Responsibilities of the Board
SUNY Jefferson
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Responsibilities of the Board

Introduction

Community college boards in New York State are public entities with powers mandated by the State’s Legislature. According to Chapter V, Subchapter D of the State Education Law (Section 604.2), college Trustees are to concentrate on establishing policies governing the college, and delegate responsibility for the administration and execution of those policies to their employed professional administrators.

The Board of Trustees is legally required to appoint a president for the college, subject to the approval of the State University of New York Board of Trustees, and appoint or delegate to the president the appointment of other members of the staff. In addition, community college Trustees have other powers and perform other duties as may be provided by law or prescribed by the state university trustees.

The responsibilities of the Jefferson Community College Board of Trustees are described as follows:

Policy Making:

  • Adopt and provide for the enforcement of all necessary policies for the management and governance of the College
  • Ensure that College policies are consistent with the provisions of section 604.2 of the State Education Law and regulations of the State University of New York
  • Periodically review policies and objectives to: 1) determine their consistency with the education- related policies and goals of other local, state and federal institutions and agencies; and 2) ensure their applicability to local educational needs

Financial Administration:

  • Approve and amend operating budget and capital plans for submission to and approval by the local sponsor and the State University trustees prior to the beginning of the fiscal year
  • Monitor operating budget and ensure that appropriate procedures are initiated to correct budget variances
  • Provide for an annual external audit of the College financial operation
  • Provide support for ensuring that the revenue necessary to maintain and operate the College is available
  • Ensure that the College is able to support participation in federal, state, and local financial aid programs
  • Establish tuition and fees
  • Adopt policies regarding payments, refunds and official records

Human Resources and Organizational Administration:

  • Appoint the President (permanent or interim) and delegate to the President the appointment of all other staff members
  • Establish and approve the President’s compensation package
  •  Approve all bargaining unit contracts (including memoranda of understanding) and the grade level compensation/benefits package, both effective September 1.
  • Establish policy regarding compensation, performance appraisals, promotions, leaves of absence, sabbatical leaves, administrative selective leave, and terms and conditions of employment for College personnel (in accordance with the provisions specified in bargaining unit agreements)
  • Approve the administrative organization of the College
  • Approve new and revised position titles
  • Approve continuing appointment, promotions, and Emeritus status
  • Approve sabbatical leaves

Program and Curriculum Administration:

  • Authorize the establishment of new degree programs of instruction designed to meet institutional goals and objectives
  • Authorize the deactivation and/or discontinuance of academic programs
  • Ensure that institutional goals and objectives are consistent with local needs and with goals and objectives established by the State University of New York

Facilities:

  • Approve all projects requiring capital funding
  • Establish policies for the use of College facilities by outside organizations
  • Approve property acquisitions and rentals of facilities other than the main campus
  • Accept gifts and bequests to the College
  • Establish policies that ensure safety and accessibility of facilities
  • Adhere to policies related to the naming of College buildings and facilities

Student Affairs:

  • Adopt policies for the admission and enrollment of students
  • Establish regulations governing the behavior and conduct of students
  • Establish policies regarding student well-being and confidentiality issues

College Relations:

  • Ensure that the sponsor is provided with information regarding College programs, research, and other activities
  • Advocate to the sponsor the College’s interest in areas such as budget, capital facilities, and contract negotiations
  • Foster relationships with various state and local agencies (i.e. economic development) that are consistent with the College's mission
  • Establish policies that ensure proper release of information to the media and a positive public image of the College
  • Establish policies regarding term of office and responsibilities of the Trustees
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