I hope that this note finds you well. I write with updates and information that you may find of interest about events since my last communication. As the semester grows longer and the days get shorter, I have been engaged in various activities to advocate for the campus and the students we serve. There are tremendous things happening here that make this job easier, and I thank you for that!
This week saw the release of our First Quarter projections for Fiscal Year 26, and we remain on track to finish this year “in the black.” This would be the first time ending the year in a favorable position since before the pandemic and represents an astounding turnaround of some $16M in a four-year span. The projections are, of course, just that: we must meet our Spring enrollment targets (very preliminary reports portend good news on that front), achieve operational efficiencies (which are critical to our mission), and be mindful of our hiring plan (although it is important to note that 41 full-time positions have been added since July 1, including 17 faculty lines) so that we can finally be removed from the University’s list of “campus of high financial concern.” These were sentiments echoed in a meeting I had with the University CFO this afternoon, and I am confident that by following a prudent course, we will do just that…and I thank you all in advance for your continued patience and cooperation.
I was also pleased to participate in the Finance and Investment Committee meeting of the CSI Foundation Board, where we reviewed our portfolio performance (which took a shock to the system with this week’s market downturn), and approved various spending plans for this year. Among those we reviewed was that of the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business, recently accredited and primed for a move to their new physical space in 2M in the coming months. Those developments formed the basis of a press interview with reporters from the Staten Island Advance on Monday, led by their Editor in Chief (and CSI Foundation Board Member) Brian Laline, at which Founding Dean Holak, benefactor Jay Chazanoff, and I were able to discuss these and other campus-wide developments that truly position our campus as a “force for public good.” It was one of the proudest moments of my tenure at CSI.
The week also saw a pair of meetings with other college presidents: my usual bi-weekly engagement with the senior college caucus (where we discuss matters germane to our sector) and a University-wide gathering on Thursday evening at Queensborough Community College, where we strategized about enrollment, transfer pathways, shared services, the use of artificial intelligence to improve business practices, and other items of mutual interest and concern. One of the benefits of being in a system with two-dozen other institutions is being able to leverage the relationships and experience of other higher ed professionals who have so much wisdom and mentorship to offer, and I know that many of you benefit similarly from the personal and professional relationships you have with others across CUNY.
On Wednesday, Dean Holak and her team hosted the 7th annual Careers in Finance, Economics, and Accounting Summit organized each year for 300+ Chazanoff School of Business student attendees. What was most inspiring about this year’s iteration of the event was that each of the industry panelists was a CSOB and CSI alum, demonstrating the standing that our institution and its programs have in the wider business community. We also saw several events hosted by the Center for Global Engagement for International Education Week, an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. CUNY and CSI remain steadfast in our support of international students and I want to remind everyone that resources are available on our Know Your Rights Webpage should anyone need them. In that same spirit, as yesterday was Transgender Day of Remembrance, we are reminded of the importance of advocating for the rights and safety of all individuals to live free from fear and discrimination. As part of these efforts, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has ensured that any bathroom signs explaining the law allowing individuals the right to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity – many which have been displaced since 2016 – have now been replaced. You can find more about the law and our restroom guidelines on our Website.
The week also saw the monthly iterations of the College Council and Faculty Senate meetings, where we discussed all the great things that are happening here at the College and ended with the annual Staten Island Health and Wellness Expo. That event drew hundreds of participants including prospective students from high schools across the Island and further demonstrated the pivotal role at the College plays in the life of our wider community: CSI is truly the academic, artistic, athletic, cultural, and intellectual hub of the island. I thank Rob Wallace and the team in Community Engagement for their work in making this event happen, as it is a true showpiece for the campus and a tremendous value-added for our Borough.
As next week brings Thanksgiving, this message will go on hiatus, but I wish you all a peaceful and restorative holiday with family and friends. When we return in December (!!) we will be approaching #GivingTuesday and I encourage you to help us reach our goal in this fundraising campaign. I want to acknowledge the contributions of our colleagues in the Department of Performing and Creative Arts who have generously supported our campus food pantry, as well as Stephen Ferst (Center for Global Engagement), Wilma Jones (Library and Center for Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development) Michael Paris (Political Science and Global Affairs), and Suzy Shepardson (Office of the Registrar) for their participation in our social media campaign to support our efforts. It truly takes a village, and during this season of reflection and gratitude, I find myself in awe of the generous and inspiring colleagues with whom I am fortunate to work.
Until next time,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D.
