Raritan Valley
Community College
Forum Meeting
Minutes October 2, 2007
1. Call to Order: Chairperson Mike Fagan called the meeting to order at 12:11 pm.
2. Approval of the May, 2007 Minutes: Minutes of the May 1, 2007 meeting were approved as written.
3. President Crabill’s Report (President Casey Crabill):
| Casey thanked everyone for a great opening of the semester. Student feedback has been generally positive in this semester of record enrollment. |
| We have already started budget discussions with the board for the next fiscal year, using fiscal year 2006 for our planning base. We expect a 4% increase from the county, and about a 4% increase in tuition as well. The budget will be approved in February, so there is time to plan. Casey will provide budget updates over the next several months. |
| The other piece of state budget is capital construction. Under Chapter 12, which enables the colleges to go to the county for help, the next round of funds will be available in fiscal year 2009. The next project is the Student Center, which we hope will include some instructional space perhaps in dance, art or music, thus gaining space in two areas within one project. Casey will be seeking input from anyone interested in offering suggestions as to what we might want in that new facility. |
| Casey also announced that we are beginning to implement items from our strategic planning report, and Casey is now laying out how these projects will be attacked. |
| Finally, Casey announced that the Gov. Corzine has signed the transfer legislation into law, which promotes the seamless transfer of New Jersey community college associate degree graduates into baccalaureate degree programs at public four-year colleges and universities throughout the state. This supports Paul Michaud’s efforts in Transfer and Career Services. For our students, this law increases the value of staying here to complete their degrees. |
| Casey answered a few questions from the audience. When asked about the timeline for the new building, Casey responded that the money will be available during the 2008 – 2009 school year, with construction beginning the following year, and the move-in date some time during the 2011-2012 school year. |
In response to the question about when the Arts Building would be brought into the 21st century, Casey was conservative. We may not get new construction money for this. Perhaps some of the police academy space could be reallocated, and some small remodeling could take place, but beyond that, we simply don’t have the funds.
4. Steering Committee Call for Nominees (Mike Fagan):
| In a recent e-mail, Mike asked for nominees for the Steering Committee. Two individuals have self nominated for the Vice Chair. We still need the junior staff position filled. |
5. Appointment of Parliamentarian (Mike Fagan):
| According to the by-laws, the forum chairperson is to appoint a parliamentarian. Audrey Loera has been appointed to this honorable position. |
6. Ad-hoc Committees (Mike Fagan): Mike mentioned four ad-hoc committees for which volunteers are needed:
| The Ad Hoc Committee for the 2nd Floor of the Cafeteria and the Ad Hoc Committee for the Student Center Building both have the same purpose, i.e. to help define how these spaces will be utilized. |
| Chuck Chulvick addressed the purpose of the Technology Planning Ad Hoc Committee, which will be to study the renewal of the three year technology plan under the umbrella of the strategic plan. There are a few volunteers for this committee already, but more are needed, including staff volunteers. Committee work will start by end of this month. |
| Mike Fagan discussed the Student Services Programming Ad Hoc Committee. The college is in the process of hiring a Dean of Students, and this committee will serve as an internal advisory group for this position. When asked about student input into this committee, Mike responded that it would certainly be a good idea. |
| Mike will be sending out e-mails as a call for volunteers for all committees. All and any volunteers are welcome. |
7. Safety Committee Call for Volunteers (Mike Fagan):
| Reinhold still needs a few more volunteers for the safety Committee. Mike will send out a list of current committee members. |
8. Brief Announcements:
| Mike Fagan announced (for Jeff Sommers) that Dr. Boris Kagarlitsky will lecture this afternoon, October 2, at 2 pm in the Atrium. The title of the talk is “Russia/US Relations: Problems and Possibilities”. |
| Mary Sullivan announced that the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations began last week with an opening celebration of dance. On Thursday, October 4, Pia Cabral Hanlin will present a “Lunch and Learn” program. On next Tuesday, October 9, there will be a “Latin Flavors” luncheon, and the much anticipated Copacabana Night will be held on Friday October 19th. Tickets are on sale in the Student Activities Office. |
| Maureen Kennedy announced that at the November Forum meeting, the Foundation will launch the 2007-2008 employee giving campaign. Employees may get a “head start” by completing a payroll deduction form, available in the public folder under Foundation. |
| Chris Koep announced that there will be an “Out of Africa” exhibit opening on Friday, October 5 at 5:30 in the Gallery which will run through October 25. Proceeds from the entrance fees on opening night ($10/$20) and that evening’s art auction will benefit the people of Darfur. |
| David Ross announced the first annual Major’s Fair in the conference room tomorrow, October 3 from 10 – 2. Students who are undecided about their majors and students wishing to change majors are welcome to attend. |
| Lenore Schuller introduced Cheryl Wallace, a new staff member in Human Resources. |
| Lynne Kowski announced an upcoming Blood Drive. This will take place on Tuesday October 9 from 9 – 5 in the Atrium. |
| Mike Fagan announced that the Alpha Beta Gamma induction ceremony will be held on Friday, October 5. |
| Lee Denim Day is on Friday, October 5th. Breast Cancer Awareness pins are being sold for $5 in the Student Activities Office. |
9. Rewards and Recognition Committee presentation:
| Audrey Zudick presented the Lion’s Pride award to Judy Snook from Enrollment Services for her professional, thorough, respectful and patient response to students and parents on a day to day basis. Judy is a real asset to RVCC. |
| Janice Saam presented the Lion’s Pride award to Joe LaBar from Facilities and Grounds for his willingness to take on challenges and tasks outside of the scope of his job description. His professionalism and integrity are without bound. |
| Betty Hutcheon presented the Team Pride award to the imaginative and hard working All College Day Team. They worked tirelessly to present a fun and informative All College Day, and through their efforts, defined and captured the positive spirit of RVCC. |
10. New Business: There was no new business
11. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Geoffroy,
Forum Secretary