Multicultural Center, Lee Hall
SUNY Oneonta
Present
Dr. David Brenner Mr. Patrick Brown Dr. Diane Georgeson Mr. Mark McGough Ms. Debra Parisian Ms. Nicole Pereira Mr. Daniel Sniezek
Presiding
Mr. Patrick Brown, Chair
College Administrators
Dr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement Ms. Colleen Brannan, Senior Assistant to the President Dr. Franklin Chambers, Vice President for Student Development Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, President Mr. Hal Legg, Executive Director of Communications Dr. James Mackin, Interim Provost Mr. Terrence Mitchell, Chief Diversity Officer Ms. Lisa Wenck, Senior Executive Employee Services Officer
Presenters, Invitees, Observers
Mr. Barbara Asheld, Alumni Observer Dr. Michael Koch, Presiding Officer of the College Senate
Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Ms. Parisian, Council unanimously approved the April 20, 2016 meeting minutes.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown welcomed Ms. Asheld and deferred his report.
President’s Report
Dr. Kleniewski discussed SUNY’s completion agenda, and the goal to increase the number of degrees granted annually to 150,000. She described SUNY Oneonta’s new program, Access to College Excellence, which will contribute to the system-wide goal. She added that the college is partnering with SUNY Fredonia and SUNY New Paltz to offer a school leader certificate, and that SUNY has encouraged the campus to implement a “finish in four” program, aimed at helping students earn bachelor’s degrees in four years.
President Kleniewski shared that SUNY also is focused on increasing diversity an inclusion. She referred to a draft diversity plan for the college, adding that a final plan is due to SUNY by Nov. 1.
In response to a question from Dr. Brenner, Dr. Kleniewski clarified that competitive grants within SUNY are the only source of new funds to implement SUNY initiatives at the college.
The president updated Council regarding the college budget, stating that the state legislature did not renew of Rational Tuition. She also noted that the state legislature sets SUNY tuition.
President Kleniewski referred to a Division of College Advancement report, which summarized the impact of philanthropy on student learning, “Notes from Netzer,” her new electronic newsletter to the campus community, and several college rankings that recognize SUNY Oneonta.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Dr. Kleniewski described the goals of the Access to College Excellence program, which assists and supports first-generation college students pursuing degrees at the college.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, the president summarized efforts to build capacity that will allow the college to improve service to online learners and support larger numbers of them. She added that some members of our faculty have been engaged with Collaborative Online International Learning.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown discussed how rising students’ debt loads at the national level affect the political perception of SUNY and work against Rational Tuition. He shared that he is not optimistic about 2017 state funding, and that political change within the state legislature might affect legislative support.
Regarding the state budget, he said that he expects more information before Council’s next meeting.
Provost’s Report
Dr. Mackin delivered a presentation regarding new faculty and programs, summarizing that the college hired 38 new tenure-track faculty members this fall, and developed four new programs in 2015-2016. He added that enrollment in the Literacy Education program doubled after the college began offering totally online, and that five academic programs are under development currently.
In response to a question from Mr. Brown, Dr. Mackin clarified the process by which new curricula are proposed, vetted and approved.
Orientation and Living, Learning Communities Report
Dr. Chambers delivered a presentation summarizing the changes the college made to its new student orientation program prior to the fall 2016 semester, and sharing information about the Living, Learning Communities (LLCs) initiated during the fall 2016 semester. One LLC is centered on sustainability, the other on social justice. Dr. Chambers plans to expand the number of LLCs by two per year.
College Council Annual Report
On motion by Mr. Bernier, seconded by Dr. Georgeson, Council approved its 2014-2015 annual report by unanimous vote.
College Council Vice Chair Selection
On motion by Dr. Brenner, seconded by Dr. Georgeson, Council appointed Mr. Bernier vice chair by unanimous vote.
ACT Representative Selection
On motion by Mr. Bernier, seconded by Dr. Brenner, Council appointed Dr. Georgeson ACT representative by unanimous vote.
Good of the Order
Dr. Mackin shared the college’s Curriculum Committee plans to recommend a program in actuarial science to the College Senate.
Mr. Brown reminded Council of the ACT conference on Sept. 30 in Rochester.
Adjournment
On motion of Ms. Pereira, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Hal Legg