Gwendolyn Ossenkop

The agenda focuses on financial approvals including the 2026-2027 tuition and fee schedule, the annual budget for the 2026-2027 academic year, budget transfers, and the establishment of a new bank account. Additionally, the Board will review policy proposals concerning Beau's Law, a posthumous policy, and acting appointment hiring and placement procedures. Reports will be provided by the Chair, President, student trustee, Foundation, and various standing committees.

The meeting featured reports on DEI initiatives, including progress on a 25-point action plan, collaboration with the Chancellor, and upcoming faculty, staff, and student showcase events. The Foundation report covered the completion of the turf field, plans for the Distinguished Alumni ceremony, and various campus milestones. The Vice President for Administration and Finance provided updates on the state budget, the search for a new administration official, and digital transformation projects, including enterprise system upgrades and IT infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the tuition and fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring adjustments to technology, transcript, and diploma fees.

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.