Matthew Alfultis

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.

The meeting is focused on the university's strategic planning process. The discussion includes the mission statement, the ideal student experience, and the overall goals of the institution. The aim is to revise the current mission statement to drive the new strategic plan.

The meeting included discussions about the upcoming announcement of the new college president and updates to the student handbook. Proposed changes to the handbook include clarifications on the definition of a student, handling of confiscated items, consequences for tampering with fire safety equipment, and policies regarding drug paraphernalia and cannabis use. Additional points covered falsification of official documents, alcohol consumption in the presence of underage individuals, impaired driving on campus, and violations of care plan agreements for emotional support animals. The council also addressed safety regulations, such as the proper storage of items in student rooms.