Revised
      
M E M O R A N D U M

								     December 17, 2012

TO:		Members of the Board of Trustees

FROM:	Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

SUBJECT:	Transitional Funds for Campuses Impacted by New Resource Allocation Model

Action Requested

      By adoption of this resolution, the Board expresses its support for the use of transition funds to aid impacted campuses implement changes to meet strategic and structural goals outlined by the new Resource Allocation Model.
	
Resolution

	I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Whereas in accordance with Education Law §355(4)(c), the Board of Trustees has authority to allocate annual State operating appropriations among the State-operated and statutory colleges and programs of the University; and

Whereas the current method of allocating resources has led to inconsistencies in the use of essential and limited state tax support; and  

Whereas the inconsistent application of reductions in State support endured by the University during the New York State fiscal crisis created allocations that did not address strategy, mission or enrollment changes; and

Whereas the limited State operating support available to the University must be utilized not only to meet instructional costs while acknowledging both SUNY’s unique composition and broad mission, but also to prepare campuses to meet changes in educational pedagogy and fiscal realities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that the Board of Trustees expresses its support for the use of transitional funds for impacted campuses to address changes in both educational and fiscal situations through guided investment and improvement plans to drive improvements and address underlying issues; and, be it further 

Resolved that a campus in need of transition funds shall submit to the Chancellor a detailed plan that addresses recruiting and marketing, enrollment and program support, retention and student success, transfer programs and partnerships, shared services and investment in savings, and such other matters as the campus deems appropriate.

Background

      Years of impact related to cumulative reductions in State tax support and lack of attention to University strategic priorities have left several campuses in a situation wherein their structural composition of disciplines and use of resources in support of these disciplines is no longer fiscally viable.

   Through the proposed use of transition funds, SUNY will work hand-in-hand with these effected campuses on both short- and long-term plans that will focus on addressing broad issues such as:

* Recruiting and marketing
* Enrollment and program support
* Retention and student success
* Transfer programs and partnerships
* Shared services and investment in savings.

   To qualify for these funds, campuses will submit detailed plans that will demonstrate need and how these funds will be utilized to improve their fiscal and academic standing. In those limited cases where this funding will not be sufficient for this purpose, the possibility of additional funding provided through the SUNY loan process and policy will be explored. The resource allocation model will be implemented beginning for the academic year 2013-14 and will include a transition period between three and five years.
     

Board Resolution				-2-			December 17, 2012