All past Board of Trustees resolutions 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 Dr. Virginia Meléndez at [email protected] request past board materials. Thank you.

Resolution 1-2025: Strengthening the Community College Presidential Search Process and Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/6/25
Date: February 6, 2025 To: Board of Trustees From: L’Tanya M. Watkins, Board Chair Subject: Strengthening the Community College Presidential Search Process and Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and WHEREAS, On November 12, 2024, the State University of New York (“SUNY”) Board of Trustees adopted a resolution regarding “Strengthening the Community College Presidential Search Process and Ensuring Transparency and Accountability” (the “Resolution”) which amends the SUNY Guidelines for Presidential Searches for Community Colleges (the “SUNY Guidelines”); and WHEREAS, The Chancellor of SUNY and other SUNY officials have taken action(s) in furtherance of the aforesaid Resolution, including implementing new requirements regarding the employment contract of community college presidents; and WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College has been advised that the adoption and implementation of said Resolution exceeds the statutory authority granted to the SUNY Board, in contravention to statute and existing policy and/or guidelines; and WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College has further been advised that the SUNY Board failed to promulgate the new rules/requirements contained in the Resolution pursuant to the State Administrative Procedure Act’s statutorily required rulemaking procedure; and WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College has determined that it is in its best interest to institute legal action, and/or take any other appropriate legal action to protect its rights, authority and autonomy as it relates to the Community College Presidential Search Process. RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College hereby appoints Ingerman Smith, LLP, as Special Counsel for the purpose of commencing legal action against the SUNY Board of Trustees, the Chancellor of SUNY, Dr. John King, and/or any other proper parties on a cooperative basis with other community colleges and/or parties in the State Supreme Court, County of Albany, and/or other appropriate administrative agency(ies), jurisdiction(s) and/or tribunal(s), challenging the legality of the action(s) taken by SUNY related to the Resolution, the legality of the Resolution and the action(s) that the Chancellor of SUNY and others have taken in furtherance of the aforesaid Resolution and/or take any other appropriate legal action to address issues relating to the Resolution and its impact on the interests, rights, autonomy and authority of the Rockland Community College; and RESOLVED, That the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College is herewith authorized to execute a retainer agreement with Ingerman Smith, LLP, and any other necessary documentation relative to this appointment, on behalf of the Board.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Eckert, Gruber, Stilley, Valentine, Wortendyke and Yeger Nays: 0 Abstentions: None Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions February 6, 2025
Resolution 2-2025: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 3rd Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25

 

Date: February 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 3rd Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and have been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and are recommended for reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer-in-Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to their third year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025:

Third Year:
Angela Northrup
Dina Mounitz
Gaelle Duvivier
Kathlen Shankar

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
February 24, 2025

Resolution 3-2025: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 4th Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25

 

Date: February 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 4th Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and have been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and are recommended for reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer-in-Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to their fourth year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025:

Fourth Year:
Richard Ahrens
Stacy Casden
Rose Frowd
Marci Manela
Karen Schaffer
Matthew Siciliano
Dr. Kamil Woronowicz

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
February 24, 2025

Resolution 4-2025: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 5th Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25

 

Date: February 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 5th Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a School RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and have been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and are recommended for reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer-in-Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the School RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to their fifth year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025:

Fifth Year:
Amy Burgess
Dr. Alexander Brown
Nancy Chiocchi-McMorrow
Jeannine Kennedy
Martha Krawczyk
James Lee
Clare O’Dowd
Nancy Rosen
Dr. Rebha Sabharwal
Dr. Egbert Shillingford

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
February 24, 2025

Resolution 5-2025: Approval for Non-Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25

 

Date: February 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Non-Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty has submitted to the RTP process and has been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and is recommended for non-reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer-in-Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the nonreappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to the fifth year, effective June 30, 2025:

Non-Reappointment:
Bryan Berndt

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
February 24, 2025

Resolution 6-2025: Appointment of Director of Admissions
RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25
Date: February 24, 2025 To: Board of Trustees From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge Subject: Appointment of Director of Admissions

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Vice Chair Stilley, and WHEREAS, By Resolution 23-2023, the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees delegated hiring authority up to the level of Dean and Director to the Rockland Community College President without future Board approval; and WHEREAS, The College has identified a need for a Director of Admissions, responsible for the admission and recruitment of students, and the oversight of recruitment and enrollment technologies. The Director is responsible for the hiring, evaluation and supervision of the admissions, operations and recruitment teams, as well as the recruitment and implementation of all specialty programs, such as the High School Program and Early Admits; and WHEREAS, The College has conducted a full and open search to identify the most qualified individual for the position of Director of Admissions; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Jason Hand to the position of Director of Admissions at an annual salary of $98,000.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein Nays: 0 Abstentions: 0 Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions February 24, 2025
Resolution 7-2025: Approving A Retainer Agreement With Keane & Beane, P.C.
RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 2/24/25
Date: February 24, 2025 To: Board of Trustees From: L’Tanya Watkins, Board Chairperson Subject: Approving A Retainer Agreement With Keane & Beane, P.C.

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Wortendyke, second by Trustee Swire-Hosein, and WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College Board of Trustees (“Board”) is in need of legal counsel for a confidential legal matter; and WHEREAS, The Board would like to retain Keane & Beane, P.C. to represent the board in this confidential legal matter; and be it RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees hereby authorized the Chair to enter into a Retainer Agreement with Keane and Beane, P.C. for the purpose of representing the board in this matter.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Eckert, Valentine, Wortendyke and Swire-Hosein Nays: 0 Abstentions: Yeger Motion passed: 6 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstentions February 24, 2025
Resolution 8-2025: Amending Resolution 2-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 3rd Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Amending Resolution 2-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 3rd Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, By Resolution 2-2025 the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of four non-tenured faculty, to their third year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves an amendment to Resolution 2-2025 by adding Frederick-John Benedict and removing Kathlen Shankar from the list of those reappointed to their third year

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 9-2025: Amending Resolution 3-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 4th Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Amending Resolution 3-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 4th Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, By Resolution 3-2025 the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of four non-tenured faculty, to their fourth year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves an amendment to Resolution 3-2025 by adding Kathlen Shankar and removing Stacey Casden from the list of those reappointed to their fourth year.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 10-2025: Amending Resolution 4-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 5th Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Amending Resolution 4-2025 Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 5th Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of February; and

WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, By Resolution 4-2025 the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of four non-tenured faculty, to their fifth year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves an amendment to Resolution 4-2025 by adding Stacey Casden to the list of those reappointed to their fifth year.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 11-2025: Approval of Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 6th Year

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 6th Year

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of March; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and have been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and are recommended for reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by March 31, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to the sixth year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025:

6th Year:
Dominic Dimare

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 12-2025: Approval of Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2025-2026

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2025-2026

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of March; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by the College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, Non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and recommendation for reappointment, promotion and grant of tenure has been reviewed and are endorsed by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the College RTP Committee, and the faculty members will be sent the required notification by March 31, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the Reappointment and grant of tenure to the following faculty effective September 1, 2025, and be it further

RESOLVED, That, per the RCCFT contract, the following shall be granted promotion to Assistant Professor, effective September 1, 2025:

Kristian Dougherty
Christopher Flatley
Sara Macel

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 13-2025: Approval to amend the Academic Grading Policy

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to amend the Academic Grading Policy

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, The current Academic Grading policy was reviewed and modified by the Academic Standards Committee; and

WHEREAS, The Faculty Senate recommends this policy be amended in order to ensure that the policy meets the standards set forth by Rockland Community College; and

WHEREAS, The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reviewed the above referenced academic grading policy and recommends approval of the amendment to the policy; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge endorses this recommendation; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees amends this policy to read as follows:

Amended Academic Grading Policy

The following grades are assigned by the instructor as an evaluation of the level of achievement in a course and are used to calculate the student’s overall grade point average:

GradeQuality Points Per Credit
A4.0
A-3.7
B+3.3
B3.0
B-2.7
C+2.3
C2.0
C-1.7
D1.0
F0.0
NA0.0
I0.0

Repeated Courses

When a student repeats a course, only the higher grade is used to calculate the cumulative grade point average (GPA). If the same grade is earned both times, it is only counted once in the student’s average. Although only the higher grade is used to calculate the cumulative GPA, both grades appear on the official transcript.

In addition, the following grades may be assigned to students but are not part of the student’s overall grade point average:

P: Pass

  • Students should consult with an academic advisor or the Program Director since many degree programs do not permit students to select the P/F option for certain required courses.
  • A grade of “P” indicates performance at a level of “D” or better. Students should be aware that courses graded with just a passing grade may not be granted transfer credit by other colleges.

AU: Audit

To audit a course means to register and attend the class sessions but not be responsible for written assignments or examinations and not receive a grade. A student registers to audit a course by submitting an approval request form to the Records Office by the deadline published on the College website. Once these forms are filed, the student may not change his/her option.

I: Incomplete

A faculty member may assign an Incomplete grade (I) to a student when a student is unable to complete coursework by the end of the semester/part of term due to an extenuating circumstance. The student must have made significant measurable progress in the course and have an overall passing grade for the work completed, as determined by the instructor.

NA: Never Attended

An NA grade is issued by an instructor when a student has never attended the course but has failed to officially drop the course. An NA grade does not affect a student’s grade point average and may not be used as a basis for tuition refunds or appeals.

W: Withdrawal

A “W” indicated official withdrawal from a course after the refund period has ended.
Courses officially dropped during the refund period do not appear on the student’s
transcript.

X Grade

When tuition is refunded because of the tuition appeal process, the grade of “X” may be issued by the College to indicate that the student has been withdrawn from their class(es) and that their tuition was refunded, eliminating their financial obligation to the College while preserving the acknowledgement of their attendance.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

Resolution 14-2025 (former Resolution 17-2025): Approval to Increase the Threshold for Professional Services

RCC Board of Trustees approved stamp signed E. Hughes 3/24/25

 

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to Increase the Threshold for Professional Services

MOTION

A motion by Trustee Yeger, second by Trustee Valentine, and

WHEREAS, Section 104-b of the General Municipal Law requires local governments to promulgate policies for purchases below the competitive bidding thresholds of the General Municipal Law; and

WHEREAS, In accordance with the revised County of Rockland procurement changes, the College wishes to increase the threshold for Professional Services from $35,000 to $75,000; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the adoption of the increased threshold for professional services.

Action

Yeas: Watkins, Stilley, Gruber, Valentine, Wortendyke, Yeger and Swire-Hosein
Nays: 0
Abstentions: 0
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
March 24, 2025

(DRAFT) Resolution 8-2025: Approval of Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 2nd Year

Date: March 27, 2025
To: Board of Trustees

From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2025-2026 2nd Year

WHEREAS, The Agreement by and between SUNY Rockland Community College, the County of Rockland and the Rockland Community College Federation of Teachers (RCCFT) Local 1871 requires that persons with term appointments be notified of their reappointment by the last day of March; and

WHEREAS, The SUNY Rockland Community College Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) Policy requires that each candidate be reviewed and evaluated for renewal by a College RTP Committee; and

WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and have been reviewed by a College RTP Committee and are recommended for reappointment by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Officer-in-Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the College RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by March 31, 2025; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to the second year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2025:

2nd Year:
Frederick-John Benedict

(DRAFT) Resolution 14-2025: Approval of the Revised Incomplete Grade Policy

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of the Revised Incomplete Grade Policy

WHEREAS, The current Incomplete Grade Policy was reviewed and revised by the Faculty Senate; and

WHEREAS, The Faculty Senate revised the Incomplete Grade Policy to ensure that the policy meets the standards set forth by Rockland Community College; and

WHEREAS, The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reviewed the above referenced incomplete grade policy and recommends approval of the amendment to the policy; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge endorses this recommendation; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the revised Incomplete Grade Policy to read as follows:

A request for a grade of “I” is initiated at the end of the semester/part-of-term by a student when the student is unable to complete coursework by the end of the semester/part-of-term due to extenuating circumstances. The student must have made significant measurable progress in the course and have an overall passing grade for the work completed as determined by the instructor. This request may or may not be granted at the discretion of the instructor.

  • The “I” grade is changed to a letter grade when the course work has been completed by the student and approved by the instructor
  • The work must be completed by a date specified by the instructor, but no later than the withdrawal date published in the Academic Calendar for the following semester.
  • If the work is not completed in the specified time, an incomplete grade automatically changes to a failing grade (F).
(DRAFT) Resolution 15-2025: Approval to amend the policy on Academic Freedom

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to amend the policy on Academic Freedom

WHEREAS, Rockland Community College (RCC) as a unit of the State University of New York (SUNY), observes general SUNY policies, and follows SUNY guidelines overseeing all teaching and learning activities; and

WHEREAS, As SUNY’s Academic Freedom policy only applies to the state-operated campuses there is a need for RCC to have an approved policy on Academic Freedom; and

WHEREAS, The Faculty Senate has approved the adoption of the Academic Freedom Policy (see attached) authored by the SUNY Faculty Counsel and approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, which is included in the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees dated April 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reviewed the above referenced policy and recommends adoption of the amendment to SUNY’s academic freedom policy; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge endorses this recommendation; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the procedures set by SUNY regarding Academic Freedom

Academic Freedom Current Policy

The Rockland Community College Board of Trustees reaffirmed the policy of the State University of New York cited below. This policy on academic freedom is embodied in Article XI, Title I of the Policies of the Board, section 335.27 of Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York.

The teacher is entitled to a full academic freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his other academic duties, but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of this institution.

The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject, but he or she should be careful not to introduce in his or her teaching controversial matter which has no relation to his or her subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.

The college or university teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When one speaks or writes as a citizen, one should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but one’s special obligations. As a person or learning and an educational office, one should remember that the public may judge one’s profession and institution by one’s utterances. Hence, one should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinion of others, and should make every effort to indicate one is not an institutional spokesperson.

Proposed New Policy

The Rockland Community College Board of Trustees reaffirmed the policy of the State University of New York cited below. This policy on academic freedom is embodied in Article XI, Title I of the Policies of the Board of Trustees.

It is the policy of the University to maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, teaching, and research. In the exercise of this freedom, faculty members may, without limitation, discuss their own subject in the classroom; they may not, however, claim as their right the privilege of discussing in their classroom controversial matter that has no relation to their subject. The principles of academic freedom shall be accompanied by a corresponding principle of responsibility. In their role as citizens, employees have the same freedoms as other citizens. However, in their extramural utterances, employees have an obligation to indicate that they are not institutional spokespersons.

(DRAFT) Resolution 16-2025: Approval to amend the policy on Copyright and Faculty Ownership of Intellectual Property

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to amend the policy on Copyright and Faculty Ownership of Intellectual Property

WHEREAS, Rockland Community College (RCC) as a unit of the State University of New York (SUNY), observes general SUNY policies, and follows SUNY guidelines overseeing all teaching and learning activities; and

WHEREAS, As SUNY’s copyright policy only applies to the state-operated campuses there is a need for RCC to have an approved policy on Copyright and Faculty Ownership of Intellectual Property; and

WHEREAS, The Faculty Senate has approved the adoption of the Patents, Inventions and Copyright Policy (see attached) authored by the SUNY Faculty Counsel and approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, which is included in the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees dated April 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reviewed the above referenced policy and recommends adoption of the amended SUNY’s copyright policy; and

WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge endorses this recommendation; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the procedures set by SUNY regarding Copyright and Faculty Ownership of Intellectual Property, including the common-law exception from the work-for-hire rule for faculty work (see attached); be it therefore also

RESOLVED, That the RCC policy further clarifies that faculty own the copyright under the academic work-for-hire exception embedded in SUNY’s copyright policy.

Proposed Policy

Rockland Community College (RCC) as one of the State University of New York (SUNY) Campuses, observes general SUNY policies, and follows SUNY guidelines overseeing all teaching and learning activities.

As SUNY’s Intellectual Property and Copyright policy only applies to the State-operated campuses, it does not apply to community colleges under the program of the State University. RCC’s Copyright Policy asserts that RCC adopts PATENTS, INVENTIONS AND COPYRIGHT POLICY, authored by the SUNY Faculty Counsel in 1954, and approved by the State University of New York Board of Trustees in 1958, which is included in the State University of New York Policies of the Board of Trustees, dated December 2013.

RCC Copyright Policy approves the procedures set by SUNY regarding Copyright and Faculty Ownership of Intellectual Property, including the common-law exception from the work-for-hire rule for faculty work. The RCC policy further clarifies that faculty own the copyright under the academic work-for-hire exception embedded in SUNY’s copyright policy.

State University of New York
§ 1 Patents and Inventions policy

  1. Purpose of the Patents and Invention Policy (“this policy”)
    1. The State University of New York (“SUNY”) recognizes that the three primary missions of an educational institution are teaching, research, and public service. SUNY further recognizes that, in the course of performing its mission, innovations of public value will be developed under its auspices. It is the policy of SUNY to encourage innovation and to take appropriate steps to aid creators and ensure that the public receives the benefit of such innovation in accordance with its public service mission. Appropriate steps include securing research support, identifying and encouraging disclosure of intellectual property, securing appropriate protections, marketing intellectual property through licensing and other arrangements, and managing royalties and other invention-related income, such as litigation proceeds. These activities are undertaken in a spirit of cooperation with governmental agencies and private industry as part of SUNY’s contribution to the economic well-being of the State of New York and of the Nation.
    2. Implementing its policies, SUNY will take appropriate steps to ensure that its academic community may freely publish the results of scholarly research pursuant to SUNY’s policy on unrestricted disclosure of research activities. In conformance with this principle, all concerned shall cooperate so that essential rights to inventions shall not be lost.
    3. All net proceeds realized from the commercialization or other monetization of SUNY intellectual property, after payment of the creator’s share as defined in subpart (e) of this Policy and other appropriate costs associated with the evaluation, marketing, development, protection, maintenance, or enforcement of intellectual property, shall be used for the support of SUNY research programs in a manner consistent with the Bayh-Dole Act and its implementing regulations. Campus net proceeds shall be applied in a manner consistent with local campus policies and procedures. Upon the request of a creator, SUNY shall provide an accounting of the distribution of royalties earned from intellectual property of the creator.
  2. Definitions
    1. Affiliate: for the purposes of this Policy, Affiliates include The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (“The Research Foundation”), State University Construction Fund, all campus auxiliary service corporations, and all campus foundations.
    2. Created: Having conceived, authored, reduced to practice, designed, developed, or otherwise having contributed to the making of intellectual property.
    3. Creative and Course Content: Academic course content and materials created by personnel including, but not limited to syllabi, course materials, and textbooks; other scholarly or creative works of authorship; instructional, dramatic, musical, and artistic works; and manuscripts, articles, poetry, prose, short stories, digital shorts, novels, plays, screenplays, and creative writings.
    4. Creator: One who has created intellectual property, in whole or in part.
    5. Incidental Use of SUNY Resources (“Incidental Use”): Any use of publicly or routinely-available SUNY resources, such as residence halls, common areas, meeting rooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, libraries, office spaces, furnishing, office supplies, photocopiers, telephones, fax machines and other standard office equipment, personal-type computers, and commercially available software in use on such computers, computer and communications networks, including internet access and data storage, that is nonessential to the creation of intellectual property, and any use of SUNY resources by a student in accordance with assigned coursework pursuant to that student’s academic curriculum.
    6. Intellectual Property: Patentable inventions, tangible research materials, computer software, and any unique or novel innovation in the technical arts or any new and useful improvements thereof, including methods of processes for creating an object or result (a way of doing or making things), machines, devices, products of manufacture, product designs, or composition, maskworks, or layout designs for printed circuit boards or integrated circuits, composition of matter, materials, any variety of plant, and any know-how essential to the practice or enablement of such innovations and improvements, whether or not patentable.
    7. Inventor: One who contributes to the conception of a patentable invention under the patent laws of the United States or other relevant jurisdiction.
    8. Net Royalty: Royalty less reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by SUNY and not reimbursed by licensees for the evaluation, marketing, development, protection, maintenance, and enforcement of the subject intellectual property.
    9. Partner: Any entity or individual who is neither personnel nor student, who engages with SUNY or a SUNY Affiliate through a contract or other business transaction that will facilitate the research, teaching, or public service mission of SUNY.
    10. Patentable Invention: Any art or process (way of doing or making things), machine manufacture, design, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, or any variety of plant, which is or may be patentable under the patent laws of the United States or other relevant jurisdiction, and the patent applications or patents that embody them.
    11. Personnel: All full-time and part-time employees of SUNY and SUNY Affiliates, student employees (including, but not limited to, research assistants, teaching assistants, fellows, post-doctoral scholars, and students providing services under sponsor agreements), and other persons holding any paid appointment or position with SUNY.
    12. Royalty: Cash, equity, or other value received by SUNY as consideration for use of rights to SUNY Intellectual Property.
    13. Students: Individuals enrolled in SUNY, including, but not limited to, continuing education, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, non-degree students, and not-for-credit students.
    14. Substantial Use of SUNY Resources (“Substantial Use”): Any use of SUNY resources that is more than incidental Use, including, but not limited to, use of: financial support, funds and grants administered by SUNY or a SUNY Affiliate; inter-institutional collaborations facilitated by SUNY; equipment, facilities, services, laboratories, or space; computers and computer or communications networks not publicly or routinely available, research, clinical, or other scientific instruments; time spent by personnel, including secretarial, clerical, administrative staff, and research and teaching assistants; confidential information; inventions and other proprietary or intellectual property owned by SUNY; and any privileged access as a result of a person’s affiliation with SUNY.
    15. The State University of New York (“SUNY”): References to “SUNY” in this Policy may include Affiliates where appropriate under the contexts, whether or not specifically stated. In addition, at the request of SUNY, SUNY ownership of Intellectual Property under subpart (d)(1) of this Policy may include ownership, management, promotion, licensing and other transfers, commercialization, and monetization of certain intellectual property by The Research Foundation.
  3. Scope
    1. This Policy applies to intellectual property created, in whole or in part, by SUNY personnel, students, Affiliates, and Partners.
    2. This Policy sets for the rights and responsibilities of SUNY and SUNY personnel, students, Partners, and Affiliates in the development, creation, ownership, protection, maintenance, dissemination, marketing, licensing, and monetization of intellectual property.
    3. Creative and course content is beyond the scope of this Policy.
  4. Ownership Of Intellectual Property
    1. SUNY Ownership: Subject to the exceptions of (d)(2) below, SUNY shall own, and creator shall promptly disclose and assign to The Research Foundation, Intellectual property created, in whole or in part:
      1. Within the scope of the creator’s employment by SUNY; or
      2. Through the substantial use of SUNY Resources, unless otherwise agreed in writing
    2. Creator ownership: Ownership rights to creative and course content shall be governed by SUNY’s Copyright Policy A creator who is personnel may retain ownership rights to intellectual property that is not creative and course content if:
      1. The intellectual property was created exclusively outside the scope of the creator’s employment by SUNY; and
      2. The intellectual property was created through no more than incidental Use of SUNY resources; and
        Creators of intellectual property satisfying (d)(2)(a) and (d)(2)(b) above shall submit an External Invention Disclosure Form as prescribed in SUNY’s Procedures for Disclosure and Management of Patents and Inventions.
    3. Student Ownership: A creator who is student and not also personnel may retain ownership rights to intellectual property created through no more than Incidental use of SUNY Resources, subject to those restrictions that may be required by an external sponsor, if any. A student shall own the copyright to his or her thesis unless an agreement supporting the underlying work specifies otherwise. Under all circumstances, SUNY shall have an unrestricted royalty-free licenses to reproduce and disseminate student theses.
    4. Partner Ownership: Where SUNY intends that a partner engage in substantial USE of SUNY Resources, the ownership of intellectual property created by or for the partner in connection with the use of sponsorship of SUNY resources shall be memorialized in a written agreement between the partner and SUNY or an affiliate.
    5. Joint Ownership: Intellectual property may be subject to exercise of ownership rights by two or more parties, including SUNY, affiliates, personnel, students, and partners, in which case joint ownership may be appropriate.
    6. Questions as to Ownership: Where any dispute is raised as to ownership of intellectual property, patents, or patent applications under these provisions, the matter shall be referred to the Innovation Policy Board in a manner consistent with SUNY’s Procedures for Disclosure and Management of Patents and Innovations.
  5. Royalty Income
    1. Patentable Inventions: With respect to any patentable invention obtained by or through SUNY or assigned to or as directed by SUNY in accordance with the foregoing provisions, SUNY, in recognition of the meritorious services of the inventor and in consideration of the inventor’s assignment of the patentable invention to SUNY, will make provision entitling the inventor and the inventor’s heirs or legatees to share in the proceeds from the management and licensing of such patentable invention to the extent of 45 percent of the first $100,000 of net royalty received by SUNY and 40 percent of net royalty thereafter, unless the inventor and SUNY agree otherwise in a written and duly executed instrument, or if this exceeds the limits fixed by applicable regulations of the relevant sponsoring agency, which will control in such cases.
    2. Computer Software and Intellectual property Other Than Patentable Inventions: With respect to any intellectual property that is not a patentable invention, including computer software that is not a patentable invention, created in the performance of academic or research activities and obtained by or through SUNY or assigned to or as directed by SUNY in accordance with the foregoing provisions, SUNY, in recognition of the meritorious services of the creator and the creator’s heirs or legatees to share in the proceeds from SUNYs management and licensing to the extent of 45 percent of the first $100,000 of net royalty received by SUNY and 40 percent of net royalty thereafter, unless:
      1. The campus has adopted a local policy requiring reinvestment in support of university research programs, in which case no less than 45 percent of the first $100,000 received by SUNY and 40 percent of such income thereafter shall be directed to the program within which the intellectual property was create; or
      2. The intellectual property is a work for hire or subject to a conflicting obligation to a sponsor or partner; or
      3. The creator and SUNY agree otherwise in a written and duly executed instrument; or
      4. If this exceeds the limits fixed by applicable regulations of the relevant sponsoring agency, which will control in such cases.
  6. Release and Waiver
    1. SUNY decisions regarding evaluation, marketing, development, protection, maintenance, or enforcement of intellectual property shall be made in consultation with the creator(s). SUNY may, at the creator’s written request, release its ownership rights in intellectual property to the creator(s), subject to those restrictions that may be required by an external sponsor, if any.
    2. SUNY shall make an initial determination regarding whether to retain title to intellectual property within one year of SUNY’s acceptance to the creator’s fully disclosed, assigned, and properly executed disclosure statement. SUNY shall proceed with patenting, development, and marketing of the intellectual property as soon as practicable thereafter. If SUNY elects not to retain title or fails to make sure an election within one year, all of SUNY’s rights to the intellectual property shall be released upon written request to the creator, subject to those restrictions that may be required by an external sponsor, if any.
    3. For any intellectual property so releases to a creator, SUNY shall receive ten percent of the net proceeds to the creator, in recognition of the contribution of the State and people of New York to the support of the research that resulted in the intellectual property. For the purposes of this subpart, (f)(2), “net proceeds” means income realized by the creator from commercialization or other monetization of the intellectual property less reasonable costs incurred directly by the creator for the evaluation, marketing, development, protection, maintenance, or enforcement of the subject intellectual property.
  7. Innovation Policy Board
    1. The Chancellor shall establish and appoint an Innovation Policy Board of the State University of New York and designate the chair thereof in accordance with the procedures accompanying this Policy. The Innovation Policy Board shall have full powers of organization to undertake periodic review of this Policy and to create, revise, and enhance guidelines and procedures to interpret and implement this policy.
  8. Applicability
    1. Intellectual property that is fully disclosed and assigned in a properly executed new technology disclosure statement before the effective date of these regulations shall be subject to SUNY’s prior Patents and Inventions Policy.

§ 2 Copyright Policy

Generally, the members of the staff of the University shall retain all rights to copyright and publish written works produced by them. However, in cases where persons are employed or directed within the scope of their employment to produce specific work subject to copyright the University shall have the right to publish such work without copyright, or to copyright it in its own name. The copyright will also be subject to any contractual arrangements by the University for work in the course of which the writing was done. Staff members will be expected not to allow the privilege to write and retain the right to their work to interfere with their University duties. In those cases where an author desires the help of University facilities, arrangements should be made through the administrative staff of the author’s institution in advance with respect to the assistance which may be appropriately given and the equity of the University in the finished work.

(DRAFT) Resolution 16-2025: Rescinding Resolution 14-2023 - Establishment of Effective Tuition Rate Balancing

Date: March 24, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Scott Kalicki, Officer in Charge
Subject: Rescinding Resolution 14-2023 – Establishment of Effective Tuition Rate Balancing

WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees established an effective tuition rate balancing by way of Resolution 14-2023 in order to more effectively recruit students from neighboring states, to level their in-state and out-of-state tuition rates; and

WHEREAS, The RCC Board of Trustees desires to rescind the previously approved Resolution 14-2023; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, The RCC Board of Trustees reestablishes the tuition rate for New York State Residents living outside of Rockland County, out of state residents, and F-1 international students to double that of Rockland County residents effective Fall 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees will grandfather in any students that are currently enrolled under the previously established tuition rate.