NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES OF MEETING (OFFICIAL) – October 6, 2021
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held via a Zoom Teleconference at 5:00PM.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow
Mr. Cox
Ms. Fernandez
Mr. Linehan
Ms. Modeen (Student Trustee)
Ms. O’Rorke
Ms. Paley Nadel
Ms. Quiles
Ms. Sanchez
Ms. Worden
NOT PRESENT: Mr. Guilmette
ALSO PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairwoman Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Chairwoman Borislow asked for a motion to approve the October meeting minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee O’Rorke and seconded by Trustee Linehan, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the October 6, 2021 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE:
There was none.
Trustee Fernandez arrived at 5:10 pm.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees (Verbal)
President Glenn welcomed two employees that were not new to NECC, but rather joining the college in a new role. Jody Carson is now NECC’s Interim Dean of Professional Studies. Also, Brianne Beatrice is joining NECC as a full-time faculty theater member. Dr. Paul Beaudin, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, also joined the newly appointed faculty members.
In addition to those noted above, the Board welcomed the following new employees:
– Michael Deldon, Assistant Professor, Accounting and Business;
– Lisa Fabbri-Lopez, Assistant Professor, Human Services;
– Gordon Hunter, Assistant Professor, Chemistry;
– Kimberly Lyng, Association Professor, English;
– Loreen Tirrell, Professor, Culinary & Business;
– Angela Tournas, Bookkeeper I, Student Accounts;
– Suzzette Turnbull, Program Manager, Center for Corp. & Community Education;
– Ralf Rubach, System Administrator, IT Network Operations.
President Glenn noted that all new employees (since March of 2020) will be invited to a lunch in late November/early December where they will be welcomed with an NECC lunch bag, a name tag, and pen, since our face to face Board meetings were cancelled during the pandemic.
b) Introduction of the NECC Student Ambassadors (Verbal)
Audrey Ellis, Interim Director of Institutional Effectiveness, introduced four student ambassadors who were asked to share some insight into their role of assisting our students. Ms. Ellis noted that there are currently 13 student ambassadors, and they are hired and trained to help students navigate issues and/or problems they find along their journey at NECC.
Student Ambassador Emma Atwood, a Criminal Justice major, recounted a time when she assisted a new student during the first week of school. This student was not familiar with Blackboard and met with Emma who helped her to find course content, and also helped her with the process when submitting homework assignments. After some instruction, the new student was very adept at these Blackboard procedures and now is very successful in his class.
Another student ambassador in the Liberal Arts program, Luis Raudales, shared how the ambassadors were helpful just as the COVID pandemic was beginning. When students had to leave campus quickly just before Spring break, Luis helped explain what was happening by securing various images in Spanish and informing them of what was occurring.
Jocelyn Avila-Frias, a Dental major, assisted one student who was having difficulties with Blackboard. While explaining how to navigate Blackboard, the new student told her that she recently lost her husband and is now a single mother. Jocelyn was not only able to show her the ins and out of Blackboard, but also help her become acquainted with other members of her class who can assist her in the future with any technically challenging issues that may arise.
And lastly, Mariela Cueva, a Computer and Information Sciences major, explained how she assisted three students in submitting homework in the correct format in order to be read accurately by their professor. Mariella explained that she tries to reach out to the students the very same day a request is made.
President Glenn expressed his appreciation to the student ambassadors and gave them a special gift of a NECC college lunch bag.
EDUCATION REPORT:
a) Performing Arts Program Update (Verbal)
Dr. Paul Beaudin, Vice President of Academic Affairs, introduced Dean of Liberal Arts, Amy Callahan, who provided the education report. Dean Callahan noted that NECC has a long history in the arts, offering associate degrees in the arts, dance, music, theater, and visual arts; however, due to low enrollment and cost cutting measures several years ago, the theater and dance associate art degrees were suspended. In 2020, the music technology certificate was deactivated and the general studies music option associate degree was at risk of closure. Today, these areas are showing signs of growth and revitalization. The music degree program has been revised and the curriculum streamlined, strengthening the transfer pathway with our primary transfer institution, UMass Lowell, and increasing recruitment of new students. Now, the enrollment has more than doubled in two years with 20 music majors currently enrolled.
Dean Callahan was pleased to inform us of our new theater instructor, Professor Brianne Beatrice, who will teach theater and communications. Plans are being developed to offer a theater focus within the liberal arts associate degree program. In addition, this semester’s theater production is currently being planned as a central event at the college’s anniversary celebration later this fall.
Dean Callahan noted that the college has continued to modestly fund theater performances and run theater classes despite the degree program closure four years ago. Having performed theater programming and productions, our theater students have received a record number of awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which is a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country.
In closing, Dean Callahan expressed her appreciation to Professor Beatrice and also to Professor Alisa Bucchiere, who runs the music program, as well as our colleagues who have supported the arts at NECC. Chairwoman Borislow expressed her thanks for all they did to keep the arts alive here at NECC.
Trustee Quiles arrived at 5:17PM.
a) NECC SOAR Program (Verbal)
Dr. Jennifer Mezquita, Vice President of Student Affairs, introduced NECC Dean of Students, Jonathan Miller and our new Director of the SOAR program, Sarah Cooper who provided a brief presentation on the college’s SOAR program.
The college’s efforts to provide wraparound holistic services to our students have been supported by the $1.2 million provided by the SUCCESS Fund. The SOAR program provides services to our most vulnerable students, 600 in number, who have a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.9, are taking at least six credit, and are generally low income and adult learners. In addition to ultimately increasing transfer and graduation rates, the goals of this program are also to provide opportunities for students so that they feel connected to fellow students, such as the student ambassadors, as well as faculty and staff.
Also, by taking a holistic approach, students can be reached not only on the academic level but also on the physical level, with different types of mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and self- identity exploration. In order to accomplish this, a number of staff members are needed to support the program: A Director, an Assistant Director, Administrative Assistant, Academic and Transfer Advisors, and also Academic Fellows who will work between the hours of 5:00- 9:00PM providing holistic support services.
President Glenn expressed much appreciation to Jonathan and Sarah for their work and reminded the Board that, in January, the college will be going back to the legislature to request funding for the next year. The $10.5 million that was funded for all the community colleges state-wide, together with the previous $7 million, will hopefully be increased to $14 million in next year’s state-wide budget.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chairwoman Borislow thanked Trustees Linehan and Cox for their willingness to continue to serve as Trustees well beyond their 10-year commitment to the school. Since the new appointment process is quite long, we may see them at the Christmas party, and perhaps at graduation!
Also, it was noted that the deadline for completing the Trustees’ required training program is November 1st.
Before the update on committee work, Trustee O’Rorke noted that Chairwoman Borislow and her staff at Borislow Insurance are being celebrated by the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center as the 2021 Rosalyn Kempton Wood recipients. Ms. Wood, a longtime friend of the health center generously helped to ensure that women in the Merrimack Valley received the basic and critical health care needed.
Trustee O’Rorke also commended President Glenn on completing his last (48th) 4,000-footer after summiting Cannon Mountain last weekend. She noted that President Glenn finished this wonderful accomplishment ten years after he started hiking those magnificent mountains. President Glenn thanked Trustee O’Rorke and noted that he’s looking forward to the annual “Four Thousand-Footer Annual Club Meeting Dinner and Awards Night” next spring when he will take his place, alongside a few thousand others, in the ranks of New England’s most avid hikers.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit and Finance Sub-Committee
1) FY22 Operating Budget (AFC-22-01): Trustee Cox reported that the first item on the agenda was the approval of the supplemental FY22 budget. The changes were an additional $4 million in the total operating expenses. Trustee Cox noted that at the end of this year’s budget, the college will have $377,916 available due to the remarkable job by the leadership team that has kept us in a steady financial shape during the pandemic.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Paley Nadel and seconded by Trustee Fernandez, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Agenda Item 7a1, the FY2022 Operating Budget, AFC-22-01, as presented.
2) Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts (AFC-22-02): The next item for approval was the Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts. Trustee Cox noted that in the past, the individual names were listed to approve or execute contacts with the various dollar amounts. The current change is that we are now noting the position rather than the person who has that authority. This change was recommended by our auditors. The Audit and Finance Sub-committee recommends approval of this change.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Cox and seconded by Trustee O’Rorke, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Agenda Item 7a2, Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts, AFC-22-02, as presented.
The last item on the agenda, which does not require approval by the full board, was to get a status update with regards to the state auditors report which pointed out a few action items. Trustee Cox was happy to report that after reviewing these actions that were taken to address these issues, the Audit and Finance Sub-committee was satisfied that we are moving forward to comply with these recommendations that were pointed out by the auditors.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Cox and seconded by Trustee O’Rorke, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Agenda Item 7a2, Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts, AFC-22-02, as presented.
The last item on the agenda, which does not require approval by the full board, was to get a status update with regards to the state auditors report which pointed out a few action items. Trustee Cox was happy to report that after reviewing these actions that were taken to address these issues, the Audit and Finance Sub-committee was satisfied that we are moving forward to comply with these recommendations that were pointed out by the auditors.
b) Alumni Advancement Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Chair Fernandez noted that the committee reconnected last month with Vice President of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson to review ways in which this Trustee Committee can assist her. One such way was to schedule an opportunity for VP Dolan Wilson to meet with each trustee for at least 15 to 20 minutes, in person or via Zoom. To that end, Allison will be sending out some time slots so trustees can schedule a time to connect with her over the next month. It was also suggested that the rescheduled Past Trustee breakfast be located at the Culinary Institute sometime in November. This will provide an opportunity for past Trustees to be involved in the college’s capital campaign while providing an opportunity to visit the college’s newest space. A third item to consider was to post this information on any type of social media and in our alumni news in order to build momentum on the alumni affairs and alumni outreach events. In closing, Trustee Fernandez noted that if a trustee would like to host a small gathering or event, please consider inviting two or three people from the college and a few friends to hear about the college in the comfort of your own home. She noted that after meeting again this month, they will share more ideas on how to connect to our alumni and share the news of the college.
c) Equity Imperative Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Chair Paley-Nadel has had discussions with Dr. Noemi Custodia Lora and her team on hiring a director for the Center of Equity and Social Justice. In the meantime, they have been working with a consultant to review the English Language Learner curriculum and how to improve it. It was also noted that the committee has had some involvement with the professional development team and perhaps will give a quarterly presentation to the Board.
d) Nominating Sub-Committee
Sub-Committee Chair Quiles noted that the process to appoint a trustee is a very lengthy one and hopes to share some more definitive information with the board next month.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Enrollment Update
President Glenn noted that the ambitious goal of 1% enrollment increase in terms of headcount was met despite the increase in the Delta variant that came along in the middle of the summer. Many of these students are new to the college, and our goal this fall is to retain those students. One way we are doing that is with our student ambassadors. At present, the college is seeking to have at least a 75% successful course completion rate, which means that in 75% of the courses that our students take, they will pass with a grade C or higher.
b) FY22 Budget Update
President Glenn noted that the budget update was provided in the Audit & Finance subcommittee report.
c) Strategic Planning: NECC at Its Best
President Glenn noted that the college has launched a strategic planning process utilizing a broadly engaging tool called Appreciative Inquiry. The process invites everyone to be involved in any way they can, including leadership roles, participating as a writer, a researcher, or a facilitator, all while applying one’s strengths to this process. He noted that everyone has recently received an invitation to participate in a SOAR forum where facilitators will ask questions about the college’s strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results, and how to grow and improve those on our strengths. He encouraged all Trustees to participate.
d) NECHE Evaluation Meeting on September 24th:
President Glenn noted that he, Mike McCarthy, Vice President of Administration & Finance/COO, and Cheryl Goodwin, Chief of Staff recently attended the college’s NECHE meeting along with 18 NECHE commissioners plus staff regarding the college’s recent reaccreditation visit in the Spring. Dr. Sonya Christian, the visiting team chair, also attended the meeting in person after working with the college virtually for over a year. The college received from the commissioners the best possible outcome, which is another 10-year accreditation, and will need to conduct a five-year interim report, which is standard. President Glenn noted that the accreditation process always provides a valuable learning tool including honest and candid review and feedback by others and amongst ourselves, and he thanked the many, many staff who participated in the process.
e) Haverhill Campus
By way of campus updates, President Glenn thanked Chairwoman Borislow for pointing out how beautiful things looked when you drive on campus. The next improvement phase will be working on the Spurk parking lot – which by itself is a half a million-dollar project. Many thanks to Vice President McCarthy and his team for managing those projects.
f) Lawrence Campus
President Glenn noted that there will soon be announcements concerning the Revolving Test Kitchen in Lawrence and its partnership with the Lawrence Partnership and the Lupoli companies. Workshops are beginning to take place at the RTK, based on Patrick Lencioni’s “Five Dysfunctions of the Team” in Restaurants.
The college is also in the process of potentially relocating the Mass Hire operation from Essex Street to the campus at 420 Common Street in Lawrence. In the past, the college has provided space for the site at our Amesbury Street building. Now, the plan is to move the operation to the second floor at 420 Common St where the Mass Hire work may prove to have more synergy there between their programming and the college.
In closing, President Glenn reported on a few additional items:
a) Several members of the leadership team attended the Annual Merrimack Valley Mayors and Managers Breakfast Forum, scheduled on Sept. 22nd;
b) The college has issued an announcement about a vaccine mandate for our students and employees beginning in January, 2022. He noted that the college is involved in impact bargaining certain details with the respective employee unions;
c) President Glenn reminded the trustees that the Fall 2021 DHE Trustee Convening will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 27, 9:00 am to noon and encouraged all to register.
Also, President Glenn expressed gratitude to Cheryl Goodwin, Rick Ingham, and Danny Rivera who made all the technical preparations to make this Board meeting possible.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Grants:
President Glenn noted that the three (3) grants totaling $324,260, listed below and are slated for approval.
1) Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Early College Funding for Summer Credits (ADM-3699-100621)
$118,260
2) United States Department of Education/Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)/Massachusetts Department of Higher Education/Framingham State University: Open Textbook Pilot Program (ADM-3700-100621)
$80,000
3) United States Department of Health and Human Services/University of Massachusetts Lowell: Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (ADM-3701-100621)
$126,000
On a Motion presented by Trustee Linehan, and seconded by Worden, by roll call vote, the board unanimously approved the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Early College Funding for Summer Credits (ADM-3699-100621) in the amount of $118,260; the United States Department of Education/Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)/Massachusetts Department of Higher Education/Framingham State University: Open Textbook Pilot Program (ADM-3700-100621) in the amount of $80,000 for the period upon the awards though September, 2024; and, also, the United States Department of Health and Human Services/University of Massachusetts Lowell: Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (ADM-3701-100621) in the amount of $126,000 for the period upon the awards through September of 2025.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chairwoman Borislow adjourned the meeting at 6:09 PM, while wishing President Glenn a very happy birthday and inviting trustees to enjoy a piece of birthday cake.
