College Council Meeting Minutes: December 6, 2024

COLLEGE COUNCIL

Virtually via Zoom

December 6, 2024

 

 

 

PRESENT:      Melisza Campos

Orquidia Geraldino

Judith Hunter

                        Holly Salatel 

                        Christian Valentino

                        Robert Wayland-Smith

Jill Yonkers

                                                                        

STAFF:           Denise Battles, President 

Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration          

Rob Doggett, College Senate Chair

Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer                                  

Ellen Leverich, Vice President for College Advancement

Heather Overholt, Assistant to the President

Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President

Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life

Mary Toale, Provost

            

GUESTS:        Solangel Almonte, Student

Krissie Barsema, Associate Director of Student Life

                        Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist

                        Amanda Cruz, Student

                        Margaret Foster, Enrollment Operations and Technology Director

                        Sarah Frank, Director of Residence Life

                        Chip Matthews, Director of Student Life

                        Samuel Scamardo, Student

                        

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. 

 

The minutes of the October 4, 2024 meeting were approved. 

 

 

CABINET/FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENT PRESENTATION 

 

Embracing the First Generation Experience at SUNY Geneseo

Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Margaret Foster, Enrollment Operations and Technology Director

Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist

Sarah Frank, Director of Residence Life

Chip Matthews, Director of Student Life

Krissie Barsema, Associate Director of Student Life

Amanda Cruz ’25

Samuel Scamardo ’27

Solangel Almonte ’27

 

Presenters provided an overview of the programs, activities, and services offered to support first-generation college students at Geneseo and heard from three first-gen students about their experiences. The strategic goals of this initiative are: onboarding, belonging, and affordability. Some of the resources provided to first-gen students include a living learning community, college lingo glossary, focused orientation programming, and community-building social gatherings. 

 

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

 

 

STUDENT ASSOCIATION REPORT

 

Geraldino shared that the officers of the Student Association are busy promoting the referendum vote in March. The referendum, which occurs every 2 years, is when students affirm their commitment to paying the mandatory student activity fee. The fee funds a wide range of SA supported events and activities. The SA is also encouraging the student body to run for executive leadership positions for the 25-26 academic year.

 

 

COLLEGE SENATE REPORT

 

Doggett shared that senate endorsed a series of SUNY University Faculty Senate resolutions, including a resolution on contingent and term faculty contracts. Doggett commended the leadership of the President and Provost in establishing open lines of communication with shared governance and willingness to be open to feedback and being adaptable.

 

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates. 

 

Introducing Our New Chief Diversity Officer

Dr. Rodmon King began his service on November 7, 2024.

 

Enrollment Update

Data related to our Fall 2024 enrollment were shared. 

 

Strategic Planning update

President Battles updated Council members on recent developments that advance the strategic plan. Progress highlighted includes increases in Pell recipient enrollment, first-gen student enrollment, and retention of both first-year and transfer students. Campus construction continues apace with the soft opening of Milne Library and the anticipated opening of the Brodie Café in early 2025. The Comprehensive Campaign has now raised $39M, 86.8% of goal.

Academic Affairs Updates

A search for the inaugural dean of the School of Arts and Sciences is underway, as is the search for the next dean of the School of Education. As part of academic portfolio optimization, it is anticipated that the Art History major will be sunset effective fall 2025. Additionally, several academic disciplines will unite in the coming year creating opportunities for synergies and efficiencies.

 

Financial Update

Aggressive funding advocacy continues and we remain focused on financial sustainability strategies. Campus reserves were applied to operating costs in the last fiscal year. Space utilization progress continues, with an increase in summer campus programming. The State University Construction Fund is continuing to invest in Geneseo infrastructure improvements.

Accolades

Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and college achievements, awards, and recognitions. Battles also acknowledged and thanked Chair Wayland-Smith for his 25 years of service to the College Council.

 

The President entertained Q&A from College Council.

 

 

CHAIR’S REPORT

 

Chair Wayland-Smith thanked today’s presenters and invited Council members to submit topics of interest for future meetings to the President’s Office staff. Chair Wayland-Smith also acknowledged Councilmember Valentino for agreeing to serve as chair of the presidential search committee and Councilmembers Hopf, Salatel, and Yonkers for serving on the committee.

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m.

 

 

Denise A. Battles                                                                                Wendi Kinney

President                                                                                             Recording Secretary