Update from Farmingdale State College President John Nader, PhD |
December, 2016. |
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The First 150 Days - The past five months have gone quickly. The end of the semester proved a good time for me to look back on the broad goals that I set for the College when I arrived. At that time (mid-July), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities asked me—and a number of other new presidents—to adopt an entry plan with near term action items and goals as well as longer term aspirations. I am reasonably pleased with our progress to date, and I hope you are as well. Here are the items I included in the plan for the first 150 days: begin the process to launch new strategic plan; engage in extensive outreach to campus constituencies; arrange Foundation and Alumni Association meetings; address aesthetic improvements, including the Campus Center and ballroom, Bunche Plaza, and using and displaying student art; prepare Convocation address/remarks; appoint a Diversity/Inclusion Group to draft a plan for the campus and SUNY; create a Residence Hall Review Group to make recommendations; prepare to launch 2-3 new degrees in fall 2017. Thanks to many of you for helping to move a number of these items forward. Strategic Enrollment Planning - SUNY officials will meet with a small team from academics and admissions to discuss the status of FSC’s enrollment and retention projections. SUNY is setting ambitious enrollment and degree completion targets and has asked each campus how it might help attain these. FSC is in a very good position as we have already surpassed a number of our Performance Improvement Plan targets. However, no institution can stand still. Some competitive funding is expected to be available for initiatives that can promote the University’s student success goals. January Commencement - Please join me for the first commencement event in the newly renovated Nold Athletic Complex (the new gym/fieldhouse area looks great). Commencement will be held on January 23 at 1 p.m. This date seems more convenient for many participants as the end of the fall semester coincides closely with Hanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. FSC students hold their faculty members in high regard. They tell me so on a regular basis. Graduating seniors love to see the faculty as they complete an important step in their lives. My remarks will reflect on the important role of our faculty members and professional staff in the lives of our students. Inauguration - Plans are underway for my inauguration which will take place on March 31 at the Nold Athletic Complex. An inauguration committee is being formed and will be chaired by Kathy Coley and Allison Puff. SUNY Board of Trustees Chair H. Carl McCall will preside over the formal installation. Applied Learning and Internships - Recently I had the opportunity to visit at length with two large firms that spoke highly of our students whom they’ve brought in as employees or interns. Subsequent to these meetings, each firm has reached out to seek additional interns. The link between these employers and our campus is the direct result of the great work that so many of you do with our students. Small Business Development Center - One of the gems of our campus is the SBDC. Its work is quite impressive and includes outreach and service to thousands of individuals and businesses. Many of the firms have become certified as MWBE vendors. Recently I spoke at the Vision Long Island Summit and had three members of the audience complement the SBDC and its staff. About a week later the staff of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery was on campus and commended the work done by the Center in aiding Long Island businesses in recovering from some horrific weather. Finally and most importantly, thanks to each of you for the work that you do on behalf of our students and the College. I continue to be impressed and optimistic about FSC’s future. I wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season and a great New Year. - John |
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