Apr. 22, 2026 University Council Meeting Minutes

April 22, 2026

Butternut Valley Room, Hunt Union

DRAFT

Present

Mr. Joe Bernier

Ms. Paula DiPerna

Ret. Maj. Gen. Anthony German

Dr. Diane Georgeson

Ms. Stacie Haynes

Mr. Gary Herzig

Dr. Marcela Micucci

Ms. Debra Parisian

Presiding

Mr. Gary Herzig

University Administrators

Mr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement

Ms. Karen Brown, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Initiatives

Mr. Dirk Budd, University Police Chief

Ms. Dia Carleton, Chief Human Resources Officer

Dr. Alberto Cardelle, University President

Dr. Tracy Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs

Ms. Lisa Miller, Senior Communication and Marketing Officer

Dr. Enrique Morales-Diaz, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mr. Lachlan Squair, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management

Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Ms. Karyn Wendrow, Chief of Staff and Director of Executive Communications

Ms. J. Caroline Williams, Director of Community and Government Relations

Presenters, Invitees, Observers

Dr. Gina Solano, Presiding Officer, University Senate

Dr. James Zians, Associate Professor of Psychology

Call to Order

Mr. Herzig called the meeting to order at 2:33 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Bernier made a motion to approve the minutes of Jan. 25, 2026. Ms. Parisian seconded, and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

Chair’s Report

Mr. Herzig welcomed two new University Council members, Ms. Paula DiPerna and Dr. Marcela Micucci, and each introduced themselves. Mr. Herzig mentioned the third new community member of the University Council, Angela Belmont, who was not present, and the new Student Association representative, Kadeem Russell. Mr. Russell will replace Ms. Ashley Romero, who will graduate from SUNY Oneonta in May.

Mr. Herzig read resolutions of appreciation in honor of Mr. Daniel Sniezek and Mr. Will Rivera, whose University Council terms have ended. Mr. Bernier made a motion to approve both resolutions; Ms. DiPerna seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Bernier made a motion to approve a third resolution recognizing Ms. Romero’s service on the Council; Ms. Parisian seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.

President’s Report

Mission Story

Dr. Cardelle introduced Dr. Jim Zians, Associate Professor of Psychology, for a “Mission Story” about the Psychology Applied Learning Hub. Dr. Zians summarized some of the applied learning opportunities students are getting through partnerships with community organizations such as The Crossroads Inn and the Arc Otsego. He also outlined results of a community research study funded by a university Forward Momentum Grant. Students learned how to do canvassing and administer a questionnaire that covered concerns about community safety, homelessness and community policing.

Mr. Bernier asked how many students were involved. Dr. Zians said he had four independent study students involved in this work, as well as a few student interns and 32 students who took the Community Psychology Class in either the fall or the spring.

Ms. DiPerna asked about field research in the age of AI, and how this work adds value. Ms. Parisian commented on her interaction earlier in the day at the Student Research and Creative Activity (SRCA) showcase with a psychology student who was involved in this research, and the impact it made on her. Dr. Cardelle added that he also had talked to two students about their SRCA poster presentation, and both said the work confirmed their desire to go into school counseling or social work. Dr. Zians said Oneonta is fortunate to have top-shelf human services agencies willing to establish strong relationships with the university.

Following Dr. Zians’ presentation, Mr. Herzig introduced Student Association President Kadeem Russell, who introduced himself and thanked the council on behalf of his predecessor, Ashley Romero.

State Budget Update

Dr. Cardelle said key status updates on the New York State budget negotiations include:

maintaining the state-operated resident undergraduate tuition freeze by increasing state-operated campus operating funding by $54M, accepted by both Chambers;
investing an additional $8M in the ASAP/ACE program, which provides additional financial support for Pell-eligible students, accepted by both Chambers,
doubling the Empire State Service Corps to provide paid service opportunities to 1,000 SUNY students, accepted by both Chambers; and
providing $595M to address a critical maintenance backlog, accepted by both Chambers.

Federal Policy Changes

Dr. Cardelle summarized recent policy changes that will affect SUNY Oneonta, including:

Student Tuition and Transparency System: For undergraduate programs, alumni must earn more than the median earnings of a working high school graduate in their state; for graduate programs, alumni must earn more than the median earnings of a bachelor’s degree holder in their field. Programs that fail this “earnings premium” test in two out of three consecutive years will lose eligibility for federal student loans.
Budget: Proposals to eliminate the TRIO and GEARUP programs, which help low-income and first-generation students prepare for college, and Pell Grants face a $10 billion shortfall over the next five years; the most recent “skinny” budget for FY 27 calls for maintaining current award levels while cutting other domestic spending.
Title II: The Department of Justice recently announced an extension of the digital accessibility compliance deadline from April 27, 2026, to April 2027.

Strategic Planning

Dr. Cardelle described Focused Foward Momentum agenda initiatives in new student enrollment, retention and student success; mental health support services; regional leadership; employee leadership development and employee wellness programs, as well as a plan to increase externally research funding levels to $1 million over three years, and an AI Taskforce Implementation Plan. He also announced that SUNY Oneonta was awarded a grant for a consultant from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to help us integrate the postsecondary value framework into our strategic planning.

Facilities and Construction

Dr. Cardelle gave an overview of upcoming facilities project, including infrastructure improvements, the Netzer renovation project, replacing front entrances in Hunt Union and Milne Library and upgrades to three residence halls.

NCAA

Dr. Cardelle said the SUNY Athletic Conference is well represented in NCAA discussions of six key topics: championship selection criteria, playing seasons and resources, eligibility evolution, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) implications, membership standards, and governance oversight and presidential engagement.

Year-end Synopsis and Upcoming Events

Dr. Cardelle shared several recent university news stories, including:

He also mentioned the recent Celebration of Giving event and said that, for the first time in the history of the institution, we can report that we have surpassed the $100M mark in our endowment and are now at $102 million, with two more months left in the fiscal year.

Lastly. Dr. Cardelle plugged Pass Through the Pillars, Commencement and the Common Read book for the upcoming academic year. Dr. Morales-Diaz reminded Council members of the new graduate student commencement ceremony the night before the undergraduate ceremonies, and Dr. Cardelle announced the two honorary degree recipients, Springbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy and Patrick McCann ’75, former president and CEO of Weston Solutions.

Mr. Bernier asked whether there is any interest in adding a women’s flag football program now that it has been accepted by the NCAA and Dr. Johnson said it is being considered.

New Academic Programs

Dr. Morales-Diaz gave an overview of new academic programs, including Marketing (B.S.); Crime, Justice and Community (M.A., online); Nonprofit Management (graduate certificate); Sports Coaching and Leadership (M.S., online); and Human Services (M.A., online).

Four programs have shifted modalities: the M.S. in School Counseling and Special Education have moved online; the M.S. in Lake Management has a hybrid option, and the university is offering its B.S. in Psychology online for transfer students with an A.A. or A.S. degree.

Next steps include searching for an Athletic Training Program Director, Social Work Program Director and a Physician Assistant Program Director, as well as finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bassett Healthcare Network to develop the Physician Assistant program.

Dialogue Dinners Presentation

Dr. Tiapo gave an overview of a student-led initiative advancing civic discourse and constructive dialogue through monthly, moderated dinners on topics of community importance. Led by senior Molly Eldridge, chair of the Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, the program was funded by a $5,000 SUNY Building Bridges Civic Engagement Student Leadership Grant. SUNY Oneonta was one of five campuses selected to receive a grant.

She reported that two dinners have been held so far, with 55 guests, and 44 people had RSVP’d for the April 24 dinner, which will examine the topic: “What is a University For?” Previous topics included the rise and impact of AI (March 2), where participants discussed the role of AI in their lives, studies work, moderated by Chris Keegan, Associate Professor of Philosophy. The March 24 dinner examined the topic “What is the difference between a protest and a riot?” Moderated by Dr. Nicole deSilva, Assistant Professor of History, the discussion examined how people express their discontent through collective action and demonstration and how the language used to name such actions shapes cultural and historical perceptions of political and social justice movements.

Dr. Tiapo shared survey results measuring participants’ knowledge and awareness before and after each session, as well as comments from participants expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the program's format and impact.

Dr. Georgeson asked how participants are broken up; Dr. Tiapo said usually there are 6-8 people per table, with a moderator at each table. Ms. DiPerna said she thinks this is a fantastic initiative and she has experience with similar programming as a civic leader working in Chicago. She applauded the university for doing this and suggested we focus on doing it more often rather than making it bigger.

Marketing and Communication Changes

Ms. Brown gave an update on changes in the Marketing and Communication unit, including a search underway for a new Senior Executive Director to lead the unit, reorganization of staff, establishment of a Director of Enrollment Marketing position; new responsibilities in internal communications; and a shift in the unit’s reporting line from Dr. Cardelle to Ms. Brown. The restructuring plan has been in the works for several months and was develop following an engagement last fall with an external consultant.

Mr. Bernier asked for an enrollment update; Ms. Brown said it will be a “nail biter” leading up to the May 1 traditional deposit deadline for first-year students, but transfer student enrollment is strong. Dr. Georgeson asked a question about external communication and government relations contacts and Ms. Brown provided clarification.

ACT Report

Dr. Georgeson said she had nothing new to report, but she is working on finding out the date and location of the fall meeting, which she will share with the Council.

Good of the Order

After asking the Cabinet members in attendance to introduce themselves for the two new members of the council, Dr. Cardelle congratulated Mr. Bernier on reaching the milestone of 30 years of service to SUNY Oneonta as a member of the University Council and presented a small token of appreciation, then invited members to stay and enjoy coffee and cake in Mr. Bernier’s honor.

Adjournment

Mr. Bernier adjourned the meeting at 4:19 p.m.