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October, 2019
Spirit in the Sky - Thanks to the Public Art Task Force that lead the installation of our new kinetic sculpture on the recently completed Great Mall. It looks fabulous. The piece by artist Jeff Kahn is an impressive addition to the campus. The sculpture was made possible, in part, through the generosity of the Auxiliary Service Corporation.
Title IX - Thank you! Over 90% of campus faculty and staff completed the required Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention training. More than a mandate, the training underscores our commitment to taking preventive steps in addressing an important issue. The campus community has been remarkably attentive to this matter. We've even received some complements regarding the quality of our online module and videos. If you've not yet completed the training you may use this link to do so.
New Policies - The Cabinet recently approved three new policies.
A Policy for Developing Institutional Policies was established to provide a process for creating and approving institutional policies in a consistent manner. A new standard format has been created for these policies. The Risk and Compliance Office will be assisting departments with reformatting existing policies, as well as developing and implementing new policies and procedures.
Previous updates have referenced the Bottled Water Policy and our efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics on campus. The policy, which is effective as of August 26, 2019, establishes guidelines for the purchase of bottled water. Departments should review the policy to ensure that any purchases of bottled water products are in compliance with the policy.
At the direction of SUNY, all campuses have adopted a Consensual Relationship Policy. This policy addresses possible power imbalances that can impede the real or perceived freedom of students and/or employees to terminate or alter their relationships. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to Human Resources.
Residence Life - Our new director of Residential Life, Eddie Cruz, has made an enormous impact in a few short weeks. The occupancy rate is up. (We have 576 occupants and had a waiting list.) Residence Life is promoting greater student engagement and programming, and making improvements in the halls. The Residence Access Scholarship Program has certainly helped increase the residential population. This has been an area of some concern in recent years. We are making real progress.
New Faculty and Staff - This year our enrollment (headcount) topped 10,000. As a result of its success and growth the College has hired 42 new faculty and staff members for the 2019-20 academic year. Welcome to all of you. I've had the opportunity to meet many of the newcomers. I hope all of those who've arrived this year have long, rewarding careers and contribute to the College's continued success.
Metrics that Matter - Chasing a place in the many college rankings can be a bit of a foolish task, especially when the rankings are based largely on perception. Some recent data, however, are well worth sharing. Money ranked FSC in the top 35% of 744 colleges that successfully combine quality and affordability. Forbes Magazine's list of "Best Value Colleges" ranked FSC in the top 25% of nearly 700 colleges reviewed. Additional data from the New York State Department of Labor indicates that FSC grads have, on average, higher incomes and are more likely to stay in New York than other SUNY grads. PayScale.com ranked FSC #4 in ROI (return on investment) within SUNY. In the Washington Monthly College Guide we placed 39th of 216 ranked baccalaureate colleges. The rankings are based on social mobility, research, and promoting public service.
According to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) nationally, FSC ranks
- #4 in production of engineering technology undergraduate degrees and,
- #5 in undergraduate enrollment and enrollment of women
William Fichtner '76 Film - Actor/director William Fichtner is a Farmingdale State College alum. He recently joined us to show his recent film, Cold Brook, in the Little Theatre. The film will be in commercial release next month and has been shown at the Tampa, Napa Valley, and Woodstock film festivals. Hosting a campus-wide and community event such as this requires substantial work. Thanks to our audio visual, Facilities, and Institutional Advancement staff members for making the event possible.
Upcoming Events - Some interesting and important events will be held on campus in the next few weeks:
Offshore Wind - NYSERDA has chosen the College to host its Offshore Wind Technology and Training Workshop with developers, labor unions and educational institutions on November 15. This five hour event is another step toward Long Island and, we hope, the College being central in the development of this sustainable energy technology.
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