Executive Board Approves Proposals for NJTransfer; New Programs
New Brunswick – The Executive Board of the New Jersey President’s Council approved governance and funding proposals for NJTransfer as well as new academic programs at its April 20 meeting at Rutgers University..
In opening remarks, NJPC Chair Rosemary Jeffries (President, Georgian Court University), encouraged presidents to continue their collective efforts to make higher education a priority for New Jersey. She said, “This is the right message at the right time”.
Presidents approved new academic programs for Salem Community College (A.A.S. in Nuclear Energy Technology, A.A.S. in Sustainable Energy Technology), and referred to the Commission on Higher Education a request from Ramapo College (M.A. in Sustainability Studies) because the program exceeds the mission of the university.
Reporting for the Budget and Governmental Relations Committee, NJPC Treasurer Steven Rose (President, Passaic County Community College) said the committee had drafted and distributed a statement in response to Governor Corzine's proposed FY2010 State Budget. Dario Cortes (President, Berkeley College) spoke on the negative impact to proprietary colleges of TAG cuts. The Governor’s proposed budget reduces TAG awards to students at proprietary institutions by 40%, setting them at the same level as awards received by students attending New Jersey State colleges and universities.
Richard Levao (President, Bloomfield College), Chair of the Advocacy Committee, reported that Appleseed, Inc. has completed a questionnaire to gather common data from colleges and universities and has distributed it to NJPC institutions. Questionnaires are due back by May 8. Data collected will be used by the NJPC to advocate on behalf of higher education.
Presidents approved proposals presented by Susan Cole (President, Montclair State University), Transfer Committee Co-Chair, dealing with the governance and funding of NJTransfer. The finance model incorporates a general participation fee of $2,000 from each institution with the balance of the $365,000 NJTransfer budget allocated proportionately among the members who participate in NJ Transfer. The governance model, which was also approved, makes the Presidents' Council responsible for NJTransfer.
Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney (President, Monmouth University), Vice Chair of the Campus Safety and Security Committee, reported that work of the group continues on track. He requested and received approval from the Council to use $85,000 from the OHSP grant ($575,000) to cover costs of the creation of an IT backbone and initial training materials for peer review training.
Casey Crabill (President, Raritan Valley Community College), Vice Chair of the ad hoc committee on Service Learning, reported that the committee has completed its formal report and expects to present it at the June 1, 2009 NJPC meeting.
Elizabeth Garlatti, Director of Finance and Research for the Commission on Higher Education, reported on behalf of Executive Director Jane Oates. She reported that the CHE is putting together budget testimony and preparing for hearings later this month. The Presidents' Council approved a resolution of appreciation for Oates who is leaving her post to serve in the Obama Administration as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. President Jeffries called her a "great partner and strong advocate for higher education".
The next meeting of the NJPC is June 1, 2009 at Brookdale Community College beginning at 10 a.m.