The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton, N.J., on February 27, 2004. Chairman Larry Downes presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Downes reviewed the Commission’s 2003 accomplishments and previewed major thrusts for 2004: examining the Commission’s role and organization, resolving the leadership issue, and implementing the long-range plan. He emphasized the importance of getting Commissioners directly involved in the implementation of the plan and Stage 2 of the planning process.
  
  
• Acting Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Jeanne Oswald reflected on previous transition periods for the Commission and commented on the Commission’s potential at this juncture, stressing a commitment to address challenges and seize opportunities.
  
  
• Demand-Side Skills Assessment Reports: Dr. Carl Van Horn of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development summarized findings from a project to identify skills needed for workers to succeed in eight key New Jersey industries.
  
  
• Long-Range Plan: Dr. Oswald outlined timelines for initiation of the Commission’s Stage 1 implementation responsibilities and reviewed the four initial planning priorities for Stage 2.
  
  
• Governor’s Proposed Budget for Higher Education: Dr. Oswald summarized the increases in Governor McGreevey’s fiscal 2005 budget recommendations for higher education.
  
  
• Governor McGreevey’s Workforce Development Consolidation Initiative: Presidents John Bakum, Peter Contini, and Jerry Ryan spoke on the role of community colleges in the Governor’s plan to consolidate workforce development in New Jersey.
  
  
• Legislative Update: Dr. Oswald provided a general legislative update and cited a new state law creating the Advisory Committee on Alternatively Accredited Medical School Clinical Clerkships.
  
  
• Redesign of NJEDge.org: Dr. Oswald explained the planned redesign of the NJEDge.org website, noting that the NJEDge.Net will serve as its host in the future.
  
  
• Georgian Court College Petition for University Status: The Commission authorized university designation for Georgian Court College and a name change to Georgian Court University.
  
  
• Equipment Leasing Fund and Facilities Trust Fund Regulations: The Commission voted to propose readoption of the Commission’s current regulations for the Equipment Leasing Fund and the Facilities Trust Fund with amendments.
  
  
• Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund: The Commission approved the use of interinstitutional connectivity funds for Seton Hall University.
  
  
• Equipment Leasing Fund: The Commission approved Warren County Community College’s request for modifications to its originally approved leasing fund purchases.
  
  
• Presidents’ Council Report: The president of Georgian Court University, Sister Rosemary Jeffries, reported on the February 23 Presidents’ Council meeting.
  
  
• Public Comment: Dr. John Pace – vice president, Association of NJ County College Faculties: NJ HEPS (New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability)
  

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Next Commission Meeting: Friday, March 26, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mary G. Roebling Building, Trenton, NJ.

• Higher education and the economy – Joseph Seneca
• NJ National Institute of Health Symposium – Debbie Hart
• Charge to the Marketing Leadership Team
• Enrollment growth projections by sector
• Report: Impact of technology investment