The Culture of Care and Success

Academic Affairs

Career Assistant, Jessica Rossler, worked with the SUNY Schenectady Foundation Scholarship Review Committee in the scholarship selection process by reviewing applications as part of their efforts to support fair access to financial resources and provide equitable and inclusive distribution of scholarship funds. (1.3)

TRIO staff participated in multiple professional development opportunities promoting student engagement. Opportunities included the Council for Opportunity in Education's Priority 3 training on retention and graduation, the University at Albany's Keeping Students Engaged workshop, and Success Coach training hosted by DC Education Group. (Gen P1)

June has been very busy for the Begley Library. Jacquie Keleher, Director of Library Services, hosted Dr. Alicia Richardson, Dean for Strategic Engagement & Belonging, and Dr. Cherilyn Lacy, Professor of History & Assistant Provost of Hartwick College for a tour of the Begley Learning Commons that focused on how furniture choices and space planning create a supportive learning environment for students with different learning preferences. (1.5)

Strategic Initiatives and Planning

The Admissions Office hosted SUNY Reconnect virtual and in-person appointments three days per week throughout July to support adult learners interested in returning to college. Staff provided individualized guidance on program options, the admissions process, financial aid opportunities, and reviewed the next steps for enrollment. During the month, the team assisted 30 adult learners through scheduled appointments and walk-in visits, helping prospective students explore pathways to achieve their educational and career goals. This ongoing effort supports the College's commitment to increasing access and removing barriers for adult learners seeking to further their education (1.3; 2.1).

Jacob Young, Admissions Advisor, delivered a presentation to participating Liberty Partnership Program (LPP) students, providing an overview of SUNY Schenectady's admissions process, academic programs, student support services, and enrollment opportunities. The session offered students an opportunity to learn more about higher education pathways, ask questions about the application process, and gain an understanding of the resources available to support their transition to college. This engagement reflects the College's commitment to early student outreach and increasing access to higher education for local students (1.4; 2.1).

Workforce Development & Community Education

From June 7-17, 2026 the Workforce Development and Community Education division hosted an Italy Culinary trip. There were 11 travelers from the community as well as 2 representatives from Marco Polo (Giacomo Berselli and Chef Susan Hatalsky) and 2 representatives from WFD&CE (Sarah Wilson-Sparrow and Maria Kotary). The trip was a resounding success and the division plans to develop more international and domestic trips of this kind in the future. (1.4, 1.5)

In July 2026, the Workforce Development and Community Education division was awarded the SUFS (Setting up for Success) grant. This grant is $1.1 million and is in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College and other community-based organizations in the region. (1.3, 1.4)

On Wednesday July 22, Matt Sarles and Lauren Lankau met with Star Focault and her team at City Mission. We discussed plans to bring our mobile career units to the Mission. City Mission is very interested in partnering with SUNY WKD by offering our BHT training at the Mission this Fall. Additionally, they are very interested in developing an early college career and tech program at their site, with the intention of working with SUNY SCCC to develop college and career pathways to adult learners. (1.4, 1.5)

Delivering a Meaningful Student Experience

Academic Affairs

In July, Tiffany Wilson, Senior Success Coach, and Career Advisor, Chastity Rios, supported LPP by serving as panelists for the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) Summer Melt Initiative, sharing insights and resources to help graduating seniors transition out of high school. (2.1, 2.4 & 2.5).

TRIO strengthened its Student Support Services by completing a SWOT analysis and action plan. They also developed a more efficient Annual Performance Report process and drafted a comprehensive policies and procedures manual. (2.1, 2.3, 2.5)

Matthew Montalbano, Librarian (PT), designed a fall 2026 drop-in support schedule to help students strengthen the digital literacy skills and learning management system skills needed for online and in-person classes. (Gen. 2)

On June 17, Michael Henderson, Director of EOP at SUNY Schenectady hosted the SUNY System Administration EOP Directors Meeting. EOP directors from across the SUNY system converged on the campus and it was a great opportunity for collaboration and discussion of student success strategies. (2.3, 2.5)

This summer, Michelle Ragucci, Director of Academic Services, developed and distributed campus-wide communications regarding the temporary relocation of the Begley Learning Commons support offices. Despite the disruption, student utilization increased over the summer session compared to last summer indicating that her efforts were effective and that students stayed engaged with academic support services. (2.3)

In July, Melanie Uebele, LPP Program Administrator and Margaret White, LPP School Counselor accompanied 10 LPP student mentors from Schenectady H.S. to the STARS National Conference held at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. This action- packed, three-day event brings teens together to learn about self-awareness, healthy decision making and serving their communities. It is a stellar opportunity for them to network and build relationships. (2.4)

From July 20 - August 13, LPP staff at Schenectady H.S. and Mont Pleasant Middle School facilitated LPP College & Career Readiness summer programs. These robust, 4- week programs brought 40 students to campus. While the high schoolers developed career readiness skills like resume writing, networking and financial management, the middle schoolers participated in activities designed to stop the loss of academic skills that can occur when students are away from school during the summer months. (2.4)

This summer, the Early College High School grant programs enrolled over 250 students and significantly improved their course drop rate compared to last year. More than 70 Schenectady H.S. seniors earned college credit and 16 of them graduated with an Associate’s degree shortly after receiving their high school diploma. (2.3, 2.4 & 2.5)

Administration

Effective July 1, 2026, the Student Business Office and Financial Aid Office were merged into a single unit within the Welcome Center. The newly combined office, now known as Student Financial Services, is led by Mark Bessette, Associate Vice President of Student Financial Services. (2.3)

As of July 22, Student Financial Services has processed 2,519 FAFSA applications, an increase of 298 applications (13.4%) compared to 2,221 on the same date last year. (2.3)

The Foundation Scholarship cycle continues to progress successfully. To date, 500 students have submitted scholarship applications, with 104 students receiving awards totaling $107,477. Scholarship review and awarding remain ongoing as additional awards are finalized. (2.3)

Development

The Foundation received notice that KeyBank Foundation approved our $20,000 grant request in alignment with their foundation's giving guidelines that support under resourced and underserved youth who seek learning opportunities and workforce readiness — especially for those young adults who identify as individuals of color. We have reached out to Tamika Otis for an introductory meeting with Dr. Reaves. (2.5)

Diversity & Inclusion

In June and July 2026, Catia Laird de Polanco, Associate Professor & Advisor to the President, consulted with Christina Charette, Student Activities Advisor, on an annual student programming calendar to streamline long-term planning and to identify opportunities for expanded community partnerships. (1, 1.4, 1.5, 2, 3)

Marketing and Public Relations

The Marketing and Public Relations department partnered with Admissions to promote their SUNY Reconnect Info Sessions, including paid advertising and organic social media tactics. (1.0)

Final fall enrollment advertising pushes began with new creative on transit (exterior bus panels and interior cards), radio, digital ads, updated PPC, paid/organic social media, Gazette print and digital, and initiatives at the Saratoga track. (1.0)

Schenectady Outreach Center

The Schenectady Outreach Center (SOC) increased annual enrollment by 82.1% over the 2024–2025 program year, enrolling 856 new participants and exceeding its annual enrollment goal of 500 by 71.2%. Throughout the year, Center staff provided 4,951 services to participants, helped 89 participants secure employment, supported 32 participants through the college admissions process, connected 168 participants to workforce training opportunities, and delivered college readiness workshops and activities to 317 local high school students. (General Pillar 2)

The Schenectady Outreach Center and the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) launched a pilot initiative to establish a Department of Labor Outstation at the Center. Through this partnership, DOL staff provide on-site employment services, offering participants enhanced access to job search assistance, career guidance, workforce resources, and connections to employment opportunities. The initiative strengthens the Center's workforce development efforts by making employment support more accessible to participants. (General Pillar 2)

On June 4, 2026, Schenectady Outreach Center (SOC), in partnership with Schenectady County Connects and Department of Labor, hosted a community job fair at Center City. Over one hundred job seekers attended the fair and had the opportunity to meet in person with forty employers to discuss employment opportunities. (General Pillar 2)

On June 24, 2026, the Schenectady Outreach Center hosted its End-of-Year Celebration and Open House to recognize the accomplishments of its participants, celebrate the Center's growth and achievements, and welcome both existing and new community partners into its new space. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to tour the facility, strengthen partnerships, and network with one another. (General Pillar 2)

Schenectady Outreach Center staff continue to strengthen partnerships with high schools across the Capital District, delivering educational workshops and campus experiences that support students in exploring career interests, educational pathways, and regional college opportunities.

This month, Dara Orederu, Associate Executive Director, and Alicia Balgobin, Participant Services Specialist, facilitated the following activities for high school students:

  • Delivered Self-Exploration, Career Exploration, and Educational Pathways workshops for students at Schenectady High School.
  • Delivered Self-Exploration, Career Exploration, and Educational Pathways workshops for SUNY Schenectady’s Liberty Partnership Program’s (LPP) Summer Melt students. (2.4)

Strategic Initiatives and Planning

The Admissions Office, in collaboration with Academic Advising and HCAT, hosted a Culinary New Student Registration Day designed to provide a streamlined enrollment experience for prospective Culinary Arts students. Participants registered for classes, reviewed important enrollment onboarding requirements, toured the culinary facilities, and connected with faculty and staff. The event resulted in the enrollment of five new Culinary Arts students and highlighted the College's commitment to providing personalized support throughout the enrollment process (2.1).

The Admissions Office is actively preparing for the fall recruitment season and has already scheduled 50 off-campus recruitment events between late September and early December. These visits will provide opportunities to engage prospective students, families, and school counselors throughout the region. In addition, the College is working closely to prepare for SUNY Operation Inform (OpInform) in October through which SUNY Schenectady will host more than 100 high school counselors and approximately 30 SUNY campus representatives for updates on SUNY initiatives and an opportunity to experience the College's programs, services, and campus community (Gen. P2; 2.4).

Student Affairs

Student Activities/SGA

Planned SGA training and officer development activities for August to prepare student leaders for their roles and responsibilities, strengthen leadership capacity, and provide students with the skills necessary to effectively represent and advocate for their peers. (2.1)

Worked with the Esports program on staffing, recruitment planning, and operational procedures to support the continued development of the program as an avenue for student engagement, community building, leadership development, and recruitment. (2.1) Coordinated fall programming, vendors, and event logistics to ensure that upcoming activities were well planned, accessible, cost-effective, and responsive to student interests and campus needs. (2.1)

Finalized the majority of the Fall 2026 Student Activities calendar, establishing a comprehensive schedule of programs and engagement opportunities designed to support student belonging, leadership development, campus connection, and participation throughout the semester. (2.1)

Continued coordination of Welcome Week, Club Carnival, and recurring campus events to create intentional opportunities for students to build relationships, learn about campus resources, discover student organizations, and become actively involved in the College community. (2.1)

Worked on recruitment strategies for student clubs and the Esports program to expand participation, increase student involvement, and create additional pathways for students to develop friendships, leadership skills, teamwork, and a stronger sense of belonging. (2.1)

Food Pantry Impact

Student Success Outcomes

Students Retained or Completed Studies: 143
Student Graduates (May 2026): 58
Returning Students Registered for Fall 2026: 85
Increase in Visits & Individuals Served (AY 2025-26): +5%

Service Activity (June-July)

Unduplicated Student Visitors: 47
Household Visits: 123
Household Members Served: 408
Items Received: 2,815
Items Distributed: 2,243
Value of Items Distributed: $6,593

Resources & Partnerships

Grant Awards: 4
Corporate Partners: 5
Individual Donors: 24
Fresh Produce Delivered Weekly: 9-11 boxes
HPNAP Grant Funding Received: $1,000

The Food Pantry continues to deliver measurable impact on student success and basic needs security. During Academic Year 2025-2026, pantry users included 58 graduates, 85 students registered for Fall 2026, and 143 students who were retained or successfully completed their studies. Demand for services increased by 5% over the previous year, demonstrating the continued need for food security resources among SUNY Schenectady students. Supported through four grants, five corporate partners, and 24 individual donors, the pantry distributed more than 2,200 food and household items valued at nearly $6,600 during June and July alone. Partnerships with the Urban Farm, the Regional Food Bank, and statewide anti-hunger initiatives continue to strengthen the pantry's capacity to support student persistence and success. (2.3)

Building Organizational Effectiveness

Academic Affairs

Chastity Rios, Non-traditional Career Advisor, created accessible marketing materials and developed a comprehensive social media and marketing plan for Career & Transfer Services to increase student awareness of their many resources and events. (Gen P3)

The Office of College and High School Partnerships expanded their capacity by hiring a Student Success Manager and a High School Grant and Data Manager to facilitate grant administration, data management and student success initiatives for the Early College High School and College in the High School programs. (Gen P3)

Library staff prioritized accessibility by presenting to the New York State Library on Universal Design and by creating new electronic resources for Library staff to utilize like the new ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) document to track vendor and resource names, date of accessibility concerns, follow-up notes and review status. (Gen P3)

Administration

During the month of July, the campus saw progress on the following Capital projects:

  • Elston Hall Gathering Space - Sound-absorbing wall panels will be installed, along with new sheetrock that will be painted upon completion. New flooring was installed at the Welcome Center in late July, and international flags will be displayed throughout the space. (3.4)
  • Begley Auditorium - During the final stages of the project, it was discovered that a row of lighting fixtures had been inadvertently omitted from the architectural drawings. The plans have been revised, and the necessary fixtures have been ordered. (3.4)
  • Begley Basement - During demolition and site preparation, the construction team encountered unexpectedly dense concrete resulting from years of repeated flooding and subsequent curing. The concrete was significantly harder than anticipated, making removal and excavation more challenging than originally planned. Working closely with the project engineers, the team developed a solution and brought the project back on schedule. In addition, the location of the sump pump is being revised from the original design, and final details are currently being worked out. The classrooms and bathrooms included in this project are expected to be fully functional by the start of the Fall 2026 semester. (3.4)
  • Elston Hall Facade - Brick pointing and window restoration work continues to progress. The construction team anticipates removing the scaffolding by the first week of August. (3.4)
  • Elston Hall Boiler Room Shoring - this project has started and should be completed by late August. (3.4)

Student Financial Services is actively preparing for the August 7 billing due date. Weekly billing reminders are being sent to students who have not yet satisfied their financial obligations to encourage timely payment and reduce barriers to enrollment. (3.5)

Human Resources

Employee Wellbeing & Campus Climate

Human Resources continues to advance initiatives that strengthen employee wellbeing, community connection, and organizational resilience.

Wednesday Wellbeing messages

  • 6/3 – Oral Health Month message
  • 6/10 – National Get Outdoors Day
  • 6/17 – A Father’s Day message
  • 6/24 – Friday Fundays
  • 7/1 – Morning mindfulness
  • 7/8 – Healthy tips for summer heat
  • 7/15 – Meaningful work and Occupational Wellbeing
  • 7/22 – Resources to find farmers markets and farm-to-table stores (3.1,3.2)

Workplace Wellbeing & Engagement Initiatives

We closed out our Wellbeing Survey which was launched at the end of April. A summary of this feedback will be compiled. (3.1,3.2)

Benefits Engagement

We attended training sessions on Bona Fide Separations and FMLA. We provided a detailed compilation of data for the college’s GASB 75 actuarial valuation data request. (3.2)

New Employee Onboarding

We welcomed 28 new employees, ensuring they received a supportive, well-structured onboarding experience aligned with institutional expectations and culture. (3.2)

Employee Support Services

  • We provided one-on-one benefits counseling to 10 employees.
  • We assisted nine employees with leave of absence counseling.

These services reinforce HR’s role as a strategic partner in employee wellbeing and organizational stability. (3.1, 3.5)

Talent Acquisition & Staffing

HR continues to support operational effectiveness by advancing critical searches across the College. (3.2)

  • Active Searches: 9 Total
  • Civil Service: Two (2) Faculty: Zero (0) Professional Staff: Seven (7)

Marketing and Public Relations

The Marketing and Public Relations department provided president’s office support for the campus-wide introduction of our new president, Dr. Nicole Reaves, with photography, development of new dynamic web pages for the president’s office, drafting and publishing communications, designing informational signage for the REACH screens across campus and the LED roadside boards at the campus entrances, social media, and event planning and support for numerous listening sessions and the campus meet-and-greet social on day one. Collaboration in these efforts also included working with SUNY System, as well as the college’s IT, Facilities, Student Affairs, and Human Resources offices. (1.0)

Worked with SUNY’s Communications and Marketing team over two days to recommend and provide access to locations on campus to film content for use in the SUNY Community College ad campaign. (1.0)

Strategic Initiatives and Planning

Dale Miller, Director of Institutional Research, submitted four SUNY Systems reports. Mr. Miller attended the annual SUNY AIRPO conference. Mr. Miller also provided data for the following projects: Reconnect data to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Planning, Perkins grant data to the Dean of Learner Support, admissions data to Admissions for SUNY reporting, enrollment data to the Dean of the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism for course planning, enrollment data to EOP, success data to Marketing for the new catalog, and additional program review data to faculty (Gen. P3).

Mary Silvestri, Director of Admissions and Matriculated Enrollment, designed and implemented customized forms, communication plans, and automated workflows to support Instant Admit partnerships with local high schools through the College’s Slate CRM. The new process streamlines event scheduling, improves coordination among Admissions staff, and strengthens communication with participating schools before and after each event. By creating a more efficient and scalable system, the College is better positioned to expand Instant Admit opportunities, provide timely support to prospective students, and improve the overall experience for school counselors, students, and families throughout the admissions process (3.5;2.1; 2.4).

Mitzi Espinola, Director of Academic Advisement and Retention; Anna Westerman, Assistant Director of Academic Advisement and Retention; Mary Silvestri, Director of Admissions; and Jessica Gilbert, Dean of Learner Support, met to discuss potential alternatives to the current Starfish platform. The group explored options for advising appointment scheduling and student check-in kiosk functionality, with the goal of identifying solutions that could enhance efficiency, improve the student experience, and better support advising and transfer services (1.5; 3.4; 3.5).

Student Affairs

Counseling

Counseling Services secured Mental Health First Aid funding and certification, positioning the College to offer MHFA training to faculty and staff beginning this academic year. (3.3)

Student Activities/SGA

Prepared club advisor and student officer materials to establish consistent expectations, clarify responsibilities, and provide student leaders and advisors with the resources needed to successfully operate and sustain registered student organizations. (3.5)

Updated marketing materials and brochures for Student Activities and eSports to improve awareness of available opportunities, promote student participation, and communicate the programs and services available to current and prospective students. (3.5)

Safety and Security

Coordinated campus logistics for fireworks event parking to ensure efficient traffic flow, interdepartmental communication, and operational support. (3.1)

Coordinated the College's support for a movie production base camp, collaborating with multiple campus departments and external partners to facilitate scheduling, space utilization, and operational logistics. (3.4)

Implemented swipe card access for Elston Hall Room 409, enhancing facility security, improving access management, and supporting modern campus operations. (3.4)

Ensuring Financial Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

Academic Affairs

Dawn Jones, Director of Career & Transfer Services, conducted an internal audit of SUNY Empire State Service Corps funds and detected a shortfall in funds received from SUNY. She worked with the Controller to recoup nearly $20,000 in student employee funding. (Gen P4)

Under the leadership of Jacquie Keleher, Director of Library Services, Library staff have always prioritized good stewardship of library resources. This summer, Giovannine Matheron, Collection Development and Electronic Resources Librarian, studied negotiation concepts and learned practical strategies for negotiating with vendors. Jacquie Keleher also met with Leanna Liuzzi, Stewardship Officer with the SUNY Schenectady Foundation to discuss a way in which the Foundation could support the purchase of textbooks for library use to increase the availability of high-demand texts and reduce individual textbook requests to the Foundation. (Gen P4)

On July 13-16, the School of Music hosted their annual Trumpet & Trombone Institutes bringing over 40 middle and high school students to campus. Allyson Keyser, Professor (trumpet) and Phil Pandori, Adjunct Instructor (trombone) and other faculty worked with them on all aspects of playing and performance. (P4.3)

On August 13, Dr. Christopher Brellochs, Dean of the School of Music performed a concert in Schenectady’s Central Park as part of the Music Haven summer concert series. The SUNY Schenectady food truck attended and did double duty acting as an advertising and recruitment tool for the school and selling delicious food to attendees. (Gen P4)

Administration

The College's 2026/2027 Operating budget was passed at the July 14, 2026, meeting. The County Legislature approved the College's budget in the amount of $27,917,422 which includes the sponsoring community contribution to the College in the amount of $4,461,110. (4.1)

Development

Peter Gabak, VP of the Foundation started preliminary philanthropic conversations with loyal friends and colleagues of the late Eric W. Fluty, former Director of Campus Safety to raise funds for a scholarship that would support a student(s) studying criminal justice. (4.4)

This past week, Gift Officer Leanna Liuzzi had donative conversation with loyal friends and colleagues of the late Bill Benson, former adjunct faculty in HCAT to establish an endowed scholarship; Benson taught at the College from 1997 to 2014. One of the interested donors is Chef Nicole Brisson; Brisson has appeared on the TV show CHOPPED and is the executive chef at a few restaurants in Las Vegas. (4.4)

Marketing and Public Relations

The Campus Events office within the Marketing and Public Relations department negotiated and organized the rental of campus space and provided support services in conjunction with Campus Security and Facilities to host the Basecamps for both The Gilded Age – Season 4 filming and the Bridgeport/Conjuring filming. Campus Events worked with the management teams for both filming productions, as well as the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation’s (DSIC) film commission, county, and SUNY Schenectady’s Office of the President and Office of Administration to complete these revenue-generating opportunities. (3.0)

Workforce Development and Community Education

WFD&CE received the Future of Work Center Aviation grant $1.5 million and the Setting up for Success grant $1.1 million both in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College and local community-based organizations. (4.3, 4.5)