Suny Orange County Community College

The board recognized individuals for their contributions to a mastodon excavation project and celebrated the college for winning a Bellwether Award. A presentation highlighted efforts to improve math placement through curriculum redesign and guided self-placement tests. The president's report provided updates on the facilities master plan, state budget negotiations, and athletic achievements. The Student Trustee reported on student government initiatives including club funding. The board also authorized the implementation of the first phase of the Facilities Master Plan for 2025-2035, and committee chairs presented reports regarding academic momentum, enrollment strategies, and recruitment platforms.

The board meeting covered a range of institutional reports and updates. Key discussions included an annual cybersecurity risk assessment, an auditor's report of financial statements, and a report from the college president regarding advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, and potential film production opportunities on campus. Athletic achievements, including student performance in men's and women's basketball, were highlighted. The board also reviewed committee reports, specifically regarding audit, finance, and enrollment, with a notable increase in Hispanic student enrollment attributed to grant funding. Additionally, the board discussed future-oriented work themes, including advocacy and financial stewardship, and held an executive session for official business.

The board discussed significant enrollment growth, noting increases in headcount and credit hours, and reviewed the 2026-2027 Executive Budget proposals, including funding for SUNY Reconnect, infrastructure, and potential impacts on the EOP program. Additional reports included the acquisition of a nursing pathway innovation hub grant, the launch of a new DSP-III microcredential, and the introduction of culinary cannabis courses. The meeting also covered athletic department updates, student advocacy efforts, and committee reports regarding academic services, audit, and enrollment. Finally, the board engaged in discussions on board effectiveness, emphasizing the need for increased focus on strategic direction, financial stewardship, and long-term planning.

The meeting included a special presentation on the Marketing Strategy for 2021-2025 and future directions, detailing research, messaging focus on affordability and success, platform utilization, and setting Key Performance Indicators with revenue as paramount. Another presentation covered Grant Successes for 2024-25, noting 38 grants totaling $6 million over two years, with goals to increase this funding. The President's Report focused on the Facilities Master Plan, outlining a three-phase approach beginning in 2026, funded partly by a $30 million county contribution for the first phase covering science, technology, education, and criminal justice programs. A task force was proposed to explore electronic board book platforms to reduce paper usage. Updates included confirmation that no resolution is needed for Veteran's Tuition for Spring 2026, discussion on Senate Bill S4685 regarding faculty/staff inclusion on the board, planning for legislative breakfasts in January 2026, recognition of an accepted conference presentation on the implementation of Orange Connect, approval of the DSP III micro credential curriculum for Spring 2026, recognition of the Department Chair for English as an Accessibility Allies and Advocates Fellow, and the reaffirmation of the Business Department's accreditation for 10 years by the ACBSP. The Student Trustee reported on advocacy for the Bronson bill and the common hour initiative. Committee reports included updates on financials for November and the status of the Bronson bill, and discussion on clarifying the language of the policy for posthumous award. New Business involved the approval of BP6.14 Posthumous Award of Degree or Certificate.

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, covering minutes from the previous meeting, financial statements, appointments, and retirements. The President's Report detailed SUNY enrollment growth, the integration of the TRIO program with the Department of Labor regarding workforce alignment, progress on the Facilities Master Plan proposal, and an update on Athletics, noting the men's basketball team ranked #20 nationally. Several faculty and staff received awards and recognitions. The Student Trustee reported on activities including resolutions passed at the SUNY general assembly and participation in the ACCT Annual Conference. Discussion focused on the Bellwether Award finalist status for the math department's innovative placement process. Committee reports previewed a new Program Fee resolution and an upcoming policy on Posthumous Award of Degree. New business saw the unanimous approval of the transition from course-based fees to program-based fees and the approval of the BP2.49 Recreational Device/Equipment Operation. Old business involved a lengthy discussion on Board Bylaws and Committee Charters, debating the effectiveness of existing committees like Enrollment and Retention and exploring the need for new advocacy groups.