dept. of Higher Education instituted a due date of June 30, 2017 which was earlier than the typical October due date each year. The committee followed an expanded process this year by interviewing outside constituents (mayors) as well as internal staff. Trustee Forman noted that the process is very involved, and the information culled from those interviewed are considered as part of the evaluation final report. He thanked all members of the committee as well as Wendy Shaffer, Dean of Development and Cheryl Goodwin, Liaison to the Board for their assistance in organizing the work of the committee. In the end, the committee felt strongly that President Glenn has done an excellent job in his leadership of the college and asks the full board for their approval of his very positive evaluation.

On a Motion by Trustee Daly O’Brien, seconded by Trustee Estrella, it was voted unanimously to approve the Presidential Performance Evaluation and Compensation Recommendation draft as presented.

President Glenn thanked the board for their continued support and commitment of hard work to make NECC the best it can be. He also recognized the great work of his Leadership Team in this effort.

Chairman Linehan also thanked the committee for their work on the evaluation. He thanked Chairman Forman and Dean Shaffer in particular for their leadership in this effort.

Report of Administration

1. Board Meeting Dates for 2017-2018 Academic Year (ADM-3397-061417)

   President Glenn noted that the schedule for 2017-18 is enclosed in the packet for Trustee calendars and also pointed out that the November 2017 and April 2018 meetings will be held in Lawrence.

2. NECC 2020: Strategic Planning Update (ADM-3398-061417)

   President Glenn provided an update on the work of the integrated student experience goal team. He noted that this goal was established to ensure the intersection of what is done in the classroom with effective student support services on both campuses. This goal team plans to develop a student support hub on each campus that co-locates tutoring and career services at both campuses. In the past, these services were set up on different campuses, so the new “hub” will centralize the services at one location on each campus. Also, as part of experimenting with a “hub”, the newly opened Spurk building will also have a business center where accounting, business and hospitality faculty and students can gather for mobile advising, listen to guest speakers, and build relationships with one another. There will be five centers including ones for STEM, Health, Liberal Arts and Professional Careers. Lastly, the team is working on revamping the new student orientation process to include more active participation and which will provide greater faculty involvement. The college hopes that this revamp will provide a deeper, broader and more impactful new student experience.

3. Haverhill Campus Update (Verbal)

   President Glenn noted that the Culinary Arts & Hospitality center RFP was finally approved by DCAMM and will hopefully be released this week. The College currently secured an additional $1 million for this project in this year’s budget for a total of $2 million overall. The College is hoping that a 3rd million dollars in bond money will be forthcoming as well. Also, DCAMM Commissioner Gladstone will be visiting the Spurk construction project later this week, and the college anticipates opening on time for the fall semester. President Glenn noted that he will continue to keep trustees apprised on all projects.

4. Lawrence Campus Update (Verbal)

   President Glenn noted that the timeline for the renovation of the Dimitry building in Lawrence has been altered slightly to a fall semester start. The building will take approximately one year to upgrade, and the college is thankful for the resources to make these necessary changes.

   President Glenn also spoke briefly about a recently filmed segment for a $50K Kickstarter fundraising campaign for the Buckley Garage. The campaign was established by the city and the Lawrence Partnership to raise the $50K for the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority and will be matched by Mass Development. The college is working closely with the city on this project and is hoping to match the color on the exterior of the garage with the colors of El Hefni and the Hub at 420 Common to continue to build on that comprehensive urban campus feel. There will be also be artwork displayed in the outside area of the garage.

   President Glenn then noted that the college has hosted a series of meetings for the Merrimack Valley Housing Authority as he is chairing the MVCEDS group. The MVCEDS group will be meeting at the Haverhill Campus at some point in the near future.

   Finally, President Glenn provided a brief update on the possible capital campaign. He noted that the campaign is still in the quiet feasibility study stage where the consultant is interviewing potential donors over the summer months which will hopefully lead into further movement in fall. He noted that he will keep trustee apprised as the campaign progresses.

5. Update from May 11th MCCMTA Meeting (Verbal)

   President Glenn deferred this portion of his report to Chairman Linehan. Mr. Linehan noted that it was a great meeting with Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Most of the discussion revolved around budgets. There was also mention of the many leadership changes that will be occurring given four community college presidents will be retiring this year.

6. Update on Ad Hoc Committee on Police Education and Training Meeting and Report (Verbal)

   President Glenn reported that the Ad Hoc Committee has submitted its recommendations to Commissioner Santiago via a final report. The recommendations include that 1) Massachusetts adopt a requirement for officers to obtain a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field; 2) that Massachusetts public colleges and universities be permitted to offer credit for previous experience, including Police Academies, in Criminal Justice Programs; and 3) that changes to the BHE PCIPP guidelines should be made to reflect the committee’s recommendation that credit from regionally accredited institutions is accepted for transfer into an undergraduate CJ program and credit for prior learning (military or police academy training) must be from a regionally accredited institution. President Glenn noted that a working group will be formed to advance the work and recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee. This committee work was particularly important to NECC and our current work with the police academy. He also noted that it may someday be helpful in the future development of the proposed Regional Public Safety Center in Lawrence if/when it is adopted.

New Business

1. Motion to Approve New Networking and Security Degree Option in Computer & Information Sciences (ADM-3398-061417)

   President Glenn noted that the college is proposing a Computer Information Systems Networking and Security Option to better support student pathways within the areas of the IT workforce. He noted that national and local trends note demand for these skills.

   On a Motion by Trustee Cox, seconded by Trustee Forman, it was voted unanimously to approve a New Networking and Security degree option in Computer and Information Sciences.

2. Personnel Actions:

   1. New Appointments (ADM-3399-061417)

      President Glenn noted that there were three (3) new appointments for consideration. Two positions were within the nursing program and the third was in psychology.

      On a Motion by Trustee D’Orazio seconded by Trustee Daly O’Brien, it was voted unanimously to approve the three (3) new full-time personnel appointment as listed in Addendum A.

3. Delegation of Authority to Appoint New Fulltime Employees to Existing Vacancies during the Summer (ADM-3400-061417)

   President Glenn reminded the Board that at each June meeting, they vote to authorize the President to appoint new full-time employees during the summer since the Board does not generally meet in July and August. All new appointments will be forwarded to the Board at the September meeting.

   On a Motion by Trustee Cox seconded by Trustee Paly Nadel, it was voted unanimously to delegate to the President of the College the authority to appoint new full-time employees during the summer months of June, July and August, limited in number to full-time position vacancies.

4. Grants Chairman Linehan noted that the Trustees generally approve all grants collectively in one vote.

   All Trustee agreed. President Glenn asked trustees to note the first grant in particular which concerns the college’s future oversight of the Career Center which commences July 1st. The President thanked NECC’s George Moriarty, Executive Director of Workforce Development and Corporate Relations and Steve Fabbrucci, Vice President of Human Resource Development who worked together within a very complicated process to ensure that these municipal employees transferred seamlessly to college employees. He noted that there were several regulations and compliance issues to navigate, and Steve and George did an excellent job of assisting the college with this process.

   On a Motion by Trustee Daly O’Brien, seconded by Trustee Cox, it was voted unanimously to approve Grant items #8d1 thru #8d11 as noted below.

   1. City of Lawrence/Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment ADM-3401-061417

      Board (MVWIB): One Stop Career Center Operator Services

   2. EDUCAUSE-iPASS: Integrated Planning and Advising for ADM-3402-061417

      Student Success in Higher Education

   3. Massachusetts Department of Early Education and ADM-3403-061417

      Care/North Shore community College: Educator and Provider Support

   4. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary ADM-3404-061417

      Education: Adult Basic Education Grant Projects

   5. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary ADM-3405-061417

      Education: Perkins Postsecondary Allocation

   6. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: ADM-3406-061417

      Family Sign Language Instruction

   7. Massachusetts Executive Office of Education: ADM-3407-061417

      Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MA ICEI) Program for Students with Disabilities

   8. National Science Foundation/Northeastern University: ADM-3408-061417

      S-STEM Student Pathways Opening World Energy Resources (S-POWER)

   9. United States Department of Education: Student ADM-3409-061417

      Support Services Program

   10. United States Department of Labor/Mount Wachusett ADM-3410-061417

       Community College: Massachusetts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hire Consortium Grant

   11. Pending Proposals for External Funding ADM-3411-061417

Other Business

1. Supporting Hispanic Students at NECC (Verbal) Student Trustee Garcia noted that his invited guests were unable to attend the meeting. However, he noted that the ideas was for those individuals to discuss how the college can better assist Hispanic students in the future. Similar to the Lawrence Partnership, but on a more personalized level, Trustee Garcia would like to see a grassroots relationship/conversation started to assist Hispanics within the NECC community.

   Trustee Paley Nadel thought it was an excellent conversation to have, and suggested that it be placed on the November 2017 agenda when the Board meeting will be held in Lawrence. All Trustees agreed and Trustee Garcia was invited to come back to NECC in November to help lead that discussion with his invited guests.

Adjournment

With no other business, Chairman Linehan adjourned the meeting at 6:01 PM.