Present: Lorraine Acker, Eileen Daniel, Peter Dowe, Melissa Feola, Scott Haines (representing Lorraine Acker), Crystal Hallenbeck-McPhall – Co-chair, Michael Harrison, Rachael Killion, Susan Lowey, Teresa Major, Skye Paine – Co-chair, Lisa Robusto-Mack and Melissa Wight
Regrets: Rongkun Shen
November 3, 2023, Meeting Summary
Members reviewed the meeting summary from the November 3, 2023, meeting. Any comments, edits or suggestions should be sent to Ms. Wight by Friday, December 8, 2023.
Updates to the Committee
SUNY Pooled Offset Discussions
There are no updates at this time.
Comprehensive Fee Discussions
There has been a pause on discussions therefore the fee is not anticipated for the spring 2024 but could be implemented for fall 2024.
Spring 2024 Course Fee Requests
The fee requests are still under review. Ms. Killion has been actively working to answer all of the questions from SUNY.
Biennial Review to JPBC
- The report was distributed to members for their reference.
- The report format was done by reviewing meeting notes and applying them to the actions we are supposed to take as a committee.
- Members input will be needed for the annual report. The 22/23 annual report still needs to be completed.
- The biennial report was presented to JPBC. The items that the committee were committed to are student communication and fee education. The following feedback from JPBC was received:
- Concern over lack of SUNY information and SUNY’s non-approval of fee requests. All of the hard work that is done at the local level just to have SUNY deny the request.
- It was stated that it is frustrating, but the work that is completed gives us an opportunity to look at our fee budgets and take corrective action as an institution if needed. The example provided was Athletics and how they are now receiving an allocation from reserves to sustain their operation.
- Kathy Peterson commented that Nursing discloses their fees on their website due to accreditation requirements.
- Emails were received after JPBC meeting regarding concerns over the potential comprehensive fee in terms of how it is going to work and ensure fairness across the fee-based budgets. It was stated that more conversation is needed regarding these concerns and no concrete answers can be provided. In the end, there should be a methodology like we have now where the Vice Presidents have discussions with the fee managers and individuals come together to assess the needs of the campus. The concern was stated that there is not a formal process in place for the current distribution of fee increases. This could be why there is so much concern regarding the potential comprehensive fee. It was stated that the Vice Presidents review the presentations, fee-based budgets and historical data. This is all taken into the consideration before determining which fees will receive increases. Given that there is not a wide knowledge of this process, more transparency should be explored. In addition, Cabinet is reviewing budgets to investigate when there are gaps in terms of coverage and deficits and understanding why the gaps exist and how to close the gaps. It was added with the pending SUNY policy, this may assist us in developing a formal process that includes transparency and fairness.
- Concern over lack of SUNY information and SUNY’s non-approval of fee requests. All of the hard work that is done at the local level just to have SUNY deny the request.
FY24/25 Broad-Based Call Letter
- Members reviewed the draft letter.
- Feedback and edits are due to Dr. Hallenbeck-McPhall by Friday, December 8, 2023.
- The goal is to send letters out in week of December 11, 2023.
Spring Student Fee Forum & Presentation to BSG
- Members reviewed the presentation template.
- Suggestions for distribution of the event information to students were the following:
- Things to Know
- Instagram stories
- Student email list serv
- Digital signage for Brockport Main Campus and Brockport Downtown
- Members reviewed the feedback form. Ms. Wight will send out the link for members to review and test. Feedback is due prior to our next meeting.
- Dr. Hallenbeck-McPhall and Ms. Wight will be meeting with BITS to gain a better understanding of the logistics for the Teams Live event.
- Dr. Hallenbeck-McPhall will be confirming the biennial student fee forum times with the fee managers to ensure there are no conflicts.
FY24/25 Course Fee Call Letter
- Members reviewed the call letter.
- The course fee template was reviewed by members.
- The goal is to distribute the course fee call letter materials on Monday, December 4, 2023.
- Appreciation was extended to Ms. Killion for all of her hard work in revamping this process.
Revenue & Expense Tracking
- Members started their review of course fee budgets to determine the appropriateness of the amount of the fee, the budget balance and if there is a relevant justification of a surplus. The review is to also determine if the correct expenditures are being charged for what the fee was approved for.
- The first set of course fees that are to be reviewed are the ENV course fees. Members were asked to review the course fees and to bring their concerns and feedback to the next meeting for discussion.
Upcoming Projects for this Committee:
CBFRC Calendar
Dr. Hallenbeck-McPhall is continuing to update this calendar as members continue to meet.
Course Fee Approval Rubric
Dr. Hallenbeck-McPhall and Ms. Killion will meet to develop the rubric and members will utilize it this spring. Any needed adjustments will be made for the next round of reviews.
Course Fee IFR Balance Review Using the Revenue and Expense Template
Members were given the first set of balances to review.
Other Items from the Committee
BSG is holding a special election for the BSG treasurer position. We should know the results around December 8, 2023.