Board emphasizes importance of procedures, trainings for regents

Northern Marianas College Board of Regents chair Juan T. Lizama underscored the importance of trainings and workshops for all its members-both voting and honorary regents-to make sure that everybody is fully aware not only of their roles but proper procedures as well.

This developed as honorary member Associated Students of NMC president Lawrence E. Camacho submitted a report on Tuesday wherein he indicated several concerns he labeled as “communication issues” with NMC president Sharon Y. Hart.

Camacho enumerated in his three-page report the various instances where he felt he was “unfairly” treated by management by conducting meetings without the representation of the student body.

But in exchanges of email correspondences between college officials and Camacho, the particular meeting he alluded to was for members of the president’s management team who were called on short notice and does not include the ASNMC president.

On Jan. 24, a joint legislative meeting was held on campus where Camacho shared with lawmakers a copy of a position paper that he said was from ASNMC. This document highlighted the views and opinions of the ASNMC on several pending legislation that affect the college. In that position paper, five of the eight proposed legislation related to NMC were opposed by the student group.

Lizama on Tuesday questioned Camacho if he followed proper procedures when he submitted the position paper to the Legislature without first seeking the management or board’s recommendation on the issues it identified. Lizama admitted being surprised upon learning about the position paper.

“Personally, I think it is proper that you are providing us this report [today]. Because we won’t stop you from telling the truth, but my question is: Is this something yourself as president can handle with due care?” he asked Camacho, pointing out that procedures and policies are in place to deal with such concerns. Lizama said even “small issues” may affect NMC’s accreditation status.

Meantime, Lizama encouraged Hart’s office to keep an “open line of communication” with all governance bodies, most especially the students’ group. He also recommended that Hart attend some type of seminar about Pacific island culture and practices to help her in the effective management of the college.

The chair reiterated the importance of working together and focusing on the most important concern at NMC: its accreditation, which it must reaffirmed by October this year.

Hart assured the board that NMC has internal policies and procedures that are in place and that she will continue working closely with all governance councils to accomplish the college’s missions and goals.