2023 Agendas and Minutes

Combined Workshop & Board Meeting Agenda

Meeting Date: Monday, November 27, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm
Place: Technology Center, Ellipse

1. Roll Call
2. Public Comment
3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo
4. Department Highlights
   
   1. Academic Affairs Provost, Dr. Victoria Ukachukwu
   2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Executive Director, Brian Sondey
   3. Economic Mobility & Workforce Innovation Vice President, Kevin Stump
   4. Finance Controller, William Carroll
   5. Operations
   6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Aida Rosario
5. Consent Agenda
   • Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 10/24/23, 11/2/23
   • Approving the Personnel Savings Plan (Resolution 33-2023)
6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ileana Eckert
7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Lynne Hilowitz
8. Board Education Day Ileana Eckert, Grant Valentine
9. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Grant Valentine
10. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Emily Ross
11. Audit Committee Report Board Chair, Martin Wortendyke, Ileana Eckert
    Lynne Hilowitz, Susan Ramos
12. Old/New Business Board Chair, Martin Wortendyke
    • Discussion – Building naming policy
    • Discussion – Virtual Board meetings
13. Executive Session (if necessary)

Please note: Resolutions & Reports which require action by the Board of Trustees are fully discussed at the monthly Board Workshop. All meetings of the Board are open to the public.

Combined Workshop & Board Meeting Minutes

The 827th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Rockland Community College, Technology Center, Ellipse, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; L’Tanya Watkins; Elana Yeger; Emily Ross, Student Trustee.

Also Present: Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President; Dr. Victoria C. Ukachukwu, Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs; Kevin Stump, Vice President, Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation; Dr. Irene Delgado, Chief of Staff; Dr. Virginia Melendez, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Brian Sondey, Executive Director, Enrollment Management; Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Purysabel Uregar, Executive Director, Human Resources; Bill Carroll, Controller; Dr. Kristopher Baker, President, RCC Federation of Teachers; Eric Magaram, President, Faculty Senate; Elizabeth Troutner, President, RCC Federation of Administrators; Burton Louis-Charles, Dana Caponong, Administrative & Staff Assembly; Professor Josephine Coleman, Dylan Griffith, Michael Kluger, videographers.

Absent Was: Lynne Hilowitz (excused); Susan Oelkers-Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:35 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

Roll call was taken.

Chair Wortendyke reminded the audience that public comment is limited to three minutes and speakers should submit their written remarks if they wish them included in the minutes.

Public Comment

• Kris Baker spoke on behalf of the RCC Federation of Teachers (remarks included)
• Eric Magaram spoke on behalf of the Faculty Senate, expressing frustration with lack of transparency and mixed messages from the administration.
• Josephine Coleman spoke against Resolution 33-2023 Approving the Personnel Savings Plan.
• Elizabeth Troutner spoke on behalf of the RCC Federation of Administrators (remarks included)
• Burton Louis-Charles, Dana Caponong, spoke on behalf of the Administrative Staff Assembly ASA (remarks included)

President’s Report

• Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo
  • Announced that Katie Lynch, Officer in Charge Academic Affairs and Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer are the co-chairs for the Middle States accreditation process.
  • Introduced Dr. Victoria Ukachukwu, new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and thanked Katie Lynch for stepping in during the transition.
  • Attended the New York Community College Trustees’ (NYCCT) gala where RCC Foundation Board member and RCC alum Howard Hellman was honored.
  • Attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) conference where Dr. Leidy Pichardo and Edwin Rivadeneyra presented.
  • Thanked Vice President Kevin Stump and the EMWI division on receiving almost one million dollars.
  • Participated in the multicultural Thanksgiving luncheon, attended by nearly 200 students.
  • Attended the candlelight vigil in honor of the Trans Day of Remembrance.
  • Spoke at the Rockland Business Association luncheon, specifically focusing on workforce programs.
  • Introduced a work from home agreement.

Department Highlights

1. Academic Affairs Provost, Dr. Victoria Ukachukwu
   • none
2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Executive Director, Brian Sondey
   • Thanked Dr. LaToya Blount for her collaboration on the Enrollment Management and Student Services (EMSA) report.
   • As a result of the success of the Hawks Hub (the on campus food pantry) and other student support services, we can now extend services to our Haverstraw extension site.
   • Reported that fall enrollment was up 6%, at 99% of budgeted target.
   • Answered trustees’ questions.
3. Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation Vice President, Kevin Stump
   • Highlighted the nearly one million dollar grant from the Empire State Development Fund. He acknowledged the grants and finance teams for their work with the EMWI team on this grant. This program is looking to launch in the spring 2024.
   • Answered trustees’ questions regarding drone program partnerships.
4. Finance Controller, William Carroll
   • Reported that revenues are up due in part to increase in enrollment and revenue from workforce programs. Expenses are slightly down.
   • Dr. Rápalo thanked Bill for stepping in during this time of transition.
   • Answered trustees’ questions.
5. Operations
   • none
6. Institutional Advancement
   • Highlighted the various communications that were generated from Strategic Marketing.
   • Noted the collaboration with the grants team and various departments on campus.
   • Answered trustees’ questions.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

Chair Wortendyke read the following:

• Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 10/24/23, 11/2/23
• Approving the Personnel Savings Plan (Resolution 33-2023)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Rand, second by Trustee Watkins to separate the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Rand, second by Trustee Watkins to approve the previous meeting minutes, 10/24/23, 11/2/23

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Rand, second by Trustee Yeger to move Resolution 33-2023, Approving the Personnel Savings Plan, to discussion.

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Rand, second by Trustee Watkins to amend Resolution 33-2023, Approving the Personnel Savings Plan (see resolutions for amended memo)

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Watkins to approve amended Resolution 33-2023, Approving the Personnel Savings Plan

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

Trustee Rand left the meeting.

Board Secretary Report

• Ms. Ileana Eckert
  • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

• Lynne Hilowitz
  • none

Board Education Day

• Ileana Eckert, Grant Valentine
  • Tentative date is January 29, 2024 before the January board meeting.

Board Community Outreach Report

• Grant Valentine
  • Represented the College at various events.

Student Government Association Report

• Emily Ross
  • Reported that the Student Government Association is sponsoring a Free Speech Forum
  • Provided an update on various SGA initiatives.

Old/New Business

• none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Watkins, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Eckert, Valentine, Watkins, Yeger and Ross to adjourn at 7:17pm.

Memorandum

To: Board of Trustees, SUNY Rockland Community College
From: The Administration & Staff Assembly, SU NY Rockland Community College
Date: November 27, 2023
Re: A Statement Prepared by the Administrative Staff Assembly

This statement was prepared by the Administrative Staff Assembly. All contents were discussed at a meeting of the general membership, formatted, then voted upon by general membership for presentation during the public comment period of the November 27th meeting of the Board of Trustees. During general membership assembly, SUNY Rockland Community College administrators and staff discussed the state of the College and would like to collaborate with the Board in establishing a strategic and solution-focused dialogue. Please consider some of the themes and suggestions provided by our membership. Any response may be submitted to Burton Louis-Charles, ASA (Administrative Staff &
Assembly) President at [email protected].

Furloughs

The ASA members have determined that the following factors should be discussed and addressed:

Issues related to lack of communication, inconsistencies, and mixed messaging concerning furloughs and the anticipated impact of decisions made by the Board of Trustees (BOT).

The ASA members would like you to consider the potential positive impacts of- Direct communication from the BOT or President, providing regular updates to college employees regarding furloughs, along with a clear outline of the associated processes and procedures. Additionally, consideration of salary implications in discussing furloughs, particularly emphasizing the impact on households with lower incomes. Implement effective short-staffing responses to mitigate operational challenges.

Board of Trustee Actions

The ASA members have determined that the following factors should be discussed and addressed:

Ensure and maintain equitable access for all stakeholders to discuss governing issues and voice their concerns. Additionally, reinforce that ASA serves as governing point of contact and fosters a mutual relationship that extends to all executive bodies with consistency.

The ASA members would like you to consider the potential positive impacts of- Implement a virtual option for BOT meetings to enhance accessibility for staff attendance. Ensure that ASA receives the same communication as other governing bodies. Organize a special meeting with the BOT at the start of the semester to discuss specific line items addressing ASA members’ concerns.

Transparency, Communication, & Accountability

The ASA members have determined that the following factor should be discussed and addressed:

Ensure open and timely communication regarding business decisions.

The ASA members would like you to consider the potential positive impacts of the following:

Enhance transparency and keep stakeholders informed through weekly/monthly reports. Provide accessibility for remote participation, ensuring broader engagement with ASA.

Additional Suggestions

The ASA members would like you to consider the potential positive impacts of the following:

• Fund programs based on profitability, ensuring resource allocation efficiency.
• Provide clear and transparent information on the return on investment for increased accountability.
• Develop comprehensive plans for layoffs and voluntary separations, including strategies for supervisors responsible for accounting for staff losses.
• Evaluate and strategize solutions for managing rents at satellite campuses.

The Administrative Staff Assembly is grateful for the opportunity to speak this evening and for your current and future efforts to improve the financial outlook of SUNY Rockland Community College while we academically challenge, holistically support, and continue to serve our energetic and diverse student body.

Remarks – Elizabeth Troutner RCCFA

My name is Elizabeth Troutner and I am the President of the Rockland Community College Federation of Administrators.

On behalf of my membership, we are asking the board to consider tabling Resolution 34 – Approving the Personnel Savings Plan.

We request that impact bargaining take place prior to the Board approving a plan for personnel savings.

As stated by the National Labor Relations Board, the College has a duty to bargain over the effects of its decision to furlough and lay off its employees.

We believe it is in the best interest of both the unit and the College to weigh the impact of its decision while finalizing a plan.

Respectfully, my unit has been prepared to bargain over this issue since it was raised at the Emergency Governance Meeting on October 5th.

However, there have been no governance meetings or other formal communications to our unit or others since October 20th, which was the last shared governance meeting we had.

The communication with my unit and others has not been clear regarding the furlough plans.

At the last governance meeting, we were told that the College was proposing a 1 day per month furlough over the course of 6 months, which differs from the currently presented plan.

Yet, in an EMSA staffing update meeting that took place on Friday, November 17th, members of my unit were told that furloughs were “on hold.”

On Tuesday, November 21st, we received the Board Packet for today’s meeting with Resolution 34.

Despite these changes, our unit remains prepared to bargain.

We understand the College’s fiscal realities, make no attempt to pretend they don’t exist, and recognize that difficult choices lie ahead.

However, all we are asking is for the opportunity for our unit to present its concerns over the specific impacts this will have on our members and for the College to consider those concerns prior to making this decision.

Thank you for your time and consideration and we hope you all will move to table Resolution 34.

Remarks – Kris Baker RCCFT

Intro

Never in 45 years of being on campus have I formally spoken at the BOT; I’ve never had a reason to.

We have worked collaboratively with past presidents and cabinets, and we continue to be resolute in working with Dr. Rápalo and his team to be successful and fulfill our mission to our community and students.

I love my job as do the 115 people in my unit and if I ventured a guess, most of the folks on campus especially where student service is concerned.

The college has been my family and my home away from home. We spend more time here at RCC anyway.

We are all here tonight due to overwhelming frustrations and fiscal uncertainties that if not addressed, and if not well planned out, serve to rip the fabric of our institution apart.

The fiscal situation isn’t the current administrations fault anymore than it’s any of ours. This is a college but it is also in many ways a business. This is business, that much is sure, but it feels personal when things happen to you.

The people in room, and certainly the 115 Faculty and Staff I represent, have no appetite for furloughs or any kind of unjust removal of what is guaranteed via our respective CBAs. Removing negotiated salaries from loyal, hard working employees, while we’re hiring at salaries that are now greater than ever due to inflation to be competitive, is wrong.

HISTORY

We’ve always had cash flow issues since I can remember at RCC. We have a history of not paying bills on time. I’ve personally witnessed this is the 80s, 90s, and beyond. We are always 2.5+- mil in the hole. We hear this at every start up and at every wind up every year, 2x a year at least.

1982 – first faculty diaspora 7 fired (and rehired)
1990s – a situation that shall not be named but cost the college millions and still has folks at large to this day.
2003-4 – second faculty diaspora (untenured firings and rehiring)
2010 – SUNY attempted to furlough faculty to raise cash flow and fund balances at the 4-years in situations. They were unsuccessful for a variety of reasons including inconsistencies with CBAs and the law.

ASK

I speak for 115 members, and while I only represent the unit, I suspect tonight I speak for many more.

Fiscal situations of this nature do not start/end in a night. Nor to they happen in an instant. We were at a place of balance on June 30, and on July 1, the college was in fiscal ruin. How does that happen and no one notices? It doesn’t feel real…… is it?

If the board determines there is a structural deficit, and not simply the results of projections or some mathematical creativity, the fix must be discussed as a campus and worked on together in the same fashion of CBAs are and in a manner consistent with our governance practices. If the campus is owed revenues, we should collect.

SUNY doesn’t dictate corrective actions; we are free to propose our own course of collective action to right our ship if and when needed. Should the board determine that fiscal correction is needed, we respectfully request the board allow the bargaining units, and governance groups, the ability to do what we do, so that the outcomes are fair and consistent with our CBAS, laws, and best practices. And while each group, from the BOT on down, have their specific responsibilities and duties, we will only grow, and continue to be successful, by working together.