April 28 staff meeting recap
President Conner and College administrators held the last staff meeting of the 2022-23 academic year and provided updates on important initiatives.
Strategic Human Resources Advisor Sarah Delaney Vero welcomed several recently hired members of staff to Skidmore and encouraged all employees to consider registering for “Stop, Drop, and Roll: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace" at noon on Thursday, May 4. She also invited employees to the annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 23.
The annual performance review process for staff is currently underway; employees should direct questions about the process to their supervisors or Lovelyne Pierre.
President Conner spoke about several important initiatives, including the ongoing search for Skidmore’s general counsel and vice president for human resources, and the successful Speech and Expression on College Campuses Symposium that Skidmore hosted April 14-15.
The Board of Trustees will meet May 17-19 to consider Skidmore’s budget for next fiscal year and other issues. A presentation on College finances will be made to all employees on Tuesday, May 23, before the Retirement and Recognition Ceremony the same day. As previously announced, alumnus and business executive Jon Achenbaum ’77 has been named the next chair of Skidmore’s Board of Trustees.
President Conner also discussed lingering uncertainty surrounding a pending case before the U.S. Supreme Court that is widely anticipated to impact race-conscious admissions programs at U.S. colleges and universities. President Conner said College leaders have been meeting to consider ways forward.
“We have great uncertainty about that decision and how far it might go,” he said. “The first thing I want to emphasize is that our commitment to our mission and our principles remains unchanged. It is possible that some of our tactics and strategy in our admissions and enrollment might have to adapt.”
“We'll continue to keep people updated about this. I will just reiterate that this does not change our mission or our vision. Quite contrary, this is a chance for us to double down on and reaffirm that mission and that vision.”
Collyer Vice President for Advancement Carey Anne Zucca gave a presentation on the Advancement division and its mission, staff, operations, and initiatives.
The April 28 staff meeting was the last of the 2022-23 academic year. The monthly meetings will resume in the fall.