Atlantic Cape Board of Trustees Approves Annual Financial Report

COURT HOUSE — The Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees approved its annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2015, at its regular meeting Jan. 26, at the Cape May County Campus.
The board accepted the FY’15 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, following a report from Fred Caltabiano of Bowman & Company LLP of Voorhees, the college’s audit firm.
Caltabiano reviewed highlights of the report, noting his firm had issued “an unmodified or ‘clean’ opinion for the financial statements” and there were no audit findings. He said they identified “no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses” and reported the college’s financial position “remains strong.”
On behalf of the board, Maria Mento, board treasurer, thanked Leslie Jamison, dean of finance, and members of her staff for the “clean” audit.
In Grant Matters, the Board:
–Approved submitting an application to the American Library Association for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, requesting a grant of $4,000 for initiation of a graphic novel program from May 1, 2016-April 30, 2017. The purpose of the grant is to encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art and comics as a literary medium. With the grant, Atlantic Cape will develop a graphic novel collection focused on the theme of diversity. Collections at each of the three campuses will emphasize a specific sub-theme within the arena of diversity, including disability, religious freedom and civil rights.
In Personnel Action, the Board:
–Approved Timothy Cwik of Stone Harbor, temporary instructor, aviation studies, effective Jan. 19.
In Other Business, the Board:
–Approved the financial statement for six months ending Dec. 31, 2015.
–Approved offering the Business Administration Certificate, effective fall 2016. The one-year certificate will require 32-33 credits and is designed for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution prior to earning an associate degree. Credits may also be applied toward a Business Administration Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science at Atlantic Cape. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will help them find immediate employment in entry-level supervision and supervisory positions.
Board Makes Provisions for Armed Security Guards
On its final reading, the Board of Trustees approved a revision to Policy No. 862 to allow armed security officers and other persons so authorized by the college president to possess firearms on college property, college-sponsored housing or at any college activity.
In the President’s Report:
Dr. Peter L. Mora, president, noted the college’s investment in developing student success initiatives and participation in the Achieving the Dream Consortium for four years. He introduced Dr. Mitchell Levy, vice president of student affairs and branch campus management, who is working with faculty to build career development within the curriculum as part of these initiatives.
“Based on research done in the field, we know students who are connected with career goals are more likely to be retained and more likely to be successful,” Levy said. “We help students who have participated in our career development initiatives select majors earlier and identify transfer schools based on that career.” Levy introduced project participants Michael Kammer, Sue DePhilippis, Kelly Herbst, Janet Marler and Tammy DeFranco, noting that 16 faculty members have participated so far.
Levy said the Career Development Project was selected to receive the 2016 Promising Practices Award by the NASPA Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs Knowledge Community, and will be recognized at the NASPA 2016 Annual Conference in March.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at 7 p.m., Feb. 23, at the Mays Landing Campus, J-202. All are welcome to attend.