[Important Information for Employees] October Campus Update

[Office of the President]

Dear Cardinal Community,

October has been quite a month, with one word at the forefront for each of
us: Busy.
In that spirit, I will keep this note brief, touching on key points as we
lean into the final weeks of the fall semester.

Among the highlights this month was our annual Homecoming, with activities
ranging from the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and a 25th
anniversary recognition of the Institute for Ethics in Public Life, to a
special gathering for DEI unity around the pond and celebrating the
Cardinal Class of 1973. There was even an annular solar eclipse, which had
folks putting on their viewing glasses to see. It was a preview of the
total solar eclipse we will see next semester on April 8, 2024.

Thanks to all who had a part in organizing and participating in the full
slate of activities. Our returning alumni appreciated it very much.

I also want to thank staff and students who hosted various programs around
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which ran through mid-month. This
included a special banquet organized by Fuerza: The Back & Latinx Student
Union that many were able to attend and enjoy.


*Financial Summary*
Throughout the month I have had the opportunity to visit with many of you
to provide a campus budget and financial update. The slides that are a part
of the presentation are attached. We began these update meetings earlier
this month with the Faculty Senate Resources and Planning Committee and the
Senate Executive Committee. This week we will meet with the Council of
Chairs and the Provost's Cabinet.

As we have said before, we have and are collectively doing the work to
align our campus revenues and spending, as well as focusing on the future
in ways that are thoughtful. We have a clear strategic plan organized
around four pillars. Our eye is on future-proofing this campus through the
programs and services we provide, embracing the changing landscape and
doing this work together -- building on the commitment, capacity and the
care we share to make it happen. This is what sets us apart from others and
sets us up for success.

The slides show how the state increased its investment in us, how our mix
of students has changed over time and that enrolling and retaining more
students is critically important. This effort comes as our students require
more of us in terms of support, understanding and investment. This we are
doing and will continue to do.

*Enrollment *
Our first fall Open House drew 126 prospective students, impressive as it
was held in the midst of a steady rainfall. Top high schools represented
included not only Plattsburgh, Beekmantown and Northeastern Clinton locally
but also Chateaugay, Ogdensburg and Queensbury. These events are important
and labor intensive. I appreciate all who put tremendous effort into this
and look forward to our second fall open house this Saturday, Nov. 4.

As we know, student enrollment is both recruitment and retention. SUNY
system encouraged us and 11 other campuses to apply for added funds through
the ACE program (Accelerate, Complete and Engage), which will build on our
efforts to increase student success and retention to earn a degree. As the
system prepares a comprehensive report to the governor’s office on SUNY’s
long-term enrollment plan, it has selected us as one of the campuses to
receive high-level strategic support to bolster our enrollment management
plan. This work is now underway and will run through the end of the
calendar year.

Last week, I presented to the SUNY Board of Trustees about our partnership
with SUNY Adirondack Community College and our Queensbury campus. This kind
of successful collaboration is what SUNY is increasingly looking for as it
develops plans for the system as a whole. We will continue to engage in
these conversations and opportunities to ensure we support the educational
dreams of students.

*Support for Each Other*
Moving toward the holiday season, I encourage you to participate in SEFA,
the annual State Employees Federated Appeal. SEFA gives each university
employee an opportunity to contribute a bit of their resources to a larger,
collective investment. It can and does truly make a difference. As a
university, I am proud to report that we are the largest single contributor
in our region, positively impacting the lives of countless residents and
nonprofit organizations.

As you think about your participation and as it comes up in conversation, I
ask you to reflect on this incredible campus community that we are all
fortunate to be a part of. Encourage others to do this as well. We each
have something to give.

It is a difficult time in so many circles, as I wrote yesterday. We
recognize the profound impact atrocities in the ongoing war in the Middle
East are having on members of our community. We stand with those impacted
by the pressures, the violence and the loss of life. We also stand in
solidarity in the name of peace.

Supporting each other is what we Cardinals stand for.

And if you haven't read it, I want to draw your attention to the story of
three of our fast-acting students who saved the life of another during a
night of hockey club practice. You can read more here
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/news/news-archive/hockey-club-teammates-quick-thinking-saves-life-of-fellow-skater.html>.
We are thankful for Zach, Luke and Noah and their quick action to help
Jenna.

Thanks again for all each of you do at this busy time of the year for
members of our Cardinal community. Every action, every contribution, and
every bit of support is meaningful and impactful.

Sincerely,
Alex Enyedi
President
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