Dear colleagues,
Since my November community update, we have started many important initiatives and completed others. Many of those achievements are summarized in the 2017-2018 State of the College report, which was approved by the college’s Board of Trustees last week. Please take a moment to review the report.
Looking ahead, we are moving forward with the development of our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. I had the opportunity to meet with our steering committee last month to share my thoughts and vision for their work. This month, members of the committee reviewed proposals and presentations from organizations that responded to our RFP for consulting services. In January, a partner will be selected, and the committee will reconvene to review the project timeline and spring semester activities.
Committee members also will consider the findings of a new economic impact study and academic program demand gap analysis recently commissioned by the college. Both reports are being prepared by EMSI and will be finalized and available for review in February.
Guided Pathways is a national initiative to help community college students move toward achieving their academic goals in a timely way using specific program-designed academic pathways. Interim VPAA MaryAnn Janosik is leading a team of deans, department chairs and faculty to submit an application for SUNY Guided Pathways Cohort II. English, Foreign Languages and English as a Second Language Department Chair Maria Palmara submitted an application for another Guided Pathways-related grant: SUNY Developmental English Learning Communities. This month, college faculty and staff participated in meetings to learn more about the initiative, and you can expect to hear much more about this in 2019.
Turning to ongoing retention efforts, Karen Ferrer-Muñiz, Dean of Retention and Instructional Services, has convened a group of campus-wide stakeholders to review the college’s 2017 Enrollment and Retention report. The newly-organized Retention Committee is charged with developing a set of action items related to improving retention and persistence rates. My thanks to Teacher Preparation Department Chair Toni Howard and Assistant Professor of Biology Michael Shea, who are co-chairing the committee.
I’m pleased to note that construction on the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills is moving along on schedule and on budget. The Albany Business Review published an update and slide show on Dec. 6, and noted that its Fall 2019 opening is highly anticipated by regional manufacturers. Please click here to read the article. The college is now searching for a Facility Master Plan consultant to review infrastructure improvement needs and proactively shape the college campus in the years ahead.
Last week, the college made the transition to Banner 9. I’m pleased that many employees were able to participate in meetings and training sessions this fall to prepare for the upgrade. This is a major change for the college and offers new functionality and a more user-friendly interface.
As we wrap up the year, I want to recognize two major donations to the college: Peter Alexander, class of 1957, has, for the fourth consecutive year, contributed his minimum retirement distribution of $46,000 to the Foundation. Peter’s gift will continue to help support the annual fund, the GHCAMS project and The Peter Alexander Advanced Manufacturing Technology Scholarship. In addition, John McGill donated $100,000 to the Dental Hygiene program in memory of his wife Susan McGill, who served on our Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee. Mr. McGill’s gift will support a scholarship for students who exhibit extraordinary community service. A portion of the gift will also provide academic equipment and support for the program’s annual boot camp.
Again this year, the students, faculty and staff of Hudson Valley Community College went above and beyond in their efforts to make the holiday season a safe, warm and happy time for those in need. Embracing the “season of giving,” our campus gave back to the Capital Region community in many ways.
The entire Hudson Valley campus came together to participate in 12 Days of Giving, an effort to collect at least 1,200 clothing and personal care products for the men and women at Joseph’s House and Shelter in Troy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing services to end homelessness. Led by Dean of Health Sciences Carol Bosco, HR Director Karen Paquette and Chief Advancement Officer Regina LaGatta and a dedicated team of volunteers, the endeavor was incredibly successful; between Nov. 28 and Dec. 13, the college community collected more than 2,500 items, more than double the original goal.
Please take a look at some of the numerous other examples of good work our students, faculty and staff are doing. Thank you all for your commitment to our greater community and to Hudson Valley’s students.
Best wishes for a safe and joyous New Year for you and your families.
Roger A. Ramsammy, Ph.D.
President
Published: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 13:18:05 +0000 by r.ramsammy