Trustees focus on Strategic Plan implementation

A spirited discussion on a proposed Faculty Evaluation and Development program was one highlight from an energetic Board of Trustees meeting this month. Trustees also received a comprehensive update on Strategic Plan implementation from President Simone along with presentations on a variety of programs and projects.

It was a busy two days for members of the Board of Trustees during their meeting July 11 12 in the Lyndon B. Johnson Building. Taking a break are emeritus board members Lucius Gordon (left), honorary vice chairman, RIT Board of Trustees, and retired chairman of the board, Mixing Equipment Co., Inc.; and John Hostutler, retired president, Industrial Management Council of Rochester. They are talking with Thomas McDermott (center), chairman, chief executive officer and president, Goulds Pumps, Inc..

Yet, it was a panel discussion on FEAD that was both highly anticipated and enjoyed by the trustees. Trustees Bruce James and Robert Kohler participated along with Paul Ferber, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Faculty Evaluation and associate professor of Political Science, and Mary Sullivan, chair of the Academic Senate and professor of Language and Literature. The panel was moderated by President Simone.

"While no firm recommendations resulted from the discussions, it was clear that faculty evaluation and the opportunity to develop continuously is central to the quality of teaching, learning, and the vitality of RIT into the 21st century at RIT," said James. "We all seem to agree that to be effective the FEAD program will take a commitment by the administration and entire faculty."

The FEAD proposal, which is an Institute-wide faculty evaluation and development process, is now under consideration by the Academic Senate.

President Simone described in detail the outcome of the recently completed Administrative and Academic Program review, restructuring and reallocation of funds during the coming year. Reallocation will include academic program and equipment enhancements along with funds for new initiatives. Enhancements also are planned in the dormitories, Athletics and Campus Safety, among others. A complete report on restructuring and reallocation will be shared with the campus community in September.

"Every activity and action is being driven by our Strategic Plan, which is a living, dynamic, working document," Simone said. "These gains would not have been possible without the funds that came from managed attrition and program reviews. Now RIT is positioned to move forward strongly."

For the first time the board meeting coincided with the Nathaniel Rochester Society's annual "Summer Gala" and awards event which was held at the Strong Museum.

Judith Gustinis, director of the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies, gave the board an overview of the significant progress and positive outlook for CIMS. The new CIMS facility, on the west end of campus, is set for completion this fall.

Vice President for Student Affairs Linda Kuk unveiled a plan for renovation of the RIT residence halls. The $50 million project will be completed over three years and is expected to contribute to student satisfaction, retention and recruitment. Funds for the major project will be borrowed from the New York State Dormitory Authority. Trustees unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the project.

James Miller, vice president for Enrollment Management and Career Services, and his division's leadership provided trustees with an insider look at the complexities, challenges and strategies of recruitment, financial aid, cooperative education and placement. Trustees had the opportunity to both ask questions at a general session and participate in breakout sessions with Emanuel Contomanolis, director of Cooperative Education and Placement; Verna Hazen, director of Financial Aid Programs and Services; Robert French, assistant to the vice president; Joseph Nairn, director of Part-Time Enrollment Services; and Daniel Shelley, director of Admissions.

A panel of deaf students provided a program on deaf awareness that was part of an on-going series for board members.

Trustees passed a resolution noting with regret the passing of Russell C. McCarthy, who served as a trustee or trustee emeritus since 1947.

The board shared a self assessment that indicated that members approve of their role of monitoring the vision, values and strategic direction of RIT, along with approving and monitoring policies affecting the university. Trustees also are highly satisfied with their role of approving the annual operating and capital budgets, and assuring the financial viability of RIT. The board would like additional on-going
education about RIT and trustee responsibilities.

Three new trustees were appointed. Named were Elizabeth D. Moore, partner in the firm Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle and former director of the governor's Office of Employee Relations; Michael P. Morley, senior vice president and corporate director, Human Resources, Eastman Kodak Co.; and John M. "Dutch" Summers, owner of Jasco Tool, Inc. of Rochester.

Trustees also had the opportunity to tour Margaret's House, RIT's child care center in the recently renovated space in Bell Residence Hall.