The regents have used these technologies in past meetings, according to newly elected NMC board chairman Charles V. Cepeda.
Under the newly approved policy, should a member not be able to be physically present during a convened meeting but is available by telephone, the meeting can be convened using a speakerphone.
This will allow all regents to discuss the agenda even though one member is not physically present.
The members participating by speakerphone may also vote, provided they have an opportunity to review all the materials the members physically present have reviewed.
The same guideline is adopted if meetings are conducted through teleconference calls or video teleconference.
Cepeda said the adoption of the policy is “in recognition of the important output from the members on matters that need immediate action and decision.”
However, the new policy does not apply to an executive session which usually discusses confidential matter.
Cepeda said they will realize some savings for the college if Rota and Tinian members are allowed to participate in meetings without flying to Saipan.
The board has already suspended the per diem and honorarium of each member.
However, the airfare for the Rota and Tinain members is still being paid by the board.
Once the board reinstates the honorarium and per diem, Cepeda said each member will receive them even if they participate in meetings through teleconference or video conference.
“We still believe that we need to pay the members because we’re still taking their time away (when they participate in the board meetings),” he said.
According to the new policy, “members utilizing video teleconference of communication have the same responsibilities and voting privileges” as the rest of the regents.
The board has to meet as often as necessary to get update on NMC’s accreditation requirements which the college have to comply with by October.
Cepeda said NMC and the board are “moving along” with the accreditation requirements.
