College Council Meeting Minutes: February 11, 2022

COLLEGE COUNCIL
Via Zoom
February 11, 2022

PRESENT:      Iris Banister
                        Laura Benjamin, Student Association President
                        Gidget Hopf
                        
Judith Hunter
                        
Christian Valentino
                        Robert Wayland-Smith, Chair
                        Jill Yonkers                                                                    

STAFF:           Denise Battles, President
                        Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
                        
Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff
                       
Ellen Leverich, Vice President for College Advancement
                        Monique Patenaude, Director of Media Relations
                        Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
                        Stacey Robertson, Provost

                        Amy Sheldon, College Senate Chair
                        Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management
                        Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life

     GUESTS:        Julie Briggs, Assistant VP for Human Resources
                             Amaya DiGiovanni, Student
                             Marcus Foster, Title IX Coordinator
                             Enrico Johnson, Assistant Provost
                             Morgan Michalski, Student
                             Christopher Smith, Assistant VP for College Advancement
                             Leah VanDerwarker, Student

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.

Chair welcomed everyone together virtually.

The minutes of the December 3, 2021 meeting were approved.

FACULTY/STAFF PRESENTATION

     Leadership Pilot Program
     Julie Briggs, Assistant VP for Human Resources
     Enrico Johnson, Assistant Provost
     Christopher Smith, Assistant VP for College Advancement

     Responding to the need for professional development opportunities for employees, this program was designed and implemented. The program Geneseo Leadership Journey: Lean Into Your Future, was piloted in 2021. The program intentionally included cross-divisional participation, a steering committee, and the support of an outside consultant. The framework consists of four areas of focus: communications, equity- minded leadership, organizational awareness and leading people, and performance management. The pilot cohort completed their journey with a capstone project. Outcomes from the capstones included: opportunity for collaboration; element of research and learning; and gaining presentation experience. Cohorts will continue with future phases of leadership development and new cohorts will participate in phase one in an ongoing basis.

 

     The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

STUDENT PRESENTATION

     Student-Athlete Mentors Program
     Amaya DiGiovanni ’23
     
Leah VanDerwarker ’23
    Morgan Michalski ’22

The presenters shared an overview of the First-Year Mentoring Program. A goal of the program is to ensure that student-athletes are getting adequate access to resources offered on campus. Mentors are expected to help navigate potential interests within the first-year student-athletes; direct them to activities or organizations that may help develop their leadership skills; and ease their transition into the collegiate lifestyle. Benefits of the program include:

  1. Fosters a student-to-student mentorship by allowing student-athletes to interact with other student-athletes who have experienced or are currently experiencing similar situations.
  2. Creating a meaningful connection between first-year student-athletes and on-campus resources.
  3. Maximizing student-athletes’ academic success, career development, and wellness during their time on campus.

     The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SA) REPORT

Laura Benjamin provided an update on the business of the Student Association (SA). In collaboration with various departments, SA will be holding a major spring concert on the Saratoga field. Also a collaborative effort, SA is planning for the spring semester Multicultural Leaders Event with the Office of the President. A multicultural pageant is in the works and SA looks forward to supporting the Diversity Summit. A highlight of past and upcoming SA sponsored events and activities was shared. SA will hold elections for next year’s officers in March. 

COLLEGE SENATE REPORT

Amy Sheldon provided a Senate update. Senate passed the provisional list of courses that meet the new General Education requirements (both SUNY and Geneseo requirements) for the fall semester. The General Education Committee will be realigned. The internship policy will make internships more accessible to all students. Senate passed a resolution to request that the College return to three-year term contract renewals for Geneseo’s contingent workforce.

CABINET PRESENTATION

Laying the Foundation for the Next 150 Years
Ellen Leverich ‘90

Ellen shared the results of contributions to the SUNY Impact Foundation Tax Program. Ellen then provided an overview of the work underway for a campaign planning study. A campaign for Geneseo would focus on: elevating access, creating experiences, and demonstrating impact. The Geneseo Foundation has been working with Dixon Schwabl and Foundation Board member, Jessica Savage, to develop a campaign theme.

Presenter entertained Q&A from College Council.

INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION TOPIC

Responding to Potential Fundraising Themes
Ellen Leverich ‘90

Three possible campaign theme concepts were shared with College Council for feedback.
-Inspiring Impactful Transformation
-Opportunities Rising
-Propelling Bold Futures

Presenter entertained feedback from College Council on the theme concepts.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.

Ongoing Pandemic Response
An overview of the spring 2022 return and semester protocols was shared. As well, an update was provided on the vaccination rates of students, employees, and surrounding county.

Enrollment
A preliminary Fall 2022 snapshot for first-time and transfer student data was shared.

Financial Health and Sustainability
An update was provided on steps taken to reduce expenditures and generate revenue. Ongoing and planned strategies were described.

Update on Key Initiatives
Key initiatives for the current academic year and beyond include strategic planning; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and reaffirmation of institutional accreditation.

Accolades
Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and alumni achievements, awards, and recognitions. A word of congratulations was offered to Provost Stacey Robertson who has been named the president at Widener University.

The President entertained Q&A from College Council.

CHAIR’S REPORT

Chair Wayland-Smith had intended to have a presentation related to the survey that Council members participated in last month, but that was tabled due to the other business matters on today’s agenda. This discussion will take place at the April meeting. Chair also announced that we will continue to solicit Council member suggestions for agenda ideas.

Chair moved to go into Executive Session during which we will be discussing the financial history of a particular person. Motion passed.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

An executive session was held. Council approves the naming of the conference room in the School of Business as the Robert E. Murray ’83 Conference Room.

NEW BUSINESS

Amendments to the Title IX Grievance Policy were presented for consideration by the Council.

Chair moved to approve the amendments as presented. Motion passed.

The No Contact Order Policy was presented for consideration by the Council. A discussion was held.

Chair moved to approve the policy as presented. Motion passed.

Chair offered additional congratulations to Provost Robertson.

The meeting adjourned at 3:43p.m.

Denise A. Battles                                                                                Wendi Kinney

President                                                                                             Recording Secretary