Minutes of a Meeting of the
Ad Hoc Committee on Personnel and Salary Plan Review
of the Board of Trustees
of the State University of New York
held on November 8, 2011


Pursuant to notice of meeting duly given on November 1, 2011, the Ad Hoc Committee on Personnel and Salary Plan Review Committee of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, met at the State University of New York, College of Optometry, New, York and via video at Cornell University, and Upstate Medical University at 12:00 p.m. on November 8, 2011.


Trustees Present:	Mrs. Warren-Merrick

Trustees Present 	Dr. Ehrenberg (Chair), Mr. Murad
via video: 
	
Other Trustee Present: 	Mr. McCall

Trustee absent: 	Mr. Hunt

Also present:	Mr. Howard, Mr. Lloyd
	
      The Personnel and Salary Plan Review Committee meeting was called to order by Dr. Ehrenberg at 12:00 p.m.   The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Presidential salary and compensation in general as well as other salary matters.  
      The committee discussed the SUNY salary and compensation plan, particularly as it applies to presidents.  During this discussion, there was acknowledgement of the potential conflicts that may exist when a portion of presidential salary comes from external foundation sources.  Mr. Howard indicated that SUNY’s practice is to designate a specific total approved salary and an amount or portion that may come from private sources at the time of a presidential hiring.  In addition, there was discussion among the committee that it would be best for presidential salaries to come solely from state funds, if available in sufficient amounts.  It was also noted that the Compensation Plan specifically states that the Chancellor must approve the total compensation package of all Presidents.  

      
      
      
      
      Dr. Ehrenberg led a discussion as to how to aptly determine the best compensation method for campus presidents.  Additionally, Mr. Lloyd indicated that SUNY has conducted a survey with other public institutions to determine the commonality within these campuses in providing allowances and deferred compensation.  The findings of this survey show that it is very common for campus presidents and other executive officers to receive allowances such as housing and automobile allowances.  He also noted that they are still gathering additional information in relation to the executive compensation package across the country.  At the end of the study Mr. Lloyd will provide examples of executive compensation packages to the committee.  
      
       Mrs. Warren-Merrick recommended that the committee invite Chancellor Zimpher to their next discussion in order to get her input on the compensation guidelines.  This will help the committee best determine the presidential salary and compensation plan.  Dr.  Ehrenberg also noted that there will be further discussions regarding the rate of presidential compensation at the next committee meeting.  
      
      Upon motion by Trustee Ehrenberg, seconded by Chairman McCall and passed unanimously, the meeting was motioned to Executive Session at 12:58 p.m.   No actions were taken in Executive Session.
      
        It was agreed by the committee that a focus session with Chancellor Zimpher was to be held in December 2011 in order to get her views on presidential salary compensation as well as her recent evaluation process and any other issues she may want to address. 
      
    	 There being no further business, upon motion duly made by Trustee Warren-Merrick, seconded by Chairman McCall, and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 1:22 p.m.
Ad Hoc Committee on Personnel	-2-			November 8, 2011
and Salary Plan review minutes