College Council Meeting Minutes: October 28, 2022
COLLEGE COUNCIL
Tower Room, Doty Hall
October 28, 2022
PRESENT: Gidget Hopf (via zoom)
Judith Hunter
Alexander Ruiz, Student Association President
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith, Chair
Jill Yonkers
STAFF: Denise Battles, President
Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Joe Cope, Interim Provost
Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff
Ellen Leverich, Vice President for College Advancement
Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
robbie routenberg, Chief Diversity Officer
Amy Sheldon, College Senate Chair
Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management (via zoom)
Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life
GUESTS: Cathy Adams, Associate Professor, History & Faculty Assistant to the Dean (DAPA)
Kurt Fletcher, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Joelmy Acevedo ’23
Francheska Colon ‘23
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 12:58 p.m.
Chair welcomed everyone joining in person and via zoom.
The minutes of the April 8, 2022 meeting were approved.
CABINET/FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENT PRESENTATION
A Geneseo Education for a Connected World: The new GLOBE curriculum and
DEIB-focused learning
Joe Cope, Interim Provost & VP for Academic Affairs
robbie routenberg, Chief Diversity Officer
Cathy Adams, Associate Professor, History & Faculty Assistant to the Dean (DAPA)
Kurt Fletcher, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Joelmy Acevedo ’23
Francheska Colon ‘23
robbie routenberg led attendees in an exercise around the word belonging; moments of belonging; and actions that foster or deter from belonging.
Joe Cope gave an overview of the transition from the general education program (1980s-2010s) to Geneseo Learning Outcomes for a Baccalaureate Education (GLOBE) and Geneseo Education for a Connected World. The update modernizes the approach, moving away from a checklist feel of requirements (one that was not transfer friendly) to a framework of skills students are expected to encounter during their Geneseo education. A hallmark of the new curriculum includes an integrative and applied learning requirement.
Kurt Fletcher explained the formation and function of the GLOBE committee. For Fall 2022, the committee is focused on developing learning outcomes for each area. For Spring 2023, the committee will concentrate comparing the tagged courses to the learning outcomes developed to see if the outcomes are being met.
Cathy Adams explained how the new curriculum is responsive to students’ needs, values, and aspirations. The new curriculum has meaning for students; it provides them what they need to understand a rapidly changing world.
Joelmy Acevedo and Francheska Colon shared their work in creating and executing the Spring 2023 DEI Expo. A goal of the expo was to help expose students, especially first-year students, to the variety of courses that incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and communicate the college’s commitment to our values.
The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.
STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SA) REPORT
Alexander Ruiz provided an update on the Student Association (SA). The SA continues to work on its financial spend down plan, with emphasis on providing funding to traditionally underfunded student groups and entities. Examples include providing funds to support the new Multicultural Center and the multicultural speaker series. Additionally, the SA continue to collaborate with and learn from other SUNY campuses and Rochester-area colleges. SA will continue its awareness raising about the importance of the student activity fee and the breadth of what that fee funds for students.
COLLEGE SENATE REPORT
Amy Sheldon provided a Senate update. Senate approved the inaugural membership of the GLOBE Committee and transitioned “tagging” of courses responsibility to that committee. A new University Faculty Senator was elected. Senate has amended its standing rules to improve process efficiencies and Faculty Affairs Committee is reviewing recommendations related to faculty evaluation with a focus on eliminating biases in the process. The report includes six recommendations, the first two presented have been endorse by the Senate. Senate has proposed additional leadership opportunities for which professional faculty (aka staff) can be elected.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.
Enrollment Snapshot
An overview of the college’s enrollment was shared.
Institutional Accreditation
President Battles shared that Geneseo has received reaffirmation of accreditation by MSCHE this past summer. The Commission’s report contained eight formal Recognitions of Accomplishments, Progress, or Exemplary/Innovative Practices.
State Definition of “University”
President Battles explained NYSED’s Board of Regents policy change that broadens the definition of “university.” Most SUNY comprehensive colleges are eligible for this status and the SUNY Board of Trustees has authorized the Chancellor to approve those campuses seeking university status. Based on our academic program portfolio, Geneseo is ineligible. This is an opportunity for Geneseo to lean into our liberal arts college mission and honors reputation and embrace the “college” designation.
Strategic planning
The President updated College Council on the work of the Strategic Planning Group. A refreshed mission and values have been completed and a new vision statement has recently been announced. The SPG, following consultation with the Senate Executive Committee has been modified to include co-chairs (Provost and VPFA). A new strategic plan is anticipated by the conclusion of the fall semester. Advancement of the Fall 2022 Critical Priorities continues.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Highlights of the continued diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives was offered. A report of the Fall 2021 Campus Climate Survey of Students has been released, the Multicultural Center is open, and the LGBT+ Lounge ribbon-cutting will be held on November 10.
Financial Health and Sustainability/Facilities Projects
The college continues to address financial challenges through a multi-pronged response. Strategies include advocacy and fundraising; revenue generation through new programming; data-driven enrollment and retention strategies; bridge funding; and expense reduction.
An update was provided on several facilities projects and planning including Milne Library, Sturges Hall, and College Circle.
Provost Transition and Search
Dr. Joe Cope is serving as interim Provost for this academic year. The search process for the Provost is in progress with an anticipated start date of July 2023. Council members are invited to participate in the on-campus finalist interviews slated for December 2022.
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
The Chair welcomes input from council members on meeting presentation topics or other desired agenda items. The Chair is interested in both the exciting highlights, but also the areas of challenge. The council evaluation process that began in Spring 2022 will continue. A survey form to collect input will be sent at the first meeting of the spring semester with the results presented at the second meeting of the spring semester. A feedback form will also be made available in council member folders which can be completed at the conclusion of each meeting.
The Chair asked VP Leverich to give a brief update on the work of Advancement and the Foundation.
The Chair encourage continued philanthropic giving of our council members, seeking to achieve 100% participation.
The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
Denise A. Battles Wendi Kinney
President Recording Secretary