University Council Minutes
The meeting commenced with the introduction of new members, Christopher Erikson and Howard Foote, and a recognition for Donna Luh upon her final University Council meeting. Key reports covered commencement ceremonies held on December 5th, advocacy efforts including a podcast episode on empowering adult learners, and the recognition of veteran and military students. Further discussions included the SUNY Empire Foundation's purchase of an adjacent property for donor events and new scholarship pledges received. The enrollment update noted growth in both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing alignment with employment outcomes. A significant portion of the meeting focused on expanding workforce development, with SUNY Empire gaining recognition as a solutions-oriented partner, leading to accelerated program requests and the hiring of a new NYC workforce development director. Achievements included creating 25 new NYS Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship titles, exceeding the goal of 10. A partnership with Northwell Health was highlighted, naming SUNY Empire the lead online higher education institution for several career pathways. Discussions also covered marketing strategies for workforce programs, including a new website and geofencing campaigns.