Dawn Gillins

The meeting featured reports from the President and the Chair covering semester updates, enrollment trends, and federal and state legislative developments. Committee activities included a review of financial statements and the ratification of various service contracts for curriculum development and campus facilities repairs. Additionally, the board recognized retiring faculty and staff members for their years of service.

The meeting included comprehensive reports from the President and Chair, covering topics such as Community College Month, enrollment growth, federal legislative and budget updates, and accreditation regulations. The Governance and Program Committees presented updates on financial sustainability strategies, public-private partnerships, workforce legislation, and the potential expansion of teacher education programs. The Student Trustee proposed resolutions regarding holiday closures, the expansion of the Viking Dining Dollars program, and funding for student support services. The Board officially approved the 2026-27 operating budget, a tuition increase, the establishment of a new Liberal Arts and Sciences degree program, and the five-year renewal of the President's employment contract. Several operational service contracts were also ratified.

The Board of Trustees held a public hearing regarding resolutions for bylaws on videoconferencing procedures. The President’s report covered commencement planning, student enrollment trends, recent student achievements, an update on the AI committee, and institutional data reporting. The Chair’s report included advocacy efforts for state funding, legislative outreach, and updates from the NYCCT. The Student Trustee reported on a partnership with Second Chance Foods, proposed operational changes regarding federal holidays, and advocacy for a full-time case manager in Student Support Services. The Board ratified several contracts for various campus services and adopted new bylaws and written procedures regarding the use of videoconferencing for future meetings.

The meeting featured a variety of reports and discussions. The President highlighted Black History Month activities, the SUNY academic momentum campaign for student success, enrollment management updates showing growth for the Spring semester, and participation in the Blueprint '26 economic development committee. The Chair reported on ACCT initiatives, FAFSA completion rates, and national trends in higher education. The Governance Committee discussed federal and state funding, as well as updates to board bylaws. The Program Committee reviewed improvements in graduation rates and engaged in a detailed presentation regarding the institutional use and policy development for Artificial Intelligence. A Student Trustee report addressed food insecurity initiatives. Finally, the Board reviewed and ratified several contracts related to fire safety, waste disposal, and maintenance services, followed by public commentary concerning the impact and regulation of AI in the classroom.

The board meeting included a comprehensive report from the President regarding new personnel appointments, spring semester enrollment metrics, the reaffirmation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and an update on the college's strategic initiatives. The Chair's report covered upcoming advocacy efforts, legislative summits, and federal partnerships. Governance and Program committee discussions involved strategic planning, workforce development, enrollment trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence on academic programs. The Finance committee reviewed operating forecasts and approved several contracts related to grant management, consulting services, construction safety training, and hazardous waste disposal. Additionally, the Board officially adopted the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.