Michael Bersani

The SUNY Cortland College Council meeting included discussions on the university's progress, marked by a high number of first-year applications and athletic achievements, including the football team's national championship. Updates were provided on construction projects for Cornish and Van Hoesen halls, as well as Corey Union. International activities were highlighted, such as student research presentations in Cuba and a collaborative online course in Lithuania. Ongoing concerns in higher education, including freedom of speech and mental health, were addressed. Reports were given by the Faculty Senate Chair and SGA President, covering topics such as course evaluations, committee work, student housing issues, and upcoming events. The President's Cabinet reported on academic affairs, student affairs, and institutional advancement, including new funding for internships, diversity initiatives, and alumni engagement.

The meeting included a presentation from the Former Head Men's Basketball Coach. The President reported on the New York Jets' potential return for summer training camp, the high number of freshman applications, and record enrollment across most SUNY institutions. Updates were provided on residence hall occupancy, alleged sexual assaults, dedication ceremonies for the Michael J. Cappeto Team Room and the James J. Grady Field, and various rankings recognizing SUNY Cortland's safety, value, and sustainability. Reports were also given by the Faculty Senate Chair and SGA President, focusing on updates to award criteria, the hiring process, student empowerment, and upcoming events like the Fall Festival. The council discussed renovations to Van Hoesen Hall and Corey Union, and addressed committee memberships and representatives for the upcoming year.

The SUNY Cortland College Council meeting addressed various topics including a report on applications received, updates on campus renovations such as Van Hoesen Hall and Corey Union, and the purchase of new land near the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex. The council also discussed the university's successful Middle States reaccreditation process, the new SUNY system chancellor, and the success of the "All In: Building on Success" capital campaign. Additional discussions covered new academic majors, athletic achievements, faculty senate initiatives including AI discussions, SGA activities, academic advising feedback, and campus safety improvements.

The 2024-2030 Strategic Plan for SUNY Cortland focuses on academic engagement and attainment, life and career foundations, and Red Dragon wellness. Key objectives include increasing student engagement, promoting equity in academic achievement, fostering skills for life and career success, and strengthening inclusive excellence. The plan aims to create equitable opportunities for students, support a culture of care for all community members, and ensure a sustainable future for the institution.

The strategic plan for SUNY Cortland focuses on improving campus climate, recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and staff, enhancing cultural competence among students and staff, and strengthening the campus commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also aims to increase retention and graduation rates for underrepresented, transfer, and first-generation students. The plan includes strategies such as implementing campus climate surveys, developing bias incident reporting processes, offering diversity training, expanding diversity council representation, and strengthening support programs for targeted student groups. The ultimate goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diversity as a source of intelligence and learning.