Update from Farmingdale State College President John Nader, PhD |
November, 2016. |
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FSC's Route 110 digital sign.
I’m pleased to provide this monthly update to the campus. A number of you have spoken to me positively about my previous attempts to keep you informed. I will continue to share important information with you. Celebration of Scholarship - Thanks to the many, many members of our faculty and the Provost’s Office who were involved in the recent Celebration of Scholarship held in the Campus Center. There were over fifty poster presentations, and a very nice turnout. Yacov Shamash, Vice President of Economic Development at Stony Brook, offered thoughtful introductory remarks. Residence Life - I have received a report from the working groups examining a number of issues surrounding our residence halls and residence life programming. There were a number of recommendations calling for a review and revision of some policies and procedures and a close look at the condition of some of the buildings. There was also an honest look at the extent to which the Dormitory Income Fund Reimbursable (DIFR)—which is expected to be self-sustaining—is being subsidized from the state side of our budget. In addition, our enrollment service area has reported on the number of applicant/students outside of Long Island and Queens who are actually registering at FSC. It’s quite low. Frankly, my original perception that broadening our recruitment efforts would help us reach full occupancy seems dubious. In reviewing data from the finance, enrollment, and residence life areas, it’s clear that this entire area is in need of close attention. I will continue to solicit information and provide updates as plans are developed. Substantive Change - The Provost’s Office submitted two Substantive Change proposals to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. These are required as the College moves to offer academic programs in a new distance education format. One of the proposals is for Nursing. The other is for Dental Hygiene. DEI Plan - Thanks to Veronica Henry and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council for completing a college-wide plan that was submitted to SUNY on November 1. The Plan is available via our intranet. New Strategic Plan - The Committee on Resource Planning and Allocation has been charged with drafting a new strategic plan for the College. I have tried to make the process an inclusive one, in part by asking cabinet members to designate a person from their respective area to serve. This is intended to promote broader conversation. I’ve outlined for the CPRA some topics/issues that I believe require attention. Further, I’ve asked the group to review our College Mission Statement. Richard Vogel, Gonca Altuger-Genc, and Kerry Lutz have agreed to serve as co-chairs. Open House - Thanks to the dozens of faculty, staff and students who assisted with our successful Open House on November 6. The turnout was very large—about 900 prospective students. The feedback received from these prospective students and their families was heartening. Open House is a great recruitment tool and helps us maintain the enrollment and selectivity that are key to our success. Speaking of which… SUNY’s Hottest Campus - You may have noticed an updated message on our digital billboard on Route 110. It says “You are now driving by SUNY’s Hottest Campus.” That’s because our rate of enrollment growth over the past five years exceeds that of any other SUNY college by a substantial margin. Athletic Teams - Five of the FSC fall athletic teams captured Skyline Conference championships: Women’s soccer, Women’s volleyball, Men’s golf, Women’s cross-country and Women’s tennis. That’s pretty amazing. Congratulations to the athletes and their coaches. AASCU Award - I was pleased to accept a national award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities on behalf of the College. FSC was recognized for Excellence and Innovation in Regional Economic Development. Thanks to Kathy Coley, Marj Issapour and Greg Blyskal who were instrumental in helping me prepare remarks for the AASCU conference. Finally, and most importantly, I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I appreciate all that the campus community has done to make my first four months productive and enjoyable. - John |
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