NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES (OFFICIAL) – September 6, 2023
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in the Hartleb Technology Building, Room TC103A, on the Haverhill Campus and via Zoom on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
Attendees:
Ms. Borislow
Ms. Fernandez
Mr. Gomez
Mr. Hamm
Ms. O’Rorke
Ms. Paley Nadel (arrived at 5:09PM)
Ms. Quiles (via Zoom)
Ms. Sanchez
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Vasquez
Also Present: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum present, Chairwoman Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM and welcomed our new Student Trustee, Zeke Vasquez, to his first Board meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairwoman Borislow asked for a motion to approve the June 14, 2023 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee O’Rorke and seconded by Trustee Fernandez, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the June 14, 2023 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: There was none.
Trustee Quiles arrived at 5:30PM.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees (Verbal)
President Glenn introduced and welcomed the following new employees:
Jason Arey, Dean of Students
Laura Hayner, Student Accounts Manager
Shana Murrell, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving
James Nalen, Research, Instruction, and Collection Development Librarian
Elizabeth Raymond, Campus Police Officer
Keith Walker, Assistant Director, Department of Public Safety
The Board welcomed our newest employees to NECC.
Prior to introducing our educational report presenter, Dr. Beaudin gave a quick update on our very strong enrollment efforts. Our continuing student enrollment from last fall to this fall is up 7.9%; our high school enrollment is up 13.4%; new student enrollment is up 5.8%; the number of our students who left, but returned, is up 16.8%; and our transfer student enrollment is up 18.4% over last year.
EDUCATION REPORT: Digital and Critical Information Literacy: Scaled & Assessible Modules
Dr. Beaudin introduced Jenny Fielding, Coordinator of Library Services on our Lawrence Campus, who has been with the college for 9 years. Prior to NECC, Jenny was a research and information literacy instruction librarian at Fitchburg State University. Jenny holds a master’s in library science from Southern Connecticut State University where she received the outstanding research award for the class of 2008.
During her sabbatical semester, Jenny Fielding focused on her primary research discipline – digital and critical information literacy – expanding her skills in online instruction and creating cross-disciplinary content for the NECC community.
She completed two courses in Instructional Design through LinkedIn Learning and the Online Learning Consortium, read for breadth and depth on the topics of instructional design, online instruction, critical information literacy, machine-generated content, “AI,” algorithms and algorithmic bias, and online information environments, and created the first four of a series of instructional modules designed to be integrated across the curriculum to teach and reinforce foundational knowledge regarding digital & critical information literacy to students in all NECC courses of study.
Jenny plans to provide information on these modules on October 2 and 3rd in Lawrence in the Academic Center. Plans are being made to provide these sessions in Haverhill during the fall semester, collaborating with the Center for Professional Development, the CIT, Professional Day Tech Talk. and NECC Assessment Date. The Link to the Modules on our NECC website is:
https://necc.mass.libguides.com/index.php
Following her presentation, Jenny thanked NECC and MCCC for this opportunity, and particularly Assistant Dean Mike Hearn for his aid and advocacy, along with her library colleagues for their support in covering her duties while pursuing her sabbatical.
Educational Report: Food Programming for the SY2023-2024
President Glenn introduced Francellis Quinones, Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CESJ) and Randall Correa, the Food Access Worker, to share some data that they have gathered during the summer on food insecurity and food services at the college.
The following four guidelines are provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) grant, namely:
1) To Increase access to diverse food resources for NECC students,
2) Reduce Food Insecurity Gaps by connecting student and families to local resources and organization
3) Increase college employees’ knowledge of available resources – CESJ with share this information with all student support programs, faculty. and staff.
4) Students will provide regular substantial and timely input into campus food programming.
CESJ will lead a Student Advisory Board that will provide feedback about current food
programming, track its success, and create new ways to connect with students.
Recommendations were made to transfer mobile markets to a partner site; condense the food pantries into one location in Lawrence; provide SNAP outreach assistance and MADD Love Meals for targeted populations; and utilize the student advisory board to lead events that address food insecurity, while building collaboration throughout the college community.
It was reported that students are currently underutilizing current resources available on campus. For example, out of 172 students registered for the Mobile Mart between January 2020 and July 2023, 106 did not use the service at all, or only attended once. And only six students used the food pantry on the Haverhill campus last year.
President Glenn noted there are some services that the college has never provided and will not be able to provide as part of our central mission and with available resources, including long-term mental health counseling and direct housing support, and whatever direct food support we do provide will always be dependent on available resources and community partnerships. It was noted that in a few months from now, we hope to have a report on what has been happening to make sure we keep on track, with greater collaboration with the Student Government Association, the Care and Concern Outreach Team, and the Student Advisory Group.
BOARD CHAIR REPORT:
Chairwoman Borislow reported that is was a summer of the following celebrations:
The August 10th signing of the state budget that fulfilled Governor Maura Healey’s promise for free community college for the Commonwealth’s adults ages 25 and over, named MassReconnect. This program provides support to those adult learners who have not already obtained a college degree. It covers tuition and fees and includes a stipend for books and materials.
Tuition Equity event in Lawrence on August 22, 2023, attended by Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, higher education leaders, and community college presidents, to celebrate the signing of the FY2024 budget, which allows undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid at public higher ed institutions.
The Fall Convocation, where Provost Beaudin and Professor Muller provided an inspiring, amazing event showcasing students from many departments, namely the ESOL program, workforce development, Adult Education Center, our Middleton Jail program, athletics, students from the PACE and SOAR programs, Project Search, Business Honors students, student activities, and our culinary and healthcare programs.
Lastly, Chairwomen noted her pride and admiration in NECC’s accomplishments while gathering with Commissioner Noe Ortega and other Board of Trustees Chairs at a recent meeting.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit and Finance Sub-Committee (Verbal)
The A&F Sub-Committee did not meet; therefore, there was no report.
b) Alumni Advancement Sub-Committee (Verbal)
Trustee Fernandez reported that there has been a huge increase in Alumni Giving – from 0.5 to 0.8, and is expected to increase every year, as hundreds of people are added to the roster. Most helpful is the improvement in how people can access the giving pages of the website, with a giving tab that is more present and visible. Over a ten-year period, the college hit the million-dollar fundraising mark in FY19, 2FY22, and FY23, with various funds, including LIFT, Scholarships, NECC Fund, Grants, and Athletics Fund. Trustee Fernandez expressed much appreciation to the Trustees, included Trustee Hamm and Trustee Borislow, for helping the college unlock a $300,00 match with their generous gifts.
c) Equity Imperative Sub-Committee (Verbal)
Trustee Paley-Nadel reported that an inaugural meeting was held during the summer with excellent participation of the advisory board for the Center of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, with great representation from the Lawrence and Haverhill communities and organizations. This show of leadership created a very position feeling of where the Center is heading. More discussion will follow at a future meeting.
d) Nominating Sub-Committee
Trustee Quiles noted there was no report at this time, but will update everyone at the next meeting. She noted that she has had many excellent conversations regarding Mass Reconnect and anticipates many positive outcomes from this new program.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Fall 2023 Convocation
President Glenn thanked Provost Beaudin and Chair Mullen for their outstanding work at Convocation. The presentations provided by our students, Trustee Borislow, and Trustee Gomez, provided great insight into challenges that our students face and the
transformative power of an NECC education.
b) Tuition Equity Celebration
President Glenn noted the August 22nd celebration of the approval of Tuition Equity for in-state tuition and access to financial aid for Dreamers and undocumented students in Massachusetts on NECC’s Lawrence campus. This event showcased NECC’s leadership role in Massachusetts Higher education and in areas of service to our immigrant residents. Much appreciation was was given to our NECC student, Joan Shauri, who gave a compelling story of her own journey to achieve a higher education.
c) Vice President of Human Resources Search
During the summer, a search for the Vice President of Human Resources was ongoing, as Patty Gauron will move into the important role of Executive Director of Employee Engagement and Chief People Officer with special attention on retention and professional development. An email with links to the candidates’ resumes has been sent to the Trustees for review. There will be a set of second interviews with the Search Committee, where a presentation on a case study will be given by the three final candidates. The candidates will also meet with the President’s Leadership Team and faculty and staff at a Public Forum.
d) Health and Wellness Center
President Glenn reported that an RFP will be sent out by early 2024, for the Health and Wellness Center. This multi-year,50-million-dollar project was approved during the summer. Much appreciation was given to Mike McCarthy for his role in shepherding this project and promoting collaborations to ensure we stay on track.
e) Scholarship Program Proposal
President Glenn noted that there has been discussion of a new scholarship program for community college transfer students that will provide $5,000 annually, for up to $10,000 for the top 10% of every community college graduating class across the state of Massachusetts. More information of this program will follow.
f) The Communique
President Glenn noted that this month’s Communique has been distributed along with the Board Packets.
g) Leadership Conferences for Trustees
President Glenn noted that the Trustees will be receiving information about ACCT Leadership Conferences for Trustees that are being held next month in Las Vegas and in the Springtime in Washington DC. After reviewing your schedules, President Glenn welcomed the trustees to attend at least one of these events every couple of years.
h) Haverhill Campus (Verbal)
President Glenn noted that Haverhill and Lawrence updates were reflected in prior sections of tonight’s reports.
i) Lawrence Campus (Verbal)
President Glenn noted that Haverhill and Lawrence updates were reflected in prior sections of tonight’s reports.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Personnel Actions:
1) Motion to Approve
Agenda Item 9a1: Sabbatical Leave for Mark Reinhold (ADM-3814-090623)
President Glenn noted that there is one (1) sabbatical slated for review and approval. This sabbatical project has undergone a careful and rigorous review, and the project will enrich both the college and the personnel conducting the research and work.
On a Motion presented by Trustee O’Rorke, and seconded by Trustee Fernandez, it was voted unanimously to approve the one (1)) Personnel Action Recommendations for Mark Reinhold, Professor, Department of Natural Sciences, for half year, full salary for Spring 2024.
b) Grants and Proposal (ADM-3815-090623 thru ADM-3819-090623)
President Glenn noted that the five (5) grants, totaling $853,571. listed below are slated for approval:
· Gallaudet University Regional Center – East $203,231
· Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Program (CDEP) * – $40,000
· Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Early College Allocation Funding – $292,740
· Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Stem Starter Academy* – $275,000
· United States Department of Health and Human Services/University of Massachusetts Lowell: Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program – $42,600
Total $853,571
*Pending Sponsor Approval
On a Motion presented by Trustee O’Rorke, and seconded by Trustee Paley-Nadel, it was voted unanimously to approve Grant Items and Pending Proposals for External Funding as listed in Agenda Items #9b1 – #9b5 totaling $853,571.
President Glenn invited the Trustees to take a NECC Sweatshirt, left from those that were distributed to the students who attended the Fall Convocation yesterday, and encouraged them to wear them with pride wherever you may go.
With no further business, President Glenn wished the best for the students, faculty, and staff beginning the start of the new school year.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairwoman Borislow adjourned the meeting at 6:39 PM.
