Welcome to the first edition of the President's Post. The initial concept for a presidential newsletter of sorts arose as a result of thinking about ways to increase communication. And, since the notion of a fireside chat has been replaced by podcasts, streaming videos and on-line chatrooms, I have decided to venture into a realm whose name seems to me reminiscent of bad science fiction: blogging. The purpose of these President’s Posts, which I will update regularly, is to relate news of campus happenings, local and statewide initiatives and institutional issues. Each posting will also feature a calendar section, which will alert you to particular events, sessions and meetings in the coming weeks.
Let me briefly share with you my hopes for this Post:
- To serve as a communications tool. As I have mentioned to various groups on campus and in the State of the College address, while I expect to spend more time away from campus this year, I want the College to know what I am doing.
- Accountability. As the Provost and Academic Affairs continue to work with Faculty groups on assessment, it is my responsibility to give you my views on how particular projects and pursuits are advancing the mission of the College.
- To avoid misperceptions through discussion and clarification.
Updates:
Strategic Plan
The final draft of the Strategic Plan was submitted to the Board of Trustees for its review on October1, 2007. The final draft of the Strategic Plan can be found at http://www.ramapo.edu/administration/presidenthome/strategicplan.html or on my internal president’s page.
Alert Me Now
In light of the tragedies at Virginia Tech and Delaware State University, Ramapo College has implemented the Alert Me Now, Emergency Alert System. Alert Me Now is a new emergency notification system for Ramapo College to enhance emergency communication on campus. Alert Me Now will enable students to be the first to know about emergencies on campus including closings, delays or dangerous incidents. Alert Me Now enables each student to identify up to ten contact points to which information may be disseminated including: text messages, voice mail, emergency contact numbers, residence hall numbers, home phone numbers, etc. This system will only be used in emergencies and not as a medium for routine campus announcements or advertisements. We strongly urge you to sign up for this system and encourage all those you know at the college to do the same.
Campus Happenings:
Sustainability Education Center
On Monday, October 22nd, 2007 we were joined by The Honorable Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Sustainability Education Center Groundbreaking ceremony. What a beautiful day it was! The Sustainability Center will be 1,787 gsf in area and house a “smart” classroom, a greenhouse, a display gallery, an office, and support spaces. The Center will demonstrate the concept of green building by making the best use of natural daylight and natural ventilation, using recycled and environmentally-friendly materials, reducing water consumption through fixture choice and collection of rainwater for irrigation, and provide a super-insulated building “envelope” to reducing heating and cooling loads. As noted in the draft Strategic Plan, sustainability in all its forms will continue to be an integral component of our long-term planning and vision.
Senator Sarlo and Senator Lesniak Visit Ramapo College
On Wednesday, October 24th, I hosted a closed meeting with Senator Paul Sarlo of Woodridge and Senator Ray Lesniak of Union at the Havemeyer House for the purpose of acquainting the Senators with Ramapo College and its funding situation. Several members of the Board of Trustees and the Vice Presidents joined me in this meeting, presenting their units’ most recent accomplishments and visions for the future. The meeting was an important first step in the sort of relationship building I will be engaging in over the next few months. I will be following up with both Senators to schedule individual meetings where we can more thoroughly discuss public higher education in New Jersey, particularly how Ramapo College of New Jersey can receive its “fair” share of appropriations.
Upcoming Events
Monday, November 5th: BSU Honoring Black Ancestors Vigil
Wednesday, November 7th: Meeting with the Faculty Assembly
Thursday, November 8th: Admissions Open House for Prospective Students
Thursday, November 8th: NYC Alumni Event|
Tuesday, November 13th: NJASCU Meeting (Trenton)
Wednesday, November 14th: Founder's Day
Thursday, November 15th: Administrative and Support Staff Communications Meeting (Friends Hall)
