All past Board of Trustees agendas and minutes are accessible to the public. Materials from the current year are available below and copies of past materials are available by request. Please email Eileen Hughes at [email protected] or Virginia Meléndez [email protected] to request past board materials or recordings of meetings. Thank you.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: January 21, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: via Zoom https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/97352842146

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
      1. Approval to grant Microcredentials (Resolution 1-2021)
      2. Approval to Amend the Late Withdrawal Policy (Resolution 2-2021)
      3. Approval to Amend the Student Grade Appeal Policy (Resolution 3-2021)
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Michael Salem
  4. Resolutions
    1. Approval to grant Microcredentials (Resolution 1-2021)
    2. Approval to Amend the Late Withdrawal Policy (Resolution 2-2021)
    3. Approval to Amend the Student Grade Appeal Policy (Resolution 3-2021)
  5. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 12/17/20 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  6. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
  7. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  8. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  9. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  10. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, December 17, 2020 via Zoom.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth A. Coyle, Vice President Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Representative, Faculty Senate; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos, (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chair Wortendyke
Trustee Rand arrived at 6:00 pm

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Chair Wortendyke wished all a happy new year and expressed hope that this year will be better that the last.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Resolution 1-2021 Approval to grant Microcredentials
      • Resolution 2-2021 Approval to Amend the Late Withdrawal Policy
      • Resolution 3-2021 Approval to Amend the Student Grade Appeal Policy
    • Reported that the NCLEX score for our nursing department was 98.5%. Chair Wortendyke asked that they be recognized at the March meeting.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding microcredentialing and Open Education Resource (OER). Trustee Valentine asked that the OER committee be recognized for the increased student retention rates due to OER.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Brewer
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding advertising, student success advisors, and the upcoming Black Achievement Awards. Trustee Valentine suggested that newly elected state representative Mondaire Jones be invited to speak at the event.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Discussed the progress of the audit.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding employee health insurance.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding bear sightings on campus, the RCC Association, and the possibility of the College serving as a vaccination site.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the President’s Society.

Information Technology Services

  • Dr. Coyle
    • Announced that Mike Salem is no longer with the College and a search has begun for his replacement. Gary Holeman is returning as Interim Chief Information Officer.

Board Secretary Report

  • Trustee Dillon
    • Asked for corrections/additions/deletions to the 12/17/20 minutes.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Dillon
    • Announced that the ACCT National Legislative Summit is February 8, 2021 to February 10, 2021. The keynote speaker will be Amy Walter, National Editor of the Cool Political Report and Host of WNYC’s The Takeaway Fridays. She will be speaking with RCC journalism students on February 5, 2021 at 2:00pm.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Valentine
    • none

Student Government Association

  • Mr. Bastos
    • none

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Announced changes to the workshop meeting structure. Going forward, the Board Community Outreach report and the Student Government Association report will be given at the formal meeting. Reports from the Board Education Day Committee and Audit Committee will be added to the workshop agenda.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Hilowitz, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, and Bastos to adjourn at 5:45 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Place: via Zoom videoconference

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Interim Chief Information Officer, Mr. Michael Salem
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 12/17/20
    2. 2. Approval to grant Microcredentials (Resolution 1-2021)
    3. Approval to Amend the Late Withdrawal Policy (Resolution 2-2021)
    4. Approval to Amend the Student Grade Appeal Policy (Resolution 3-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 795th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, January 21, 2021 via Zoom videoconference.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth A. Coyle, Vice President Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Representative, Faculty Senate; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos, (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Announced that the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse will serve as a New York State run vaccination site. Vaccinations are by appointment only. RCC is seeking to have Hudson Market on Main serve as the food service provider for the vaccination staff on site.
    • Provide financial updates from the State University of New York.
    • Is keeping a close eye on cash flow.
    • Discussed declining enrollment in community colleges, and challenges that students are facing during the pandemic.
    • Discussed the importance of participatory governance.
    • Wished all a happy new year.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Shared that the M/TS Honors program and the 211 Connection Center raised over $1600 to help four RCC families over the holidays.
    • Proudly announced that the NCLEX score for our nursing department was 99%.
    • Reported that Open Education Resource (OER) has saved our students close to one million dollars in textbook costs, and has increased retention rates for our African American and Hispanic students.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    • Shared that winter enrollment has exceeded targets.
    • Announced that the Black Achievement Awards is tentatively scheduled to be live streamed Feb. 25, 2021.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Will be scheduling a meeting of the audit committee.
    • Is working on tax forms and budget development for fiscal 2022.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • Is working with the RCC Association and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to research and apply for CARES Act funds.
    • Reported that the Fieldhouse generator project is in full swing.
    • Highlighted various programs conducted at the Culinary Center.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing to work with IT to restore the website.
    • Reminded the Board of the Share the Love fundraising campaign.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.
  6. Information Technology Services

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:12/17/20
    2. Approval to grant Microcredentials (Resolution 1-2021)
    3. Approval to Amend the Late Withdrawal Policy (Resolution 2-2021)
    4. Approval to Amend the Student Grade Appeal Policy (Resolution 3-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second Trustee Hilowitz to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 6 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • None

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ben Naylor reminded the trustees that the ACCT National Legislative Summit is February 8, 2021 to February 10, 2021.
  • Dr. Baston announced that Ben Naylor is presenting at an ACCT webinar about engaging with elected officials.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Attended a zoom call celebrating Professor Edmund Gordon on his 100th birthday. Dr. Gordon is providing the introduction to a book Dr. Baston is writing about the community college in a post-pandemic world.
    • US Representative Mondaire Jones and State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick have agreed to speak with the Board at upcoming meetings.
    • Represented the College at various virtual events.

Student Government Association Report

  • Mr. Emanuel Bastos
    • Is working diligently with SUNY Student Assembly to best understand students’ needs.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Thanked Vice Chair Rand for his help with Dr. Baston’s contract review, and Trustees Eckert and Valentine for their assistance with the President’s evaluation.
    • Congratulated Vice Chair Rand on his appointment to the Village of Nyack Board of Trustees.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Bastos and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, and Bastos to adjourn at 6:36pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: February 25, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: via Zoom

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
      1. Approval to amend the Conferral of Professor Emeritus Policy (Resolution 4-2021)
      2. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Third Year (Resolution 5-2021)
      3. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fourth Year (Resolution 6-2021)
      4. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fifth Year (Resolution 7-2021)
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Interim Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  4. Resolutions
    1. Approval to amend the Conferral of Professor Emeritus Policy (Resolution 4-2021)
    2. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Third Year (Resolution 5-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fourth Year (Resolution 6-2021)
    4. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fifth Year (Resolution 7-2021)
  5. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 1/21/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  6. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
  7. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  8. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  9. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  10. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, February 25, 2021 via Zoom.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice
Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive
Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive
Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Interim Chief Information Officer; State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: none

The meeting was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chair Wortendyke

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Trustee Ramos joined at 5:45 pm.

Dr. Baston introduced new State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick the Board.

  • The Senator discussed his support for the college and how he is going to support community college priorities.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Resolution 4-2021 Approval to amend the Conferral of Professor Emeritus Policy
      • Resolution 5-2021 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Third Year
      • Resolution 6-2021 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fourth Year
      • Resolution 7-2021 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fifth Year
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Brewer
    • Announced that planning is underway for virtual commencement.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding enrollment and the Black Achievement Awards.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Reported that he provided the audit report to the audit committee.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • none

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Asked for corrections/additions/deletions to the 1/21/21 minutes.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Noted that at the most recent ACCT meeting the focus was on the increase in student counseling sessions and how students are coping in the pandemic.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • Is welcoming ideas for topics for Board Education Day.

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Reported that the Auditors will be presenting to the Board at the April meeting.

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Donnellan, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos to adjourn at 6:18 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021
Place: via Zoom videoconference

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. Presentation Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ms. Melissa L Roy
    Director of Human Resources, Ms. Natalie A. Scott
  4. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  5. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Interim Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 1/21/21
    2. Approval to amend the Conferral of Professor Emeritus Policy (Resolution 4-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Third Year (Resolution 5-2021)
    4. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fourth Year (Resolution 6-2021)
    5. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fifth Year (Resolution 7-2021)
  7. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  8. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
  9. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  10. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  11. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 796th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, February 25, 2021 via Zoom videoconference.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: none

The meeting was called to order at 6:24 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

Presentation

  • Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ms. Melissa L Roy
    Director of Human Resources, Ms. Natalie A. Scott
    • Discussed The Employee Experience, a project begun in September 2020 and involved 25 members of the campus community including the union and governance leaders.
    • Presented the perceived problems and possible solutions identified by the working groups during the employee life cycle – Candidacy, New Hire, Professional Development & Achievement, and Transition.
    • Implementation of some proposals will begin in March.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Is proud of the work being done to foster a culture of collaboration through The Employee Experience.
    • Reported out on the President’s Cabinet meeting where Dr. DoBell provided a presentation on the College’s financial outlook and plans. Josh Sager, the State University of New York Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business, provided information about the State budget and how Rockland is fairing in relation to our peer institutions.
    • Virtually attended the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Legislative Summit to advocate for funding.
    • Met with Assemblymember Mike Lawler and State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick as part of legislative outreach.
    • Was invited to join Senator Reichlin-Melnick’s Educational Policy Committee representing higher education.
    • Announced a collaboration with the Apple Corporation to create certificate programs in their Develop App Academy using Swift coding language.
    • Was pleased to participate in the Black Achievement Awards. There were over 600 viewers live and more than 1700 viewers to date.
    • Reported that SUNY Board Chair, Dr. Merryl Tisch visited the campus.
    • Attended various Black History Month events.
    • Announced that he is the team chair for the Middle States regional accreditation self-study for Raritan Valley Community College in Spring 2022.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Read the names of the non-tenured faculty reappointed to third, fourth and fifth year.
      Third Year: James Liporace, William Blake Terry
      Fourth Year: Cheryl Iorio, Cynthia Lasman, Kostandinos Ritsatos, Dr. Louis Rosenfeld, Chris Spezial
      Fifth Year: Jodilynn Greico, Maureen Kroning, Sabrina Rieder
    • Answered trustees’ questions.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    • Discussed a new pilot program in collaboration with North Rockland High School for auto admissions for high school seniors.
    • Provided an enrollment update.
    • Commended the Black Achievement Awards committee and thanked Strategic Marketing for their hard work in putting together a meaningful event.
    • Virtual commencement planning is underway.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Announced that current year-to-date expenses are significantly down, compensating for a downturn in enrollment.
    • Reported that budget planning is underway.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • Vice President Lyddon reported in Dr. Coyle’s absence.
    • Thanked the maintenance staff for their hard work in snow removal.
    • Reported the county and state have signed an MOU for use of the RCC Fieldhouse as a vaccination site. Dr. Coyle Is exploring other options for summer programs and camps as the Fieldhouse may not be available.
    • Provided an update on events at Hudson Market on Main.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Reported that the Share the Love fundraising campaign met the goal, raising $58,000.
    • Is continuing to work with various departments on grants.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Reported that RCC is moving to a cloud based system
    • Is working to streamline systems.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:1/21/21
    2. Approval to amend the Conferral of Professor Emeritus Policy (Resolution 4-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Third Year (Resolution 5-2021)
    4. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fourth Year (Resolution 6-2021)
    5. Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2021-2022 Fifth Year (Resolution 7-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second Trustee Rand to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • None

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
    • none

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Attended events surrounding Black History Month.
    • Worked with State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick in a cannabis collaborative that provided recommendations to the governor’s office.
    • Attended the reentry task force meeting where Ian Pena presented on The 21st Century Approach to Education.

Student Government Association Report

  • Mr. Emanuel Bastos
    • Student Government is working on a report for the Board.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Trustee Dillon announced the passing of former trustee Gerry Bierker, who served as trustee from 2012-2015, and asked that the President send the family an acknowledgment of his service to the Board.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Donnellan and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos to adjourn at 7:47 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: March 25, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: via Zoom https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/92553932393

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
      1. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 8-2021)
      2. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 9-2021)
      3. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 10-2021)
      4. Approval of candidate for Professor Emeritus Status (Resolution 11-2021)
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
      1. Approval of the Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Testing (Resolution 12-2021)
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Interim Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Resolutions
    1. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 8-2021)
    2. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 9-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 10-2021)
    4. Approval of candidate for Professor Emeritus Status (Resolution 11-2021)
    5. Approval of the Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Testing (Resolution 12-2021)
  4. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 2/25/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  5. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Trustee Representative
  6. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  7. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  8. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  9. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, March 25, 2021 via Zoom.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Eric Magaram, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Timothy Doyle, Partner, The Bonadio Group; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: none

The meeting was called to order at 5:07 pm by Chair Wortendyke

  • Roll call was taken.

Chair Wortendyke welcomed new trustee, Ms. Elana Yeger, to the Board.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Resolution 8-2021 Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-202
      • Resolution 9-2021 Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022
      • Resolution 10-2021 Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022
      • Resolution 11-2021 Approval of candidate for Professor Emeritus Status
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the ESL program.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Brewer
    • Discussed Resolution 12-2021, Approval of the Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Testing.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, financial aid, and enrollment.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Reported that he met with the Executive Cabinet individually to discuss their divisional budgets.
    • Introduced Mr. Timothy Doyle who provided an audit update.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • none

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Thanked Trustee Valentine for speaking at the President’s Society.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the Kellogg grant application and the filming of community cooking classes at the Culinary Center.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Is working on IT budget planning with Dr. DoBell.
    • Reported that ransomware attacks are on the rise in higher education and is working with his team to secure RCC.
    • Answered trustees questions regarding the Banner conversion.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Asked for corrections/additions/deletions to the 2/25/21 minutes.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Will be attending her first NYCCT meeting in April.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • Asked the trustees to respond to the poll regarding topics for Board Education day.

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Trustee Yeger left the meeting at 5:30.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos, and Bastos to enter into executive session at 5:40 to discuss acquisition of real property.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Hilowitz, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos to exit executive session at 5:59 pm.
No action was taken.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Hilowitz, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos to adjourn at 6:01 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021
Place: Via Zoom videoconference
https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/92553932393

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Interim Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 2/25/21
    2. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 8-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 9-2021)
    4. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 10-2021)
    5. Approval of candidate for Professor Emeritus Status (Resolution 11-2021)
    6. Approval of the Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Testing (Resolution 12-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee Representative
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 797th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, March 25, 2021 via Zoom videoconference.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Eric Magaram, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Ms. Elana Yeger (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:09 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Discussed the Fall opening plans. SUNY anticipates significant return to face-to-face instruction. At RCC, we are currently planning on at least 50% density.
    • Reported that the RCC Fieldhouse is slated to be a vaccination site and we are ready to serve in that capacity.
    • Provided a financial update on the federal funds from the CARES ACT, CRRSA and American Recovery Act.
    • Hosted a Coffee and Conversations session where the topic was The Employee Experience.
    • Participated in Our Voices: What’s Next? Student Perspective to learn about the students’ needs and hear their thoughts on the fall 2021.
    • Reported that RCC honored Dr. Frances Pratt during Women’s History Month.
    • With Trustee Valentine, met with the superintendent of the East Ramapo School District, Dr. Ray Giamartino who will be working with Dr. Brewer to facilitate a smooth transition of students from the high schools to RCC.
    • Participated in two high profile, national podcasts on higher education and will report back on broadcast dates.
    • Has joined the Board of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, the nation’s leading organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship through community colleges.

Dr. Baston introduced Dr. Kathleen Hopkins, Dean of School of Nursing, Health and Wellness, and Dr. Maureen Kroning, Program Director, Nursing.

Chair Wortendyke publicly recognized Drs. Hopkins and Kroning for their dedication and hard work during the pandemic and the outstanding job they have done in preparing faculty and students.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Thanked the Board for their acknowledgment of the nursing department.
    • Read the names of those approved for reappointment, promotion and grant of tenure for academic year 2021-2022:
      • Grant of Tenure: Dr. Rachel Golland, Dr. Meghan Nolan
      • Assistant Professor: Khader Humied, Natalia Lubarsky
      • Second Year: Steven Carroll, Dominic Dimare
    • Is recommending Bill Baker, recently retired after more that 50 years at RCC, for professor emeritus.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    • Announced that RCC has been designated a military friendly school for the 10th straight year.
    • Reported that virtual student support continues and is robust with the upcoming Job Fair and Transfer Fair.
    • Is sad to share news of the death of a student, Charles Kadoche, who was close to graduating and will be awarded a degree posthumously.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Announced that there is a plan in place to complete the audit.
    • Reported that budget development is moving ahead as planned.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • none
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Reported that work is continuing on grants and scholarship applications are being accepted.
    • Is continuing work on the RCC website and increasing visibility via social media platforms.
    • Thanked Trustee Valentine for participating in President’s Society.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Is focusing efforts on information security and is making progress on points of vulnerability.
    • Reported that RCC is moving to a multi-factor authentication system (MFA).
    • Is working on moving RCC from the Google Suite to Microsoft 365 platform.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: 2/25/21
    2. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 8-2021)
    3. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 9-2021)
    4. Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 10-2021)
    5. Approval of candidate for Professor Emeritus Status (Resolution 11-2021)
    6. Approval of the Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Testing (Resolution 12-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second Trustee Dillon to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • Reminded the Board to participate in the poll regarding topics for Board Education day.

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • none

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Presented to the County legislature about police reform.
    • Met with the superintendent of East Ramapo school district in hopes of fostering a partnership with RCC.
    • Thanked Melissa Roy for her work with the Frances Pratt event.
    • Met with Sen. Schumer regarding the American Recovery Act.
    • Thanked Susan Lyddon for inviting him to President’s Society, and encouraged the trustees to participate if able.

Student Government Association Report

  • Mr. Emanuel Bastos
    • Is collaborating with Student Activities Board (SAB) in creating goodie bags for students to help with stress relief and provide information for mental health support.
    • Trustee Dillon reported that former student trustee Thomas Leonard has been appointed co-policy director for student affairs at Georgetown. Thomas attributes his success to what he learned through his experiences at RCC.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Trustee Dillon would like the Board to support the nomination of Patty Maloney Titland for an award at ACCT.
    • Reported that student trustee Emanuel Bastos was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Bastos, second by Trustee Dillon and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos and Bastos to adjourn at 7:05 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: April 22, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Zoom https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/94554913419

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
      1. Approval of 2021-22 Budget (Resolution 13-2021)
      2. Approval of Tuition and Fees 2021-2022 (Resolution 14-2021)
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
      1. Approval to designate public single-occupancy bathroom facilities as gender neutral (Resolution 15-2021)
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Resolutions
    1. Approval of 2021-22 Budget (Resolution 13-2021)
    2. Approval of Tuition and Fees 2021-2022 (Resolution 14-2021)
    3. Approval to designate public single-occupancy bathroom facilities as gender neutral (Resolution 15-2021)
  4. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 3/25/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  5. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  6. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  7. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  8. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  9. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, April 22, 2021 via Zoom.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Peter Arvanites, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert (excused); Ms. Lynne Hilowitz (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 pm by Chair Wortendyke

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Chair Wortendyke welcomed Trustee Yeger to her first full board meeting.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Reported that the Occupational Therapy Assistant’s program had a 100% pass rate
      on their yearly exam.
    • Announced the hiring of Dr. Jean Leandre, Dean of Career and Professional Development and Title V.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Brewer
    • Shared that the RCC Hotline, a call center for students, will be open by June 1, 2021. Students will be able to get help from with a live person, 24 hrs., 7 days a week.
    • Is preparing for commencement and invited the Board to attend the virtual event.
    • Provided an update on the fiscal impact of enrollment.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding professional counseling and the Connection Center.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Approval of 2021-22 Budget (Resolution 13-2021)
      • Approval of Tuition and Fees 2021-2022 (Resolution 14-2021)
    • Reported that cash flow has greatly improved.
    • Thanked his colleagues for their assistance with budget management.
    • Updated the Board on the audit results and student debt. Dr. DoBell thanked IT for their help in updating the student data in Banner. Gary Holeman commended the Banner Users Group for their diligence and hard work on the Banner transition.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the budget and the trend for enrollment throughout the SUNY system. Dr. Baston mentioned a focus on a robust adult learner market.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • Discussed Resolution 15-2021, Approval to designate public single-occupancy bathroom facilities as gender neutral.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding COVID-19 protocols for the youth programs and social media for the vaccination site.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Discussed the importance of the podcasts Dr. Baston has been involved with, and how they support grant funding.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding Institutional Research.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding a recent ransomware attack that was detected and stopped. Multi-Factor authentication will be launched in early June which will greatly reduce any chance of future attacks.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • none

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Trustee Dillon reported on Trustee Hilowitz’ behalf. Trustee Hilowitz attended the April NYCCT meeting where advocacy and professional development were a focus.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • none

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Reminded the Board that the financial disclosure forms are due to the County this month.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Bastos, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Yeger and Bastos to enter into executive session at 6:06 to discuss employment of a particular person.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Bastos, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Yeger and Bastos to exit executive session at 6:24.
No action was taken.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Yeger and Bastos to adjourn at 6:24 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Place: Via Zoom videoconference
https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/94554913419

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 3/25/21
    2. Approval of 2021-22 Budget (Resolution 13-2021)
    3. Approval of Tuition and Fees for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 14-2021)
    4. Approval to designate public single-occupancy bathroom facilities as gender neutral (Resolution 15-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 798th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, April 22, 2021 via Zoom videoconference.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Peter Arvanites, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert (excused); Ms. Lynne Hilowitz (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Reported that more that 10,000 shots have been administered at the Fieldhouse, the first mass vaccination site in Rockland and RCC received extensive media coverage.
    • Provided an update on how the newly passed New York State budget will affect RCC.
    • In conjunction with the governance leaders, hosted a College Forum to provide an update to the College community.
    • Will be hosting a Coffee and Conversations session RCC: A Future Ready College, to address the various ways we are meeting the needs of our students.
    • Reported on the commencement planning and is proud of the efforts being made to make it a momentous occasion for the graduating students.
    • Shared a video honoring Disability Awareness Month, featuring alumna Tatiana Clautaire who discussed her positive experience at RCC.
    • Noted the passing of Dr. George Hamada, the fifth president of RCC.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Reported that the Occupational Therapy Assistant’s program had a 100% pass rate on their yearly licensing exam.
    • Welcomed Dr. Jean Leandre, the new dean of Career and Professional Development and Title V.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    • Announced the RCC Hotline, a new call center that will launch in June.
    • Reported that enrollment is open for 264 sections offered over three summer sessions.
    • Commencement is May 20 and will have an in-person option as well as a virtual component for students and their families.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Reported that the audit report is near completion and the auditors will present at the May meeting.
    • Thanked the trustees for considering the budget.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • Is proud of the staff for their hard work in helping with the opening of the state vaccination site at the Fieldhouse.
    • Reported that the Emergency Generator project is moving along.
    • Will file for a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) once the application is available.
    • Is preparing for some summer youth programs in art, science, and culinary.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing work on the RCC website and increasing visibility via social media platforms including TikTok.
    • Continues to support EMSA with their enrollment efforts in various way including digital advertising.
    • Is moving forward with some exciting grants opportunities.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Reported that RCC is moving to a multi-factor authentication system (MFA).
    • Is working on moving RCC from the Google Suite to Microsoft 365 platform. The email and calendars will be migrated this summer.
    • Discussed Signal Vine, text messaging software for Higher Education, which will improve communication with our students.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: 2/25/21
    2. Approval of 2021-22 Budget (Resolution 13-2021)
    3. Approval of Tuition and Fees for Academic Year 2021-2022 (Resolution 14-2021)
    4. Approval to designate public single-occupancy bathroom facilities as gender neutral (Resolution 15-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second Trustee Dillon to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Yeger and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 6 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • none

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the county, including the Harriet Tubman sculpture event in Haverstraw, and Holocaust remembrance day.
    • Participated in a police reform panel hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas.

Student Government Association Report

  • Mr. Emanuel Bastos
    • Reported that the SGA election is complete.
    • Attended a meeting hosted by Chancellor Malatras about student mental health issues.
    • Shared experiences of students from other SUNY schools. He thanked the advisors and administration at RCC for their unwavering support of students, especially during the pandemic, and is grateful to be a part of the RCC community.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • None

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Valentine and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Yeger and Bastos to adjourn at 7:34 pm.

Board Meeting Minutes

A Meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Wednesday, April 28, 2021 via zoom videoconference

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne S. Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Oelkers-Ramos; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff.

Absent Was: Mr. Joseph Rand (excused); Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra-Donnellan (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert (excused)

Chair Wortendyke called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm.

  • Roll call was taken.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos to enter into executive session at 3:32 pm to discuss the employment of a particular person.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine , and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos to exit executive session at 3:44 pm.

MOTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Yeger to approve Resolution 16-2021, Approval to Extend the Employment Contract of President Michael A. Baston

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Yeger , and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos to adjourn at 3:48 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: May 20, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Presentation Mr. Timothy Doyle, Partner, Bonadio & Co., LLP
    1. Presentation of the College’s Annual Audit
  3. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
      1. Approval to accept the candidates for Promotion (Resolution 17-2021)
      2. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Web Development (Resolution 18-2021)
      3. Approval to discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Information/Computer Support (Resolution 19-2021)
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  4. Resolutions
    1. Approval to accept the candidates for Promotion (Resolution 17-2021)
    2. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Web Development (Resolution 18-2021)
    3. Approval to discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Information/Computer Support (Resolution 19-2021)
  5. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 4/22/21, 4/28/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  6. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  7. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  8. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  9. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  10. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: none

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 pm by Chair Wortendyke

  • Roll call was taken.

Presentation

  • Mr. Doyle
    • Presented the College’s annual audit report to the Board.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding risk assessment, best practices, and internal control matters.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Approval to accept the candidates for Promotion (Resolution 17-2021)
      • Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Web Development (Resolution 18-2021)
      • Approval to discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Information/Computer Support (Resolution 19-2021)
    • Highlighted the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
    • Chair Wortendyke commended the RCC’s winning debate team.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding Blackboard, microcredentialing and online learning for the Fall semester.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Brewer
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding student financial aid, tuition debt, and student support.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Reported that revenue is down due to lower enrollment but is compensated for by lower expenditures. Cash flow has improved.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the audit report, budget development and state aid.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the Shuttered Venue grant, summer camp and the youth programs, and campus beautification.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding social media and TikTok videos.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Explained Zoom bombing, dropping into a meeting uninvited, and security steps taken to prevent it. One occurred during a recent nursing information session for prospective students.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Asked the Board to complete the poll regarding topics for Board Education Day.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Attended the NYCCT meeting where she had the opportunity to explain all the work happening at RCC.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • none

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Reminded the Board that the financial disclosure forms are due to the County this month.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Hilowitz, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Eckert, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos to adjourn at 6:24 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 4/22/21, 4/28/21
    2. Approval to Accept the Candidates for Promotion (Resolution 17-2021)
    3. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Web Development (Resolution 18-2021)
    4. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Information/Computer Support (Resolution 19-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Mr. Emanuel Bastos
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 799th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Ms. Elana Yeger; Mr. Emanuel Bastos.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Helen Brewer, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: none

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Congratulated all who participated in today’s in-person and virtual commencement ceremonies.
    • Read a press release from Chancellor Malatras who complimented RCC on the great work that is happening at the College.
    • Showed highlights from the commencement ceremony.
    • Met with the legislature to discuss how RCC is working to build a future-ready college.
    • Discussed the recent Middle States virtual visit to the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center.
    • Is proud that RCC culinary students participated in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.
    • Presented at the AACC Digital convention on non-credit to credit pathways, and new operational and financial models since the pandemic.
    • Met with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where he is an engagement partner, consulted on topics such as redefining value in higher education.
    • Congratulated the staff, faculty and students on the conclusion of a successful academic year under extraordinary circumstances.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Read the names of those recommended for promotion to Associate Professor:
      • Eileen MacAvery Kane
      • Talia Lipton
      • Dr. Jeffrey McLean
    • Highlighted that RCC has partnered with Apple for a 3-course series on mobile app development.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Helen Brewer
    • Is proud of the success of today’s commencement celebration.
    • Reported that the application system is up and running in Banner which will greatly help students.
    • Announced that 1.1 million dollars were disbursed to students to offset COVID related expenses.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Thanked the audit committee for its help with the audit report.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • Has submitted a Shuttered Venue application to recoup losses incurred by the pool and theater due to COVID.
    • Announced that over 40,000 vaccines have been administered at the NYS run vaccination site at the Fieldhouse.
    • Reported that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) received an additional $100,000 from the Empire State Development Corp to help with digital marketing of small businesses. SBDC will hire RCC students to help local businesses with social media.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is focusing on public relations and social media.
    • Received a generous gift from the Rockland County Country Club to support the President’s Society.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Reported that on June 12, RCC is moving to multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 4/22/21, 4/28/21
    2. Approval to Accept the Candidates for Promotion (Resolution 17-2021)
    3. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Web Development (Resolution 18-2021)
    4. Approval to Discontinue the Certificate Program in Computer Information/Computer Support (Resolution 19-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Dillon, second Trustee Hilowitz to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 10 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • Reminded the Board to complete the poll regarding Board Education Day.

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • none

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County, including a Cinco de Mayo celebration hosted by the Mexican ambassador.
    • Attended the street naming ceremony for Frances Pratt.
    • Was asked to be one of the members of the equity awards committee for Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

Student Government Association Report

  • Mr. Emanuel Bastos
    • Is transferring to Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall, and will study mechanical engineering.
    • Thanked everyone for their support in his journey. RCC gave him the tools to succeed.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Wished Trustee Bastos great success on his future endeavors.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Donnellan and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Ramos, Yeger and Bastos to adjourn at 7:36 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: August 19, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. President’s Office Interim Executive Director, Dr. Virginia Meléndez
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Research and Data Associate (Resolution 20-2021)
    2. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Photography and Digital Arts (Resolution 21-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy (Resolution 22-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Dual Degree Policy (Resolution 23-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Degree Requirement Policy (Resolution 24-2021)
    3. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    4. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    5. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Benefits and Compensation Analyst (Resolution 25-2021)
      • Approval to Accept Funds from NY State for Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalk, and Site Improvements (Resolution 26-2021)
    6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    7. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Resolutions
    1. Approval of Creation of the Position of Research and Data Associate (Resolution 20-2021)
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Photography and Digital Arts (Resolution 21-2021)
    3. Approval to Amend the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy (Resolution 22-2021)
    4. Approval to Amend the Dual Degree Policy (Resolution 23-2021)
    5. Approval to Amend the Degree Requirement Policy (Resolution 24-2021)
    6. Approval of Creation of the Position of Benefits and Compensation Analyst (Resolution 25-2021)
    7. Approval to Accept Funds from NY State for Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalk, and
      Site Improvements (Resolution 26-2021)
  4. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 5/20/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  5. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  6. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  7. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  8. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  9. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Bart Grachan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Peter Marino, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:10 pm by Chair Wortendyke

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Chair Wortendyke welcomed Rafhilene Frias Sanchez, the new student trustee.
  • Dr. Baston introduced two new members of the Executive team, Dr. Bart Grachan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives.

President

  • Dr. Baston
    • Discussed the following resolution:
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Research and Data Associate (Resolution 20-2021)
    • Reported that Jason Tomlinson has left the President’s Office and is now working as a Title V Outreach Coordinator.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Photography and Digital Arts (Resolution 21-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy (Resolution 22-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Dual Degree Policy (Resolution 23-2021)
      • Approval to Amend the Degree Requirement Policy (Resolution 24-2021)
    • Provided an update on plans for the English Skills Academy and 3-D lab at the Haverstraw Center.
    • Reported that in September, the College will offer a Cannabis Dispensary course.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding tutoring and the Auto Tech Center.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Grachan
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding new student orientation and the President’s Student Support Fund.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Reported that a new invoice routing system and new filing system are in place, and the College’s cash flow has increased.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding expenses, the audit, and distribution of federal funds.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • Discussed the following resolutions:
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Benefits and Compensation Analyst (Resolution 25-2021)
      • Approval to Accept Funds from NY State for Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalk, and Site Improvements (Resolution 26-2021)
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the events at the Fieldhouse.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding grants and scholarships.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the switchover to Outlook and email security.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Ben Naylor asked the Board to complete a doodle poll to reschedule Board Education Day.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Will participate with NYCCT in a call with the new governor scheduled for the fall.
    • Dr. Baston invited the Board to the ACCT conference in San Diego in October.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • none

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Will be meeting with the auditors next week.

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Wished Happy Birthday to members of the Board.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Donnellan, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Dillon, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to enter into executive session at 5:56 pm to discuss legal issues.

MOTION & ACTION
By Vice Chair Rand, second by Trustee Valentine, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Dillon, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to exit executive session at 6:26 pm.
No action was taken.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Valentine, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 6:27 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, August 19, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 5/20/21
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Research and Data Associate (Resolution 20-2021)
    3. Approval of Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Photography and Digital Arts (Resolution 21-2021)
    4. Approval to Amend the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy (Resolution 22-2021)
    5. Approval to Amend the Dual Degree Policy (Resolution 23-2021)
    6. Approval to Amend the Degree Requirement Policy (Resolution 24-2021)
    7. Approval of Creation of the Position of Benefits and Compensation Analyst (Resolution 25-2021)
    8. Approval to Accept Funds from NY State for Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalk, and Site Improvements (Resolution 26-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Ms. Rafhilene Frias-Sanchez
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 800th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison;
Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Dykstra Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Bart Grachan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Peter Marino, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Chair Wortendyke

  • Welcomed the new student trustee, Rafhilene Frias Sanchez, to the Board.
  • Congratulated Dr. Baston on his appointment to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Announced that the County has passed the RCC budget.
    • Polled the campus community, faculty, staff and students, on their feelings about the fall return to campus.
    • Attended the 8th annual Anthony Amoros Memorial Car Show.
    • Advised new students as “Student Advisor for a Day.”
    • Participated in his first AACC Board of Directors retreat.
    • Collaborated with Kristine Young, president of Orange Community College on an Op-Ed piece regarding the post-pandemic challenges colleges are facing.
    • Discussed various panels and podcasts he participated in over the summer.
    • Invited all to the Fall Fest 2021 welcoming back the faculty, staff and students. The theme is RCC Ready – Resilient, Capable and Committed.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Vice Chair Rand left the meeting at 7:15.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Highlighted that the RCC Nursing Program has been ranked #1 out of 76 by the Nursing Process Organization.
    • Reported that Fabiola Riobe, Associate Provost, was just appointed to the AACC Commission on College Readiness.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    • Is pleased to report that enrollment is up over last year.
    • Announced that 3.6 million dollars were distributed to students to offset COVID related expenses.
    • Is poised to sign an agreement with St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) for 25 student beds for the upcoming academic year.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Will schedule a meeting with Bonadio and the audit committee.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • Announced that the Small Business Administration has awarded the College $134,000 for the Shuttered Venue Grant.
    • Is working closely with IT on the phone upgrade.
    • Is collaborating with Institutional Advancement on the communications regarding the changing COVID guidance.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing to build and update the RCC website pages with a special focus on the academic program pages and the business and community pages.
    • Is prioritizing communications to faculty, staff and students regarding mask wearing, vaccinations and other COVID related guidance.
    • Is helping with recruitment and enrollment using outlets such as social media.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Is excited about the success of the student hotline. There were over 1100 student contacts in July and 56% of calls were resolved on first contact.
    • Is proud of the work done by his staff during the successful migration to Outlook.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 5/20/21
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Research and Data Associate (Resolution 20-2021)
    3. Approval of Creation of the Position of Coordinator of Photography and Digital Arts (Resolution 21-2021)
    4. Approval to Amend the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy (Resolution 22-2021)
    5. Approval to Amend the Dual Degree Policy (Resolution 23-2021)
    6. Approval to Amend the Degree Requirement Policy (Resolution 24-2021)
    7. Approval of Creation of the Position of Benefits and Compensation Analyst (Resolution 25-2021)
    8. Approval to Accept Funds from NY State for Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalk, and Site Improvements (Resolution 26-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second Trustee Yeger to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Reported that there will be a meeting in November that will include the new governor.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County.
    • Met with Rockland County DA Tom Walsh regarding the opioid epidemic.
    • Is a member of the equity awards committee for Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the NYCCT awards committee.
    • Chair Wortendyke thanked Trustee Valentine for his work on behalf of the College.

Student Government Association Report

  • Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez
    • none

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 7:45 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: September 23, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. President’s Office President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation (Resolution 27-2021)
    2. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    3. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Assistant Director of Enrollment Technology Operations (Resolution 28-2021)
    4. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    5. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    7. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Resolutions
    1. Approval of Creation of the Position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation (Resolution 27-2021)
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Assistant Director of Enrollment Technology Operations (Resolution 28-2021)
  4. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 8/19/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  5. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  6. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  7. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  8. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  9. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.
Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Bart Grachan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Mr. Peter Marino, Ms. Patricia Zodda, Faculty Senate Representatives; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, (excused); Mr. Joseph Rand, (excused); Ms.
MariEllyn Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:05 pm by Secretary Eckert

  • Roll call was taken.

President’s Office

  • Dr. Baston
    • Announced the following resolution to be discussed at the formal meeting:
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation (Resolution 27-2021)
    • Ben Naylor answered trustees’ questions regarding the infrastructure bill, and government outreach.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Reported that while the majority of classes for Spring 2022 will be in person, we are meeting the needs of the students who prefer remote learning. A survey will be sent to students to help determine that need.
    • Will send the Board the results of the survey.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding retention, and Honor Lock, a proctoring
      software for online exams.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Grachan
    • Discussed the following resolution:
      • Approval of Creation of the Position of Assistant Director of Enrollment Technology Operations (Resolution 28-2021)
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding CARES Act funds, Accuplacer and Accounts Receivable.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Thanked the Audit committee for sharing their time with the auditors.
    • Announced the upcoming Banner training sessions.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding operating funds.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • VP Lyddon reported in Dr. Coyle’s absence.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding PROJECT ELEVATE, an educational program for people with disabilities.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Dr. Baston answered trustees’ questions regarding micro credentials and reviving a short-term credential EMT / Paramedic program.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Reported that the student hotline has been extremely popular. From June through August, the call center staff spent 882 hours with students, far exceeding expectations.
    • Announced that the AV upgrades to the Ellipse are complete, the SUNY student vaccination portal is in place and the new phone system is in and going live.

Board Secretary Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • none

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • none
    • Ben Naylor reminded the Board about the NYCCT conference, November 5-6, 2021 in Saratoga Springs.

Board Education Day

  • Secretary Eckert, Trustee Valentine
    • October 4, 2021 is Board Education Day at the Culinary Center in Nyack.

Audit Committee Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Met with the auditors from Bonadio and thanked Dr. DoBell and the Finance department for their hard work on the audit.

Old/New Business

  • Secretary Eckert
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Yeger, and unanimously approved by trustees: Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 6:01 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, September 23, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. Presentation – Enrollment Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
  4. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  5. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 8/19/21
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation (Resolution 27-2021)
    3. Approval of Creation of the Position of Assistant Director of Enrollment Technology Operations (Resolution 28-2021)
  7. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  8. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  9. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  10. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Ms. Rafhilene Frias-Sanchez
  11. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 801st board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Bart Grachan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Mr. Brian Sondey, Executive Director for Enrollment Services; Mr. Peter Marino, Ms. Patricia Zodda, Faculty Senate Representatives; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, (excused); Mr. Joseph Rand, (excused); Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm by Secretary Eckert.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

Presentation

  • Dr. Bart Grachan, Mr. Brian Sondey
    • Provided an overview of Enrollment Management at RCC.
    • Is working to aggressively recruit both new and continuing students.
    • Discussed the importance of a unified approach in increasing enrollment.
    • Reported that enrollment is down 6% which is well ahead of most SUNY and CUNY community colleges.
    • Exceeded targets for first-time student enrollment.
    • Discussed various enrollment campaigns such as SUNY’s Stay Near Go Far.
    • Is working to help students get financial holds released in order to register.
    • Reported on the new technology to track students.
    • Discussed the housing available to RCC students at St. Thomas Aquinas.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Announced this year’s theme: Properly Purposed, Positioning RCC for a Post-Pandemic Future..
    • Kicked off the semester with Fall Fest, welcoming the faculty, staff and students back to campus..
    • Participated in Hispanic Heritage Month activities on campus..
    • Spoke at the RCC 9/11 remembrance ceremony..
    • Announced that Insight into Diversity awarded RCC the 2021 Excellence in Diversity award, and thanked Melissa Roy for her work in this area..
    • Is giving the Keynote speech at the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship in Minneapolis, MN on October 3, 2021..
    • Discussed the RCC vision for talent development and economic mobility. All students will be on a pathway to a credential of value that supports the economic development goals of our region and aligns with the career and economic aspirations of our students. Liberal art grads will have to add technical skills in the new economy..
    • Announced the new position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation that will help with this vision..
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Reported that Dr. Kathy Hopkins, Dean of the School of Nursing Health and Wellness, was presented with an American flag from former Nursing student, Kristin Warburg deployed to the Middle East. She dedicated it to the Nursing program and said she would not have been successful transporting the 100s of wounded warriors back to the US without the skills and knowledge gained at RCC.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    • Announced that the vaccine policy has gone into effect. Six hundred fifty students verified vaccination and there have been 50 exemptions granted.
    • Reported that the preferred name, personal pronoun piece in our system is now fully active.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Thanked the audit committee.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • VP Lyddon reported that the Small Business Administration has hired a digital project advisor.
    • Announced that RCC has now received $200,000 from the Shuttered Venue grant.
    • Reported that Hudson Market on Main has opened the Hawk’s Nest in the Student Union.
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing the work on updating the website pages with a focus on enrollment, and continuing to improve Dr. Baston’s media presence.
    • Reported that RCC received the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant that subsidizes child care for our students.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • none

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 8/19/21
    2. Approval of Creation of the Position of Vice President for Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation (Resolution 27-2021)
    3. Approval of Creation of the Position of Assistant Director of Enrollment Technology Operations (Resolution 28-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Dillon, second Trustee Yeger to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez.
Nays: none
Motion passed: 6 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • Reminded the trustees about the upcoming Board Education Day on October 4.

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • none

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County.
    • With Dr. Baston, met with the Spring Valley and Nyack NAACP presidents to discuss partnership and workforce development.
    • Met with a team from RCC, DA Walsh, Senator Reichlin Melnick and a representative from the State Attorney General’s office to discuss gun violence and the opioid addiction crisis in Rockland.

Student Government Association Report

  • Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez
    • Reported that the SGA will meet virtually for the Fall semester to ensure the meetings are accessible to all.
    • Announced that the SGA elections are open.
    • Is working with the SGA on a mentoring program to support international students.

Old / New Business

  • Ms. Mary Lou Dillon
    • Read an email from former student trustee Thomas Leonard who is having great success at Georgetown University.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Frias Sanchez, second by Trustee Yeger and unanimously approved by trustees: Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 8:12 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: October 19, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. President’s Office President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
    2. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    3. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    4. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    5. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    7. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Resolutions
    1. Approval to Nominate Martin Wortendyke for the 2021 NYCCT Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service (Resolution 29-2021)
    2. Approval to Nominate Dr. Mary Leahy for the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award (Resolution 30-2021)
  4. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 9/23/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  5. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  6. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  7. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  8. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  9. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Ms. Josephine Coleman, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Elana Yeger, (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:07 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

President’s Office

  • Dr. Baston
    • Ben Naylor answered trustees’ questions regarding infrastructure projects at the Culinary Center and State reimbursement for outfitting Hudson Market on Main.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Highlighted the results of the survey that asked student preference for Spring 2022 classes. 790 students responded, and with the exception of science labs and studio art classes, the preference was evenly split between face-to-face and remote classes.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding outreach to the business community, academic integrity, micro credentialing, the policy on recording lectures, and the need to dispel the belief that community college is “13th grade”.
    • Vice Chair Rand commended the students who met with the Board on Board Education Day, and asked about methods the College uses to reach students.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Grachan
    • Dr. Deer reported in Dr. Grachan’s absence.
    • Is working with Academic Affairs to increase enrollment for the Flex II session.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding CARES Act funds, the high school program, new student orientation, and enrollment in flex sessions.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Is months ahead in uploading data to the audit portal.
    • The preliminary annual report for SUNY is complete.
    • The auditors will be on campus the week of November 15.
    • Worked with Dr. Grachan to develop a strategy to ensure all the HEERF funds are utilized.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the annual audit.

Operations and Strategic Initiatives

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • VP Lyddon reported in Dr. Coyle’s absence.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding how CCAMPIS grant money is distributed.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Pointed out the new 360-degree OWL camera, specifically designed for hybrid meeting use, employed this evening that significantly improves the remote participant’s experience.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding replacement computers, and internet security and “Zoom bombing”.

Board Secretary Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Discussed the following resolutions and thanked the Board for the nomination:
      • Approval to Nominate Martin Wortendyke for the 2021 NYCCT Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service (Resolution 29-2021)
      • Approval to Nominate Dr. Mary Leahy for the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award (Resolution 30-2021)
  • Mr. Naylor
    • Asked the Board Chair and members of the Board to participate in the SUNY/ASPEN Board Engagement Series.

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • none

Board Education Day

  • Trustee Valentine
    • Recapped Board Education Day held on October 4, 2021. There were presentations on enrollment, the Nursing department, ethics, and from David Baime, Senior Vice President for Government Relations, American Association of Community Colleges and Jee Hang Lee, President, American Community College Trustees.

Audit Committee Report

  • Secretary Eckert
    • Met with the auditors from Bonadio and will be meeting with the claims auditor later this month.

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Ramos, second by Trustee Rand, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 6:10 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. Presentation – Enrollment Mr. Thomas Morley, Director, Small Business Development Center
  4. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  5. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 9/23/21
    2. Approval to Nominate Martin Wortendyke for the 2021 NYCCT Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service (Resolution 29-2021)
    3. Approval to Nominate Dr. Mary Leahy for the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award (Resolution 30-2021)
  7. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  8. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  9. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  10. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Ms. Rafhilene Frias-Sanchez
  11. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 802nd board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Susan Ramos; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Ms. Josephine Coleman, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Thomas Morley, Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC); Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was:Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan, (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Elana Yeger, (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:44 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

Presentation

  • Mr. Thomas Morley
    • Provided an overview of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
    • The SBDC provides management and technical assistance to small business and entrepreneurs, finding solutions and capitalizing on opportunities. Services are no cost and completely confidential.
    • It serves to connect RCC to the business community through direct business advisement, student digital projects and workforce development.
    • Throughout the pandemic, SBDC assisted 1,424 clients and reached 5,892 small businesses with pandemic specific training.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Gave the Board the President’s Annual Report, a recap of the accomplishments of the past year.
    • Spoke in support of Dr. Mary Leahy, winner of the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award, who has been a strong supporter of the College.
    • Gave the Keynote speech at the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship in Minneapolis, MN on October 3, 2021 discussing how important it is for community colleges to be involved in entrepreneurial endeavors.
    • Is working to get a $3 million Connecting Minority Communities Grant as well as seeking other grant opportunities.
    • Discussed the SUNY/ASPEN senior team professional development.
    • Is enjoying teaching the Civil Liberties class and watching his students grow.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding grants.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Highlighted Dr. Katie Lynch, Stephen Burke and Emily Grace will be presenting on the Accelerated Pathways Project at the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience annual conference in February 2022.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    • none
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Thanked the audit committee.
  4. Operations and Strategic Initiatives Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • none
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Highlighted the updated academic website pages.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Is researching a data analytics platform that will help the executive team get access to actionable data.
    • Is working on significant equipment upgrades in classrooms.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Vice Chair Rand read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 9/23/21
    2. Approval to Nominate Martin Wortendyke for the 2021 NYCCT Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service (Resolution 29-2021)
    3. Approval to Nominate Dr. Mary Leahy for the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award (Resolution 30-2021)

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Ramos, second Vice Chair Rand to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos and Frias Sanchez.
Nays: none
Abstention: Chair Wortendyke
Motion passed: 6 yeas, 0 nay, 1 abstention

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Announced that NYCCT conference is November 5-6, 2021. She will be representing the College at the conference.
    • Reported that ACCT has elected a new board of directors.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County.
    • Met with Dr. Mary Leahy to discuss the partnership between RCC and Good Samaritan Hospital.
    • Attended the Holocaust Museum grand opening.

Student Government Association Report

  • Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez
    • Announced that the SGA elections are complete.
    • Reported that the SGA is working to get more gender-neutral bathrooms on campus.
    • With the SGA, is hosting an International Student Mixer, to help the international students feel more supported by the College. The SGA has also requested that scholarships be made available to international students.
    • Reported that the SGA is working to rebuild relationships with high school counselors so they will more readily recommend RCC to their students.
    • Shared that many students have reported feeling unsafe due to fellow students not wearing masks.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Hilowitz and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Valentine, Dillon, Hilowitz, Ramos and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 7:44 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: November 18, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. President’s Office President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
    2. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    3. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    4. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    5. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    7. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  3. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 10/19/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  4. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  5. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  6. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  7. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
    1. Discussion to change monthly meetings to Monday nights
  8. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Ms. Kathleen Carroll, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Mark Davidoff, Director, Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center, Nyack; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Ms. Susan Ramos, (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 5:08 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Trustees Donnellan and Frias Sanchez joined at 5:19 pm.

President’s Office

  • Dr. Baston
    • Trustee Dillon noted that discussions have occurred regarding a potential partnership with RCC and the Learning Collaborative. Should that come to fruition, Trustee Dillon would not teach in the Spring semester to avoid a conflict of interest.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding Spring Valley High School.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Is proud that RCC was asked to present at the SUNY Guided Pathways meeting on Accelerated Pathways.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the Introduction to the Schools (ITTS) course, the Honors Program, and student advisement.
    • Trustee Valentine asked the Board to recognize the Visual Arts students for their
      recent achievements.

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Grachan
    • Trustee Valentine asked that the Board recognize the women’s volleyball team who made it to the national tournament.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding financial aid, student vaccinations and new student orientation.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Highlighted that the auditors are on site and reported that there are no red flags so far.
    • Reported that the auditors are focusing on IT and thanked Gary Holeman for his help.
    • Announced that the stimulus dollars go through fiscal year 2023, and is working on a plan for 2024.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding grants, IT and the restricted fund.

Operations

  • Dr. Beth Coyle
    • Dr. Baston reported in Dr. Coyle’s absence.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding the Street Team’s marketing project, and the recent Jeopardy! Competition held at St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • none

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Eckert
    • none

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Attended the NYCCT conference on Nov. 3-5, 2022 and found it highly informative.

Board Education Day

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • A written report on Education Day will be drafted and filed for Middle States.

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Opened the discussion to move the Board of Trustees meetings to Monday nights.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Donnellan, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 6:08 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda


Meeting Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. Presentation Mr. Mark Davidoff, Director, Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center
  4. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  5. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 10/19/21
  7. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  8. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  9. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  10. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Ms. Rafhilene Frias-Sanchez
  11. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 803rd board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Joseph Rand, Board Vice Chair; Ms. Ileana Eckert, Board Secretary; Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Ms. Kathleen Carroll, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Mark Davidoff, Director, Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center, Nyack; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 6:38 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

Presentation

  • Mr. Mark Davidoff
    • Handles all non-academic activities at the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack.
    • Participated in Project Elevate, a program designed to help developmentally challenged young adults learn kitchen safety and cooking skills.
    • Assisted in the Thanksgiving celebration for veterans and international students.
    • Outlined his goals for the Center, including raising awareness to increase enrollment.
    • Creates programming that engages the community, most recently a food enthusiast program that focused on Oktoberfest.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Discussed the opportunities provided by the Culinary Center.
    • Has increased the number of short term, robust non-credential programs that provide family-supporting wages.
    • Is continuing to develop relationships and critical partnerships in the community.
    • Is proud that the Board is able to assert itself as a powerful influence in the community college system.
    • Discussed his most recent article in Inside Higher Ed, “From Crisis Comes Opportunity”.
    • Commended Brian Sondey, Executive Director for Enrollment Services, and the enrollment team on their hard work.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding grants.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Provided highlights from the Chief Academic Officers conference.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    • Reported that enrollment has exceeded expectations and thanked Academic Affairs for their cooperation in the enrollment effort.
    • Is proud that over 100 people participated in customer service training which will provide a competitive edge.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Announced that the auditors were on site this week and all was going well.
  4. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • none
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing to update the website pages.
    • Is working to increase public relations opportunities.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Reported that classroom equipment upgrades are continuing.
    • Is working to change the culture of the College regarding upgrades in technology. working on significant equipment upgrades in classrooms.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 10/19/21

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Dillon, second Trustee Valentine to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez.
Nays: none
Abstention: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstention

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Along with Dr. Baston, Chair Wortendyke, Vice Chair Rand and Trustees Valentine and Eckert, attended the NYCCT conference November 5-6, where Chair Wortendyke was honored.
    • Ben Naylor reminded the Board that the ACCT National Legislative Summit will be next February in Washington DC.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County, including the funeral of Leonard Kurz, a longtime supporter of the College.

Student Government Association Report

  • Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez
    • Shared that many students have participated in volunteer events around the County.
    • The SGA has held many successful student events, including a Halloween event, and an International Student Mixer.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 7:46 pm.

Workshop Agenda

Meeting Date: December 16, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Presentation Board Chair, Martin Wortendyke
    1. Congratulating Dr. Mary Leahy for the 2021 NYCCT Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award
  3. Department Discussion and Q&A
    1. President’s Office President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
    2. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    3. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    4. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    5. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    6. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    7. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  4. Resolutions
    1. Approval for a new Associate of Science degree in Healthcare Science (Resolution 31-2021)
  5. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
    1. Previous meeting minutes 11/18/21 (corrections/additions/deletions)
  6. NYCCT, ACCT Reports Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
  7. Board Education Day Ms. Ileana Eckert, Mr. Grant Valentine
  8. Audit Committee Report Board Chair Mr. Martin Wortendyke,
    Ms. Ileana Eckert, Ms. Susan Ramos
  9. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke
  10. Executive Session (if necessary)

Workshop Minutes

A Workshop of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Faculty Senate Representative; Dr. Mary Leahy, CEO, Bon Secours Charity Health System; Mr. Thomas Leonard, former student trustee; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Mr. Joseph Rand, (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

Presentation

  • Dr. Baston
    • Provided a brief introduction to Dr. Mary Leahy, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System
    • Commended Dr. Leahy on her more than 20 year’s work in the healthcare industry and her sustained commitment to education and support of Rockland Community College.
    • Presented her with the 2021 New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT) Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award
    • Dr. Leahy thanked the Board and reinforced her belief in partnership and support of RCC students.
    • Dr. Leahy answered trustees’ questions.

The meeting was called to order at 5:42 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.
  • Trustees Donnellan and Frias Sanchez joined at 5:19 pm.

President’s Office

  • Dr. Baston
    • Ben Naylor answered trustees’ questions regarding the Learning Collaborative.

Academic Affairs Report

  • Dr. Deer
    • Reported that there will now be a Faculty Senate report included in Academic Affairs Board report.
    • Discussed Resolution 31-2021, Approval for a new Associate of Science degree in Healthcare Science

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Report

  • Dr. Grachan
    • Along with Dr. Deer, is increasing outreach to the Rockland high schools.
    • Discussed vaccination requirements for students.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding SAGE and early alert systems for students, enrollment and recruitment, and the availability of academic support and mental health services.

Finance Report

  • Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Highlighted that a draft of the audit report should be ready by January 17, 2022 and presented to the audit committee on January 24,2022.
    • Thanked the Finance department for making the audit process very smooth.
    • Announced that we have hired a Comptroller.
    • Ben Naylor answered trustees’ questions regarding the trustees’ role in budget advocacy and meeting with the local elected officials.

Operations

  • Dr. Baston for Dr. Coyle
    • Dr. Baston answered questions regarding capacity in the theater, Fieldhouse and pool, and the status of the Seniors’ Club.
    • Chair Wortendyke noted that the Campus Fun and Learn has paid all outstanding obligations to the College.

Institutional Advancement

  • Ms. Lyddon
    • Thanked Trustee Dillon for speaking with the President’s Society.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding anonymous reporting forms, and scholarships for theater students.

Information Technology Services

  • Mr. Gary Holeman
    • none

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Eckert
    • none

NYCCT, ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Reported that there will be a NYCCT breakfast on Feb. 8, 2022, during the ACCT National Legislative Conference.

Board Education Day

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • none

Audit Committee Report

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Asked that a summary of Dr. DoBell’s meeting with the auditors be sent to the audit committee.

Old/New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Asked for comments regarding the possibility of moving the Board of Trustees’ meetings to Monday nights.
    • Chair Wortendyke announced the meetings will move to Monday nights beginning March 2022.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Yeger, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to enter into executive session at 6:47 pm to discuss employment issues.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Hilowitz, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to exit executive session at 7:08 pm.
No action was taken.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Dillon, second by Trustee Yeger, and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 7:11 pm.

Board Meeting Agenda

Meeting Date: Thursday, December 16, 2021
Place: Student Union, Room 3214

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. President’s Agenda President, Dr. Michael A. Baston
  4. Department Highlights
    1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    4. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 11/18/21
    2. Approval for a new Associate of Science degree in Healthcare Science (Resolution 31-2021)
  6. Board Secretary Report Secretary, Ms. Ileana Eckert
  7. NYCCT/ACCT Reports Trustee, Ms Lynne Hilowitz
  8. Board Community Outreach Report Liaison, Mr. Grant Valentine
  9. Student Government Report Student Trustee, Ms. Rafhilene Frias-Sanchez
  10. Old/New Business Board Chair, Mr. Martin Wortendyke

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.

Board Meeting Minutes

The 804th board meeting of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees was held Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

Trustees Present: Mr. Martin Wortendyke, Board Chair; Mr. Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison; Ms. Mary Lou Dillon; Ms. MariEllyn Donnellan; Ms. Lynne Hilowitz; Ms. Elana Yeger; Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez.

Also Present: Dr. Michael A. Baston, President; Dr. Susan Deer, Provost and Executive Vice President; Dr. Dan DoBell, Interim Chief Finance Officer; Ms. Susan Lyddon, Vice President Institutional Advancement, Executive Director Rockland Community College Foundation; Dr. Virginia Meléndez, Interim Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives; Ms. Melissa Roy, Chief Diversity Officer; Mr. Gary Holeman, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Benjamin Naylor, Chief of Staff; Dr. Jeffrey McLean, Faculty Senate Representative; Mr. Thomas Leonard, former student trustee; Mr. Javonne Johnson, Mr. Michael Kluger, Videographers.

Absent Was: Mr. Joseph Rand, (excused); Ms. Ileana Eckert, (excused); Ms. Susan Ramos (excused)

The meeting was called to order at 7:12 pm by Chair Wortendyke.

  • Roll call was taken.

Public Comment

  • none

President’s Report

  • Dr. Michael Baston
    • Showed some media clips from the recent press conference regarding the new RCCEMT program.
    • Highlighted the Street Team and their work with RCC alum Howard Hellman in marketing and logo design for a local real estate company. Experiences like these help make students “Real World Ready.”
    • Commended Melissa Roy and Virginia Melendez on their grant work focusing on low-income communities.
    • Reported that Chair Wortendyke and Vice Chair Rand are participating in an Aspen program that will help inform trustees on how to support transformational institutional change.
    • Met with Assemblyman Mike Lawler to discuss funding for SUNY community colleges in the annual state budget, and support of TAP grants for students in short term workforce programs.
    • Gave an update on McDonald’s Equitable Economic Recovery and Worker Mobility Initiative. RCC is one of three colleges in the country who will work on this micro credentialing program.
    • Announced that he has been invited to join the Board of Trustees at Teachers College, Columbia University.
    • Thanked the Board for their support.
    • Answered trustees’ questions.

Department Highlights

  1. Academic Affairs Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Susan Deer
    • Reported that the Automotive Center will now train students in service for electric vehicles and will be purchasing an electric vehicle charging station with Real World Ready grant funds.
  2. Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Interim Vice President, Dr. Bart Grachan
    • Highlighted that spring applications are up 42% over last year.
    • Noted that the women’s volleyball team had a successful run.
    • Continues to expand our dual enrollment offerings in partnership with local schools.
  3. Finance Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Dan DoBell
    • Announced that the audit report will be completed mid-March.
  4. Operations Vice President, Dr. Beth A. Coyle
    • none
  5. Institutional Advancement Vice President, Ms. Susan Lyddon
    • Is continuing to work on the website with updates, additions, and revisions.
    • Announced the hiring of an Executive Director of Development, Joan Halligan Wang.
  6. Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gary Holeman
    • Has been in discussion with fellow SUNY CIOs focusing on cybersecurity and ransomware and the need for multifactor authentication.
    • Answered trustees’ questions regarding ransomware and phishing.

Consent Agenda – Board Chair Martin Wortendyke

  • Chair Wortendyke read the following:
    1. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes: 11/18/21

MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second Trustee Dillon to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION
Yeas: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez.
Nays: none
Abstention: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstention

Board Secretary Report

  • Ms. Ileana Eckert
    • none

NYCCT/ACCT Reports

  • Ms. Lynne Hilowitz
    • Announced that the ACCT National Legislative Summit will be next February in Washington DC.

Board Community Outreach Report

  • Mr. Grant Valentine
    • Represented RCC at various events around the County, including delivering presentation on parole reform.

Student Government Association Report

  • Ms. Rafhilene Frias Sanchez
    • The SGA is working on many activities such as working with the Red Cross to organize a blood drive.
    • Thanked Dr. Grachan for addressing student issues.

Old / New Business

  • Chair Wortendyke
    • Trustee Yeger requested a presentation on mental health services available to students.
    • Dr. Baston invited all trustees’ to the campus holiday party, December 22, 2021.

MOTION & ACTION
By Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Dillon and unanimously approved by trustees: Wortendyke, Valentine, Dillon, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Yeger and Frias Sanchez to adjourn at 8:11 pm.

Downloadable PDFs of 2021 Workshop and Meeting Minutes

2020 Agendas and Minutes