Zoom meeting
SUNY Oneonta
Present
Mr. Joseph Bernier
Dr. David Brenner
Mr. Patrick Brown
Ms. Gabrielle Cecere
Dr. Diane Georgeson
Maj. Gen. Anthony German
Ms. Debra Parisian
Mr. Daniel Sniezek
Presiding
Mr. Patrick Brown, Chair
College Administrators
Mr. Paul Adamo, Vice President for College Advancement
Dr. Alberto Cardelle, President
Dr. Franklin Chambers, Vice President for External Affairs
Mr. William Henn, Interim Chief of University Police
Dr. Richard Lee, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Ms. Danielle McMullen, Chief of Staff
Ms. Julie Piscitello, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, Chief Diversity Officer and Interim Vice President for Student Development
Presenters, Invitees, Observers
Ms. Karen Brown
Mr. Dave Geasey
Dr. Keith Jones
Mr. Zane Valachovic
Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of April 15, 2021 and June 11, 2021
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Dr. Brenner, Council approved by unanimous vote the minutes of the April 15, 2021 meeting.
Upon motion of Ms. Cecere, seconded by Dr. Georgeson, Council approved by unanimous vote the minutes of the June 11, 2021 meeting.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown deferred his report.
President’s Report and Enrollment Update
Dr. Cardelle expressed his thanks for the warm welcome he’s received. He added his thanks to Acting President Craig for putting in place the plan for the fall 2021 semester, being available prior to the presidential transition and framing the transition document.
The president extended his gratitude to Cabinet and to the members of the Office of the President. He added that the entire campus community has been helpful.
Dr. Cardelle summarized his onboarding meetings he has had with various stakeholders and constituent groups and activities he has planned to become more familiar with the college. He highlighted the efforts of those involved in COVID response, the success of the philanthropic campaign and the work involved in returning to primarily in-person operations.
The president shared an overview the short-term enrollment challenge that COVID caused and the initiatives the college has implemented to meet it. He presented a summary of the demography and financial aid eligibility of the incoming class, described efforts aimed at bolstering recruitment for fall 2022 and engaging second-year students, and announced that the college would participate in National First-Generation Student Day, Nov. 8 and form a chapter of Alpha Alph Alpha, the honor society for first-generation students.
In response to questions from Mr. Brown, Dr. Cardelle clarified that cohorts of graduating students have been shrinking and that the emergence of COVID combined with the demographic trend to cause lower-than-anticipated fall 2021 enrollment. He added that test-optional college admissions also shaped enrollment nationwide and that lower admissions standards might adversely affect retention.
Ms. Brown shared that COVID prompted college-seeking students to enroll at institutions that were closer to their homes, which disadvantaged SUNY Oneonta. She affirmed that the college did not lower its admissions standards in the midst of the pandemic.
In response to a question from Ms. Parisian, Dr. Cardelle affirmed that college representatives would gladly meet to discuss ideas that Council members have to advance the college.
Mr. Brown added that Council is a resource for the college and its members are ready to take on assignments in service to SUNY Oneonta.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Dr. Cardelle agreed to share final fall 2021 enrollment data with Council members.
Chair’s Report
Mr. Brown presented an overview of the dynamic situation within state government, sharing that he anticipated that Gov. Hochul would frame a proposed state budget that could benefit higher education. The chair reiterated, on behalf of Council, his willingness to advocate for the college.
COVID-19 Update—Trends, Local Partnerships
Ms. McMullen thanked Dr. Georgeson for her partnership in responding to COVID. She reported that 90% of students who have in-person activity on campus are fully vaccinated and that the Student Association has been helpful in communicating about the importance of vaccination.
Ms. McMullen recounted COVID data points from early in the fall semester and the decision-making processes that led to the successful response to an uptick in cases. The described the advantages of the flexibility afforded by the fall operations plan and the range of interventions that the college could employ to counter a rising infection rate.
Ms. McMullen gave her analysis of the trends related to COVD that have been observed on campus, expressing a favorable outlet moving forward.
In response to questions from Mr. Brown, Ms. McMullen explained that the Council meeting was remote due to an overabundance of caution and that the college is in the process of reviewing practices and direction with regard to holding meetings and gatherings in person.
President Cardelle clarified that students who received vaccination exemptions must submit to weekly COVID tests. He added that the college will unenroll students who violate SUNY’s vaccination mandate, and that the number of such students is small. He clarified that the vaccination requirements applicable to most employees are governed by collective bargaining agreements and that employees are subject too random surveillance testing.
In response to a question to Mr. Bernier, Ms. McMullen shared that the college had three students now in COVID isolation and that 132 students had tested positive for COVID since Aug. 18. Dr. Georgeson added that there are 81 COVID cases in Otsego County and that the college’s management of COVID has been effective.
College Council Subcommittees and Roles—Advocacy and Campus Initiatives
Dr. Cardelle introduced that idea of Council forming a subcommittee to advocate for the college, particularly to help the college raise its reputation in the wake of COVID. Mr. Brown suggested several possible areas of focus for Council-based subcommittees. Mr. Bernier and Ms. Georgeson concurred that Council subcommittees could assist in efforts around public health, economic development and community relations. Mr. Brown added that Council may be able to play a role in generating internships for SUNY Oneonta students.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Dr. Cardelle shared the the college was working with a public relations firm to develop messaging related to safety.
In response to a question from Mr. Bernier, Ms. Cecere shared that students are thankful to be back on campus and that they feel safe.
College Council Vice Chair Selection
Upon motion of Dr. Georgeson, seconded by Mr. Sniezek, Council approved by unanimous vote the appointment of Mr. Bernier as Council vice-chair for 2021-2022.
ACT Representative Selection
Dr. Georgeson reported that the 2021 ACT conference will be virtual and held Oct. 15. She suggested that Council send congratulatory letters to SUNY Oneonta’s 2021 Initiative and Excellence Award and Zimpher Award nominees. Mr. Brown added that, at the conference, he would present a report on updating the ACT member handbook.
Upon motion of Mr. Bernier, seconded by Mr. Sniezek, Council approved by unanimous vote the appointment of Dr. Georgeson as Council’s ACT representative for 2021-2022.
Good of the Order
Mr. Sniezek stressed the importance of the college’s relationship with the community. He reminded Council that community members are our advocates and that the campus should be as open as possible to them.
Upon motion of Dr. Georgeson, Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Hal Legg
Special Assistant to the President