Tanya Calhoun

The meeting included an educational showcase by the Business and Community Partnerships (BCP) team, detailing their work on internships, employer relations, career/transfer advising, and workforce development, including the role of new team members. The presentation covered the success of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) program in partnership with The Arc Lexington, which provides micro-credentials and stipends for Direct Care Providers, and the expansion of this program to Liberty ARC starting in January 2026. The team also discussed the SUNY Internship Grant, which provides stipends and support for students completing internships, noting efforts to secure continued funding beyond the grant's end in Fall 2026. Upcoming events highlighted include the Spring Transfer Fair, the annual Community Job Fair, and the Career Con exploration event for local middle school students. The session concluded with a discussion on employer incentives, such as pre-screening potential employees via internships.

The key discussion topics for the open formal meeting include Public Comments/Union Comments, an Educational Showcase featuring the Annual Institutional Assessment Report, various reports from the Chair, President, Student Trustee, and Foundation. Committee reports will cover Finance, Buildings and Grounds (including a motion to approve an Energy Project Implementation), Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Accreditation, Personnel, and Policy. The agenda concludes with a session for Other Business and an anticipated Executive Session.

The meeting featured an educational showcase regarding energy performance with Citro Business Solutions. The presentation detailed the results of an audit and proposed several capital improvement measures. Key discussion points included interior lighting upgrades, significant modernization of the central steam plant (including new boilers, control systems, and associated equipment), steam trap replacements, transformer upgrades, replacement of an outdoor air-cooled chiller, pipe insulation, and refurbishment of air handling units at the welcome center and library. The presenters outlined two primary options for the board: Option one, encompassing all proposed measures, exceeded standard financing terms due to the high cost of the steam plant modernization. Option two excluded the boiler plant modernization, resulting in a more attractive 10-year payback period, though it leaves the critical steam plant issue unresolved. The presenters emphasized the necessity of the comprehensive steam plant overhaul to ensure system longevity and maintain warranties.

The meeting included discussions on the Sunni academic momentum campaign, focusing on improving retention and completion rates with specific metrics. Updates were provided on the seamless transfer initiative, aiming to improve the three-year graduation rate and vertical transfer rate to other SUNY or CUNY institutions. Funding updates included information on behavioral health and drug-free communities grants, as well as SUNY programs for math and science faculty. The student trustee reported on successful campus events, mental wellness initiatives, and the food pantry's high usage. The foundation report mentioned upcoming events, including a gallery visit, a mental health-focused event, and the distinguished alumni award. Committee reports covered finance, buildings and grounds (baseball field upgrades, athletic facilities project, and energy performance project), academic affairs (faculty achievements, program deactivation), and student affairs (basic needs summit, recruitment schedule).

The meeting included a moment of silence for deceased members of the community. The board discussed a lawsuit and potential impacts on control over salary structures and presidential selection. A risk management officer was appointed. The student trustee reported on the memorial for Shannon Monttos, the first SSA meeting, new clubs, and the club fair. They also attended the NYCCT conference, covering governance, finance, and open meeting laws. The president reported budget approval, legislative ratification for the BSP contract, and a visit from the new vice chancellor for community colleges. There were updates on grants, liability insurance renewal, and the HVAC capital project. Discussions also involved the Boseis facility and potential lease extensions or property transfers. The foundation reported on the Barney Bellinger gallery, the turf soccer field project, the annual distinguished alumni and clock tower dinner award dinner, new board members, and the fifth Friday series focusing on youth mental health. Additional signage and a plaque for the Cyber Ranch were also mentioned. The finance committee discussed closing the fiscal year and preparing for the audit. Buildings and grounds reported on the student welcome center electrical project and computer lab renovation work.