Alex Daniel Velez

The Vision 4040 plan for SUNY Oswego outlines a strategy to double the annual number of degrees and credentials awarded to 4,000 by 2040, aiming to meet the educational and economic development needs of the Central New York region. The plan is built upon pillars of student success, research and scholarship, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and economic development and upward mobility. It focuses on expanding student pathways, enhancing retention, optimizing program delivery, fostering workforce innovation through partnerships, and ensuring institutional efficiency and communication, ultimately envisioning a more educated and prosperous region.

The University Council discussed alumni engagement initiatives, including career connections and upcoming reunions. The faculty report covered curricular activities, including new program approvals and the development of handbooks for classroom disruptions. The Student Association provided updates on their budget process and upcoming events. The President’s report highlighted industry-university partnerships, particularly the Micron project and plans for the new Syracuse campus. Further updates included enrollment targets and strategies, philanthropic support and endowment growth, community engagement through the Hometown University initiative, progress on strategic plan implementation, and a multi-phase institutional rebranding process.

The University Council meeting included reports from the Student Association, focusing on strengthening the SA's foundation, increasing engagement and visibility, reinventing for the future, and promoting inclusion and belonging. The Alumni report highlighted recent events such as the Commencement Eve Celebration, the "Meet the Deans" Alumni Reception, Reunion Weekend 2025, and the Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony. The Faculty report addressed staffing committees, curriculum development, and academic policies. The President's report discussed the implementation of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and the formation of a campus-wide Strategic Plan Implementation Committee. There was also a focus on student success initiatives, including the Academic Momentum Initiative and participation in the SUNY Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP)/Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program. The meeting also covered strategic funding priorities, the Just in Time Scholarships program, and updates on SUNY Oswego's branding efforts.

The meeting included discussions and a request for approval regarding the Revised Code of Conduct. Key topics included recommendations from the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to remove certain sections, policy updates, and a legislative requirement to update the hazing policy. Proposed structural changes to the Code of Conduct were reviewed to improve clarity and usability, including content reorganization and updates to the academic integrity section. A new section on obstruction of investigations, written by OGC, will replace the academic integrity section. The council acknowledged the forthcoming changes to the hazing policy, which are required to comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

The meeting included discussions on the Student Association report, covering elections, budget, OZFEST, and funding. The Alumni Association report highlighted recent events such as the Spring Career and Internship Fair, Women's Empowerment Summit, and Alumni and Appetizers Reception, along with updates on Reunion Weekend, Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK), Graduates Of the Last Decade Leadership Council (GOLD LC), and the Oswego Alumni Podcast and Magazine. The Faculty Report provided updates on the Haudenosaunee Task Force and Civic Engagement Task Force, as well as recent actions related to academic policies. The President's Report addressed the national higher education climate, the Haudenosaunee Task Force, the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, the Foundation Report, and the May 2025 Commencement.