December 1, 2008

 

Report to University Senate:

 

I had to travel to Albany today, and am submitting this written report in lieu of my oral report.  On Friday, November 21 you received a summary of our budget status.  If the proposed $310 tuition increase per semester remains on campus, we will be in a position to meet our two highest priorities: provide students access to classes and avoid layoffs.  However, the upcoming Executive Budget, scheduled for release on December 16, will be crucial for next year.  Also, if the Governor announces large cuts in SUNY, not only will we experience major difficulties, but the SUNY Board’s proposal to maintain the same tuition ($2,485 per semester) over the next 18 months will be in jeopardy.

 

Here are a four items that were not contained in my November 21 memo:

 

·         Science/Technology Building.  The campus review committee and the Construction Fund agreed on an architect for the design and construction phase of this project.  Since the Construction Fund has final authority over the awarding of the contract, it is very important to have unanimous agreement on the selected firm.  Once all paperwork has been processed and final approvals secured, the name of the winning firm will be publicly announced.

 

·         Out-of-State and Graduate Tuition.  On Wednesday, November 26, SUNY campuses were formally notified that the increase in out-of-state and graduate tuition will be 50% higher than the increase for in-state, undergraduate students.  Since $310 per semester represents a 14.2% increase, the out-of-state and graduate tuition will be increased by 21.3% effective spring semester 2009.  This higher increase apparently had been appended to the packets given to the SUNY Board of Trustees, but was never mentioned at either the Finance Committee or Board meeting, and came as a surprise to SUNY campuses.

 

·         Volleyball Team.  Congratulations to the women’s volleyball team, which won the SUNY Athletic Conference title and advanced to the “Sweet 16” round of the 64-team NCAA tournament.  They are the first Fredonia women’s team in more than a decade to reach the NCAA tournament.

 

·         Holiday Reception.  Members of the University Senate should have received a formal invitation to a holiday reception at the President’s House on Wednesday, December 10 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.  If you have not received your invitation, please call the President’s Office at x3456. 

 

Jan and I look forward to seeing you at the reception.  Have a happy holiday!

 

Dennis L. Hefner, Ph.D.

President