Genesee Community College Board of Trustees Approve 2015-2016 Budget

BATAVIA, NY (05/18/2015)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $39,927,000 budget for the 2015-2016 academic year, a modest increase over last year's $38.7 million budget. The budget, which covers the fiscal year beginning September 1, will be reviewed by Genesee County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee prior to its submission to the Genesee County Legislature, sponsor of the College.

"As compared to the proposed tuition increases that we are aware of from peer institutions, this modest increase maintains Genesee's competitive position as one of the most affordable higher education options available among SUNY's 30 community colleges," President James M. Sunser said. "It is a carefully-constructed, 'hold the line' budget, providing for inflationary cost increases while maintaining the quality of our academic programs."

The 2015-2016 budget:

• Increases tuition for full-time students by $25 per semester, bringing tuition from $1,925 per semester in 2014-2015 to $1,950 per semester in 2015-2016 ($3,900 per academic year).

• For 2015-2016, GCC is adding a new online learning fee of $10 per credit hour for courses that are taught fully online. The revenue from the online learning fee will be reinvested to fund the enrollment growth and enhancements to online learning programs and courses.

• Holds College staffing at current levels adding no new positions.

• Assumes New York State "base aid" at $2,597 per full-time-equivalent (FTE) student. This is a $100 increase over the New York State 2014-2015 budget, but remains below the state aid of $2,675 the College received six years ago.

The New York State budget also included support for GCC's capital projects, the construction of the College and Community Events Center and the Student Success Center. These projects are designed to transform the campus by supporting the College's academic mission and vision by promoting student success, partnering with the community and maintaining facilities in a cost-effective manner.

In other business at the May meeting, the Board of Trustees:

• Approved the granting of degrees and certificates to 620 Genesee students this month, subject to their satisfactory completion of academic requirements. Thirteen students will receive the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree; 266 students, the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree; 278 students, the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and 63 students, certificates.

• Approved Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen membership of GCC's 25 Advisory Committees. The refreshed roster of members includes more than 330 GLOW area professionals. Through their important work and their collective contribution, they ensure the consistent high quality programs that GCC students and the community have come to expect. The following list highlights GCC's many advisory committees: Orleans County for Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Wyoming County for Arcade and Warsaw Campus Centers; Dansville Campus Center; Lima Campus Center; ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment); Distributed Learning; Business; Information Technology; Criminal Justice; Digital Art; Food Processing Technology; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; Nursing; Office Technology; Paralegal; Perkins 3; Polysomnographic Technology; Physical Therapist Assistant; Respiratory Care; Fashion Business; Teaching Assistant; Theatre Technology; Tourism; and Veterinary Technology.

• Heard Chair Diane Torcello propose the three-member Nominating Committee. Appointed were Laurie A. Miller, Chair; Peter R. Call and Donna M. Ferry.

• Approved the promotional appointments of the following faculty members:

o Christine Belongia of Oakfield to professor of Teacher Education

o Amy V. Conley of Middleport to associate professor of Accounting

o Cheryl A. Corke of Rochester to professor of Accounting

o Gary W. Glaser of North Tonawanda to associate professor of Biology

o Kathleen T. Gurak of Groveland to associate professor of Health and Physical Education

o Roxanne M. Holthaus of LeRoy to assistant professor of Nursing

o Derek D. Maxfield of Churchville to associate professor of History

o Charles L. Scruggs of Geneseo to associate professor of History/Political Science

o Teresa L. Sukiennicki of Rochester to assistant professor of Biology

o Candice S. Vacin of Batavia to associate professor of Psychology

o Catherine C. Wall of Hilton to associate professor of Nursing

• Approved the new Mandatory Reporting and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse policy which stipulates that all GCC employees, students and volunteers report child sexual abuse that occurs at College sponsored events to the appropriate authorities. In addition, the policy also requires relevant employees and students be trained to recognize child sexual abuse crimes.

• Welcomed the following new faculty and staff, each of whom filled a vacant position within the College: Michael R. Donalty, Campus Safety Officer, James A. Donsbach, Grant Services Director; Morgan J. Eastlack, Web and Social Media Coordinator; John J. Maloney Jr., Graphic Designer; Julie C. Miller, Coordinator of Online Learning; Debra A. Perkowski, Executive Secretary to the Office of Academic Affairs; Greg T. Sharpe, Food Processing Technology instructor; Amy S. Westfall, Senior Library Clerk.

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