MSCA Union faculty members from various departments expressed their concerns urging the board to support the CHERISH act.

Current students, Zoe Frati and Shaina Cruel-Reynoso, each read a statement regarding the rising cost of tuition and fees. Matthew Murphy, current student, read a prepared statement on behalf of the new SGA president stating how important it is to fully support the CHERISH Act. He also reiterated his support for the legislation. Crystal Aneke, the new student trustee for the next academic year, encouraged the board to support not just the spirit of the act, but the CHERISH act itself. She expressed her opposition to the proposed fee increases for the next year.

Chairman Irving provided background on the past state funding process and the way the institution is currently funded by the state. He stated in his opinion, the university is no longer financially state supported, but state assisted. He indicated that the money the school receives from the state does not cover all the costs to operate the institution. He emphasized that the board does not want to increase fees and that tuition is fixed. He provided background on the budget process, endowments, and talked about how contracts are funded. He reminded those present that the campus currently operates with a structural deficit and that the difference must be closed with money from reserves. He emphasized that to keep the institution financially healthy is a difficult balancing act. He applauded the students for their cause and indicated respect with what the faculty and students were saying. He concluded by stating that the board has a fiscal responsibility to protect the institution and thanked them for expressing their concerns.

The Chairman of the Finance Committee, D. Phillips provided the Finance Committee report. She stated the committee met and the budget was discussed in great detail. The decision to raise fees is always heartbreaking she stated, but it was determined that it must be done.

The president reiterated many of the points presented by both D. Phillips and D. Irving.  He indicated that the university instituted a 5% reduction on operating for every unit on campus.  The president said that all units were contributing to cost reduction.  Additionally, other revenue generating initiatives were underway.  The institutional goal is to contain fee increases and overall student debt.

F. O'Donnell asked if there were any staff reductions. The president responded that no occupied positions had been retrenched, but that in some cases vacant positions had been eliminated.

F. O'Donnell asked about any retirement packages. The president responded that there are currently no state retirement packages.  He reminded that board that recently an early retirement package was offered and administered at the local level.

The president said that fully online graduate programs were doing well and served as a good source of revenue to balance declining undergraduate enrollment.  A new MBA concentration is scheduled to launch in summer and should be a popular alternative.

There was a discussion. The consensus was that the board felt it needed to raise fees.

The budget narrative appendix was discussed in detail.

The annual operating budget was discussed in detail.

A. Ramos voted no.

The president discussed the courses that have higher lab fees. There are currently three levels of course fees and he recommend add a fourth level at $325.00. The fee is targeted at one program (policing). This increase would be instituted next year. The fee will address high levels of equipment and resources necessary to run the police academy portion of the program

A. Ramos voted no.

The president presented the accelerated online program trust fund. The establishment of this new trust fund is to assist with better understanding the contribution and cost associated with online programs relative to other GCE programs in general.

A. Ramos voted no.

There was a discussion on endowments, the dashboard and the impact of raising online fees.

The president extended his praise and appreciation to Jay Bry and everyone in Financial Services for their hard work in putting together such a complicated budget.

Chairman Irving discussed the letter of support for increased higher education funding to be sent to the local legislative delegation.

President reviewed the Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Discussion regarding the plan ensued and questions were answered. 

The personnel actions were presented for informational purposes.

The financial statements were presented for informational purposes.

The Chairman acknowledged the tremendous job Anna Maria Clementi preformed as a trustee. He stated that her contributions to the board and the university were invaluable.

A. Clementi stated that it has been a pleasure serving on the board. She has worked with many great people over the years. She is very proud of everything we do here for the benefit of the students and the community. She is proud of the Center for Italian Culture, and the collaborative work the university is doing in conjunction with the Fitchburg Art Museum. She intends to still be involved with the university.

The president reported that enrollment continues to be a moving target, but that he expected enrollment to be down relative to last year. Applications and deposits continue to trickle in and he will be better able to report the outcome of enrollment efforts in the fall. The university continues to reach out to underserved students to see how to better serve them. He briefly shared the Commissioner’s Equity Agenda.

The president introduced Mr. Jeffrey Wolfman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. He reported that the search committee interviewed a large diverse pool and that the campus was excited to welcome Jeffrey onboard. J. Wolfman responded that he is delighted to join the team and be part of the leadership. He provided the board with some of his past experience.

The president informed the Board of the successful Convocation and Undergraduate Research Conference which were both well attended. There were a significant number of presentations at the conference. It is a great opportunity for faculty and students to work together in the academic community. At the Convocation, many scholarships and awards were presented to a diverse group of students.
 

The Graduate Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. and the Undergraduate Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. All board members are invited to attend these events. The graduate ceremony will award the largest number of degrees in the institution’s history.

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be held on May 15 at 6 p.m. There are a record number of nurses graduating this year.

The president reported on the many end-of-year activities which included the Athletic Banquet, induction ceremonies, Special Olympics, and a Naturalization Ceremony.

The Nursing Department received notice that the program maintains full approval status. This was presented for informational purposes.

The news articles were presented for informational purposes.

The Chairman commended Alex Ramos for his service and stated Alex did a tremendous job representing students. The board wished Alex well in all his future endeavors. He is sure to accomplish great things in the future. The president announced that Alex was recognized as one of The 29 Who Shine at the State House recently.