As this was primarily an informational meeting, several groups communicated important updates. Harold Burt, Professor of Mathematics, and co-chair of the NECHE steering committee reminded everyone that many faculty and staff are working on the college’s NECHE ten-year Self Study. Professor Burt explained that the nine Standard Committees are gathering information for the appraisal section with a goal to be ready by end of the fall semester. Associate Dean of Liberal Arts & Behavioral/Social Sciences, B.L. Baker, has been appointed the official “one voice” writer in anticipation of the fall 2022 accreditation site visit.

The Student Government Association (SGA) President, Hailey Moran, and Vice President, Will Herens III, welcomed everyone back for the semester and summarized the roster of student events designed to promote fun and engagement. Moran reported that the SGA is “about giving students a voice to bring us together as a community to enhance college experience.” Both officers said that all students are “looking forward to more on-campus events this semester.” 

Representing the Academic Standards Committee, Dr. Pete Angelastro, held a vote on the College’s Academic Appeals Policy. The revised Policy introduces a quicker response to the student’s appeal of an assigned grade or any other academic decision. In the past, a student could make an appeal at the end of one semester and not learn the outcome until the following semester, which could potentially put a student behind in their program of study. The revision streamlines the process so students can make an appeal and receive an outcome within a reasonable amount of time so they are able to make appropriate decisions about their coursework. A motion to adopt the revised Academic Appeals Policy and Forms was approved.  

Sohair Omar, Interim Director of Institutional Research, reported on the results of a student intake survey that is the product of cross-departmental collaboration between NVCC’s ATD Student Success Team/Doing Our P.A.R.T., including the directors of CAPSS and Library Services, and Faculty Senate’s IDEAL Committee. The student intake survey gives NVCC staff and faculty an opportunity to provide early support to students based on their individual needs, including but not limited to academic tutoring, housing and food insecurity, and transportation assistance.

Faculty Senate President Chris Rempfer opened his report by expressing “how grateful he is to be back. Some of us never left!” He continued with appreciation of faculty and staff and all they do. Rempfer reported that the Faculty Senate is recommitting itself to community with a focus on protecting the unique identity and culture of NVCC. He announced a forthcoming proposal for “community time” that will strengthen bonds of engagement and connection with students and campus.  

On behalf of NVCC's Center for Teaching, Dr. Nikki McGary (Chair) announced that this year's theme is "meeting students where they are." Event details are on the CFT Website, and fall newsletter and event resources are on the CFT Blackboard site. Dr. Ruth Urbina-Lilback, Teaching and Learning Consultant (TLC), reminded faculty that she is available as a resource to  meet individually with full/part-time faculty, and she discussed upcoming statewide CFT events.  Information-For/Faculty-and-Staff-Resources/Center-for-Teaching 

Representing the Center for Racial Dialogue and Social Justice, Professor Kathy Taylor, JD, reminded the campus that the Center features all programming in the College’s Weekly Bulletin and that their programming comes “from the headlines and aims to have us evaluate our own narratives around race.” Professor Taylor extended an invitation to all for a robust semester of events, including the upcoming podcast listening party. student-life/what-to-do/center-for-racial-dialogue-and-social-justice. 

Professor Nikki McGary, Co-Chair of the Social Justice Series, also spoke about the Social Justice Series events this year focused on "Art, Social Justice, and Connection.” 

Finally, with what has become a standing part of NVCC’s All College Meeting as long as Jason Seabury, professor of Mathematics, has served as Chair of the Curriculum and Educational Affairs Committee (CEAC), the college was entertained with a musical interlude after announcing there were no curriculum proposals for approval this meeting.  Inspired by his recent attendance of the Tony-winning musical, Hadestown, and accompanied on the piano by Professor Gil Harel, Professor Seabury revised the song "Wait for Me" to touch on several issues germane to this year's fall term. Joining Seabury who performed as the Hermes character, Professor of English Chris Rempfer sang the role of Orpheus, and students Emily Burns, Brianna Mattingly and Amelia McGee sang as the chorus of Fates.  The final verse ended with an emphatic unison underscoring the theme once again: “We're back on campus!”