Board Chair Scott Stewart called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.

An overview of the whistleblower protections in the State of Arizona was presented to the Board of Governors by the College attorney, John Richardson.  Whistleblowers are granted protection from certain situations by the Employment Protection Act.  Provisions of the statute were reviewed which included federal and state protections against retaliation.  Mr. Richardson also discussed the College policy regarding whistleblowers, which provides more protection to College employees than the EPA or Whistleblower Act.    

The Board was informed of the Arizona conflict of interest laws which included the definition of substantial and remote interests.  Employees are required to publicly declare the conflict, avoid any involvement in the decision, contract or procurement at issue, and to file a disclosure form.  Intentional violations are a felony; if not intentional, the violation is a misdemeanor. 

Dr. Suzanne Miles, Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost, gave a retrospective of her area of responsibility.  Included was information on enhancing student services and financial aid processes.  The institutional climate survey will also be distributed to community members and a cross-section of students early Fall 2008, and will be incorporated into the self-study.  Professional development workshops on the re-accreditation process are being held for all employees as directed in the current College Plan.  Dr. Miles discussed student learning outcomes and the creation of the 2008-2011 College Plan.   

Dr. David Bea gave a Facilities/Administration update.  Work continues on internal controls which resulted in a survey of the cash handling process, a revision of the travel manual, and the roll-out of an emergency response plan that was approved by Cabinet (includes employee training). 

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.