Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (Official) – October 4, 2017
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in the Hartleb Technology Center at the Haverhill Campus at 4:00 PM.
Present
Ms. Benning
Ms. Borislow
Mr. D’Orazio
Mr. Forman
Mr. Linehan
Ms. Paley Nadel
Absent
Ms. Cerasuolo-O’Rorke, Mr. Cox, Mr. Guilmette, Ms. Worden
Also Present: President Glenn
Call to Order
Chairman Linehan called the meeting to order at 4:05PM.
Approval of Minutes
On a Motion by Trustee D’Orazio seconded by Trustee Forman, it was voted unanimously to approve the September 6, 2017 minutes as presented.
Correspondence
President Glenn noted that included in the packet is a letter of thanks to NECC faculty and staff from former student, Joanel Vasquez.
President Glenn informed the trustees that Joanel, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, graduated from NECC in 2014 with an associate in Engineering Science and from U-Mass Lowell this past May with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics and a double minor in Robotics and Computer Science.
Joanel hopes to earn a PhD in Robotics and Mathematics, and in his letter, he notes, “I was able to learn and strengthen my knowledge of mathematics and science, which ended up making the difference for me during the years I attended UMass Lowell. Northern Essex helped me adapt and learn more about what it is like to live in America. The faculty and staff helped me strengthen my English with ESL classes, and taught me how to give a good presentation.”
Vasquez particularly wanted to recognize math Professor Habib Maagoul and chemistry Professor Mike Cross saying “These two really inspired me.”
Unfinished Business
Chairman Linehan asked President Glenn to introduce newly appointed employees. President Glenn introduced the following new employees:
Izabela Iem, International Student Administrator and SEVIS Coordinator;
Janel D’Agata Lynch, Staff Assistant/Coordinator Student Success;
Tia Roy, Academic Counselor;
Jessica Rocker, Transfer Counselor, TRIO Student Support Services; and
Elizabeth Teoli, Assistant Librarian.
The Board welcomed all the new employees to NECC.
Educational Report
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Gull Team Banding (ADM-3420-100417)
Dr. Judy Zurow, interim VP of Academic Affairs introduced Professor Sarah Corchesne from the Department of Natural Science. For three years now, Professor Corchesne has given NECC students an opportunity to participate in a hands-on biological field research project at the Appledore Island’s Shoals Marine Laboratory.
Professor Corchesne noted that the program includes short-term research assistantships, a 10-week summer internship, and lab-based work performed at the college after the field season concludes. Two NECC students who have spent time on island, David Mesta and Jinette Galarza spoke about their individual experiences and what it has meant for their education.
David Mesta, a graduate from the Lab Science program at Northern Essex Community College, spoke about his 10-week experience on the Isle of Shoals where he researched the gull population on the islands. David noted that this experience was not just educational but also an opportunity for personal growth. It was “hard work”, he noted, and it was not always a perfect sunny day, but it was important to conduct the research and get the data.
Jinette Galarza, a Liberal Arts major, noted that she loves new experiences, so when she received the college-wide email about this opportunity, she applied immediately and was accepted into the program. Jinette had a one-week experience which she noted “was not a vacation” but wonderful hands-on experience. Jinette worked as the main phlebotomist where she tested baby gulls. Jinette was also able to take a Lawrence High School student with her on the project, and she thanked Professor Cochesne and the opportunity to share the experience.
Both David and Jinette noted to the board that this was a “life changing” experience for them.
Trustee Palen-Nadel commended both students for being such great influences to their peers and for sharing their inspiring story. Professor Cochesne ended the meeting by thanking the board, and by emphasizing that these efforts would not have been possible without the grant funding opportunities.
Report of Board Committees
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Audit and Finance Committee
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Fiscal Year 2018 Revised College Budget (AFC-18-01)
Trustee Paley Nadel noted that the Audit and Finance Committee recommends that the Board approve the revised FY18 budget of $43,898,645 as detailed in the Summary Report.
President Glenn noted that in the June, the Board was informed that the budget would probably need to be revised in October. This current budget is being adjusted by -8% to reflect enrollment, state appropriation, and anticipated bad debt. President Glenn thanked the Board of their continued support.
On a Motion by Trustee D’Orazio, seconded by Trustee Paley-Nadel, it was voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2018 Revised College Budget of $43,898,645.00 as detailed in the Summary Report.
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Fiscal Year 2018 Revised Student Activity Fund Budget (AFC-18-02)
Trustee Paley Nadel noted that the Audit and Finance Committee approves the revision of the Student Activity Fund budget to $525,074, a decrease from the $540,938 budget that was approved in June.
On a Motion by Trustee Forman seconded by Trustee Borislow, it was voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2018 Revised Student Activity Fund Budget of $525,074.00 as detailed in the motion.
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Report of Administration
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NECC 2020: Strategic Plan Update (Verbal)
President Glenn noted that the Student Career Opportunities Goal was the focus for this month. Kim Waligora, Coordinator of the Lab Sciences Program, is the new co-chair of this goal team replacing Professor Pat Morrow.
The vision of this goal is to provide students with comprehensive career development services including access to internships, career exploration, experiential learning, and job placement. President Glenn noted that this fall a new career center opened in the newly renovated Spurk Building. This comfortable space is for faculty who want to bring classes to students who are looking to schedule a time for career exploration, career education services; or for career workshops.
Other highlights included a Virtual Job Shadow pilot that will embed career exploration into course curriculum; a Keys to Career Success Program which will lead to a certificate of professional development for students who complete the full program; and the college’s first part-time job fair which will be held on October 5.
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Haverhill Campus Update (Verbal)
President Glenn thanked those who attended the Spurk building renovation event with Commissioner Gladstone, Secretary Peyser and former NECC President Dimitry. President Glenn gave a special thanks to Michael Pierce and his staff, Judy Zubrow and the academic affairs team for a successful re-launch of the building.
President Glenn also noted that after the Spurk building renovation, the Cabinet and Board of Trustees had a very successful legislative lunch with the state representatives and senators to discuss next steps, new initiatives, and the challenges of workforce development in the Merrimack Valley area and across the state.
Lastly, President Glenn noted that the RFP for the Hospitality/Culinary Arts Program for downtown Haverhill is almost concluded. In the next few days, DCAMM will be sending a letter of commitment.
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Lawrence Campus Update (Verbal)
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Governor Baker Visit at Lawrence High School
President Glenn noted that he attended a very successful College and Career Pathways Initiative event at Lawrence High School with Governor Charlie Baker on October 3rd. Governor Baker came to visit the Early College launch of 240 NECC Early College students. The Career Pathways Initiative was funded for $2 million by the Smith Foundation.
Also, Merrimack College and Northern Essex Community College are contributing with classes. The goal is to increase educational resources as a Commonwealth and to find a way to maintain educational opportunities in the area. They are hoping to put develop criteria and provide data for the legislators with hope that they can provide future funding. President Glenn gave special thanks to Dr. Noemi Custodia-Lora for her work with the Early College programming.
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Regis/Lyndon State/420 Common Street Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
President Glenn noted that they had a very successful ribbon cutting ceremony for the new classrooms space for Regis and Lyndon State on September 7th on the second floor of the building at 420 Common Street.
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Buckley Transportation Center
Lastly, President Glenn noted that he attended the Buckley Transportation Center Fund Campaign Launch event in September. The Buckley Transportation Center has had many repairs, and thanks to the efforts of Lawrence Mayor Rivera and the Lawrence Partnership, the Fund Campaign is off to a good start, however, there is still a ways to go. The goal is to transform the Buckley Transportation Center into a public art landmark for downtown Lawrence and as a focal point for visitors and residents. The Center’s grey color was cold and unwelcoming, and will be replaced with the industrial orange colors that matches most of the downtown buildings as well as art that speaks to the Lawrence artistic renaissance and strong community culture. President Glenn presented the Buckley Garage Transportation Capital Campaign video.
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New Business
There was none.
Other Business
President Glenn invited the Board to the NECC Homecoming event at the Haverhill Campus on Saturday, October 14, noon to 4:00 pm.
President Glenn noted that he would be the master of ceremony for the Annual Emmaus “Paving the Road Breakfast”, on Thursday October 5th at 8:00 am in the Hartleb Technology Center. Former State Rep. Brian Dempsey will be honored with the Community Builder Lifetime Achievement Award.
September 28th was the Community College Night at Fenway where he and other members of the 15 community college communities enjoyed a night at Fenway Park with colleagues.
And lastly, President Glenn noted that according to the Tufts University list for Democracy of Higher Education, 52% of Northern Essex Community College students participated in electoral votes up 4%.
Adjournment
With no other business, Chairman Linehan adjourned the meeting at 4:50 pm.
