Michael Paperny

The board meeting agenda included a service commendation, various committee reports, and several action items. These items involved the approval of facility rental schedules for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, faculty and staff merit increases, the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit, and new policies regarding grants, external funding initiatives, and parent notifications for alcohol and controlled substance violations. The meeting also featured reports from the college administration, faculty council, and the chair, concluding with an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, including the approval of the 2026-2027 academic calendar and revised institutional learning outcomes. Various policies were discussed and approved, specifically regarding the posthumous awarding of degrees or certificates and notification protocols for alcohol and controlled substance violations. The Board also approved resolutions to add a Licensed Practical Nursing certificate, modify the nursing program, amend the tuition and fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year, and adopt the 2026-2027 operating budget. Additionally, reports were presented by the student trustee, the Student and Academic Affairs committee, and the college president, followed by an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting included reports on the status of college accreditation, which involves seven active committees working on various standards, including a freshman seminar, ILO revisions, and budget requests. Updates were provided by the Faculty Council regarding upcoming coursework and strategic planning workshops. The Board received reports from the Finance, Policy, and Academic and Student Affairs committees, highlighting developments in student outcome tracking, policy review processes, and academic initiatives such as a new block schedule and the implementation of athletic teams. The President's report covered enrollment metrics for the College in the High School program, the academic momentum campaign, upcoming graduation ceremonies, sustainability initiatives, and ongoing efforts to secure workforce funding.

The board approved the tuition and fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board entered an executive session to discuss pending litigation and subsequently approved resolutions regarding the retrenchment of positions within the Professional Staff Association and the Teamsters union as part of efforts to ensure long-term fiscal stability for the college.

This Strategic Plan is designed to guide and unite the SUNY Sullivan College Community through shared goals aligned with its mission statement. It is structured around three key strategic priorities: Student Enrollment and Success, Financial Stability and Analysis, and Academic Success, with a specific focus on Nursing. The plan aims to reinforce SUNY Sullivan's role as a leader in innovative higher education, a catalyst for workforce development, and the heart of higher education and culture in the Catskills, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world.