SAC Meeting Minutes, December 2, 2021

Staff & Administrative Council Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 2, 2021, 12 p.m.

Present: Albrecht, Andrew; Barone, Regina; Beyrer, Brian; Brechtel, Emily; Derenzis, Lewis; Dominguez, Leandra; Ford, Jason; LoPresti, Anthony; Pace, Marie; Palladino, Rick; Rosenberg, Jessica; Saccoman, Ana; Wenchell, Laurie

Excused: Alvia, Manuel; Byrne, Kyle; Carruth, Martise; Davis, Bryan; Jaccino, Helena; Qaush, Zeqaj; Sannella, Marissa; Scaccia, Anthony; Stewart, Mark; Tascio, Peter

Call to Order

December 2, 2021 12:05pm- Brother Ford

College Council Standing Committee Updates

College Council
Meet 12/1 Announced the Faculty Survey went out and was due back 12/14/21. Dr. Carey reported the signing for the purchase of Concordia was to take place on 12/7, to be followed by a Virtual Town Hall on 12/9. 360 Platform to be more effect with student services consolidated. NYS Education Department lessened their requirements to obtain University Status (now only 1 Doctorate Program needed) The college will consider applying. All encouraged to attend the Holiday Party 3:00pm on 12/15/21. During the Provost Report the new degree audit system UAchieve was going well. The Dean search for the new Health School was on schedule. Advisory Survey was complete. There is a rise in Covid cases on campus. Everyone was asked to be cognitive about enforcing wearing masks while indoors! Policy being present to the board to change the language regarding adjunct faculty promotions. Brother Ford shared SAC concerns regarding Committee size, parking sports, lack of information being shared and availability of the booster vaccine on campus – told no plans as of now to do so. SGA is updating their policy and constitution as well. (Reported by Br. J. Ford)

Academic Affairs
New Courses in Health Sciences and Double Majors discussed (Reported by L. Wenchell)

Athletics
No new business (Reported by L. Wenchell)

Budget
Committee approved a 3.5% tuition increase for Undergraduate and Graduate. In comparison, this puts Iona in the middle of our Peer Institutions. During next meeting in Feb the committee will take a look at the fee structure. Students asked to make clear what the fees are for. (Reported by L. Derenzis)

Diversity
Discussed having a speaker in the Spring. (Reported by E. Brechtel)

Enrollment Management
Ivy Stabile reelected, Kevin read the admission report, Know the Iona of today- advising H.S. counselors about the current Iona, strategize recruitment looking for a diverse class. (Reported by R. Palladino)

Environmental Sustainability
Three electric stations by end of January. Questions asked if the committee:
-considered Solar panels- no talks to date
-Geo Thermal- not worth it at this time
-Surfaces material being environmentally friendly- No talks to date (Reported by A. Albrecht)

Human Resources and Compensation
Scheduled to meet 12/3/21 to go over Employee Handbook. Making sure wording was consistent etc. (Reported by A. Saccoman & M. Pace)

Institutional Advancement
Last meet on 11/16/21 discussed on going events, i.e. Mentoring, Homecoming, Football Reunion, Santa Breakfast, Student affordability of tuition, (Reported by Br. J. Ford)

Libraries
(reported by J. Rosenberg)

Student Life
No one available to report

Old Business

Future Committee membership size- a subcommittee was formed with Laurie Wenchell, Lewis Derenzis, Ana Saccoman, and Brian Beyrer to review and discuss the Faculty Senate proposal to see if it makes sense for SAC.

New Business

SAC election process- hard to get replacements for Non Exempt members especially. Process was discussed and recommendation made to have election committee make calls rather than just email those elected. During calls we can discuss what committee is and why they should serve etc. Also recommended to have HR speak up SAC perhaps do a post card.
Columbia Parking lot- more/ better lighting was requested as well as more security in the evenings.
Pulse of the College- none
Announcements- January meeting was cancelled.

Meeting adjourned 1:03 (Wenchell/Derenzis)

Please provide any updates and corrections. If no updates provided in 3 days, these minutes will be considered approved. Next meeting February 10 at 12:00 pm. – End Zone