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:
- 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.
- Creating a meaningful connection between first-year student-athletes and on-campus resources.
- 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