One-Minute Summary November 21, 2008 Commission Meeting

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton on November 21, 2008. Chairman Laurence Downes presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Downes commented on our agenda items and our new process to enhance the meeting by reaching out to the higher education community to encourage dialogue with the Commissioners on issues facing higher education.

• Executive Director’s Report: Executive Director Oates reported on pending legislation and commented on Senator Codey’s hearing on binge drinking, our request for an extension to submit the transfer report, Rutgers University’s collection of food for local food banks, Camden college fair, and the Governor’s upcoming economic development conference.

• Presidents’ Council Report: Sister Jeffries reported on the meeting held for Vice Presidents for Student Affairs and Deans of Students, the development of a budget statement and advocacy plan, the expansion of the Campus Safety and Security Committee, the discussion of enhancing the image of higher education in the media, and NJEdge.net’s annual conference for the NJ education community.

• Presentation and Adoption of Fiscal 2010 Budget Policy Statement: The Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Fiscal 2010 Budget Policy Statement to be transmitted to the Governor, the Treasurer, and the Legislature.

• Dual Enrollment Survey Results: Mr. Dymir Arthur, one of the Commission’s college interns, presented the results of the Commission’s dual enrollment survey sent to the colleges.

• Open Pubic Discussion on Graduation Rates: The Commissioners and interested members of the public had a dialogue on graduation rates among our colleges and universities.

• EOF and HESAA Updates: EOF Executive Director Glenn Lang commented on the Board’s adoption of their budget policy statement, the 40th anniversary of the EOF program conference, which included the student conference, and the Camden college fair. Ms. Maria Torres, Chair, HESAA, had no update.

• Comments from the Public: Dr. John Pace, representing the Association of NJ County College Faculty, commented on general education requirements at the county colleges and the transfer report.

Next Meeting: Friday, December 19, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton, New Jersey.