The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened in Dickinson Hall at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack on October 28, 2005. Chairman Francis J. Mertz presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Comments from Host: President Adams welcomed the Commission.
  

• Swearing-In: Ms. Susan Blount, senior vice president and general counsel at Prudential Financial, was sworn in as a member of the Commission.
  

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Mertz commented on work underway by the Senior Public Operating Aid and Capital Planning Task Forces, including the enhanced scope of efforts by the capital planning group.
  

• Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Oswald presented various data from a national report on costs, benefits, and results of investment in higher education. In addition, she cited two state conferences and a letter from Acting Governor Codey and 25 other governors to President Bush. All the topics are related to economic development, a central theme in the long-range plan.
  

• Long-Range Plan Update: Mr. Mertz commented on material added to the previous draft update reflecting discussion at the September meeting. Possible venues for enhancing public awareness of the long-range plan update and the importance of wide distribution were discussed. The Commission unanimously adopted the update 2005 document.
  

• Fiscal 2007 Budget Policy Statement: Mr. Mertz noted revisions reflecting suggestions at the September meeting and the importance of presenting the needs of higher education despite state fiscal constraints. The Commission unanimously adopted the fiscal 2007 budget policy statement.
  

• Urban Revitalization Grant: President Steven Rose reported on Passaic County Community College’s state-grant-funded project involving urban revitalization; the potential of such incentive funding to leverage additional support was noted.
  

• Telecommunications Summit: Dr. Oswald commented on the proceedings from the May 2005 Telecommunications Summit, which was co-sponsored by the Commission.
  

• GEAR UP Results and New Goals: Ms. Michelle Johnson, the GEAR UP state director, provided an overview of the project and accomplishments during its first six years. Notable statistics included the college participation rate for GEAR UP students. Enhanced goals for the new grant cycle were outlined.
  

• EOF Report: Commissioner Collins noted plans underway for the annual student conference.
  

• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt commented on efforts to create a joint structure for higher education and the business community.
  

• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, president, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties – long-range plan.

• Drexel petition for degree completion programs
• Passaic County Community College branch campus petition
• DeVry University petition to offer additional concentrations in accounting, finance, and project management
• Proposed licensure rule amendments – primarily regarding distance learning
• Capital Improvement Fund program – Richard Stockton College