“We want to emphasize that we do not intend to prolong this matter,” King said.
She said the legal counsel of Fernandez and NMC decided that moving the hearing to April 12 “is more agreeable.”
The meeting was also postponed to ensure consistency with procedural requirements, she added.
“The members of the NMC board of regents are working hard and taking much time from their professional and personal obligations to ensure that this matter is resolved in the most expeditious manner,” King said.
She said they want to make sure all parties’ rights are protected and due process is provided at every opportunity.
She assured that the board will be making important decisions regarding the leadership of the college within the next few days.
“While I cannot discuss the details of the upcoming hearing, I want to reassure all students, faculty and staff that student learning remains a chief priority at Northern Marianas College,” she said.
For her part, NMC interim President Lorraine Cabrera said the college is “moving forward at full speed in providing high quality instruction and services to students.”
“We have also been continuing our progress on institutionalizing a systematic program review process. In fact, the college is midway through its third cycle of program review,” Cabrera added.
King said Cabrera continues to step up her efforts to reach out to faculty and staff during this transition period to ensure that the college remains focused on fulfilling its constitutional mandate and maintaining its full accreditation status.
Cabrera said students, staff, and faculty are also preparing for their 30th commencement exercise and Charter Day, NMC’s largest celebration next month.
She said NMC’s recruitment efforts are also in full swing.
NMC just completed three Start Smart Seminars for public high school seniors on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.
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