Dawn Gillins

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.

The Board discussed several key items, including a report on the SUNY Reconnect initiative, enrollment figures for winter and spring sessions, and federal advocacy efforts. The Governance Committee reviewed the bylaws, strategic plan, and presidential evaluation process, while the Program Committee focused on artificial intelligence in higher education and the Academic Momentum Campaign. The board also adopted a new Involuntary Leave of Absence for Students Policy and received updates on the operating forecast and capital projects.

The President's Report highlighted the conclusion of the UNHunger to END Hunger Food Drive, the dedication and ribbon-cutting for the Health Sciences Simulation Center (SIM Lab), a successful Fall Open House with a 171% increase in attendance over Fall 2024, and recognition for the women's volleyball team's performance. Enrollment management noted the expected stability for the Winter Session, and institutional research confirmed a 3.7% increase in Fall 2025 undergraduate headcount to 9,709. Key upcoming events include the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution and the December Completion Ceremony. The Chair's Report detailed attendance at the ACCT Leadership Congress, covering topics like trustee education, federal compliance shifts (noting the renaming of the DEI Committee to the Impact and Success Committee), and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Governance Committee discussed the new Involuntary Leave of Absence for Students Policy, which will be voted on in December, and future approaches to the Presidential Evaluation. The Program Committee focused on AI, stressing the need for clear guidance for responsible use, possibly through a presidential task force. The Finance/Facilities Committee reviewed the Operating Forecast and Capital Projects Update, and the Board ratified a contract with Pleasantville Union Free School District and approved the 2026-2027 Capital Program. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.