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UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PLANNING COUNCIL
2010-11 CHAIR: JAMES FOSSETT
MARCH 25, 2011
MEETING MINUTES
PRESENT: T. Bessette, S. Birge, K. Lahiri, D. Wagner, P. Ferlo, S. Beditz, N. Fahrenkopf, R. Bangert‐
Drowns, J. Fossett, G. Williams, R. Johnson, E. Lifshin
GUESTS: Tony Alfieri, Principal, Perkins + Will Architects
John Giarrusso, Associate Vice President for Facilities
Errol Millington, Director, Office of Campus Planning
Frank Fazio, Planner, Office of Campus Planning
Susan Stewart, State University Construction Fund
Karen Chico Hurst, University Registrar
MINUTES: Minutes of January 18, 2011 approved with correction
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS REPORT
No report was given
CHAIR’S REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION
Tony Alfieri presented an overview of the Facilities Master Plan, which is commissioned and funded by
the State University Construction Fund, which will cover 2013‐2018 and 2018 to 2023. Critical
Maintenance and Special Initiatives (new construction) are funded separately. Renovation of existing
facilities is a priority in this plan. This is especially important, given that 80% of our campus space is 40‐
45 years old. 1.8m net square feet are to be renovated uptown and downtown, at a cost of $470m or
more. While we may have enough space, it is obsolete pedagogically and in desperate need of
renovation. Perkins + Will has held meetings with key stakeholders, roundtables and workshops with
the campus community. Open Fora will be held as well. Info is also available on the web portal
http://www.albany.edu/facilities/fmp/ .
Susan Stewart answered Chair Fossett’s question about how the FMP will hit the UAlbany budget – she
does not anticipate difficulty in obtaining critical maintenance funding, and clarified that this is not paid
for with campus operating funds. Strategic Initiative funding is a function of state economics, and is
uncertain at this time, and may not materialize until the second half of the ten year period. Mr.
Giarrusso explained that as far as the deferred maintenance pie during this current cycle, we have $33
million based on a SUBOA formula. Going forward, the idea is to show how well we did with the current
plan, and demonstrate how much more we can do with a larger share of the deferred maintenance
funding. Funding for new construction will be programmatically driven, and there will be no operating
funding provided for new structures. Special Initiatives will be funded from bond money and member
items, and will not show up on the UAlbany budget. Mr. Ferlo raised the point that renovation projects
save us money in operating funds, whereas new construction costs us a lot on that end. Mr. Giarrusso
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rebuffed the idea that renovations save us operating money, explaining that nicer, newer spaces require
double effort to keep looking as new/clean and because the HVAC and electrical systems require more
staff attention.
Dr. Wagner asked about the CNSE campus and their planned expansion in the near term. This is not part
of the Master Plan, and the reconfiguration of Fuller Road will make little or no impact on the main
campus. Dean Bangert‐Drowns asked about parking. While the master plan is primarily tasked with
reviewing facilities, they are looking at transportation issues. Perkins + Will will take recommendations
and make a high level recommendation (quantity & distribution), but will not model campus use. Ms.
Stewart interjected that part of the FMP process is to develop a list of projects, which may include a
future parking study. Mr. Williams inquired about parking garage funding; it is not typically funded. A
garage would have to be built in the same manner as a dorm; it would have to pay for itself.
UPPC BAG
Dean Bangert‐Drowns has drafted a resolution from UPPC regarding its position on the budget situation.
The idea is to circulate to SEC and the Senate as a whole – we want to inform the larger university
community of the dire straits we are in. Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bessette wondered if we might further
highlight that the state is taking away support and takes tuition on top of it. Mr. Beditz clarified that it is
not a double dip, but that the bottom line decreases nonetheless. Mr. Bessette identified a disconnect
between raising tuition and not getting any benefit from it, as the increase ends up going into the
general fund. Mr. Ferlo moved to make the minor changes as discussed to the draft resolution and
proceed with distribution. Dean Bangert‐Drowns will make the final edits and send to Dr. Fossett for
transmission to the Senate secretary for distribution to SEC on Monday. Dr. Fossett sought input from
the council on how to present the document. The BAG worst case scenario looks like what is going to
happen. Tuition increases will not make it into the budget. The potential for the governor to pull all
funding out of the SUNY hospital could have a further impact. If something is not put back in, that will
likely mean that there will be some kind of an assessment on the rest of SUNY. The picture may be
clearer by Monday.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2012-13
University Registrar Karen Chico Hurst presented the council with the proposed 2012‐13 academic
calendar for their consideration, as well as a revised Spring 2012 academic calendar with spring break
moved to accommodate President Philip’s request to do so in light of the events related to the ‘Kegs &
Eggs’ riot.
Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 were reviewed as well. The council had concerns regarding break schedules
during Spring 2013, given that spring break immediately precedes both Passover and Easter, there is a
strong potential that students will not return to campus when class is back in session.
Motion to approve the Spring 2012 calendar as amended was approved unanimously. Motion to
approve the Fall 2012 calendar was approved unanimously. Motion to approve the Spring 2013 was
approved with reservations and one abstention – this is acceptable as a one‐time solution with a
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request that the administration seek to allow for Passover/Easter flexibility in future calendars. The
council also noted a desire to review the calendar policy at a later date.
Ms. Chico Hurst will plan to return to UPPC at a later date to establish a multi‐year calendar setting
policy instead of going year to year as is being done now.
Meeting adjourned at 4:33pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stacy Stern
