College Council Meeting Minutes: December 1, 2023
COLLEGE COUNCIL
Virtual via Zoom
December 1, 2023
PRESENT: Ryan Frangipani
Judith Hunter
Gidget Hopf
Holly Salatel
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith, Chair
STAFF: Denise Battles, President
Dan Blankenship, Interim Provost
Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Rob Doggett, College Senate Chair
Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff
Ellen Leverich, Vice President for College Advancement
Heather Overholt, Executive Assistant to the President
Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
robbie routenberg, Chief Diversity Officer
Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management (via zoom)
Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life
GUESTS: Scott Ewanow ‘06, University Police Chief
Rick Myers, University Police Assistant Chief
Erik Petersen, University Police Inspector
Madison Geddes ’24
Gannon Kelly ’26
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m.
The minutes of the October 6, 2023 meeting were approved.
CABINET/FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENT PRESENTATION
Campus Safety: Geneseo
Mike Taberski, VP for Student and Campus Life
Scott Ewanow ‘06, University Police Chief
Rick Myers, University Police Assistant Chief
Erik Petersen, University Police Inspector
Madison Geddes ’24, Geneseo First Response
Gannon Kelly ’26, Geneseo First Response
Dr. Taberski provided an introduction and overview of the mission of the University Police Department.
Chief Ewanow shared an overview of the University Police Department staffing, hours of operation, service levels, and annual response counts. Officers patrol in cars, on bicycles, and on foot. Emergency systems on campus include: blue light phone system (70 such phones on campus), NY Alert notification service, and Big Voice public speaker system.
Inspector Petersen described Geneseo’s UPD DCJS accreditation. Geneseo is one of only 14 accredited SUNY agencies. There are 111 standards that must be met to be accredited. UPD complies with the Jeanne Clery Act which requires campuses to maintain accurate crime statistics and make them available to the public. All UPD officers attend a 20-week basic training academy and many go on to receive specialized training. Further officers have been trained in mental health first aid and disability awareness. UPD cooperates with area agencies including Monroe County Crime Analysis Center, Monroe County Crime Lab, FBI, Geneseo Village PD, Livingston County Sheriff, Livingston County Drug Task Force, and New York State Police.
Assistant Chief Myers explained the department’s body-worn cameras initiative. Additionally, the College has begun a campus security camera program. This program is being rolled out in 3 phases. Cameras serve as crime deterrents and help with solving crimes. Officer involvement in the community also serves as a crime deterrent and relationship building opportunity. Service includes Special Olympics Torch Run, food drives, adopt-a-family, trunk or treat, and No Shave November. Additionally, officers support major campus events such as move in, commencement, concerts, and athletic contests; serve as liaisons to student organizations and residence halls; facilitate GOLD leadership development classes; and teach safety trainings to campus and community members.
Geddes and Kelly described what Geneseo First Response (GFR) is and services provided. GFR responds to medical emergencies on campus and is currently comprised of 56 student members. GFR responds to approx. 200 calls per year with primary complaints being injury, intoxication, and fainting. GFR also provides support to athletic contests. Additionally, GFR members host educational training sessions for CPR and Stop The Bleed.
Geddes and Kelly engaged the Council in a scenario discussion.
The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.
STUDENT ASSOCIATION REPORT
Ryan Frangipani updated Council on the activities of the Student Association (SA). SA hosted many events throughout the fall semester and coming up is a holiday craft night. The SA offers financial support to students for graduate test preparation services, which covers half the cost of LSAT, GMAT, and GRE guides. Springfest planning is well underway, efforts are in progress to reboot the SA student court, and SA will be looking to fill several anticipated officer vacancies for the spring semester.
Frangipani entertained questions from College Council.
COLLEGE SENATE REPORT
Senate Chair Rob Doggett reports that the Senate passed a resolution on the conflict in the Middle East and has been working with the President on establishing a leadership council to enhance communication between faculty, staff, and the Cabinet. Chair reminded Council that Geneseo has a college senate, not a faculty senate, and this lends to a collective endeavor in support of student learning and advancement of the College’s mission and vision.
Doggett entertained questions from College Council.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.
Strategic Planning update
President Battles updated Council members on progress toward advancing the strategic plan. Current efforts are focused on campus engagement in defining equity and the equity-centered honors college concept and gathering feedback associated Core Commitment Areas. The aim is to achieve common understanding of our ECHC vision and enable individuals and units to contribute to our progress.
Enrollment and Financial update
President Battles shared the final fall 2023 enrollment data and total enrollment headcount. Geneseo continues to work diligently on our financial sustainability plan. Battles highlighted efforts to date related to cost containment and revenue-generating activities.
Selected College updates
President Battles shared updates related to:
- Comprehensive campaign launch events
- Academic Affairs leadership searches for Provost and Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences
Accolades
Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and alumni achievements, awards, and recognitions.
The President entertained Q&A from College Council.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair opened the floor to any additional questions.
The meeting adjourned at 3:24 p.m.
Denise A. Battles Wendi Kinney
President Recording Secretary