1
Student Association General Meeting
3rd Meeting Spring 2012 Semester
March 5, 2012
Otis Tech. Suite-SRC Arena
11:23 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Attendance:
Mary Schad
Rebekah Tanner
Patrick Calkins
Monty Flynn
Theresa McHugh
Michael Ramos
49- Students
2 - Advisors
Leaders at Lunch Special Guests: Dr. Kris Duffy, Dr. Ednita Wright, Lysa Simmons, Bradley Honious, Anastasia Urtz, Rose Montonaro
Patrick called meeting to order at 11:23 a.m.
Minutes from February 20, 2012 were passed
47-voted in favor
2- abstentions
0 -oppositions
Questions/Responses-Summary
Parking?
Lysa Simmons replied that this is a concern that is constantly in the forefront of Administration. By law, the College does have enough parking spaces—however, when it snows, the lines shift---we lose about 10% of parking spaces.
Putting up a garage would change the beauty of the campus—and include additional costs for lighting, safety and security, and maintenance.
Please stop and see Ms. Simmons in G-229 if you would like to pursue this issue.
Dr. Kris Duffy said that the college is encouraging carpooling and public transportation. Fall 2012—Shuttle from H1 to campus will be up and running---
She further stated that the two issues at every college campus are food and parking/walking challenges.
Anastasia Urtz---said that Fall 2012 shuttle will have set stops—will serve both H1 and H3.
Ms. Urtz also said that we are monitoring parking areas around SRC Arena to ensure all groups have equilibrium.
Dr. Duffy mentioned Sean Vormwald-Director of Sustainability can be approached to education students about issues. If more students talk peer to peer, change would come sooner.
Where do you see the college 5-10 years from now?
Dr. Duffy said college is expanding to more on-line course capabilities and offering multiple delivery modes---
College understands many cannot do bricks/mortar education—“on campus”----
And “Just in Time” education offerings will be encouraged.
OCC is exploring bringing more 4 year partners into mix.
CENTRO bus passes?
Questions about renegotiating free passes and changed schedules to coincide with class times:
Anastasia Urtz said that Centro sets its own rates and schedules. The discount program was not free---College is committed to staying at 20% discount rate.
How does College promote civility and acceptance?
Lysa Simmons provided examples of how the college does from an educational standpoint----
She also asked students to participate in many of the various College committees including SDC---
Change must be infused into the campus culture----
Dr. Ednita Wright agrees that the code of conduct and principles of community are infused in all of her classes---but all should understand the culture differences---and norms
Dr. Wright went on to say, “Culture change takes a long time”
Lysa Simmons said that Valencia College in Florida adopted a mindset, “We are The Best of the Best”---which encouraged all campus stakeholders to further a positive attitude.
Lysa Simmons’s door is near hallway—and often she walks out and talks with students she perceives as being “naughty” in both words and actions.
Monty Flynn asked if there was any interest in by-stander anti-bullying programs.
PARKING VIOLATIONS
Campus Safety and Security applies rules to all people------all are subject to same rules----
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS/ADVISING ISSUES
Question about student wanting to be petroleum engineer and stating his OCC counselor is not providing any guidance.
Bradley Honious mentioned that SUNY has a tool that actually points out 2 + 2 articulation agreements and courses required.
Dr. Duffy agreed that advising has been a challenge at OCC. She explained there will be models presented in the near future that provide tools for “seamless transfers”. She also mentioned that students should get in touch with the school you are transferring to as soon as decision is made. Also, that the college has five goals-one of which provide “seamless pathways.”
GREEN CAMPUS
Anastasia Urtz pointed that the green fields around campus—being sustainable and said the LEED certification is not final—but that both the Arena and Academic II will be certified “green”.
Fair trade coffee---Ms. Urtz will look into the fair trade element at Starbucks.
MAPLE SUGAR SAP
Whole Earth would like to tap some of the many trees around campus.
INCREASE LIBRARY HOURS
Anastasia Urtz pointed that this would be a “site” question—Would students want hours increased in Library or Gordon? Would computer labs be required? Would food/refreshments be needed nearby?
Changes to personnel hours would have to be made---Security, Maintenance, Housekeeping,
Please email Ms. Urtz with ideas:
CONTINUAL STUDY
One student reported that he had been at OCC in the 80’s and is now returning and finding the same issues being studied. He also added we should check with other campuses for their data on increasing library hours.
He wondered why we are commissioning a new study.
Dr. Duffy said that each institution is different---and that all changes take time.
Dr. Wright stated that the more students you can get to agree on a change—the faster the machine will move!
Whole Earth stated they have a petition with over 900 signatures on it to get Free Trade material to campus.
Monty Flynn suggested that students need to take the time to give feedback to the College. If you don’t insert your opinions, you can’t complain about lack of action or that the college is not listening to you.
Patrick Calkins stated he and Rose Montonaro (American Food and Vending) are starting a committee re: food choices and prices and need additional student members. Please contact Patrick at
Rebekah announced the “Out of Darkness” campus walk—please contact Rebekah at
Next General Meeting is March 19, 2012 in the regular location W-101.
Meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa M. McHugh