All past Board of Trustees resolutions are accessible to the public. Materials from the current year are available using the link below and copies of past materials are available by request. Please email [email protected] to request past board materials. Thank you.
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Urging Action by New York State Legislators to Advocate on Behalf of SUNY Community Colleges to Increase Funding
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and
WHEREAS, SUNY’s community colleges serve the largest percentage of low income, historically marginalized populations, and many working adults of all SUNY sectors; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s Executive Budget calls for a flat amount of base operating aid and with no increase to base aid, community colleges will be unable to appropriately and substantially be able to meet the Governor’s and SUNY Chancellor’s Equity Agenda; and
WHEREAS, the community college sector and Rockland Community College advocated for a 4% increase over last year’s funding to accommodate cost of living increases, inflationary related expenses, and operating needs to support student success; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has also added language in the Executive Budget Aid to Localities Bill, Page 899, Lines 20-43 of the Same: ” … provided further that up to 20 percent of the amount of aid authorized pursuant to this appropriation shall be payable subject to a plan developed by the state university of New York and approved by the director of the budget with actions necessary for community colleges to undertake in order to operate without reliance on the base aid funding floor in future years”; and
WHEREAS, if the Governor’s proposed budget and proposal to hold back needed operating funds remains unchanged, Rockland Community College would forego Six Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($628,916) in base State Aid, as well as potentially lose an additional Three Million One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-Two Dollars ($3,144,582) if 20% of the aid was held for a period of time or indefinitely; and
WHEREAS, any delay in state aid payment creates an undue burden on the community colleges to · manage operating expenses, including payroll; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees urges New York State Legislators to advocate on behalf of the community college sector of SUNY by adding an additional $17 million in operating base aid for the community colleges as requested and remove any language to hold back 20% of operating base aid; and therefore, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees requests that the Rockland County Legislature publicly advocate for the same on behalf of Rockland Community College.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2023-2024
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, 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 Division RTP Committee; and
WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and all recommendations have been reviewed and are endorsed by the Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Division RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2023; 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, 2023:
Third Year:
Amy Burgess
Dr. Alexander Brown
Stacy Casden
Nancy Chiocchi-McMorrow
Jeannine Kennedy
Martha Krawczyk
James Lee
Joseph Migliaccio
Clare O’Dowd
Nancy Rosen
Dr. Rebha Sebharwal
Dr. Egbert Shillingford
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2023-2024
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, 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 Division RTP Committee; and
WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and all recommendations have been reviewed and are endorsed by the Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Division RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2023; 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, 2023:
Fourth Year:
Bryan Berndt
Dominic Dimare
Kristian Dougherty
Christopher Flatley
Sara Macel
Zenya Richardson
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2023-2024
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, 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 Division RTP Committee; and
WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and all recommendations have been reviewed and are endorsed by the Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Division RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by February 28, 2023; 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, 2023:
Fifth Year:
Chery Iorio
James Liporace
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to Amend the Advanced Placement Policy
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and
WHEREAS, The current Advanced Standing policy needed updating due to the development of micro-credentials, workforce development programs, and to reframe the processes involved in more contemporary language; be it therefore
RESOLVED, To approve this amended policy to read as follows:
Existing Policy:
Advanced Placement Program
The College may grant credit to students who have successfully participated in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic disciplines.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Rockland Community College participates in the College Level Examination Program. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic disciplines.
Transfer to Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College (RCC) welcomes students who have completed coursework at other institutions and who wish to continue their studies at RCC. If students are transferring from another college, Records & Registration will evaluate their credits based on the degree they intend to pursue at RCC upon receipt of an official transcript. When necessary, Records & Registration will collaborate with the appropriate Department Chair or designee.
At least half the number of credits required for the degree must be completed at RCC, except for the LPN to RN Express Program, and Paralegal Studies. The Paralegal Studies degree requires that 21 of the 30 paralegal credits be completed at RCC. For students seeking a certificate, half the number of credits required for the certificate must be completed at RCC, except for the Paralegal Certificate, which requires that 12 of the 18 paralegal credits be completed at RCC.
The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for an Associate’s degree is 32 credits, except for Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8. The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for a certificate is 15 credits. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Certain courses may be ineligible for transfer due to time limitations. Courses for which a student has earned a grade of a “C” or better (or C+ in some cases) will be accepted for transfer. Developmental, review, or remedial courses are not transferable. A course for which no credit is given at the original institution cannot be transferred for credit at RCC. Military credits can be considered for transfer credit.
Honors credit from other institutions may be transferable, as determined by a review of the course material by the RCC Honors Chair. In certain situations, Honors students may substitute a non-Honors course for an Honors requirement and add an extra Honors course elsewhere in their degree. All course substitutions must be approved by the relevant Honors mentor and by the Honors Chair.
Prior College-Level Learning Assessment
Rockland Community College recognizes that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances. The College may grant credit for college-level learning acquired as a result of work experience, volunteer work, and community service.
Many students have significant, demonstrable learning from experiences outside the traditional academic environment. Therefore, prior learning, not life experience, is the basis for the award of college credits.
Rockland Community College will evaluate Prior Learning credits based on the degree or certificate the student intends to pursue at RCC. Prior Learning will be considered as part of the maximum allowable number of transfer credits (32 credits for degrees except for Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8, and 15 credits for a certificate).
In no case shall the number of Prior Learning credits exceed half the number of credits required for the Concentration/Core emphasis except for students entering with Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8.
Students must be currently enrolled in credit bearing courses and complete that semester of enrollment in order to apply for this type of credit. The current procedure for receiving Prior Learning credits is as follows:
- The student may take a departmental challenge exam
- The student may submit a portfolio (e.g., arts, photography, etc.)
- Credits are assessed and approved by the Discipline Coordinator, approved by the Division Chair, reviewed by the Director of Assessment and Placement, and approved by the Provost and Executive Vice President.
Armed Forces Service Credit
A maximum of three physical education credits may be granted to veterans who have served at least six months in the Armed Forces. The College my grant credit for some courses offered by the Armed Forces. These courses are reviewed by the Admissions Office when the appropriate transcripts are submitted.
Liberty Partnership
The Liberty Partnership is a cooperative program between Rockland Community College and local high schools designed to encourage selected 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to complete high school and explore college level study.
Business and Industry Courses
Credit may be granted for certain in-service courses taken under the sponsorship of a business or industrial organization if the courses carry a specific credit recommendation in The National Guide to Credit Recommendations for Noncollegiate Courses or A Guide to Educational Programs in Noncollegiate Organizations (The University of the State of New York)
Proposed Policy:
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) – Proposed New Name
Students should be advised that different colleges use different policies on the acceptance of credit for prior learning (CPL). Rockland Community College cannot guarantee the transferability of prior learning credit that has been awarded.
Rockland Community College recognizes that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances. The College uses several methods to grant college credit to students with a wide variety of educational experiences. Any student enrolled at Rockland Community College who has or would like to participate in the following programs may be eligible:
- College credits awarded from colleges or universities
- Standardized Tests such as AP, CLEP, DANTES, IB, etc.…
- Institutional Challenge Exams
- Industry Credentials
- Apprenticeship Training
- Armed Forces Training
- Portfolio Evaluation
Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor regarding the use of Credit for Prior Learning in their educational planning.
Standardized Test
- Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The College may grant credit to students who have successfully participated in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC. - College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Rockland Community College participates in the College Level Examination Program. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic disciplines. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC. - DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
DANTES Subject Standardized Test credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC. - International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC. - International Transcripts
Students who have attended a college or university outside of the U.S. may be eligible for transfer credit. All foreign college and university transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation company to be considered for transfer credit. Students may submit a course-by-course evaluation through one of the following options:- IFCS (Institute of Foreign Credential Services) – RCC applicants can use the code DISNY to receive a discount on their evaluation
- ANY NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) accredited credential service
Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Armed Forces Service Credit
A maximum of three physical education credits may be granted to veterans who have served at least six months in the Armed Forces. The College my grant credit for some courses offered by the Armed Forces. These courses are reviewed by the Records and Registration Office when the appropriate transcripts are submitted. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Transfer to Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College (RCC) welcomes students who have completed coursework at other accredited institutions and who wish to continue their studies at RCC. Accredited institutions are those that have been accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered (https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg3.html#RegionalInstitutional). Students seeking credit from non-accredited institutions may request an evaluation of their credential through the College’s Prior Learning Assessment process. If students are transferring from another accredited college, Records & Registration will evaluate their credits based on the credential they intend to pursue at RCC upon receipt of an official transcript. When necessary, Records & Registration will collaborate with the appropriate Program Director or designee.
At least half the number of credits required for the credential must be completed at RCC, except for the LPN to RN Express Program and the Automotive Technology degree for those students with the Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8.
The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for an Associate’s degree is 32 credits, with the exception of Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8. The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for a certificate is 15 credits. Transfer credits toward an RCC micro-credential may be acceptable provided that the micro-credential includes three or more courses.
Certain courses may be ineligible for transfer due to time limitations. Courses for which a student has earned a grade of a “C” or better may be accepted for transfer. Developmental, review, or remedial courses are not transferable, but may be used for placement purposes. A course for which credit is not awarded at the original institution cannot be transferred for credit at RCC. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior learning assessment provides RCC students with the potential to earn credit for college level learning acquired outside of a traditional academic environment. Prior learning assessment is conducted through an evaluation process by the academic disciplines. RCC’s acceptance policy is as follows:
- Students must be registered for (6) credits or more at RCC before applying for Prior Learning credits;
- Approved Prior Learning credits will be approved after the last day to drop without a grade identified on the College’s Academic Calendar for each term;
- Students must earn a minimum of 50% of the credits required for a degree or certificate program directly through RCC coursework;
- Student may earn up to 32 credits toward and Associate degree or 15 credits toward a certificate at RCC. Credits toward an RCC micro-credential may be acceptable provided that the micro-credential has three or more courses;
- Prior learning credits will be recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with a grade of “CPL”;
- Students should consult with Office of Placement and Assessment for applicable fees associated with the credits for prior learning.
Institutional Challenge Exams
Institutional examinations are equivalent to the comprehensive final exam of the course. Examinations may be written, oral, demonstration, or a combination of all three. Examinations are evaluated by the Program Director, School Dean, faculty member or designated subject matter expert. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Industry Credentials
Students must provide documentation of any industry certifications to the Office of Placement and Assessment. Evidence of evaluation may also be required (e.g., exam scores). Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Military Educational and Training
Military educational and training credit may be awarded based on credit recommendation for military training schools or ACE occupational credit recommendations. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Apprenticeship Training
Students who have completed apprenticeship training or are presently enrolled in an established apprenticeship program may request an evaluation of his/her training. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Portfolio Evaluation
Students may request credit for a course(s) that does not have an established method for granting credit for prior learning. In these instances, students may submit a portfolio of work for review by the academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Credit from Non-Credit Training
Examples include non-credit training through RCC’s Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation Department or from other colleges and universities non-credit department. Credits will be assessed by the appropriate academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of Establishment of Tuition Benefit for Students from Temporary Protected Status Countries
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Board of Trustees has adopted the attached resolution regarding tuition levels for students from countries that have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS); and
WHEREAS, The College wishes to extend the benefit of resident tuition to students who are nationals of countries that have been designated as Temporary Protected Status as a humanitarian response which acknowledges these students’ inability to return to their home; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, The RCC Board of Trustees establishes the benefit of resident tuition rates for the Spring and Summer 2023 terms and the 2023/24 academic year for any students at Rockland Community College who A) currently hold a non-immigrant visa and who are nationals of countries that have been granted Temporary Protected Status
(TPS) and B) are currently ineligible for resident rates of tuition.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval of Data Governance Policy
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and
WHEREAS, Rockland Community College is making a greater investment to increase our capacity, security, and utility of data across all operational areas of the college with the ultimate goal of using data to drive strategy and decision making,
WHEREAS, Rockland Community College is currently operating without a clearly documented set of guidelines for ensuring that the institution’s data and information assets are managed consistently and used properly; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Rockland Community College will enact a Data Governance Policy that will establish:
- The structure to manage, access, and utilize institutional data that meets the college’s requirements for security and confidentiality;
- The foundation to improve access to college data and to ensure that users of data have the information necessary to interpret data reliably and validly;
- The development of data integrity maintenance to promote enhanced data accuracy and availability to meet the needs of the college’s internal and external stakeholders; and
- The process to communicate data governance policies and standards to academic and administrative staff.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval to submit use of Stimulus Funds for Information Technology Improvements/Replacements
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Hilowitz, second by Trustee Valentine, and
WHEREAS, Rockland Community College Executive Leadership has identified Information Technology improvements and replacements as a priority initiative in response to providing uninterrupted teaching, learning, and essential administrative functions during the current COVID-19 response; and
WHEREAS, The Rockland Community College Board of Trustees passed Resolution 28-2022 on August 22, 2022, approving the College’s Information Technology Replacements and Improvements project in the amount of $3,109,269 with a local share of $1,554,634 as a project to be funded through existing SUNY capital appropriation; and
WHEREAS, Rockland Community College has identified additional technology replacements and improvements with a revised total of $6 million with a local share of $3 million to be funded through State capital appropriation; and
WHEREAS, Federal Department of Education guidance allows for the use of HEERF funds to be applied to applicable and appropriate technology costs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees acknowledges submission of the Rockland Community College Information Technology Replacements and Improvements revised project in the amount of $6 million with a local share of$3 million as a project to be funded through existing SUNY capital appropriation.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Donnellan, Hilowitz, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 9 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 13, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment of Non-Tenured Faculty for Academic Year 2023-2024
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Rand, 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 Division RTP Committee; and
WHEREAS, The following non-tenured faculty have submitted to the RTP process and all recommendations have been reviewed and are endorsed by the Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the Division RTP Committees, and the faculty will be sent the required notification by March 31, 2023; be it therefore
RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of the following non-tenured faculty, to their second year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2023:
Second Year:
Richard Ahrens
Rose Frowd
Marci Manela
Kathlen Shankar
Violet Tiema
Kamil Woronowicz
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 27, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for Reappointment, Promotion and Grant of Tenure to Non-Tenured Faculty, for Academic Year 2023-2024
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 Executive Vice President; and
WHEREAS, The President has reviewed the recommendations of the College RTP Committee and the faculty members will be sent the required notification by March 31, 2023; 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, 2023, and be it further
RESOLVED, That, per the RCCFT contract, the following shall be granted promotion to Assistant Professor, effective September 1, 2023:
Cynthia Lasman
Konstadinos Ritsatos
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nay, 0 abstentions
March 27, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Approval for the Reappointment of Nursing Instructor Karen Schaffer to the 2nd Year
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Yeger, 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, Nursing Instructor Karen Schaffer has submitted to the RTP process and her recommendation has been reviewed and is endorsed by the Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The Officer in Charge has reviewed the recommendations of the School of Nursing, Health, and Wellness RTP Committee; be it therefore
RESOLVED, That the SUNY Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approves the reappointment of Nursing Instructor Karen Schaffer to the second year, for one academic year beginning September 1, 2023
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
May 1, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Katherine Lynch
Subject: Approval to Amend the Academic Forgiveness Policy
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Yeger, and
WHEREAS, The current Academic Forgiveness Policy required updating to clarify its rationale, scope, and implementation; be it therefore
RESOLVED, To approve this amended policy to read as follows:
Academic Forgiveness – approved by Faculty Senate 3/22/2023
The College’s Academic Forgiveness Policy is designed to help students recover from past academic problems. There are two options for academic forgiveness. The first option applies to students with prior unsatisfactory grades who have not attended Rockland for at least six consecutive fall and spring semesters, and the second is for current students who change their curriculum. Regardless of the option selected, students may be granted academic forgiveness only once. Additional restrictions apply to a student who wishes to return to the Nursing Program.
Students may apply for this opportunity in Records and Registration at any time during their career. The decision to grant academic forgiveness will be made by the Assistant Registrar.
Option One (Nonattendance)
When a student is granted academic forgiveness due to nonattendance for at least six consecutive Fall and Spring semesters, all grades of “F” that the student received in courses that are not required for the student’s current program or degree will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA.
Once these “F” grades are removed and if the student reaches a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, no other grades will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA; If the student does not reach a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 at this point, grades of “D” will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA on a case-by-case basis identifying which “D’s” will be forgiven in consultation with their academic advisor and the Records Office to get the student to a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Grades that are forgiven remain on the student’s transcript but do not count toward graduation requirements. All course grades which have been forgiven will be designated on the transcript by the prefix “^” (e.g., ^F or ^D).
To be eligible for academic forgiveness by “Nonattendance,” a student must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application for academic forgiveness:
- Have been out of Rockland Community College for at least three academic years.
- Have a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 when the Academic Forgiveness application is submitted.
- Be matriculated in a registered degree or certificate program at Rockland Community College.
- Be following the requirements of the most recent degree sheet in their area of study.
- Complete 6 or more additional credits with a GPA of 2.0 or better.
- Not have received a degree from Rockland Community College.
- Have never before been granted Academic Forgiveness at RCC.
- Acknowledge in writing the restrictions of the policy.
Option Two (Change of Program)
When a student is granted academic forgiveness due to a change in their curriculum, all grades of “F” that the student received in courses that are not required for the student’s current program or degree will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA.
Once these “F” grades are removed and if the student reaches a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, no other grades will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA. If the student does not reach a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 at this point, grades of “D” will be omitted from the recalculation of the cumulative GPA on a case-by-case basis identifying which “D’s” will be forgiven in consultation with their academic advisor and the Records Office to get the student to a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Grades that are forgiven remain on the student’s transcript but do not count toward graduation requirements. All course grades which have been forgiven will be designated on the transcript by the prefix “^” (e.g., ^F or ^D).
To be eligible for academic forgiveness by “Change of Program,” a student must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application for academic forgiveness:
- Be matriculated in a registered degree or certificate program at Rockland Community College.
- Have a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 when the Academic Forgiveness application is submitted.
- Have changed their degree or their core curriculum by at least 20 credits. High School/Dual Enrollment Program students are eligible to apply for academic forgiveness in the first semester of matriculation.
- Demonstrate that a new degree/certificate program is being pursued. (A return to the original program will result in the reinstatement of the forgiven courses into the cumulative GPA.)
- Complete 6 or more additional credits with a GPA of 2.0 or better.
- Not have received a degree from Rockland Community College.
- Have never before been granted Academic Forgiveness at RCC.
- Acknowledge in writing the restrictions of the policy.
Important Provisions and Reminders:
- All applications for academic forgiveness must be submitted prior to the course withdrawal deadline to be considered in the same semester of the curriculum change. Students cannot submit an application for academic forgiveness after the course withdrawal deadline of the semester in which they changed their degree or core
curriculum. - Academic Forgiveness does not automatically make a student eligible for financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information and explanations about their eligibility.
- This policy cannot be applied to a previously completed degree or certificate.
- Courses/grades forgiven absolutely cannot be removed from the student’s transcript.
- Students may use Academic Forgiveness once and only once.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
May 1, 2023
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Susan Deer, Officer in Charge
Subject: Establishment of Effective Tuition Rate Balancing
MOTION
A motion by Trustee Valentine, second by Trustee Yeger, and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Board of Trustees has adopted an In-State Tuition Match for the flagship institutions in eight states (CT, PA, NJ, MA, VT, NH, IL, and CA) in conjunction with state-operated four-year campuses in the SUNY system; and
WHEREAS, There is precedent for SUNY Community Colleges, in order to more effectively recruit students from neighboring states, to level their in-state and out-of-state tuition rates; it is therefore
RESOLVED, The RCC Board of Trustees establishes that effective as of fall 2023, tuition rates for Rockland County residents, NYS residents living outside of Rockland County who present a certificate of residency, out of state residents, and F-1 international students will be set at the same effective rates, and that NYS residents living outside of Rockland County who do not present a certificate of residency will be responsible for a tuition rate that is double that of Rockland County residents.
ACTION
Yeas: Trustees Wortendyke, Rand, Eckert, Valentine, Oelkers-Ramos, Yeger and Frias-Sanchez
Nays: none
Motion passed: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
May 1, 2023