I hope this update finds you well as I write with information about recent activities that you may find of interest.
This was a particularly busy week for the administration here at CSI. On Monday, several of us had a full-morning meeting with Chancellor Matos Rodríguez and his staff to discuss campus operations. My thanks to CFO Carlos Serrano, AVP Alex Scott, SVP Nathalia Holtzman, Chief of Staff Jessica Collura, and Director of Institutional Research Tara Mastrorilli-Geosits for accompanying me to the Central Office for this important meeting. We met with the University’s EVC and Chief Operating Officer Hector Batista, SVC/CFO Kenneth Godiner, Provost and EVC Alicia Alvero, Chief Transformation Officer Rachel Stephenson, and OAREDA Director Colin Chellman to discuss our Performance Management Plan (PMP). The PMP is a document that outlines all aspects of campus operations—from student outcomes to completion rates for mandatory trainings and all points in between—and this “deep dive” occurs every two years. In most cases, CSI performed extraordinarily well, and where we missed the mark, we have a plan moving forward. It was great to be able to tell the story of College of Staten Island and to receive feedback on those many wonderful things happening here. Thank you, everyone, for making us look good!
On Tuesday, I met with the College Council Executive Committee for our regular monthly check-in, where we discussed the agenda for next week’s College Council meeting (the Provost has a similar meeting with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee). We spoke about the upcoming consultation with the Budget Committee, the state of campus security and public safety, capital projects, faculty research, and other topics. It was good to hear what is on the minds of our colleagues and to discuss ways to assuage their concerns. I am sure the respective executive committees will continue to be tireless advocates for their constituents. That evening, I participated in a call with the senior college leaders where we analyzed the impact of shared services, brainstormed about issues with the CUNY Research Foundation’s new CRM, and shared best practices related to campus operations. The next day, I was back at the Chancellery for the monthly Council of President’s meeting, where we were presented with the University’s Internal Audit plan, heard from President Cordero-Guzmán of the Research Foundation, and discussed ways to streamline and improve the University’s enrollment funnel. We also discussed the University’s Master Plan and ways to leverage that document as the New York State Board of Education implements changes to the high school experience that could portend issues with college preparedness.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and today I and members of my team received comprehensive PII (personally identifiable information) training from IT staffer George Davis IV. I encourage you and your teams to do likewise to assure Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery in case of malicious activity. I want to wish all who celebrate a lovely Columbus Day holiday and acknowledge Italian American Heritage month. Richmond County has one of the highest percentages of residents with Italian heritage in the United States, so it is always a meaningful celebration for our community.
I am likely traveling so my weekly message will be on hiatus but I did want to acknowledge a few upcoming events: next week will see the rescheduled Macaulay Honors College Fall Open House and Information Session on Tuesday, October 13. Also, the SIEDC’s Annual Health & Wellness Expo will be back this year (Friday, October 16 from 9:00am. to 2:00pm). The event, led by a keynote from Commissioner Alister Martin of the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, will feature nearly two dozen free medical screenings, educational seminars, and discussions on important wellness topics, fitness demonstrations, and a large Resource Fair of businesses in related fields. Plus, sponsors Councilman David Carr, Richmond University Medical Center, and Staten Island University Hospital will present the annual “Health Hero” awards to Islanders making a difference in the health and well-being of residents. Lastly, the inaugural Faire and Flourish Fall Festival (originally scheduled for Sunday) with vendors and family-friendly activities (including a pumpkin patch) been changed to Sunday, October 18 from noon to 5:00pm.
Enjoy the lovely autumn weather. Perhaps I will see some of you at one of this weekend’s productions of GREASE, here at the Center for the Arts.
Until next time,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D.
