Eileen Casey

The board discussed the implementation of Timely Care, a mental health and telehealth partnership service for students. The Chair provided updates on NYCCCT award nominations. The President gave a report on proposed rule changes for community college leadership appointments and an assessment of recent state budget proposals, including base aid, the reconnect program for adult learners, and capital project funding. The Student Trustee reported on student senate activities, including fundraisers and a congressional candidate debate. The Foundation report covered upcoming art gallery events, naming opportunities for the athletic field, annual appeal contributions, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the foundation.

The meeting included an educational showcase presenting the annual institutional assessment report. Key topics discussed involved the college's assessment principles, including collaboration, mature assessment (assessing outcomes twice in a six-year cycle), and closing the loop, with specific examples provided from the English, Math, and Criminal Justice departments regarding areas like research skills, algebra trends, and workforce application. The discussion also covered institutional-level assessments, mapping General Education Outcomes to Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs), and plans for the 2025-2026 assessment year, including the expansion of WEAVE software and completion of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CESI). Furthermore, updates were provided on budget negotiations, including the executive budget proposal, proposed funding floor modifications, and expansion of the Reconnect program, particularly concerning the nursing program restrictions.

The meeting included an educational showcase by the Business and Community Partnerships (BCP) team, detailing their work on internships, employer relations, career/transfer advising, and workforce development, including the role of new team members. The presentation covered the success of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) program in partnership with The Arc Lexington, which provides micro-credentials and stipends for Direct Care Providers, and the expansion of this program to Liberty ARC starting in January 2026. The team also discussed the SUNY Internship Grant, which provides stipends and support for students completing internships, noting efforts to secure continued funding beyond the grant's end in Fall 2026. Upcoming events highlighted include the Spring Transfer Fair, the annual Community Job Fair, and the Career Con exploration event for local middle school students. The session concluded with a discussion on employer incentives, such as pre-screening potential employees via internships.

The key discussion topics for the open formal meeting include Public Comments/Union Comments, an Educational Showcase featuring the Annual Institutional Assessment Report, various reports from the Chair, President, Student Trustee, and Foundation. Committee reports will cover Finance, Buildings and Grounds (including a motion to approve an Energy Project Implementation), Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Accreditation, Personnel, and Policy. The agenda concludes with a session for Other Business and an anticipated Executive Session.

The meeting featured an educational showcase regarding energy performance with Citro Business Solutions. The presentation detailed the results of an audit and proposed several capital improvement measures. Key discussion points included interior lighting upgrades, significant modernization of the central steam plant (including new boilers, control systems, and associated equipment), steam trap replacements, transformer upgrades, replacement of an outdoor air-cooled chiller, pipe insulation, and refurbishment of air handling units at the welcome center and library. The presenters outlined two primary options for the board: Option one, encompassing all proposed measures, exceeded standard financing terms due to the high cost of the steam plant modernization. Option two excluded the boiler plant modernization, resulting in a more attractive 10-year payback period, though it leaves the critical steam plant issue unresolved. The presenters emphasized the necessity of the comprehensive steam plant overhaul to ensure system longevity and maintain warranties.