Laurie Orr

The Council meeting included introductions of new members and a comprehensive report from the University President. Key discussion topics included the ongoing student events and commencement planning, the university's enrollment yield and melt prevention strategies, and the silent phase of a new comprehensive campaign for the institution. The Council also discussed the return of the Sojourner Truth statue to campus and the development of a contemplative space honoring the experiences of indigenous, enslaved, and early settler communities. Finally, there was a brief overview of campus operations, with the administration awaiting final updates on the state budget.

The Council meeting covered the introduction of new staff, including the Vice President of Physical Strategy and Management. The President reported on the success of the women's basketball team and their transition to a new athletic conference. Updates were provided regarding the Veterans and Military Services program, the Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) program, the EOP program, and the summer honors initiative. Additionally, the Council discussed partnerships with community colleges in the Hudson Valley and addressed urgent infrastructure needs, specifically regarding facility maintenance and HVAC system repairs at the library.

The Council meeting included the approval of the minutes from the September 18, 2025, session. A resolution honoring Vice President Michele C. Halstead for her 35 years of service and leadership, particularly regarding financial viability, system migrations, hurricane recovery, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, was unanimously approved. The President reported on campus climate, noting food concerns as the number one student priority, and highlighted recent campus space openings, including the Student Union Ballroom and Mohonk Hall renovation. The President also discussed ongoing strategic plan implementation, the goal of achieving fiscal stability by 2028-2029, and international initiatives, including a new SUNY Puerto Rico initiative. The budget update covered progress toward 2025-2026 financial goals, where revenue tracking was on projection and expenditures were at 31% of the annual budget as of October 31. A significant event noted was the disruption caused by the Amazon Web Service issue, which necessitated the return and re-issuance of $6.5 million in Pell Grants. The discussion on the 2025-2026 Stability Plan focused on tracking FTE positions, noting that the University remains over target for faculty and staff FTEs, and the complex alignment between fiscal savings goals and FTE reductions relative to mission delivery.

This document is a template designed to assist students in creating an 8-10 semester graduation plan. It provides a detailed framework for tracking academic progress, outlining credit requirements across major, minor, general education, upper division, liberal arts, writing intensive, and transfer categories. The plan specifies general education requirements in areas such as Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Natural Sciences, Diversity, Social Sciences, US History & Civic Engagement, World History & Global Awareness, Humanities, The Arts, and World Languages, enabling students to plan their coursework over up to six academic years to meet degree completion criteria.

The SUNY New Paltz Strategic Plan 2025-2028, 'Living Our Future Together,' outlines the institution's roadmap to provide an excellent education for student success and to be a clear value to the citizens of New York. The plan is structured around five strategies: Educational Innovation & Purpose, Governance, Culture & Accountability, Career & Workforce Alignment, Inclusive Excellence & Belonging, and Community Engagement & Economic Development. It aims to deliver a transformative student experience and position the university as a leader in public higher education, championing a future grounded in justice and sustainability.