Good morning everyone,
I would like to thank you for the constructive conversations you are having across campus, and for the care and concern you are showing for our students during what is a confusing time for many of them. Please let me know if there are other things we should be doing to better support them.
I would also like to thank the Faculty Senate Student Affairs Committee for their thoughtful feedback and suggestions. Based on their suggestions our counseling center will reach out to students to remind them of the services we provide in support of mental health and how they can access those resources if needed. We will forward that email to you as well so you can see what has been shared. Similarly, as a follow-up to the Wellness Day held this week on campus, a message will be sent reminding you of the resources available for you if needed. We want to ensure everyone on campus has access to the support they need.
As I said on September 19, I am confident that we have a path forward to reach fiscal health, as well as to ensure the longevity of this campus. While we are undergoing painful and difficult changes, we will remain a campus that is student-centered, that cares about each other and shares a sense of family, and that works together as a community.
I have also promised to be as transparent as possible during this process, and to share information as I am able. For that reason, you can find some of the data that was used throughout this process here. It answers the question of how we got here, a general overview of how we recover in the next five years, and provides information about numbers of majors and numbers of people eligible to participate in the VSP. I hope this will answer some of your questions, although I am sure it will also lead you to others. Most importantly I would like to continue to remind you this is an iterative process.
Thank you again for our ongoing dialogue. I have great faith in this campus and our future, and we will continue to provide the same high quality education we always have, as well as a student experience that is special for many decades to come.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have other questions or comments.
Thanks,
Suzanne
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Suzanne R. Smith, Ph.D.
President
SUNY Potsdam