Mary Ellen Burdick

The meeting included discussions about the productive collaboration and partnership with MVCC. Key topics covered the celebration of the institution's 60th anniversary, including planned events such as a history panel and a September gala with fireworks. Fundraising efforts, including the Day of Giving, were highlighted. Significant discussion centered on the potential establishment of the state's first School of Advanced Manufacturing at the Quad C location, leveraging 50,000 square feet of space made available by Danfos, and securing political and ESD support. The council also addressed the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on the 'AI in Action' strategy that integrates AI across academics, research, and workforce development. This included recent workshops on AI literacy and teaching/learning, preparation for K-12 outreach, and the need for campus consensus on AI guidelines and policies. Furthermore, it was announced that the AIX center received a $5 million DoD contract, and the potential for new degree programs in AI across various disciplines was noted.

The meeting commenced with a decision to move the Shared Governance/Faculty Representative Update report before the approval of previous minutes due to time constraints. Key discussions included the faculty's approval of the updated faculty/staff handbook, updates on the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences search, and the Chair of the Faculty Senate seeking a second term. The President provided detailed updates on activities across the four colleges: Arts and Sciences (IMGD program presence, faculty presentations/research trips), Business (Ethics in Engineering competition, Business Plan Competition), Engineering (structural reorganization, major research grants received), and Health Sciences (50th anniversary of Nursing program, graduate program recognition). Progress on the four pillars of the strategic plan, including athletic field safety and drainage, was reported. Updates were also given on the enrollment marketing campaign, upcoming RFP for website updates, and successful interdisciplinary grant initiatives (NSF, NAVSEA). Discussions covered the development of a Multicultural Center and expansion into the Student Center, progress on the Poly Pantry food lockers initiative to address food insecurity, and securing a $500,000 contribution for the planned Business Center. The 'Trifecta Vision' focusing on IT/AI/Quantum, Business/Manufacturing, and Health Science was reviewed, along with defense appropriations requests. Middle States reaccreditation visit preparation was discussed. Initial review of proposed changes to the SUNY Poly Student Code of Conduct language, initiated by the SUNY legal team, was conducted, resulting in the vote being postponed until April to allow for full document review. The Student Government Representative provided updates on SGU elections, the installation of food lockers and a wellness vending machine, and the performance of esports and other athletic teams.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the president's report, which highlighted the largest incoming class at Sunni Poly, reaccreditation by Middle States and AACSB, and recognition as a First-Gen Forward Network. The council also discussed the appointment of Wolspeed professors, the introduction of new research centers, and the AI for All initiative, focusing on curriculum, research, and workforce development. Updates were provided on the strategic plan, campus infrastructure renovations, and engagement with local and state government officials. The establishment of a new office for workforce development and partnerships with the community foundation were also discussed, along with participation in a SUNY-wide global initiative in Africa.

The College Council held an emergency meeting to discuss Title IX regulations. The meeting focused on reviewing and endorsing proposed changes to comply with Title IX regulations, including updates to the investigative process, employee notification requirements, and appeal procedures. The council also discussed the reorganization of the student code of conduct to better align with the new regulations, clarifying charges and sanctions. A resignation from a council member was announced.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Strategic Plan (2024-2029) outlines four pillars: student success, external partnerships, infrastructure improvement, and academic excellence. Each pillar has three goals with specific actions and success measures. The plan aims to enhance student services, improve the student experience, offer faculty/staff professional development, build community partnerships, refine SUNY Poly's identity, expand research facilities, and strengthen academic programs. Success will be measured by increased retention/graduation rates, enhanced diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, improved community feedback, stronger partnerships, increased campus visitors, positive post-graduation metrics, endowment growth, effective building utilization, completed construction projects, enrollment gains, research growth, increased representation from underrepresented groups, and successful faculty/staff development.