The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education convened at the Mary G. Roebling Building in Trenton on May 19, 2006. Chairman Kevin Collins presided. Highlights from the meeting include:

• Chairman’s Report: Mr. Collins announced that Larry Downes has been approved as a member of the Commission.

• Executive Director’s Report: Ms. Oates commented on the legislative hearings and the need to improve consistency of data reporting among institutions in order to be responsive to inquiries; the Commission will provide technical assistance. She also indicated that all six of the Governor’s Schools will operate this summer.

• Long-Range Plan Update: Deputy Executive Director Oswald commented on the relationship of objectives in the long-range plan and various efforts underway in the new Administration.
  

• Fiscal 2007 Budget Deliberations and Appropriations Process: Ms. Oates commented on the budget hearings, the follow-up questions from the Legislature, and the expressed desire to restore higher education funding if savings and additional revenues are available.
  

• Thomas Jefferson University relicensure: The Commission approved relicensure of Thomas Jefferson University to offer six undergraduate courses in nursing at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
  

• Proposed readoption of regulations on residency for tuition purposes: The Commission approved proposed regulations on residency for tuition purposes at public institutions for publication in the New Jersey Register to solicit public comment.
  

• Special Needs Grant Program awards: The Commission approved fiscal 2007 awards to eight institutions, pending fiscal 2007 state appropriations.

• Fiscal 2007 meeting schedule: The Commission approved a meeting schedule for fiscal 2007.
  

• HESAA Update: Commissioner Smith reported on expanded advocacy efforts by HESAA.
  

• Presidents’ Council Report: Dr. Pruitt commented on the budget hearings and efforts underway by institutions and the Presidents’ Council. He also commented on the need to align and calibrate higher education data.
  

• Comments from the Public:

  • Dr. John Pace, president, Association of New Jersey County College Faculties – budget deliberations and A Blueprint for Excellence;
  • Ms. Penny Barnes, president, New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association – EOFPA greetings; and
  • Professor Dan O’Connor, State Conference of American Association of University Professors – higher education structure.

• Long-range plan update


• State budget update


• Proposed amendments to licensure rules for distance learning


• Nominating Committee report and election of new officers


• Gibbs College relicensure


• DeVry University petition for new programs


• Syracuse University licensure for new high school locations


• Drexel University relicensure for Construction Management