NYCCT News & Press Releases

The New York Community College Trustees annual Trustee Institute was held October 12 and 13 at the Desmond Hotel with 22 community colleges, 43 trustees and 10 presidents attending along with SUNY professional staff.

In addition to the NYCCT Board meeting, SUNY Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges, Dennis Golladay presented on the partnership possibilities between SUNY, NYCCT and SUNY Counsel. Dona Bulluck gave a presentation on the final decision on the Westchester County litigation.

Panel discussions covered topics such as effective sponsor relations and the role of communication in establishing trust and creating synchronized trustee and president partnerships.

SUNY staff members also made presentations on community colleges and workforce development, community college budget, finance, and advocacy and the legislative process.

"The people who have come here and given their time have done a very good job." said NYCCT President Anton Kasanof. "Judging by the reaction, this is a very engaged audience and the speakers have hit the spot!"

Conference attendees heard dinner remarks from SUNY Trustee Robert Bellafiore, who along with Edward F. Cox co-chairs the board committee on community colleges. Bellafiore praised Cox's efforts to focus Albany's attention on the great work done by the 30 community colleges and the enormous challenges they face.

Actively supporting the institution is the primary and most important role of a trustee, according to Bellafiore. "Grab an oar and go," he urged the audience. He stressed the importance of supporting the campus president, advocating for the institution and collaborating with partners. He also emphasized the importance of having honest disagreements at board meeting based on the facts and being positive, memorable and persuasive in their board dealings.

"There is not such thing as a dumb question, "Bellafiore said. "It's your job to ask questions. You may be surprised at the answer, but never hesitate to ask." Bellafiore reminded the audience of the impressive size and scope of New Year's community college system: fall enrollment at the community colleges surpasses 209,000 students; this spring, SUNY granted its one millionth community college degree; more than 55,000 community college students received financial assistance from the state Tuition Assistance Program.

During the Q&A session following the dinner speech, trustees in the audience urged Bellafiore to investigate the possibility of introducing legislation that would provide for specific responsibilities for community college board members in terms of professional development and active participation in the process.

NYCCT is a voluntary nonprofit consortium of community college trustees, established to strengthen the effectiveness of NY community college trustees as an active force in the development and implementation of public policy impacting community colleges.

*The Sunny Watch, December '07