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JPBC Minutes: November 10, 2022

8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Virtual Meeting via Teams

Attendees

Voting Members
  • Sondra Aman
  • Mike Andriatch
  • Frances Dearing
  • Michael Doyle
  • Thomas Hager
  • Kristin Hartway
  • Tom Hernandez
  • Tegan Hughston
  • Yin Liu
  • Jason Morris
  • Carl O’Connor
  • Kathy Peterson
  • Heather Raczkowski
  • Janet Roy
  • Katy Wilson
Non-Voting Members
  • Bob Cushman
  • Damita Davis
  • Crystal Hallenbeck
  • Mike Harrison
  • Cathy Houston-Wilson
  • President Macpherson
  • Darson Rhodes: Co-Chair
  • Karen Riotto
  • Jim Wall: Co-Chair
  • Melissa Wight
Guests
  • Nathan Bull
  • Steve Cook
  • Deborah Ferris
  • Johnna Frosini
  • Jennifer Green
  • Scott Haines
  • Rachael Killion
  • Tammy Jo Manz
  • Brad Menear
  • Mary Jo Orzech
  • Garrett Roe
  • Bonnie Swoger
  • Sarah Unger
  • Susan Wielgosz
  • Rachel Winter

Regrets

Voting Members
  • Martin Abraham
  • Austin Busch
  • Meghan Irving
  • Jose Maliekal
  • Mark Stacy
  • Elliot Weininger

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.

Approval of the Minutes

Dr. Rhodes asked the committee to review the minutes from the November 3, 2022, meeting. Dr. Peterson motioned to approve the minutes; Ms. Dearing seconded the motion. 15 members voted to approve the minutes. Therefore, the minutes were approved.

Announcements

The following announcements were made:

  • The Budget Townhall will be on November 17, 2022, at 12:45pm in the McCue Auditorium and will be streaming for Brockport Downtown.
  • The Campus Climate survey has opened. Please complete the survey and encourage others to provide feedback as well.

Undergraduate Enrollment, Recruitment & Retention Update

(Presentation is available on Teams)

Dr. Kelly and Ms. Prajitura presented an update on undergraduate enrollment, recruitment and retention. The following questions and answers occurred during the presentation:

  • The question was raised regarding the emerging scholars and the concern over a quarter of them being dismissed after three semesters. It was stated that with this new analysis, Dr. Kelly, Mr. Chew and Mr. Wyant are meeting to discuss this concern. They are reviewing each student, looking at their major and progression to see if there are trends and how this information can influence Admissions with how they are guiding students into the program as well as the Academic Success Center with the Bridge Program. This analysis and planning will also assist with how we help these students.
  • The question was raised regarding what the institution’s focus regarding these retention numbers should be and is the retention issue related to academic problems or social/environment issues. It was stated that there isn’t one specific area that is causing the retention issue. For a planning perspective, we have to look at engagement within the academic program and engagement outside of it. We have to figure out how to create an environment that students want to be a part of and are satisfied.
  • The request was made for directions on what faculty and staff can do to help with retention numbers. It was stated that there has been focus on academic advisement this year. This is an area that we can all invest in. Also, creating connection and support with students. Noticing early on when a student isn’t connected or is struggling. In addition, information was sent out to the academic areas regarding the top five things you can do for recruitment and the top five things to think about for retention. This information will be shared with the committee. It was also stated that the institution is still adapting to the needs and level of preparation of the incoming students. Other campuses are trying to adapt as well. The students have different needs and preparation levels than past students.
  • The question was raised regarding who the contact person is to help areas understand what support services are being provided now. It was stated the Thomas Chew is the contact person.
  • The question was raised if there is a way to find out what some of the comprehensives are doing to achieve their success in retention because we may be able to adopt their ideas. It was stated that we are in touch with colleagues at sister institutions and we have a lot of comparable programming. The plan is to visit the campuses to see what is being done. We are also trying to compare their incoming class to see how similar or different we are and how that impacts the retention rates.
  • It was stated that faculty have said they would like to know the attributes and deficiencies that students bring to the University to better plan and assist students. We have to work with the students in a way that resonates with them. This could help make a dent in the retention numbers.
  • The question was raised regarding how the students who are on a leave of absence are factored into the retention numbers. It was stated that they are not counted as retained because the numbers are based on active and enrolled students for that given semester.
  • The question was raised regarding what the number is of students that take a leave of absence and recapture them. It was stated that the number has been calculated and can be shared at a later time.
  • The question was raised regarding what the status of the Talon Academy is since the staff member that was leading the program has left the University. It was stated that Tim Johnson from EOP is assisting with the program. The program was relaunched about a month ago and students are still being invited into the program. There is a search in progress for the vacant staff position.
  • The question was raised regarding the goal of 50 international students for the coming fall and what resources and strategies are being used to obtain that goal. It was stated that there is not additional investment in the program in terms of the recruiting activities. We will be making scholarships that are available to domestic students available for international students. We also will be completing some targeted marketing in the areas that international students should be interested in. Some examples of the areas are business and stem disciplines. There are some other items that are being worked on. One example is food due to diet restrictions.
  • The question was raised regarding what the retention strategies will be for the international students. It was stated that discussions are being initiated, but there is not a specific outline of strategies yet.
  • The concern was stated that with the decrease in retention numbers at the undergraduate level there is anticipation that the institution is planning strategies for the potential impact this will have on the graduate retention numbers.
  • The concern was raised regarding how we report our retention numbers externally and the impact it has on our reputation. It was stated that all SUNY schools report their numbers in this format.
  • It was stated that faculty are seeing that the students are lacking in coping and life management skills. If we could take the opportunity to address this issue, we can set ourselves apart as an institution and we can serve our students to help them develop these skills. It was stated that Student Engagement is collaborating with Academic Affairs on what engagement efforts will be during the coming spring and fall semesters in regards to the students’ “out of classroom” experience. It was also stated that faculty should be consulted on the issues they are seeing in the classroom to assist with developing ways to support our students.

Additional Items from the Committee

The following items were discussed:

  • Members were encouraged to wear their Brockport apparel tomorrow for Green and Gold Friday.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m.

DR/JW/mw