Valarie Avalone

The Risk Management Committee meeting included an overview of the 2026 Top 10 Risks Report, focusing on insights relevant to higher education institutions. Key discussion points covered identity theft and financial aid fraud, including the identification of fraudulent students and the formation of an MCC steering committee. Progress on Title II Accessibility Compliance was reviewed, noting the requirement for public-facing digital content to be accessible by April 2026, with a policy drafted for presentation at the next Board meeting. An update on the SUNY Broader Data Security Posture addressed new guidance on user access and incident response. Finally, the committee discussed work-related injury and illness incidents, which positively impact insurance premiums, and suggested a review of internal communication processes with the Wellness Committee.

The Personnel and Programs Committee meeting included the adoption of a resolution to conduct an Executive Session. This session was authorized pursuant to Public Officers Law concerning discussions related to proposed, pending, or current litigation, as well as matters involving the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or actions leading to employment-related decisions.

The meeting commenced with a presentation on the Annual Audit by Bonadio and Co., LLP. The Consent Agenda addressed finance items, including operating disbursements for November 2025, interim financial reports, purchases over $20,000 for November 2025, and the acceptance of the Annual Audit for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. The agenda also included several recommendations from the MCC Foundation for naming rights within the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Lab related to automotive labs, sponsored by various dealer associations. Personnel and Programs addressed the Anti-Hazing Policy, Third-Party Provider Policy, and approval of the Academic Calendars for 2027-2028 and 2028-2029. Student Success segments included testimonials, SGA updates, and a presentation on the Student Success Dashboard and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). College Updates covered the MCC Foundation Report, Shared Governance, Executive Leadership Team updates, and Union Updates. The MCC Foundation highlighted a $1M investment from the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association and the establishment of the Dr. Christopher Shields Memorial Endowed Scholarship, projecting $5M in total support for the fiscal year. The President's Update noted positive enrollment trends (5.8% increase in Fall, projected 3.6% increase in Spring 2026) and preparations for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education site evaluation visit in March for accreditation reaffirmation. The Faculty Association report detailed advocacy efforts and partnership in developing statewide training programs.

The Personnel and Programs Committee meeting included a discussion leading to a resolution for an Executive Session. The purpose of the Executive Session was pursuant to Public Officers Law §105, subsection (f), specifically concerning the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation.

The meeting included a student testimonial, an update from the Student Government Association, and a report from the Student Trustee. Updates were provided on the Student Success Dashboard, the Monroe Community College Foundation, and shared governance groups, including the Faculty Senate and Support Staff Planning Council. The board also received updates from the Executive Leadership Team and union groups. The Joint Finance and Operations Report highlighted financial reports, self-funded health insurance benefits, fund balance use, and the voluntary retirement incentive program. The President's Update covered topics such as the self-study report, federal decisions impacting the college, food insecurities, and the shared governance policy.