Room 301, Netzer Administration Building
SUNY Oneonta
Present
Mr. Joseph Bernier
Dr. David Brenner
Mr. Patrick Brown
Dr. Diane Georgeson
Mr. Mark McGough
Mr. Timothy Nolan
Ms. Debra Parisian
Mr. Daniel Sniezek
Presiding
Mr. Patrick Brown, Chair
College Administrators
Mr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement
Ms. Colleen Brannan, Chief of Staff
Dr. Franklin Chambers, Vice President for Student Development
Dr. Leamor Kahanov, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mr. Hal Legg, Chief Communication and Marketing Officer
Dr. Barbara Jean Morris, President
Ms. Julie Piscitello, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Lisa Snyder, Assistant Vice President for Strategy, Planning and Effectiveness
Presenters, Invitees, Observers
Ms. Ellen Blaisdell, Assistant Vice President for College Advancement
Mr. Benjamin Wendrow, Director of Development
Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 2:33 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of Jan. 30, 2020
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Dr. Brenner, Council approved by unanimous vote the minutes of the Jan. 30, 2020 meeting.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown deferred his report.
President’s Report
The president shared that Dr. Jennifer Bueche has attained the rank of distinguished service professor. She noted several of Dr. Bueche’s accomplishments, including the development of SUNY Oneonta’s Master of Science in Food and Nutrition program, which is recognized as a national model, and design of an “Academic Game Plan” credited with increasing student athlete retention rate to 97%.
Dr. Morris announced that four SUNY Oneonta students had received Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. Katherine Martinez-Munoz of Hannibal, NY, Timothy Nolan of Saratoga Springs, NY, Alexa Amalbert of New York City and Daniel Ioos of Wappingers Falls, NY. She noted the students’ leadership, scholarship, commitment to service and co-curricular accomplishments.
Dr. Morris recapped the college’s response, to date, to COVID-19 and described the pandemic’s effects on Study Abroad program, the campus, students and employees. She noted the cancellation of spring and summer 2020 study abroad, the extension of spring break, ongoing on-campus student move-out, transition to telecommuting for many employees and rescheduling of spring 2020 commencement. The president added that she recently cancelled fall Study Abroad trips.
Dr. Morris praised the college-wide efforts to transition to alternative modes of instruction. She confirmed that she expects construction projects, which the state had halted, to resume shortly.
The president said she anticipates that the college will lose $6 million-$8 million due to COVID-19, and that Sodexo will lose around $6.5 million. She added that the college has implemented spending controls to mitigate the affects of these losses.
In response to a question form Mr. Bernier, President Morris affirmed that prospective student engagement in virtual activities is robust, and that fall 2020 enrollment metrics are good, based on strong interest from potential freshmen. She added that she is not considering across-the-board cuts as a response to the fiscal impact of COVID-19.
In response to a question from Dr. Georgeson, the president confirmed the cancellation of several summer events and shared that others may be canceled.
In response to a question from Mr. Brown, President Morris affirmed that SUNY must approve the campus’ plan to issue financial credits and or refunds related to COVID-19.
In response to a question of Dr. Brenner, the president clarified that the state has not signaled any particular budget reduction in response to revenue lost due to COVID-19.
Comprehensive Campaign Planning and Strategy
Mr. Adamo referred to a document previously shared with Council members, which presents an overview of a comprehensive philanthropic campaign that the Division of College Advancement has developed and which the College at Oneonta Foundation Board approved. The name of the effort is “Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta.” It seeks to raise $25 million over five years and is the Division’s top strategic goal for 2019-2020. Mr. Adamo added that
Ms. Blaisdell spoke about the five-year timeline of the campaign. She noted that the Campaign Co-Chairs Patrick McCann ‘75 and Linda McCann ‘76 view their own experiences at SUNY Oneonta as transformative, and that they see an unprecedented need for support among today’s students.
Mr. Wendrow described the phases of the campaign. He added that the campaign has received over 50% of its goal, including a $1 million gift.
Mr. Adamo asked Council members to support and endorse the campaign.
Mr. Brown congratulated the Division of College Advancement on designing an ambitious campaign.
Upon motion by Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. Nolan, Council endorsed “Grow. Thrive. Live. the Future of SUNY Oneonta.” by unanimous vote.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Mr. Adamo clarified that the public announcement of the campaign will be thoughtful and timed with consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown discussed the New York state budget process. He cautioned against believing that the state budget, as passed, is certain, adding that he anticipates that the governor will make mid-year adjustments. He concluded that this situation may present challenges to SUNY Oneonta.
Mr. Brown inquired about about the health of Sen. James Seward. Ms. Brannan provided an update indicating that his situation had improved.
Tobacco Free Resolution
Mr. Nolan referred to a resolution with the subject, “Encouraging a Tobacco-Free Policy,” that the Student Association Senate adopted. It encourages creation of a campus-wide policy prohibiting the use of tobacco and tobacco products.
In response to a question from Mr. Brown, President Morris affirmed that Council could endorse the idea of having a policy, but has no legislative authority regarding it.
Mr. Sniezek expressed concern about the idea of a tobacco-free campus.
Dr. Georgeson expressed support for the idea of a tobacco-free campus.
Mr. Bernier expressed his support for the idea of a tobacco-free campus.
Upon motion of Dr. Georgeson, seconded by Mr. Bernier, Council approved the endorsement of said Student Association resolution by a majority vote. Mr. Brown called for a roll call vote, the results of which were:
Mr. Joseph Bernier, aye;
Dr. David Brenner, aye;
Mr. Patrick Brown, aye;
Dr. Diane Georgeson, aye;
Mr. Mark McGough, aye;
Mr. Timothy Nolan, abstain;
Ms. Debra Parisian, aye;
Mr. Daniel Sniezek, nay.
Resolution Honoring Timothy Nolan
Mr. Brown read the following resolution:
Resolution;
College Council of the State University of New York College at Oneonta;
Whereas Timothy Nolan has served as the Student Association representative for the 2019-2020 academic year with distinction on the College Council of the State University of New York College at Oneonta, and
Whereas Timothy Nolan has contributed significantly as the Student Association President to the College and as a devoted volunteer, and
Whereas Timothy Nolan has attained a high level of mutual respect between himself and all other members of the College Council during his tenure,
Therefore be it resolved that the College Council of the State University of New York College at Oneonta extends its deepest gratitude to Timothy Nolan as he completes his service as a Council member and wishes him good health and good fortune upon graduation.
Signed this day, April 7, 2020
He noted that Mr. Nolan will graduate from SUNY Oneonta in May.
Good of the Order
In response to an invitation from Mr. Brown, Mr. McGough shared that he is moving and will no longer meet the residency requirement for Council membership and therefore will resign. He added that this meeting will be his last.
Mr. Brown shared that ACT has canceled its 2020 conference and will not collect dues for 2020 or award scholarships in 2020.
Upon motion by Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. McGough, Council adopted the resolution honoring Mr. Nolan by unanimous vote.
Ms. Brannan shared that spring 2020 commencement has been rescheduled for Aug. 29.
Adjournment
Upon motion by Mr. McGough, seconded by Mr. Bernier, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 3:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Hal Legg
Chief Communication and Marketing Officer