A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, Physical Science
SUNY Oneonta
Present
Mr. Joseph Bernier
Dr. David Brenner
Mr. Patrick Brown
Dr. Diane Georgeson
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
Dr. James Mackin, Provost
Ms. Lisa Wenck, Senior Executive Employee Services Officer
Presenters, Invitees, Observers
Mr. Andrew Stammel, Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Michael Koch, Presiding Officer of the College Senate
Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. Sniezek, Council unanimously approved the minutes of its Sept. 21, 2016 meeting.
President’ s Report
Dr. Kleniewski discussed the college’s Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan, the goal of which is to ensure an inclusive environment for all to do their best work.
Dr. Kleniewski invited Council members to attend the ground breaking for the college’s welcome center Nov. 18, and noted that work is progressing well on the Red Dragon Outfitters/OAS building.
Dr. Kleniewski stated that she is very pleased with the response to the monthly electronic newsletter “Notes from Netzer,” which has been well received.
Dr. Kleniewski offered congratulations to the fall sports teams, all of whom qualified for their respective SUNYAC tournaments.
Dr. Kleniewski commented that the selection of staff members Graig and Angie Eichler’s tree as the Rockefeller Center tree has created a lot of excitement on campus.
Dr. Kleniewski reported that the Future of Oneonta Foundation presented an award to Council Member Debra Parisian and her brother-in-law Sid for their involvement with the Pit Run and the Ricky J. Parisian Foundation. She added that Ms. Parisian’s father passed away yesterday.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown reported that he would testify to the SUNY Board of Trustees on Thursday regarding college councils’ perspective on the SUNY chancellor search. He asked for Council’s input, adding that he will suggest that SUNY put a greater emphasis on councils as assets and advocates. He also stated that the next chancellor should have more involvement in fund raising, in light of the tight state budget and declining resources.
In response to a question from Dr. Georgeson, Mr. Brown stated that the ACT is not formally represented on the search committee.
With regard to the NYS budget, Mr. Brown commented that this will be a lean budget year.
Budget Report
Mr. Foreman delivered a presentation on the impact of the state budget on SUNY Oneonta. He noted that although there are no tuition increases or increases in state tax support for core operations, capital to support critical maintenance was increased. Mr. Foreman discussed the plans to increase the campus reserve, and the college’s plan to continue to invest in the strategic plan, including investment in new programs.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Mr. Foreman explained the difference between the state-appropriated and non-appropriated restricted purpose funds.
Enrollment Management and Admissions Report
Mr. Jensen delivered a presentation on enrollment management. The presentation included statistics on undergraduate and graduate admissions and demographic trends. He noted that the Enrollment Management Committee is being reconvened with a new charge and a vision for the next two academic years.
Report on Gender Identity and Expression
Mr. Stammel delivered a presentation on transgender rights, resources and policies at SUNY Oneonta. Her provided information regarding federal and state regulations as they apply to discrimination and reviewed the college’s compliance with the newest transgender regulations. He affirmed that the college is making progress and stressed the need for continued attention to student and staff education.
In response to questions from Mr. Brown, Mr. Stammel explained that the NCAA has own policies to address issues related to athletics, and that the college resolves housing conflicts on a case-by-case basis, often by reassigning students to other rooms.
ACT Report
Dr. Georgeson reported on the annual ACT conference that was held Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Rochester. Panel discussions featured topics such as EOP, shared governance, economic development, and sexual assault policies. She shared that ACT’s goal for the coming year is more involvement with campuses and advocacy.
Good of the Order
Dr. Brenner suggested that Mr. Brown ask that the chancellor provide a retrospective of her tenure at SUNY.
Mr. Sniezek asked that SUNY Oneonta consider sending someone to the Applied Learning Conference in Binghamton later this month.
Ms. Brannan reminded council members to RSVP for the December recognition ceremony, which will be held Dec. 4.
Adjournment
Upon a motion by Dr. Georgeson, seconded by Ms. Pereira, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Webster
Assistant to the President