Governance committee advances emergency‑decision guidance, debates continuing role of executive committee

The Governance and Nominations Committee of the Board of Regents for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities discussed a draft guidance document to clarify how emergency decisions should be made and debated whether to dissolve the executive committee.

Chairman Porth opened the meeting and asked staff to prioritize a guidance document that explains when to convene special meetings (24-hour notice) versus emergency meetings and how quorum requirements apply. Karen Bufkin, who prepared the draft guidance, described a two‑factor approach: the time available to make a decision and whether a quorum of the full board can be assembled. "The committee had indicated that they wanted to provide reassurance and adopt a document that would indicate in what order we would address emergencies based on what is permitted by law and by the bylaws," Bufkin said.

Committee members were split on the executive committee's continuing value. One member argued the executive committee, made up of committee chairs plus the chair and vice chair, can offer a quick, 360‑degree advisory view in emergent circumstances without substituting for the full board. "If we use it only in emergent circumstances, I think there's value in having all the committee chairs weigh in," said Regent Bloom. Others noted that online meeting capabilities make convening a quorum faster, reducing the need for a standing executive committee.

Members agreed to separate two decisions: finalize emergency‑decision guidance now and continue deliberation about amending the bylaws to dissolve or retain the executive committee during a fuller bylaw review. Chair Porth asked Bufkin to incorporate committee suggestions — including a posted definition of "emergency" (examples cited were threats to public health or safety, work stoppages, or unforeseeable circumstances) — and return an amended guidance to the full board for consideration. The committee set a timeline for collecting input from other committee chairs and asked that responses be available in time for the GNC meeting on June 8.

On nominations, the committee voted to move into executive session to discuss personnel candidates for the Board of Regents under the Connecticut General Statutes. Chairman Porth read the statutory authority for the closed session and listed the staff authorized to attend: Chancellor John Maduco, Karen Bufkin, Jessica Paquette, Adam Joseph and Felicia Brown. The committee paused public streaming to move to the separate executive‑session link; after the closed session members reconvened briefly, confirmed no formal decisions were made in executive session, and adjourned.

What comes next: Karen Bufkin will update the guidance to reflect today's input (including the emergency definition) and distribute the memo and current committee charters to all committee chairs requesting responses in time for the June 8 GNC meeting. The committee did not take statutory or bylaw action today; a formal bylaw amendment to eliminate any committee would require a future board vote.