The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton, N.J., on January 23, 2004. Chairman Larry Downes presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Sulton reported that the omnibus spending bill recently passed by Congress provides a sixth year of funding for the Commission’s GEAR UP grant. Ms. Kay Hancock, director of academic affairs, spoke about a special roundtable convened in Washington (DC) on the growing problem of “diploma mills.” Dr. Sulton, having accepted a position with the higher education coordinating entity in Washington State, expressed gratitude for his experience as executive director, and the Commission unanimously approved a formal resolution commending him for his service.

Presidents’ Council Report: President Stuart Cook reported on the January 20 meeting of the Council’s Executive Board.

Systemwide Accountability Report: The Commission approved the Seventh Annual Systemwide Accountability Report and directed its transmittal to the Governor and Legislature.

Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund: The Commission approved grants to New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kean University, and College of Saint Elizabeth from the capital improvement fund.

Jobs, Education and Competitiveness (JEC) Bond Fund: The Commission approved a renovation project at Kean University for an appropriation from the JEC bond fund.

Educational Technology – An Outline: The Commission reviewed a draft outline for a report on the impact of state investments in technology since 1998. The report will be presented at the March meeting.

Institutional Mission Statements: The Commission received a compilation of institutional mission statements. Dr. Sulton noted the rich diversity of institutions and the importance of recognizing mission differences as Stage 2 of the long-range plan evolves and performance measures are developed.

A Blueprint for Excellence: Mr. Downes said Stage 1 has received favorable comments. Dr. Oswald said bound copies are being distributed, implementation plans are underway, and the Steering Committee has met to initiate work on Stage 2.

New Business: Mr. Downes announced two new Commission members: Mr. Frank Mertz, former president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Ms. Solangel Maldonado, a Seton Hall University law professor; Ms. Maldonado replaces Dr. Ceil Feldman as faculty representative on the Commission. The Commission unanimously approved a resolution honoring Dr. Feldman.

Public Speakers:

Dr. John Pace – vice president, Association of NJ County College Faculties: restructuring of the public research universities and the long-range plan

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Next Commission Meeting: Friday, February 27, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, NJ.