The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Campus Center Main Lounge, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ on June 23, 2006. Chairman Kevin Collins presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: The chairman provided an overview of the agenda items.

• Executive Director’s Report: Ms. Oates indicated that all six of the Governor’s Schools will operate this summer. She also commented on two IPEDS technical workshops that will be held this summer and on efforts to increase external funding.

• Long-Range Plan Update: Deputy Executive Director Oswald initiated a conversation regarding plans for the 2006 update of the Blueprint for Excellence; Commissioners will have a working session on this following the July meeting.

• Fiscal 2007 Budget Deliberations and Appropriations Process: Ms. Oates commented on efforts to advocate for funding restoration for higher education, and she indicated that legislators have been positive and are trying to identify additional funds for some level of restoration.

• Nominating Committee report/election of officers and Executive Committee: Commissioner Samuels presented the Nominating Committee’s slate, and the Commission unanimously elected Laurence M. Downes chairman, Edward J. Graham vice chairman, and Ralph Izzo, Kurt Landgraf, and Norman Samuels as Executive Committee members.

• Minority Academic Careers (MAC) Program funding allocation for fiscal 2007: The Commission approved the allocation of funds for the MAC Program, pending appropriation in the fiscal 2007 budget.

• DeVry University petitions for new degree programs: The Commission approved an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics and Computer Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technical Management Degrees.

• Drexel University petition for credit-bearing courses in construction management: The Commission approved the continued offering of credit-bearing courses to members of Local Union 322 in Winslow Township.

• Syracuse University petition for new courses in Project Advance: The Commission approved a new course to be offered at seven New Jersey high schools affiliated with Project Advance and approved two new high schools to participate.

• Gibbs College petition for relicensure: The Commission relicensed Gibbs College for a period of three years with specified conditions.

• Proposal-level approval of amendments to regulations regarding distance learning: The Commission approved proposed regulations for distance learning for publication in the New Jersey Register to solicit public comment.

• EOF and HESAA Update: Commissioner Collins reiterated the success of EOF Student Day, and Commissioner Smith reported on HESAA’s role in monitoring federal legislation.

• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt commented on the budget and the Presidents’ Council’s restoration priorities and on his departure from the Commission.

• Other business: The Commission approved resolutions for departing members George Pruitt, Brenda Leake, Barton Santos, and Fatima Chak. They also noted the change of the July meeting date to July 14.

• Comments from the Public: Mr. Michael Murphy, Impact NJ - distance learning regulations.
  

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Next Meeting: July 14, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mary Roebling Building in Trenton.

• Long-range plan update
• Report on final fiscal 2007 budget and initial discussion for 2008 recommendations
• Report on Governor’s Schools
• Annual report on licensure activities
• Initial licensure review discussion
• Adopt model code of ethics
• By-law amendment