Erica S Allen

The committee meetings involved discussions on trustee networking opportunities with students and reviewing updates from the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Key discussions focused on the results of the 2024 student and staff campus climate survey, highlighting consistency as a major factor in achieving milestones in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The analysis of the survey indicated that LGBTQIA students reported feeling more respected compared to students with disabilities, students of color, and economically disadvantaged students, who reported weaker belonging, particularly in residential and social spaces. Challenges related to campus physical accessibility and the need for representation in new leadership and faculty hiring were also discussed. The committee reviewed recommendations derived from the campus climate study, the ESF strategic plan, the living document, and the sustainability action plan. Furthermore, discussions touched upon the necessary accommodations for students with disabilities, referencing ADA standards and the need to ensure faculty and staff are updated on these requirements.

The Governance Committee meeting focused primarily on reviewing and discussing the ESF Board of Trustees bylaws, which is considered good governance practice to review annually. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the establishment of quorum and voting procedures, specifically concerning remote participation under the open meetings law, including requirements for advertising the location of remote participants. The committee decided to make a recommendation to the full Board for the approval of the bylaws, which include provisions for statutory authority and committee charters. Attendees also briefly discussed the process for handling members with limitations on travel and the complex exceptions related to remote participation.

The meeting included the call to order and roll call, noting a quorum of voting members. The outgoing Chair offered brief remarks, congratulating the newly elected Chair, Trustee Bto, and emphasizing the importance of engagement with the New York State Department of Transportation regarding ongoing infrastructure projects (Contracts 5 and 6 related to I-81) to leverage campus expertise. The new Chair outlined priorities focusing on representation, responsiveness, and responsibility, including a review of board policies, committee structure, and public engagement processes. The President's report yielded significant time to address student matters, specifically concerning Dr. Lindy Quackenbush's update on the graduate program budget. Financial discussions highlighted a disciplined budget process, the foundation for the five-year stabilization plan aimed at achieving financial solvency by year five, involving conservative revenue projections, budget trimming across units, and strict tracking of FTE count relative to commitments to SUNY. Further topics included the proposed 5% out-of-state tuition increase contingent on SUNY approval, efforts to optimize scholarship spending, and the formation of a new Student Success and Data Council to focus on retention and graduation rates. The college's upcoming feature on the College Tour program was also mentioned.

The meeting centered on reviewing college finances and associated policies. Key discussions included the status of the 5-year stabilization plan submitted to Middle States, which addresses the existing structural deficit, and the uncertainty surrounding a potential loan to cover shortfalls. Financial review for the current academic year, as of December 4th (through November 30th), showed operational revenue collection tracking on target at 41% against the budget. Discussions detailed the complex accounting mechanisms, such as Short-Term Interest Program (STIP) interest for borrowing cash from other campuses and the concept of 'negative revenue' related to facility expenditure caps. The committee also addressed Research Foundation reimbursements for faculty salary cost recovery and the intricate calculations surrounding the pooled offset target, which involves fringe benefit rates and provides financial incentives for meeting specific targets.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the ancestral lands of the Anandaga nation and congratulations to the 2025 graduates during commencement week. Key governance discussions involved reviewing bylaws and committee charges, including the proposal that committees meet at least annually, preferably before full board meetings, and establishing formal charters for each committee. The Board received an update on the recent resignation of Trustee O.J. McCoy. Discussions also covered the completion of board self-evaluations, noting potential areas for improvement regarding program acknowledgment and risk management strategy implementation. The President reported on enrollment following May 1st decision day and updates on recent campus visits by the Chancellor. There were also acknowledgements regarding the passing of Van Robinson, condolences offered to Trustee Linda Brown Robinson, and congratulations extended to departing trustees Christie and Gardner.