Craven Lounge, Morris Conference Center
SUNY Oneonta
Present
Mr. Joseph Bernier, Dr. David Brenner, Dr. Diane Georgeson, Mr. Patrick Brown, Mr. Mark McGough, Ms. Debra Parisian, Mr. Daniel Sniezek
Presiding
Mr. Patrick Brown, Chair
College Administrators
Mr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement
Ms. Colleen Brannan, Senior Assistant to the President
Mr. Todd Foreman, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, President
Mr. Hal Legg, Director of Communications
Dr. Steve Perry, Vice President for Student Development
Dr. Maria Thompson, Provost
Ms. Lisa Wenck, Senior Executive Employee Services Officer
Presenters, Invitees, Observers:
Mr. Burton Relethford, Alumni Observer
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 Dr. Campbell, the minutes of the meeting of April 23, 2014 were approved.
Chair's Report
Mr. Brown welcomed Ms. Debra Parisian to Council, expressed his appreciation of Ms. Andrea Campbell for her service, and deferred his report.
President's Report
President Kleniewski delivered a preliminary report regarding admissions for the 2014 academic year.
She reviewed the academic profile of the incoming class, the diversity within it, and the scholarships awarded to its members. The president highlighted recent external rankings of the college, noting repeated recognition for value and affordability. She added that the college received a national award for diversity.
The president shared that she is hosting coffee hours regularly this semester as a way for members of the campus community to gain access to her, and that she has initiated a President’s Executive Council to broaden input she receives regarding college stewardship.
The president announced that the college’s progress toward achieving its fundraising goal has continued.
The president described efforts to respond to reports of disruptive behavior. In response to a question from Mr. McGough, the president and Dr. Perry reviewed efforts to share these efforts with the media and the community.
In response to a question from Mr. Brown, Dr. Perry reviewed the college’s judicial system and cooperation with local police agencies.
Provost's Report
Provost Thompson referred to materials regarding faculty hiring in advance of the fall 2014 semester. She discussed graduate enrollment, which is at its highest level since 1998, attributing this in part to online programs.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, Mr. Foreman affirmed the robustness of the college’s Internet infrastructure, and Dr. Thompson affirmed the rigor of online programs.
Resolution Honoring Former Member Ms. Andrea Campbell
Mr. Brown read a resolution honoring former Council member Ms. Andrea Campbell.
Mr. Brown invited Ms. Campbell’s successor, Ms. Debra Parisian, to introduce herself. Ms. Parisian reviewed her several connections with the college and Oneonta community and expressed appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve on Council.
College Council Vice Chair Selection
On motion by Dr. Brenner, seconded by Mr. Sniezek, Council appointed Mr. Bernier to serve as its ACT representative for the 2014-2015 year.
College Council Annual Report
On motion by Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. McGough, Council voted unanimously to approve its 2014-2015 annual report.
ACT Representative Selection
On motion by Dr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. McGough, Council voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Georgeson to serve as its ACT representative for the 2014-2015 year.
College Budget Report
Vice President Foreman delivered an overview of the college’s budget, external factors that affect it, and the financial outlook. He detailed major funding sources and expenditures.
In response to a question from Mr. McGough, Mr. Foreman discussed the potential impact of cost of attendance on prospective students’ decision to attend SUNY Oneonta. He identified other areas in which it may be possible to raise additional revenue.
In response to a question from Dr. Georgeson, Mr. Foreman discussed the impact of off-campus housing on interest in residence halls. He added that he believes SUNY might benefit from a state budget surplus.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, Ms. Wenck clarified that the federal Affordable Care Act likely will not affect adjunct faculty. Mr. Foreman added that the legislation may affect the amount of time students can spend in the employment of the college.
Mr. Foreman presented an update on the college’s strategic planning process.
(cont.) Chair's Report
Mr. Brown updated Council regarding the status of the Long Island Community Hospital (LICH), indicating that progress toward its sale has slowed. In response to a question from Mr. Foreman, Mr. Brown clarified the nature of the agree SUNY made to provide a healthcare facility within the community surrounding LICH.
Mr. Brown projected that the state budget will present challenges this year, and that SUNY would benefit from having a strategy to advocate for additional funding in the budget cycle.
Seamless Transfer Report
Provost Thompson identified transfer trends within SUNY, noting that most 2014 SUNY graduates had transferred during their college careers. She added that many students do not seem to view attendance at only one college as important.
The provost described SUNY seamless transfer, the goal of which is making credits portable from campus to campus within the SUNY system, and setting standards for General Education across the system.
In response to a question from Mr. Sniezek, Provost Thompson clarified how standards for General Education were established. She also clarified how course grades affect the transferability of credits.
Provost Thompson directed Council members to a memorandum from SUNY regarding the implementation of Seamless Transfer.
ACT Report and Scholarship Application
Dr. Georgeson reported on the disposition of SUNY Oneonta’s candidate for the ACT for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship. She suggested a formal commendation for the candidate from Council. She added that the ACT conference will be held Oct. 24-26 in Lake George, and reviewed its agenda.
Good of the Order
Ms. Brannan offered to give members tours of Fitzelle Hall.
Adjournment
On motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. Brenner, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Hal Legg