Keith Arnold

The meeting covered several key topics including legislative and advocacy updates, specifically concerning tuition freezes and a vetoed bill regarding faculty representation on the board. The board discussed academic momentum initiatives, the implementation of advising software, and efforts to improve employee satisfaction. Presentations were provided regarding the child care center's enrollment, operations, and funding initiatives. Additionally, the foundation provided a financial update, reporting on its investment portfolio, assets, and successful fundraising campaigns.

The Board meeting covered updates regarding the impact of the federal government shutdown on college operations and budget processes. Discussions were held on the SUNY academic momentum campaign, which outlines statewide student success goals and institutional targets for graduation rates, retention, and credit completion. Additionally, the Board reviewed campus enrollment increases and received a presentation on the athletic program's role in fostering campus culture, student leadership, and community engagement.

The meeting featured the president's report covering budget advocacy efforts and recent campus visits, including one by the Governor. Significant items included the recognition of a student EOP award recipient, the signing of an engineering articulation agreement with Binghamton University, and updates on community engagement activities. A presentation on enrollment highlighted significant growth, particularly in the Reconnect student population. Additionally, the marketing department presented an initiative regarding student-driven social media content, which has successfully increased student engagement and audience reach.

Key discussion items included the President's Report covering the State of the State Address, Lobby Day, the Bronson Bill veto, and campus initiatives, alongside updates on the daycare center's operations and parent feedback. The Student Assembly representative shared reflections on term growth and engagement. The BCC Foundation Report detailed financials, fundraising efforts, and upcoming alumni events. The Budget and Finance update covered the annual forecast, projected enrollment figures, and fund balance review, including items on the FY 2025-26 Budget Forecast and Investment Report. The Media Report highlighted social media management effectiveness. Action items included the unanimous approval of a resolution for an Unpaid Leave of Absence, approval of bid results and funding for the Applied Technology Building Engineering Lecture Hall Renovation Project, approval of a new position description for the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Development and Chief Diversity Officer, and funding approvals for video/audio systems in the Decker Health Sciences Building and emergency boiler replacement in Tichener Hall. The Board also entered into and exited Executive Session to discuss a particular personnel matter.

The Finance & Facilities Committee meeting included an information segment covering the President's Report, which noted strong enrollment and progress on student success initiatives. A budget and finance update was provided, confirming a balanced budget projection supported by strong enrollment and noting the timely submission of the Annual Fiscal Report. Action items primarily focused on approving several resolutions, including unpaid leaves of absence, new position descriptions (such as Assistant Director of Residential Life and Associate Vice President and Dean of Learning and Student Success), acceptance of a SUNY Future of Work Centers Grant Award of $661,558, and various funding approvals for construction/renovation projects and equipment purchases related to the Applied Technology Building and Nursing Simulation needs.