COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 29, 2012

Transcription

1 1109 COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 29, 2012 Members Present: Paul Holloway, Katharine Shields, Craig Lawler, Richard Heath, Ned Densmore, Ron Rioux, Nick Halias, Melanie Levesque, Connie Roy-Czyzowski, Robert Mallat, Robert Duhaime Claudie Mahar, Ross Gittell, Kim Trisciani, Ann Torr, Deane Ilukowitz, Kristie Palestino, Jeremy Hitchcock, Harvey Hill, Steven Guyer, Michael Power, Lynn Kilchenstein, Lucille Jordan, Steven Budd, Lynn Moore for Katharine Eneguess, Susan Huard, Scott Kalicki, Bruce Baker representing Will Arvelo, and Joseph Miller. Regrets: William Marcello, Esteban Lopez, Allison Lanza, David Paquette, Tara Reardon, and Governor Lynch. Vacancy: Vice-Chancellor I. Call to Order The business meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at NHTI, Grappone Hall, Room 301, Concord, NH. II. Adoption of Minutes The Board, on motion of Mr. Mallat, seconded by Ms. Mahar, voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2012, meeting as presented. III. Ratification of Great Bay CC Lapse Fund Request Vote The Board, on motion of Mrs. Torr, seconded by Ms. Mahar, voted unanimously to ratify the phone vote of April 26 & 27, 2012 to approve

2 the lapse fund request for Great Bay Community College in the amount of $158, IV. Tuition Chair Holloway opened discussion on tuition for FY13. Dr. Gittell noted that in all the college visits it was evident that a shared priority is not to increase tuition costs to students. The recommendation from the System Leadership Team at its recent meeting was not to increase tuition for the upcoming year. We will address the financial challenges we face, without an increase. The Board, on motion of Mr. Mallat, seconded by Mr. Guyer, voted unanimously to keep the current tuition for FY13 as follows: In-State $210 per credit NERSP $315 per credit Out-of-State $478 per credit Chair Holloway noted the need for strong legislative support for increased state funding in the next legislative session. Community College students and graduates are key to the economy of the state. V. Nomination of Interim Vice-Chancellor Trustee Rioux excused himself from the meeting. Dr. Gittell summarized elements of the vice-chancellor search. With the Board s support, the job description was revised to reflect responsibilities of a chief operating officer. This complements the academic background and focus of the chancellor. Dr. Gittell outlined the strong leadership expertise of Ronald Rioux. Mr. Rioux has been a Trustee, an interim president at MCC, has headed Board committees, and is strongly committed to CCSNH. He has extensive leadership experience outside CCSNH and is well-respected for his executive ability. His background and focus will complement the Chancellor s. The Chancellor recommended Mr. Rioux as interim vice-chancellor. The Board, on motion of Mr. Duhaime, seconded by Ms. Mahar, voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Ronald Rioux as Interim Vice-Chancellor of CCSNH for a two year term beginning June 1, 2012, as nominated by Chancellor Gittell, at a salary of $117,052.

3 Chair Holloway noted that Mr. Rioux will resign from Board. The governor has expressed his support for this appointment. Board members applauded this choice. Question was raised as to why this is an interim position with a two year term. Dr. Gittell noted that a two-year interim appointment provides stability and the time to conduct a search for an individual who can make a five year commitment. Mr. Rioux returned to the meeting and was congratulated by all. He expressed his appreciation for the level of support received and is looking forward to the challenge ahead VI. Other Reports A. Chairperson s Report Chair Holloway reported as follows: Vacancies on the Board: Trustees Heath and Shields were reappointed for another four year term. Thanks were expressed to Trustee Densmore for agreeing to serve another year. Trustees Lopez and Marcello will be leaving the Board at the end of their term June 30, The Governor is accepting recommendations from the Board. Commencements: All were thanked for participating at the commencements. All felt it was a very rewarding experience. FY13 budget: The preliminary/draft FY13 budget was circulated and briefly discussed. Chair Holloway noted the salary and benefit costs and the percentage represented by benefits. We need to continue efforts to improve salaries and achieve sustainable benefits. He reiterated the need to speak with those seeking elected office about their plan to fund higher education. B. Chancellor s Report Dr. Gittell indicated that we continue to advocate for state support. We recently met with the state senate republican caucus about our priorities, initiatives and challenges. The Governor attended the Running Start breakfast and was the keynote speaker at

4 the Pathways to Progress conference where he again voiced his support of community colleges. Attending his first commencements was very exciting. It was illuminating to see how the ceremony is received by students and parents/families. This was the largest graduating class in our history and a time to celebrate accomplishments. Senator Ayotte was a speaker at two commencements and she conveyed an understanding of the importance of the opportunities we provide and the role played by the colleges and our graduates. She has been supportive of our initiatives. A priority for the Chancellor is industry partnerships and finding creative ways to meet economic and employer needs in New Hampshire. We have shared a very positive relationship with Hypertherm, and recently took steps to expand that partnership in the Upper Valley through an innovative new form of partnership. Faculty and staff at River Valley CC expressed concerns with certain elements of the newly-developed agreement. Those concerns are sound and the parties are revisiting the agreement TAACCCT grant: Current activity includes hiring project directors and procuring equipment. There are a number of challenges but we are making very good progress. We have applied for a $7.9 million TAACCCT 2 grant to support a health care job training initiative. Under TAACCCT 2, each state is eligible for a minimum of $2 million. Manchester CC will take the lead on this system-wide initiative. Thanks were expressed to President Huard for all her work on the grant application. We have engaged hospitals and clinics throughout the state in this initiative. Other educational initiatives: We have signed an agreement with USNH to increase the number of STEM graduates. The signing event took place at the Governor s office, attended by all the presidents and chancellors of both Systems, and received positive notice in the media. We are working with UNH on a reverse transfer initiative and will apply to the Lumina Foundation for grant funds. Later today, he will be meeting with Chancellor MacKay and Commissioner Barry on ways to making education more seamless. He explained his work in establishing a CCSNH Strategic Innovations fund. V. Other Trustee Lawler thanked the Board for supporting level tuition. He further thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as a Trustee. Chair Holloway applauded Mr. Lawler

5 1113 for his commitment, dedication and level of involvement with students to bring their views forward. He was congratulated on a job well done. Trustee Mahar reported on the Pathways to Success conference held at Nashua CC last week. It was very interesting and challenging. VI. Non-Public Session Not required. NEXT MEETING: June 28, 2012 at Nashua CC The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Marie Anne Mills Assistant to the Chancellor