[Important Information for Employees] Welcome to the Spring Semester

[Office of the President]

Campus Community,

Thanks to all those who were able to attend this morning's inaugural
President's Spring Semester Welcome in the Warren Ballrooms.

Below are President Enyedi's remarks from the event along with an
attachment listing the names of new and long-serving employees who were
recognized. Additionally, two offices -- Academic Advising and the Student
Health and Counseling Center -- were presented with the first
President's Campus Service Awards.

Please take time when you are able to thank those employees and offices who
were recognized today, and our best for a productive spring semester.

Office of the President

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Good morning, Cardinals. And welcome to the start of the spring 2024
semester.

Thank you so much for being here today. I hope you were able to enjoy a
light breakfast and some jazz music. It is inspiring to see the photographs
of our graduates from the Winter Commencement last month, a reminder of why
we do what we do, as our students take what we have invested in them and go
forward in their careers and lives.

Today’s event is like our traditional fall welcome, but with some different
recognitions and points of emphasis. I believe it is important for us to
come together before we start our critical work, plus the start of this new
semester is just as important as the one that preceded it.

As we begin, I want to start as I have other campus remarks, noting that as
an institution that is deliberate and takes pride in conscious efforts
toward building a more inclusive community, it is important to take time to
acknowledge that our campus is situated on the land of the Iroquois,
Western Abenaki, Mohican, and Mohawk peoples

We honor the original caretakers of this and surrounding land and offer
respect to the Haudenosaunee, who are still here. This land and body of
water, now known as Lake Champlain, was inhabited, and nurtured by these
peoples for thousands of years. We must do the same to nurture and protect
this sacred land. This statement is a mere fraction of the steps needed to
fight against systemic indigenous erasure. We are settlers on their land,
and we strive to be accountable by remembering this history and cultivating
respect in our relationships with our Indigenous neighbors and the land.

Thank you.

Last fall, I emphasized that our task this academic year is not just to
continue our important work but to “future proof” this university -- to
ensure it not only continues but grows in its impact. That is what we are
doing and that is what we will continue to do. I said then, there are three
elements critical in this work that we as Cardinals not only value but
demonstrate daily: Commitment, capacity, and care. This is what sets us
apart from others and sets us up for success.

As we look back on the past semester, each of these is present in any
number of accomplishments, achievements, and activities. Within each of our
divisions stand testimonies to dedication, focus, and drive on behalf of
our students and our community. And there are so many stories to tell,
stories you know inside and out, from every office and every faculty and
staff member. Here is but a sampling of a few of these stories as we
reflect and celebrate where we have been.

In addition to what might be described as simply "the work we do," Academic
Affairs made significant progress on planning for new programs, the Master
of Social Work and Cybersecurity Management being just two examples,
responding to and engaging with SUNY initiatives, including the Advancing
Completion through Engagement project, or ACE, and new dual admissions
agreements with community college partners.

Information Technology Services was busy supporting and leading several
projects tied to capital improvements, campus initiatives, and to emergency
responses, such as the Kehoe flood, which involved this part of the campus
community.

I particularly want to acknowledge the work of the Student Success
Analytics group. This team of 13 faculty and staff members analyzed courses
where a high percentage of students were negatively impacted by grades of
D, E, and W. As an example, the team examined rates in a core foundations
course. They gathered data on grades, term GPAs, overall GPAs, and academic
status. They used these data, in conjunction with qualitative data to
identify any consistent patterns among students who underperformed in this
course. This is one example of how teamwork, our new analytics dashboards
and a commitment to service can make a difference – and support Pillar #2
of Plattsburgh Next. I want to recognize those members of the Student
Success group who are here this morning, please stand when your name is
called:

• Allison Heard
• Cecilia Gregoire
• Christopher Ryan
• Denise Simard
• Elizabeth Bernat
• Elizabeth Galletta
• Emily Hoeh
• Genie Babb
• JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig
• Karin Killough
• Kylie King
• Jamie Winters
• Portia Allie-Turco
• Shatawndra Lister

Please help me recognize these colleagues as we thank them for their
efforts.

It also takes work to gain resources and push new boundaries. In landing
grant funding, the Lake Champlain Research Institute received a $750,000
grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for a new research vessel.
The boat will be custom built, and we expect delivery in Spring 2026. And
Dr. George Flynn received a $217,000 grant from NASA to study samples of
asteroid Ryugu (samples on loan from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration
Agency).

We have been busy making our own internal grants and providing funds
through the excellent work of the Plattsburgh College Foundation. Here are
some of the numbers -- more than $1.85 million in foundation-funded
scholarships have been awarded thus far during the 2023-24 academic
year. In addition to scholarships, the foundation has disbursed $407,000 in
academic, student life and other institutional support to the college since
July 1, 2023.

For the upcoming fall 2024, admissions has implemented a faster decision
process to accept students and determine aid packages. This development,
including a new nursing scholarship, has resulted in a significant increase
in the number of institutional aid award offers to students for fall
2024. Last year at this time, we had 643 scholarship and grant offers to
domestic first year admits for a total of $2.7 million. This year we have
2,554 scholarship offers to domestic first year admits for a total of $8.7
million for the fall 2024 semester.

The Admissions Office work through the past fall has helped drive
applications for next academic year higher, with undergraduate applications
up almost 10 percent over a year ago. Acceptances are up more than 40
percent compared to 2023 and more than 50 percent over 2022. Graduate
enrollment is at its highest level since fall 2010, up to 561 students last
semester. Thank you to all who are engaged in this work to build enrollment
and support Pillar #1.

Returning the focus to campus, our programs and work with students, faculty
and staff was robust in fall ‘23, with a successful Black Solidarity Day
among the highlights. We are among the few SUNY campuses to mark this and
do so with unparalleled programming. Couple this with the wonderful
National Day of Racial Healing, an event that included several community
partners and concurrent, conference-style sessions, and we are truly
advancing toward our goal of an inclusive and welcoming community. And this
aligns with our work to support Pillar #3.

I want to highlight that we now have a full-time, on-campus Title IX
Coordinator, Kim Irland. A key component of this position is building a new
Title IX Core Team. We also have three new lactation spaces on campus
(Redcay, ACC, and Sibley Hall) to serve students, employees, and visitors
to campus.

>From Cardinal Athletics – with success on the courts, tracks, fields, and
ice matched with success in the classroom – to new investments in student
support services and accessibility, the Cardinal Cupboard, and University
Police training and support, we have much to be proud of and thankful for.

Please give yourselves a hand for all your impactful work over the fall
semester. It has made a difference in the lives of our students.

Before I move toward what we look to celebrate and achieve during the
coming spring semester, I want to speak a bit about some news that was
outlined two weeks ago – a planned relocation of Clinton Community College
to our campus for fall 2025.

The Clinton Community College plan and the timing of their announcement was
driven explicitly by their Middle States Commission on Higher Education
report deadline of last week. My understanding is a status quo was not
going to be acceptable to the accreditation agency and Clinton Community
College risked further sanctions if their report did not put forward a
suitable plan. As I have said, when a friend in need calls, your first
response is to ask, ‘how can I help.’ While we have all been aware of the
challenges and enrollment declines at Clinton, the depth of their need and
related support from SUNY came into view more recently.

While there are many ideas in concept floating about, we lack deep details
from them on a range of specifics. These will come together over the course
of this semester. As they do, we are developing with SUNY and Clinton a
joint coordinating approach. Here, we will have faculty, staff, and
academic participation at both the coordinating level and any necessary ad
hoc groups that may be needed to examine matters more closely.

No building location for Clinton has been finalized. Adirondack and Banks
halls seem to be the best options, as they are empty, near parking, each
one has more than enough space based on what we think they will need. That
said, any renovation of one of those structures would be funded by SUNY and
not take away from any of our current capital project plans.

This is a process that will take time, and it will be a process. One note
to highlight as we proceed: As important as this change is for our North
Country community – and it is important, which is why we are at the table
to help and advance Pillar #4 – it will not be a distraction of the most
important work we do in educating, mentoring, and leading our nearly 4,500
students and building our own strategic pathways for the future.

As we work to assist Clinton move to this campus and develop with them, and
SUNY central, agreements where we can provide certain shared services to
them, we will be guided by a set of non-negotiables. These are:

o We will always protect our campus and ensure its continued success
academically, financially, and regionally.
o We will use this opportunity to serve our common region, BUT the ultimate
success of Clinton Community College rests with them.
o We will work to ensure SUNY Plattsburgh is the flagship university of the
North Country and protect our sphere of influence.

Through all of this, our financial strength continues to be a key driver
for us as we navigate and prepare for the future. Our campus will continue
to grow and develop this semester and beyond. I appreciate the opportunity
to share this update today – you can expect regular updates as this process
develops.

Before I move into the final segment of today’s welcome, I want to
highlight a few more pride points as we begin Spring 2024.

First, Memorial Hall construction is ending, and the new, fabulous, fitness
center is opening this Monday. What a great addition this is to campus.
There will be an official ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this milestone
on Saturday, February 17.

After much hard work, the renovation project for updated dining facilities
in the ACC are out for construction bids. Under the current timeline, the
Cardinal Market/Starbucks and the Halal Shack are slated to open Fall 2024
and the renovated Sundowner Café (likely with a new name determined by
Plattsburgh students) will open Spring 2025.

In the coming months we will finalize teach-out arrangements for College of
Saint Rose students, develop dual degree agreements with North Country
Community College and SUNY Adirondack, and perhaps others. We will also
follow-through on new programming and work on retention and equity gaps in
student success.

On Monday, April 8, we will be in the path of totality as the moon blocks
the sun’s light and casts a once in a lifetime shadow over Plattsburgh. I
thank all those who are planning campus activities that will mark this
amazing once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Later this spring, Institutional Advancement will present its very first
locally-focused awards – the North Country Impact Awards – to recognize
three local alumni leaders for their professional and/or service
achievements to the region. One alumnus will be selected by each
school. Recipients will be honored, along with current North Country
Student Scholars, at a new special event - the SUNY Plattsburgh North
Country Celebration on Friday, May 3. This event will bring full circle all
the university’s efforts to engage in the North Country and help the region
thrive. Please consider nominating local North Country graduates you know
for this recognition.

Nurturing our own culture, we will launch a campus climate survey in
February, in collaboration with SUNY and spearheaded through our DEI
division and the President's Inclusive Excellence Council. This is an
important step to learn more about what we do well and what we can do
better.

Finally, we will continue to work our Plattsburgh Next strategic plan. This
plan has focused us in a collective way on our four pillars, all of which I
have mentioned this morning – grow and stabilize enrollment; strengthen
student success; prioritize equity and inclusion; and engage the North
Country region. These are synergistic, with work and success on one pillar
affecting the outcomes of others.

Please give yourselves a round of applause in anticipation of the wonderful
things ahead for spring and all of what will be accomplished here.

Now, I want to transition to you. The work of this campus, of supporting
our students, of making a difference in our community is only possible
because of those in this room and your colleagues across campus.

I first want to recognize the newest members of our Cardinal community. On
your tables is a handout with names. The first list inside contains names
of 23 new Cardinals who have accepted positions here since our Fall
Welcome. If you are among the newest employees, please stand to be
recognized.

On the next two pages are many more names. A total of 138. These are
employees with 20 or more years of consecutive, unbroken service to SUNY
Plattsburgh. While we have many long-standing employees, it is important to
highlight this large number of your colleagues with 20 or more years, a
truly remarkable figure. As you examine that list, I want to highlight a
half-dozen employees with the longest unbroken tenure. These are:

• 44 years, Harvey Schantz, professor of political science. Harvey retired
in 2021 but immediately returned as an adjunct professor. He has never had
a break in service since his start on September 1, 1979.
• 41 years, Gordon Muir, Associate Librarian, Feinberg Library
• 39 years, Mark Mastrean, Assistant Director, Feinberg Library
• 38 years, Mohamed Gaber, Distinguished Service Professor, Accounting
• 38 years, David Franzi, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Earth &
Environmental Science
• 38 years, George Flynn, Professor, Mathematics

Those employees in attendance this morning with 20 years of consecutive
service, would you please stand to be recognized?

Thanks to each of you for your service and decades of dedication. Please
take the sheets with you and greet those on the list, welcoming new
employees to the Cardinal community and congratulating those who have
served so long. The handout will also be included in an email going out
from my office later today.

Finally, today, I want to present two awards.

At the Fall Welcome in 2022, we created a new recognition singularly
centered on our most important focus – students. Named for Dr. Michele
Carpentier, that award annually honors a SUNY Plattsburgh employee whose
investment in the lives of students, over a period of many years,
demonstrates an exemplary level of care, compassion, and selflessness.
Recipients model the truest spirit of what we aspire to as members of the
Cardinal family and reflect our commitment to student success. The first
was Michele, the second recipient this past fall was Dr. Katherine Dunham,
former associate professor, and chair of psychology.

This spring, we present a new award in the same spirit - The President’s
Campus Service Award. What makes this unique is that it is a joint
recognition of teamwork. Let me read from the inscription on the plaque:
The President’s Campus Service Award honors a SUNY Plattsburgh office whose
collective efforts demonstrate extraordinary work in educating, supporting,
and caring for our students.

There are undoubtedly many offices that could be recognized with this
award. For our first year, we will start with two.

Today’s first award is being presented to Academic Advising. The Academic
Advising office sees and/or communicates each semester with students
concerning everything from first-year transitions to the academic demands
of college and academic recovery assistance should progress get a little
off-track to assistance related to finishing up their course of study.

Staff and leadership in Academic Advising are committed to fostering
student success in every way possible, and they make sure to be keenly
aware of all policies and practices that serve as guideposts to
graduation. It is not hyperbole to state that the Academic Advising office
is key to SUNY Plattsburgh's student retention efforts and results. In
Academic Advising, caring and thoughtful individuals trained to evaluate
academic progress equip students with necessary information about major and
general education requirements, prerequisites, and other policies. As the
university recognizes improvements in time-to-degree, degree completion, or
other student success indicators, Academic Advising is playing a key role.
We appreciate all they do in support of our university mission and toward
fulfillment of our goals related to academic excellence and student success.

Now, in presenting the President’s Campus Service Award, I ask those in
attendance from Academic Advising to come forward as I call your name.

• Elizabeth Bernat, Director
• Wendy Coons, Administrative Assistant 1
• Diane Jennette-Costin, Office Assistant 2
• Joanne McGovern, Academic Advisor
• Megan McGreevy, Academic Advisor
• Kelley Pickreign, Assistant Director

Please give a round of applause for your colleagues in Academic Advising.

The second award today is presented to the Student Health and Counseling
Center. The American College Health Association explains that “At colleges
and universities, health promotion serves the core mission of higher
education by supporting students and creating healthy learning
environments.” To paint a more descriptive picture, the association notes
that within the last 12 months, a significant portion of students surveyed
nationally reported the following factors affecting their individual
academic performance – anxiety, sleep difficulties, stress, and
depression. Add to this challenge the work required in, through and after
the years-long global pandemic.

Our Student Health and Counseling Center professionals have delivered
extraordinary services and banded together to provide excellent care and
management through difficult times and with an ever-growing need for their
services. They provide a true student-centered and holistic approach to
well-being with care, respect, compassion, and empathy. They are members of
our community who day in, and day out display what it means to be committed
to student success. Their work is critical for our students and for our
joint success as a campus, and we are grateful for them.

In presenting the President’s Campus Service Award, I ask those in
attendance from the Student Health and Counseling Center to come forward as
I call your name.

• Marco Ayala-Perez, Administrator
• Sean Brennan, Registered Nurse 1
• Janet Davis, Per Diem Nurse 1
• Andrea Farrell, Per Diem Nurse Practitioner
• Christine Feazelle, Medical Technologist
• Francine Francis, Counselor
• Nancy Hoyland, Office Assistant 2
• Inga Karpenko, Counselor
• Monica Lattrell, Licensed Practical Nurse
• Becky McCasland, Registered Nurse 1
• Christine Minck, Assistant Director - Coordinator of Psychological
Services
• Kristina Moquin, Senior Counselor
• Martha Passino, Per Diem Nurse Practitioner
• Sue Sand, Assistant Director for Medical Services
• Deirdre Schaefer, College Physician
• Jill Silver, Nurse Practitioner
• Daniel Snyder, Registered Nurse 1
• Sheri Vaughn, Registered Nurse 1

Please give a round of applause for your colleagues at the Student Health
and Counseling Center.

As we wrap up today’s event, I want to leave you with this: Each of you
contribute to the success of SUNY Plattsburgh. These are challenging times
in higher education – we see this every day in countless ways.

But in this special place, where lives are truly changed, our work with
students will continue and prosper. Remember, everything we do centers on
students. They are the why. And everything we do that is student-centered
runs through you.

I appreciate each of you and on behalf of all our students I thank you.
Thank you again for being here this morning. I look forward to seeing you
elsewhere on campus soon. All the best for a great Spring 2024
semester. And remember --- It is a great day to be a Cardinal!

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