Andrew Becker

This document outlines the 62-credit Course Requirements and Suggested Sequence for the Culinary Arts - AOS program, applicable for the 2026-2027 academic year. The plan details a structured four-semester curriculum encompassing specialized culinary courses such as culinary theory, food and baking, beverage and dining service, sanitation, purchasing, restaurant operations, garde manger, bakery production, sustainable food and farming, and international cuisines. It also integrates general education requirements in communication, business mathematics, human resources, and nutrition, serving as a comprehensive academic roadmap for students pursuing an Associate in Occupational Studies degree in Culinary Arts.

The discussion focused on structuring the Board of Trustees through committees, aiming to outline scope of responsibility. Key topics included adopting a formal committee charge, with a preference for concise language defining the board's focus, particularly on academic and student affairs, for better institutional guidance and planning. The conversation detailed the existing Enrollment Management Committee, which coordinates academic, administrative, and student initiatives using data to monitor student success, persistence, and retention. Specific areas of focus involve implementing the Academic Momentum framework, which emphasizes completing 30 credits in the first year, timely FAFSA completion, successful completion of foundational math/English requirements, and optimizing advising through both professional and faculty advisors. Initiatives being worked on include redesigning course schedules into block scheduling, utilizing summer courses, and establishing comprehensive writing support centers to ensure student success across the entire student life cycle.

The meeting, which lacked a quorum, resulted in all action items being tabled. Key discussions included reports on the Faculty Council's activities, such as a Faculty Development Day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and student displays for Black History Month. The College Report focused on Cybersecurity initiatives, detailing updates to server infrastructure, modernization of core identity systems, implementation of off-system backups, expansion of SUNY-licensed security tools, and upcoming plans for an external network assessment. The Chairman's Report mentioned the importance of legislative updates and changes to the Community College Presidential Search process. The Finance Committee reported a 4% headcount increase and a 7% increase in AAFTE, along with the ongoing search for a new Controller. The President's Report covered Strategic Plan priorities, enrollment management initiatives (including First Year Experience and College in the High School), gathering feedback for the third priority, an increase in Direct Support Professional (DSP) program enrollment to 40 students, and the rescheduling of graduation to May 14th.

The special meeting featured a presentation from SUNY Finance by the Chief Financial Officer regarding New York State Community College funding history, funding sources, SUNY Sullivan Enrollment changes since 2014, changes in state operating aid, chargebacks, sponsor contribution over the years, and the potential growth associated with the SUNY Reconnect program. The meeting was briefly chaired by two different individuals.

The special meeting included a presentation by SUNY Finance, where Josh Sager, Chief Financial Officer, discussed New York State Community College funding history, funding sources, SUNY Sullivan enrollment changes since 2014, changes in state operating aid, chargebacks, sponsor contributions, and potential growth with the SUNY Reconnect program.