Le Café, Morris Conference Center SUNY Oneonta
Present
Mr. Joseph Bernier
Dr. David Brenner
Mr. Patrick Brown
Ms. Nicole Pereira
Mr. Daniel Sniezek
Presiding
Mr. Patrick Brown, Chair
College Administrators
Mr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement
Ms. Colleen Brannan, Executive Assistant to the President
Dr. Franklin Chambers, Vice President for Student Development
Mr. Todd Foreman, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, President
Mr. Kevin Jensen, Associate Vice President and Chief Enrollment Management Officer
Hal S. Legg, Executive Director of Communications
Dr. James Mackin, Provost
Mr. Terrence Mitchell, Chief Diversity Officer
Ms. Lisa Wenck, Senior Executive Employee Services Officer
Presenters, Invitees, Observers
Ms. Barbara Asheld, Alumni Observer
Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. Brenner, Council unanimously approved the minutes of its Nov. 2, 2016 meeting.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown deferred his report.
President’s Report
Dr. Kleniewski discussed the college’s recent review by SUNY and share that the college is developing proposals in connection with SUNY’s Performance Investment Fund. She reported that the governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is favorable to higher education, though it would not fund contractual increases that may be negotiated by collective bargaining.
Dr. Kleniewski updated Council on the governor’s Excelsior Scholarship proposal, noting that several private colleges have opposed it, and clarifying that it would not equal the cost of attendance. In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, the president summarized ongoing efforts to increase financial literacy among students and possibly assist other SUNY campuses implement similar efforts.
Mr. Brown shared his assessment that the Excelsior Scholarship appears to be aimed at helping middle class students.
Dr. Kleniewski shared that the May 2017 commencement will include three ceremonies, and that Rosalind Hewsenian of the Class of 1975 will receive an honorary doctorate at that time.
The president announced that the college will broaden the Common Read beyond the incoming class. Everyone in the campus community and greater Oneonta community will be invited to read the common read book and attend the Mills Lecture.
Dr. Kleniewski referred to documents regarding several accolades given to programs and individual students.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, President Kleniewski affirmed that assisting prospective students in completing a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance would likely would increase student aid.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown discussed that college tuition and SUNY are likely to be among the subjects of contention between the executive and legislative branches of state government.
Provost’s Report
Dr. Mackin reported on the creation of the Faculty Development Center and the appointment of its director, Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs. In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, the provost shared that a handbook for academic department chairs is in development.
College Advancement Report
Mr. Adamo delivered a presentation describing the budget impact of the College at Oneonta Foundation. He noted that the endowment’s market value is nearly $53 million. The Foundation’s endowment is the largest among SUNY comprehensive colleges. He added that the Foundation contributes $3.7 million to the college’s operational budget annually. Main areas of investment include scholarships, student research and creative activity, and faculty development.
Amnesty Policy Update and Proposed
Dr. Chambers delivered an update describing the success of the college’s amnesty policy, adopted in 2013. The policy may give amnesty to students who request medical intervention in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, Dr. Chambers shared that other SUNY comprehensive campuses have amnesty policies similar to SUNY Oneonta’s.
In response to a question from Mr. Brown, Dr. Chambers stated that he does not have data to describe whether the policy contributes to moral hazard among students to whom the college has granted amnesty.
Dr. Chambers added that he is developing a Neighborhood Relations Policy, which he anticipates bringing to Council after campus vetting, especially among students, is complete.
ACT Report
Mr. Brown shared that he would participate in an upcoming ACT officers’ call.
Good of the Order
Mr. Brown shared that he is teaching a course about gambling at the University of Albany.
Mr. Sniezek shared that he traveled to an applied learning conference. Dr. Mackin added that SUNY had charged its campuses to determine whether they wished to include applied learning as a graduation requirement.
Adjournment
Upon a motion by Mr. Bernier, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 3:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Hal S. Legg Executive Director of Communications