Linda Bertolozzi

This State of the College Address for Dutchess Community College reviews the institution's achievements from the previous year (2025) and outlines its strategic direction. Guided by strategic lenses focused on students, learning, community, and growth, the college has seen enrollment increases and launched new career-oriented programs such as SUNY Reconnect, SUNY ASAP, and an expanded aviation maintenance technician program. Initiatives like the Green Team Pipsy and increased child care services are highlighted. Future plans include a campus transformation project leading to new centers of excellence for nursing and health professions, arts and performance, and a learning commons. The address emphasizes the college's commitment to student success, inclusivity, and its role in regional workforce development and economic impact.

The meeting included committee discussions on several critical items. The committee reviewed a bid proposal with Royal Caring Service, which is scheduled for approval. Budget timeline reviews were conducted in preparation for the 26-27 operating budget, involving coordination with county legislature members and the executive leadership team, as well as a review of the transformation project capital budget. The committee also discussed the PSO's request to establish a budget committee and reviewed the upcoming Board of Trustees retreat agenda. Separately, the Academic and Student Affairs committee reviewed changes to the post-graduate degree policy to align with State University of New York guidance and reviewed the draft implementation of the Trustee 2024 to 2028 board action plan. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to award the contract for recycling and trash removal services to Nichi Holding Company (doing business as Royal Caring Service) for a one-year term.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the approval of the agenda, public comments regarding Resolutions #2026-23 (Fishkill Lease Extension) and #2026-24 (Fishkill Lease Expansion), and the approval of minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. Key discussions involved support for the Fishkill campus expansion by business and economic development representatives, and concerns raised by faculty/staff representatives regarding funding mechanisms and shared governance processes related to the expansion. Committee reports resulted in the unanimous approval of several resolutions, including the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice ISLO, the Civic Discourse ISLO, the Policy on Selling Surplus Equipment to Staff, the purchase of Somso AS 6 Human Torso Models, the appointment of a hearing officer, the SRO Contract with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, and the designation of an Assistant Title IX Investigator. Unfinished business involved the adoption of Resolutions #2026-23 and #2026-24 concerning the Fishkill Lease Extension and Expansion, respectively. Reports were also presented by the Student Trustee, Chairperson, and President, including an enrollment update.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several key items. Committee reports included the approval of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Institutional Student Learning Outcome (ISLO) and a Civic Discourse ISLO. The Board also approved a new policy on Selling Surplus Equipment to Staff and the purchase of Somso AS 6 Human Torso Models for instruction. Personnel matters included appointing a hearing officer for disciplinary charges, approving an SRO contract with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, and appointing an Assistant Title IX Investigator. Significant unfinished business involved taking resolutions off the table and subsequently approving the 5-year Lease Extension Agreement and the 15-year Lease Expansion Agreement for the Fishkill facility, despite some opposing votes. The President's report provided an enrollment update and thanked staff for their efforts during a recent storm.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several key areas. Under Academic & Student Affairs, resolutions were passed approving the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Institutional Student Learning Outcome (ISLO) and the Civic Discourse ISLO. In Board Policy, approval was granted for the Policy on Selling Surplus Equipment to Staff. Finance & Facilities actions included the approval of Somso AS 6 Human Torso Models for Anatomy & Physiology Instruction. Personnel and Community Relations items involved the appointment of William A. Frank, Esq. as a hearing officer for disciplinary charges, approval of the SRO Contract with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, and the approval to appoint Coreen Sims as Assistant Title IX Investigator on an as needed basis. Additionally, resolutions previously tabled from the December 9, 2025 meeting were removed from the table and approved: the Fishkill Lease Extension and the Fishkill Lease Expansion.