Staff and Administrative Council Minutes April 16, 2020

1 p.m., via Zoom
Minutes

Present: Andrew Albrecht, Brian Beyrer, Jennifer Connolly, Casey DelliCarpini, Sam Derosa, Courtney Ferrick, Jason Ford, Mary Grant, Anthony LoPresti, Bing Morris, Jessica Rosenberg, Michele Sampson-Nelson, Marrissa Sannella, Anthony Scaccia, Jon Stanko, Peter Tascio, Laurie Wenchell, Charlotte Wray

Excused: Jorge Franco, Helena Jaccino, Michael LaRocca, Robin Summers

Quorum met with 18 voting members in attendance.

Call to Order, Approval of Minutes

The meeting began at approximately 2:05 p.m. Prior meeting minutes had some revisions, will be updated and sent out for approval.

Committee Updates

Committee on Academic Affairs. Discussed course updates, conversation focused mostly on nursing; had presentation from director of nursing program, still waiting for official approval from state; will offer bachelor of science and RN to BSN program; hope for approval to enroll freshmen in fall 2021 semester; there is adequate space on campus, will utilize Holy Family.

Committee on Budget. Discussed deposits; a little over 150 at time of meeting, 217 as of this meeting; not bad considering circumstances. Recruiting rules have changed to benefit students. Refunds for board and meals were an approximately $4M hit; no budget confirmed yet for next year, departments have been asked to propose a 5%-10%-15% budget reduction in preparation. The hiring freeze will remain and in the fall the Board might be asked for permission to operate in the red if need be (could mean pulling from endowment, relying on donations, reducing operating costs, etc.). There was no discussion of layoffs.

Committee on Libraries. Space planning survey results discussed, being assessed for what requests can be addressed.

Old Business

Laurie Wenchell made motion for Brian Beyrer to fill open position on College Council, seconded by Anthony Scaccia, all approved.

New Business

Voting for SAC elections is in; good return rate compared to last year. Br. Ford will confirm acceptance by nominees and then share with committee.

Mary Grant will take on Brother Bray Award nomination process.

Pulse of the College

Regarding recent email distribution with campus announcement regarding carryover days, three issues raised:

1.  The tone of the email was off and found to be insensitive during this time (suggestion to use carryover time to “garden” or have a “staycation” missed the mark, some felt).
2.  Members want it to be understood that Iona employees working from home are working, not “taking it easy,” that this job is difficult at times in regular circumstances, and even more so now.
3.  For some departments, who are already down in personnel and working as hard as possible to keep up with work demands, allowing employees to take up to ten days in vacation time before June 30 would place an even greater strain on already strained employees.

Action Item – bring up in next HR&C Committee meeting to discuss usage of carryover days.

Additional Updates

Several upcoming spring activities will be held virtually, including Gael Awards, Multicultural Recognition Ceremony, Accepted Students Day, Scholars Day, M/W swimming ice cream social. In attempts to keep students engaged, Athletics student-athletes and coaches are doing a number of social media outreach initiatives, Student Life is holding daily Zoom hours, room selection is ongoing (seniors and juniors complete, sophomores currently being assigned). Any issues with students regarding room assignment can be forwarded to Courtney Ferrick.

Accepted Students Day will be very interactive, will incorporate the pipe band somehow, will have live sessions with admissions counselors and any items that would have been given out will be shipped in time.

Motion to adjourn meeting (Scaccia/Grant).

Next meeting will take place Thursday, May 7, 2020. Venue TBD.