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January 23-24, 2002 Meeting Minutes
In attendance (for part or all of the meeting): J. Angerosa, D. Belt, T. Bennett, D. Bowers, K. Cline, L. Davis, J. DeSantis, R. Duell, K Dupuis, J. Fazioli, A. Ferrara, F. Gabriel, K. Gifford, C. Groenveld, L. Hartmark, J. Homburger, S. Kardonsky, D. Kirwan, E. Kumar, B. Lang, K. Levinson, I. Lisnitzer, R. Mann, L. Neveu, D. Powalyk, S. Richards, R. Schenk, K. Seitz, P. Shea, C. Smith, H. Snoreck, P. Steck, J. Van Voorst, R. Wagner, C. Webb, B. Weigman, C. Young
Copies of some referenced handouts are not included with these minutes. Anyone needing copies is welcome to contact Tracy Bennett (716-673-3109 or bennett@fredonia.edu).
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Opening Remarks / President's Report
Ivan Lisnitzer welcomed the membership and mentioned the following topics:
- Brian Stenson will bring the 2002-2003 New York State Budget books for the campus with him tomorrow.
- John Lambert is unable to join us for this meeting due to a death in the family. Tracy Bennett will serve as Secretary for this meeting.
- SUBOA will not hold the annual meeting at the NACUBO annual meeting this year in Vancouver, B.C. There was discussion of holding the SUBOA annual meeting at the EACUBO annual meeting to be held in Philadelphia, PA October 6 - 8, 2002.
- Leif Hartmark will chair the SUBOA nominating committee. A slate of officers is expected at the April 2002 meeting. New officers will be elected at the June 2002 meeting.
- Ivan reported on his attendance at the SUNY Board of Trustees finance committee meeting. There was little discussion of the SUNY Budget.
Minutes and Treasurer's Report
Minutes of the November 28/29, 2002 meeting were approved.
(Motion by Bob Wagner and seconded by John Homburger).
John Homburger reported the following balances:
$17,856.68 Savings Account
2,864.68 Checking Account
$20,721.46 Total
campuses Four campuses owe dues for 2001-2002. John will contact them directly.
Sector Reports
The following topics were brought forward to the entire SUBOA membership based on sector meetings:
Arts and Science Colleges
Tracy Bennett reported that the following topics were discussed in the sector meeting:
- Status of centrally billed Amex Travel card.
- What's the current status of having the SUNY exemption extended?
- Status of current year utility budget.
- The group recommended that we request that system administration offer more information and options (Not one plan that fits all campuses) and facilitate the development of regional utility contracts within a particular utilities tariff area.
- Status of the Auxiliary Service Contract
- The group expressed concerns about having the contract in place by June 30, 2002 and the ramifications on campuses if there is not a contract in place. Also, some concern about the lack of wording in the contract specifying the relationship between the auxiliaries and the Colleges or University Centers. The contract makes them appear more independent than they are.
- Residence Hall Reserve Fund/Interest Income
- The entire membership agrees that both the pre-devolution and post-devolution interest income at DASNY should be distributed back to the campuses. Agreed to follow up on this point with Brian Stenson
- Broad Based Campus Fees for 2002-2003
- Discussed the need for consistent guidance from System Administration as campuses formulate their fee requests for 2002-2003 in light of the "no growth" State Budget.
- DASNY Overhead Charges
Discussed various concerns relating to campus dealings with DASNY. These include the following:
- Need for quarterly summaries of DASNY changes to campus projects.
- Give campus full cost estimates of construction projects and keep campuses apprised of changes to these estimates during design and construction.
- Reporting to campuses individually rather than just SUNY collectively.
- Requested that a DASNY representative give a presentation at the next SUBOA meeting in April 2002 to clarify some of the issues raised.
- Follow up on Sector Issues
- Recommended that since many of the issues raised at the sector meetings are repetitive, SUBOA should submit specific issues in writing to the appropriate office in SUP and request a written response.
University Technology Colleges
Carson Smith reported in addition to the topics mentioned previously, the UTC sector discussed:
- Executive Order 111
- What is the cost and what are the funding options?
- Early retirement
- What is the likelihood that there will be an early retirement incentive?
University Centers
Dick Mann reported, that in addition to the topics previously mentioned, the University Sector also discussed:
- Issues relating to the Building trades and the issue of non-union labor.
- Performance Based Budget (RAM) Model
- Discussed concerns if the model would be changed due to no additional state support and if anything would be taken "off the top" to fund university wide programs. Will follow up with Brian Stenson tomorrow.
- Discussed implementation status of the Research Foundation OASIS software.
- Apparently no audit issues
- General Membership issues
Ken Gifford asked if other colleges issued IRS form 1099-S for housing allowance for Faculty and staff who are provided with College housing. Did not seem to be an issue at other campuses.
Executive Committee:
Attending: J. Angerosa, T. Bennett, D. Bowers, C. Groeneveld, L. Hartmark, J. Homburger, I. Lisnitzer, B. Wager, C. Webb, B. Weigman, C. Young. Guest: R. Schenk
Becky Schenk reported the following for the Accounting/Budget/Bursar (ABB) group.
- Requested better coordination between the quality initiative and the ABB group.
- Reported that Barb Owad would discuss the financial plan presentation and work with the ABB group to refine budget projection tolerances. Also that there would be a discussion with SUP of overall all campus finances. Ivan stated that there should be Business Officers involvement in any campus finance discussions with SUP. There is still some confusion about what SUP is looking for in the variance reports.
- Reported that Kerry Brousseau would be reviewing major recharge expenses with the ABB group. Dick Mann expressed concerns about University Wide program funding and funding for information technology.
- Expressed concerns about WTC funding
- Reported that the ABB group will be meeting again in March.
David Bowers questioned the process and timeliness of the SUBOA leadership transition. Asked if the process could be speeded up somewhat. Ivan stated that he would check the By-laws for dates for nominations and the election of SUBOA officers.
Ivan Lisnitzer discussed the following issues with the Executive Committee:
- Discussed planning the SUBOA "annual meeting" in conjunction with the ECAUBO annual meeting in October 2002 in Philadelphia.
- Expressed concerns about system IT issues. He stated that the committee reviewing IT issues at central should include business officers representation. Bob Wagner suggested that a small group should discuss this issue with Dick Miller.
- Discussed the relationship with the COTA/TOTA (and CIP group) with SUBOA. Stated that he would discuss having a business officer liaison with this group.
- Briefly discussed the status of the RF conversion, Union negotiations, and SUBOA committees.
Wednesday Evening
The evening was spent at the Desmond Americana honoring retiring Director of SUNY Internal Audit, John Murphy. Ivan Lisnitzer presented a plaque on behalf of SUBOA recognizing John for his outstanding service to all campuses over his long tenure as Director of Internal Audit.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Vice Chancellor's Report - Dick Miller and Brian Stenson
Dick Miller reported on the following:
- Reported that SUNY five-year capital plan could be from 6-7 years depending upon Division of the Budget. The next 5-year capital plan is ready to go.
- GRI funding for three years will be released as soon as the bonds are sold.
- Communications with the Construction Fund
- A campus advisory committee has been established. One meeting has already been held and a second is scheduled for February in Syracuse. Discussions have included, a review of the Inspector General's report on Old Westbury and the potential of campuses accepting more responsibilities for construction arrangement.
- Negotiations with EPA
- Dick reported that negotiations are close to being completed. They effectively have a deal and it's down to the last issues.
- M/C Raises
- Dick reported that whether M/C raises had to be awarded was a campus decision.
- Early Retirement
The current proposal for the early retirement plan requires campuses to give up funding and positions for anyone accepting the incentive. Based on these requirements the SUNY Board of Trustees may vote not to participate in this years plans.
- Lobbying Status
The number one priority will be to secure funding for negotiated salary increases.
Ivan Lisnitzer raised the following questions:
- How will the PBB model be run this year? Dick indicated that the model would be run the same as normal after the system had a chance to evaluate the results.
- How will priority needs of the University be funded? They will not be taken "off the top" of the PBB according to Dick.
Bob Wagner questioned Dick concerning a possible tuition increase. Dick responded that the Chancellor, Senator Bruno and the Governor were privately supportive of a tuition increase but there would be no increase this year. There could be future increases of $300 - $400 for a couple of years to catch up, followed by annual adjustments based on the Higher Education Price Index.
Stan Kardonsky questioned the proposed TAP cuts. Dick replied that the cuts made no sense and were a "lightning rod" "throw away" in budget negotiations.
Information Technology Study
- Dick reported that the Governor will issue an executive order for the CIO of New York State to have control of all computing facilities, including SUNY. In the mean time SUNY is not filling it's CIO positions.
Brian Stenson reported on the following:
- Reviewed highlights of the Executive Budget (handout)
- Discussed the proposed changes in TAP. The proposal would pay students 2/3 of this TAP award while they are in school and 1/3 after they graduate. To reverse this plan will require about $150 million of state funding. This amount is more than the entire amount allocated to the Higher Education Conference Committee last year during budget negotiations. Funding for the TAP program will come from Temporary Assistance to the Needy Fund in addition to State General Purpose Revenues.
- Proposed Retirement Incentive
Brian elaborated on some of Dick's comments. This plan would require the position to be eliminated and the reduction isn't counted toward the budget target. (the target is lowered for the retirement amount). Nobody in DOB could explain to Brian why anyone would take this incentive. He would be very surprised if the incentive survives in this format.
Budget Needs - Brian reviewed the budget needs for 2002-2003:
| Collective Bargaining |
$65 million |
| Inflation |
14 million |
| Enrollment |
18 million |
| Research Match |
5 million |
Even without any additional growth in enrollment next year there would be a need for $10 million increase in state support. If enrollments are permitted to grow at approved levels an additional $8 million (total $18 million) will be needed.
The provosts office is reviewing campus selectively in evaluating campus enrollment numbers for next year.
Ken Levinson - Pointed out that SUNY was supporting the concept that enrollment growth has no cost, that campuses can operate on the margin of tuition revenue only. This topic is to be discussed at the regional presidents meetings.
The Provosts Office will provide guidance to the Campuses over the next several weeks as they approach campus enrollment targets.
Leif Hartmark questioned how the $65 million salary increases would be dealt with in the PBB. Brian stated that this amount would not be included in the PBB calculations this year.
Dick Mann questioned what issues were the Chancellor likely to bring up with the Presidents. Brian indicated the following:
- Enrollment Growth Issues
- Lobbying Efforts
- Working Relationships with SUP
Brian stated that their intention is to be as liberal as possible on fees. The Student Health Fee is an exception, increases should be held to $25 per semester, $50 annual.
Brian also reported that the Chancellor had written a letter to the Governor's Office of Employee Relations requesting a permanent exemption for SUNY for the travel card.
Jim Van Voorst indicated that they had experienced problems with the state travel agency not providing the lowest prices. Brian asked Jim to provide details to Joanne Fazioli.
Tracy Bennett questioned Brian if a decision had been made on the distribution of pre-devolution and post devolution interest income currently being held at DASNY. Brian indicated that no decision had been made yet.
Brian also indicated that there had been discussions with the Finance Committee of the Board regarding campus financial performance. Only one campus requires action at this time. They are trying to make certain that no more "Purchases" occur.
David De Marco reported that as part of the Quality Initiative the NYS Civil Service Commission will be streamlining position reclassification. Many higher level positions which required the "long form" process for approval will not be processed using the "short form" process. This means changes can be processed at the campus.
Government Relations Update
Jim Campbell updated the group on the following issues; (2002 Legislative Updated Provided
- Fees - Ongoing debate
- Auxiliary Service Corps- The assembly would like to look at their operations.
- Foreign student reporting requirement
- Reporting gifts over $100,000 to College Scholarship funds from foreign governments and individuals
- TAP - proposed budget cuts
- World Trade Center Scholarship
- Credit Cards issued to students and student Credit Card debt.
- Professions in NY State and how they are regulated - Reviewing Accounting
SUNY Legislative Agenda
- Flexibility Legislation
- Hospitals
- Construction Fund
- Operations
Jim also noted that the Government Relations web site is updated weekly.
System Administrative IT Strategic Plans
Dave De Marco reported:
- There will not be a Strategic Planning contract with IBM.
- Distributed an overview "SUNY Administrative Strategic Planning Update".
- Reviewed the Strategic Planning Update document. The points were reviewed.
- Overview of SUNY Administrative System
- Review of SUNY Administrative Systems with other state agencies
- 18 month plan to address required change.
- Strategic Planning Tracts
- Recap of current status Phase I.
- Phase II Strategic planning effort
- Overview of SUNY Business Fundamentals.
- Improving interfaces with other state agencies
- Responsibilities for Web Services.
- Time table for upgrades to Finance Module over the next five years.
- Timetable for upgrades to Human Resource module over the next five years.
- Timetable for upgrades for enrollment management (admissions processing center) over the next five years.
- Timetable for upgrades for Institutional Research and Academic Programs.
- Technology targets over the next five years.
- Estimated incremental cost $2-3 million for five years.
Nick Lyons commented that the ABB groups favor this incremental approach.
Becky Schenk - speaking on behalf of ABB stated that based on the amount of work that needs to be done, that benchmarks be established and a good thorough discussion take place between SUP and ABB Committees.
Ivan Lisnitzer stressed that there needs to be much more discussions on these topics.
David De Marco stated that they were anxious to start addressing the issues.
Bob Wagner questioned the total cost of $15 million. He indicated that it would be multiples of this amount.
Leif Hartmark challenged Dave to develop this process with the ABB groups and the HR group.
Construction Fund
Bob Haelen, Ken Schweigart and Jim Biggane represented the SUNY Construction Fund.
Bob Haelen reported:
- Capital plan budget is on a six year basis
- Hospitals are on a five year basis
- Requesting $20 million more of 384 fund appropriation.
- Campus Advisory Committee met on December 12, 2001 and will meet again on February 20, 2002.
- Developing a Campus-Let listing
- Still needs capital plans from three campuses for the next 5 year capital plan.
Ken Schweigart reported:
- They will be changing funding on some projects from emergency accounts to regular construction fund accounts.
- GRI funding is available today.
- The construction fund is looking for support from the campuses for a photographer who is taking pictures of construction projects on SUNY campuses.
- Most regional term contracts have been extended through March 31, 2002.
- Requested that SUBOA consider having campuses use their higher flexibility to establish service contracts.
Leif Hartmark made the point that there is the need for both types of contracts; Regional Term to give campuses access quickly to consultants; and the other method where the campus can issue a contract directly.
Jim Biggane reported:
- 120 design starts sent out - 500 firms have responded. Responses will be sent to the campuses to narrow the pool.
- Allocation:
$224 million - Core Campus (Includes GRI)
15 million - Hospitals
$239 million
Kevin Levison inquired as to where funding had come from for the "Pennies from Heaven" funds for the new design stats. Bob Haelen stated that these funds were part of the original five year capital plan. These funds are to insure that there are projects on "the shelf" ready to build at the start of the next five year capital plan.
Research Foundation
Bonnie Boice and KPMG representative Michael Walsh reported:
- Boice updated and reviewed the OASIS project from implementation to post implementation. Reviewed experiences of the past year.
- Mike Walsh discussed the "Research Foundation Business System Improvement Effort" and reviewed the following:
- Overview of OASIS milestones
- OASIS improvement commitment
- Action Strategies
- OASIS Task Force Organization
- Also reported that the OASIS system will need to be down for 2 1/2 days to apply patches to correct deficiencies in the system.
- Bonnie reported that the RF received a "clean audit" for their annual audit.
Quality Initiative
- Bob Wagner updated the membership on the status of the Quality Initiative. A progress report has been distributed to SUNY. Discussed the working group status report.
ABB Group Update
- Becky Schenk reported that ABB would provide more feed back to SUBOA at the April SUBOA meeting. ABB meets in March.
Good and Welfare
- Leif Hartmark discussed the status of the nominating committee.
Members of the nominating committee include:
Leif Hartmark - Chair
Ed Kumar
Bob Wagner
Ken Levinson
- Nick Lyons requested that the auxiliary service contract be placed on the agenda for the next meeting so that it could be discussed in more detail. Ivan mentioned perhaps a conference call could be set up to discuss this issue.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 Noon.
Respectfully submitted,
John A. Lambert,
Secretary
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