Shared Governance
College Senate
Function
The College Senate is the voice and representation for faculty, staff, students, and administrators in the campus Shared Governance process. The College Senate fosters a dynamic, open, and cooperative process which seeks input and recommendations from all campus constituencies to inform decision-making that will help the College best achieve its mission and goals.
The College Senate is the shared governance model for Tompkins Cortland Community College. The College Senate was created in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and Goals developed at Tompkins Cortland Community College, and with the approval of the Board of Trustees, the President, and the College staff.
The College Senate’s purpose is to:
- provide a structure for
- recommending and influencing policy matters
- discussing and influencing proposed operational decisions
- provide a forum for
- communication and the interchange of ideas among all individuals of the College
- recommendations to the President regarding policy and establishment of committees of the College
All issues that come before the Senate are analyzed in terms of possible impact upon the College’s identified Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals.
College Senate By-Laws (Updated 1-2023)
Membership
The College Senate consists of a maximum of nineteen (19) voting members from identified groups within the College community.
- Three (3) members shall be elected from the Teaching Faculty
- Three (3) members shall be elected from the Classified Staff
- Three (3) members shall be elected from the Non-Teaching Faculty and Administrative Staff
- Three (3) members shall be elected from the Faculty Student Association
- Three (3) members shall be elected at-large from the above-named employee groups
- Two (2) members shall be elected from the adjunct/contract employee representatives
- Two (2) members shall be student representatives
- Ex-Officio, non-voting members shall include a representative from the President’s Cabinet or Executive Leadership Team
Faculty and staff are elected to two-year terms, while student and adjunct terms of membership are for one year. No one can serve on the College Senate for more than two consecutive terms.
From the membership, one or more chairs will be elected by the College Senate members to serve a one-year term. A secretary will also be elected for a one-year term. Officer terms are renewable.
How do I bring issues to the College Senate?
The College Senate reviews many of the activities and issues under debate among any committee formed on campus. If policy or any major operational implications are apparent in any group functioning outside of the College Senate, the Chair meets with that group to include that work as part of the College Senate, or a representative of the group is invited to make a presentation to the College Senate at either a regular meeting or, in some cases, at a special college-wide meeting. Any member of the College community may request that an issue be considered by the College Senate. The request needs to be submitted to the Chair at least two weeks before the scheduled discussion. Materials regarding the issue are then distributed to the College Senate members in advance of the meeting, to aid informed discussion.
Process of Recommendations
The Chair(s) of the College Senate write(s) a report or attends meetings of the Board of Trustees, and shares information related to the issues currently under consideration of the College Senate. Policy and operational decision recommendations from the College Senate go directly to the President. The President may return a recommendation with suggestions for modification or, if rejecting the recommendation, must provide the College Senate with a rationale for that rejection. Even in cases when the President disagrees with the recommendations of the College Senate, the recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Trustees for consideration and approval. Policy changes do not become final until approved by the Board of Trustees.
How can I get involved in the College Senate?
Attending meetings is a great way to learn more about the College Senate and what is happening at the College. Meeting announcements, including special college-wide meetings, are sent via email and posted on employee group bulletin boards. Consider serving on the College Senate! Each spring, the College Senate canvasses for faculty and staff to run for Senate seats. Feel free to contact the Chair(s) with questions or concerns, including interest in serving as a member.
Senators
Chair: Amy Faben-Wade
Co-Chair: Eric Jenes
Secretary: OPEN SEAT
Teaching/Faculty
Barbara Moose
Amy Faben-Wade
OPEN SEAT
Classified Staff
Chrissie Askew
Maria Barrero
Sierra Brock
Non-Teaching or Administrative Professional Staff
Jonathan Walz-Koeppel
Michelle Nightingale
Eric Jenes
FSA
Alanna Haverlock
OPEN SEAT
OPEN SEAT
Adjunct
Pat Sewell
Marjolein Schat
OPEN SEAT
Students
Sandor Molnar
OPEN SEAT
Members At-Large (From above named groups)
Keith Millman
Melinda Slawson
OPEN SEAT
College Advisory Councils
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
We are committed to a future that includes an accessible, equitable, inclusive environment supporting the success of all students, staff, and faculty. We seek to better understand, then lower or remove, barriers that may interfere with that success. We understand that the creation of future success requires transformation of our campus culture/community and necessitates commitment from every area of the college, both academic and non‐academic.
DEAC Statement of Purpose
The Diversity, Equity, and Action Council (DEAC) will support the college president and board of trustees in their efforts to reduce barriers to success among the college’s population. To accomplish this, DEAC will collect, analyze, and disseminate data related to diversity and equity issues at the college, identify goals for improving the campus climate, develop and conduct professional development related to diversity and equity, and disseminate our data‐driven approach to inclusion and social justice via strategic marketing Initiatives.
Meeting Dates
First Thursday of each month during the fall and spring semester 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Sprole Conference Center, room 204
- September 4, 2025
- October 2, 2025
- November 6, 2025
- December 4, 2025
- February 5, 2026
- March 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- May 7, 2026
DEAC Responsibilities
- Nurture a diverse learning community that encourages individual and collective responsibility for diversity objectives.
- Provide opportunities/support for faculty and staff to expand their understanding and competency to infuse diversity into our learning community.
- Identify ways to improve allyship and advocacy, serving as diversity change agents creating a more welcoming and inclusive institutional environment.
- Recommend policies related to diversity issues.
- Provide resources and manage a budget to support curricular and co‐curricular programming and diversity initiatives throughout the college community.
- Periodically assess the college climate as related to diversity.
- Provide members to search committees who have expertise in best practices for diverse recruitment (e.g., underrepresented minorities and women in STEM).
- Establish an annual agenda that supports the College’s Strategic Equity, Diversity, Justice and Inclusion (EDJI) plan.
DEAC Subcommittees
Engagement, Belonging, and Eliminating Gaps Sub‐Committee
This subcommittee will identify and examine existing data (e.g. the SUNY Campus Climate Survey, PowerBI) to identify key areas of concern in the Tompkins Cortland campus climate and will make recommendations on appropriate actions in response to the results of this data analysis to DEAC. This subcommittee is specifically focused on increasing engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, and eliminating gaps in enrollment, achievement, and retention among potentially marginalized demographic groups at the college. This subcommittee is tasked with first defining climate, and the areas of concern related to campus climate, and then working to make a recommendation to the Council about strategies to address/improve climate issues at Tompkins Cortland CC. The committee will educate themselves regarding surveys and data collection conducted regularly and decide how to use these data.
Education & Training Sub‐Committee
This committee will identify diversity‐related education and training related needs among students, staff, and faculty. This committee will identify training and education priorities and, in response, develop, plan, coordinate, and assess the effectiveness of educational and professional development and training programming that aligns with the college’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals. This subcommittee is charged with identifying inclusive partners in the field and community, researching available sources, and reviewing current literature on DEISJB topics in order to inform prioritization of the education and training topics needed by the TC3 community.
Recruitment and Development Sub‐Committee
This subcommittee is tasked with research and recommendations to promote our diversity and inclusion presence for the purposes of attracting, recruiting, and retaining new faculty/staff/students to Tompkins Cortland CC. The subcommittee will focus on equitable, legal and ethical strategies for recruiting a diverse faculty/staff/student population.
Data Analytics and Reporting Sub‐Committee
This subcommittee will examine internal college data, SUNY data, and national data to identify and benchmark diversity and equity related trends in enrollment, retention, and other key performance indicators. This subcommittee will work with Institutional Research to develop a PowerBI dashboard that facilitates access to and analysis of these data with the goal of identifying equity‐related gaps in student outcomes and communicating those gaps to DEAC and other college stakeholders. This group is tasked with reviewing regular data on enrollment, retention, and other key performance indicators in an inclusive manner.
DEAC Leadership
Michelle Nightingale
Chief Diversity Officer
DEAC Chair
Shadayvia Wallace
Assistant Diversity Officer
DEAC Vice Chair
DEAC Membership
Members will be recommended by the chair and then appointed by the President. DEAC representation and membership distribution is as follows:
- 1‐2 Adjunct Faculty (when available)
- 2‐3 FSA staff
- 2‐3 administrators
- 2‐3 classified staff
- 2‐3 faculty members, at least two of whom are teaching faculty
- 1‐2 students (SGA VP of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion recommended, resident student or RA recommended)
Required Members with ongoing/standing appointment:
- Human Resources representative
- Senior Diversity Officer
- Assistant Diversity Officer
- Coordinator of Access and Equity Services
Student Government Association
Function
The SGA serves as the voice of the student body to create a better campus community for the students by
the students.
The SGA is responsible for:
- Approving funding for all student clubs (funded through the Student Activity Fee)
- Assisting with the selection of student representatives to a variety of campus committees
- Promoting student leadership and encouraging participation from all students in campus cocurricular activities
- Taking part in and encouraging club participation in campus civic engagement initiatives
- Proposing positive changes and improvements in campus life
- Supporting and participating in club events and programs
- Working in partnership with the office of Student Activities on campus programs and events
- Recognizing the strength that diversity brings to the concept of community, where each person’s
unique voice is heard and can contribute to the overall picture of the TC3 student experience
Membership
- President - Dylan Mitchell
- VP of Finance - Accepting applications
- VP of Communications - Abigail Coolidge
- VP of DEI - Jose Leon
- VP of Student Involvement for Commuters - Saadia Doak
- VP of Student Involvement for Residents - Chase Velasquez
- VP of Student Services - Accepting applications
- Ex Officio Student Trustee - Shana Piotti
Meetings
Technology Advisory Group
Function
TAG's mission is to leverage technology to enhance student success, improve instructional quality, streamline administrative functions, and support the institution’s strategic goals.
Technology Advisory Group Committee Charge (pdf)
Key Responsibilities
Develop the next Technology Strategic Plan, focusing on:
- Student Success
- Teaching and Learning
- Operational Efficiency
- Data Security
- Campus Communication
- Satisfaction of Students, Staff, and Faculty
- Create criteria for evaluating technology requests to ensure accessibility, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, compliance, and environmental sustainability.
- Review technology purchase requests over $1000 and provide recommendations.
Campus Advocacy, Referral & Education (CARE) Team
Function
CARE team was created as a way to identify students who are facing challenges and in need of resources, and helping to connect them as needed. The group is responsible for receiving campus wide referrals, reaching out to referred students and assisting them in order that they might be successful. The committee also makes recommendations if students are not medically able to participate in campus life at a given time.
Academic Councils & Committees
Academic Assessment Committee
Function
The purpose of the Academic Assessment Committee is to review academic assessment plans and approaches on campus and make recommendations designed to do the following: to help improve teaching and learning on campus; to help ensure that assessment is used to inform/make budget decisions; and to help maintain compliance with Middle States Accreditation Guidelines.
Decisions/recommendations of the Committee shall be forwarded to the Provost’s Office for action, which may include a vote by the Faculty as needed.
The Committee shall inform the College Shared Governance Body of major updates as they occur and present a report at least once a semester by Chair and/or Provost.
The Academic Assessment Committee is responsible for the following:
- A review of the college’s Institutional Learning Outcomes, with recommendations for changes as needed.
- A review of the process by which the College shall conduct academic assessment, with recommendations as needed. This process shall be used to determine the most effective approach to allow the assessment of Student Learning Outcomes to map clearly to Program Learning Outcomes, SUNY General Education Outcomes, and to Institutional Learning Outcomes.
- The Committee shall not be responsible for the creation of Student Learning Outcomes or Program Learning outcomes. However, the committee shall provide recommendations on best practices for the creation of those outcomes.
- Providing recommendations on best practices for closing the loop on assessment.
- Assistance with the College’s accreditation process, especially as it relates to academic assessment (Standard V).
- Serving as representatives/liaisons in their respective academic communities and departments. In this role, members (with guidance from Assessment Chair) will help facilitate discussions around assessment including, but not restricted to:
- Facilitating SLO assessment.
- SLO to PLO mapping
- Work with the Curriculum Committee in the following areas:]
- Guidance on the feasibility of assessing proposed SLOs for new courses and revised Master Course Syllabi.
- Guidance on mapping of course SLOs to PLOs, ILOs, and SUNY GE SLOs.
Academic Assessment Committee Charge (pdf)
Membership
- Amanda Bisson
- Kerry Curran
- Chris Farrell
- Anndrea Mathers
- Sue Mueller
- Angela Palumbo
- Melissa Schmidt
- Kelly Wessell (Chair)
- Donald Wojciechowicz
Meetings
Committee on Academic Status (COAS)
Function
The Committee on Academic Status (COAS) hears appeals from students who are placed on Academic Suspension and who are seeking permission to attend while suspended. The Provost also periodically charges the Committee with reviewing policies and procedures connected to Academic Status and Academic Standards and making recommendations to him.
The Committee is responsible for:
- holding hearings to determine whether students on Academic Suspension will be allowed to enroll while suspended
- explaining the requirements and conditions to students who are allowed to enroll while suspended
- working with the Office of the Vice President of Student Services to help the student understand how their financial aid may also have been impacted
- determining whether late appeals will be heard
- working with the Office of Student Success to support these students
- following up with and monitoring the progress of the enrolled students throughout the semester while they are still on Academic Suspension
- reviewing academic standards policies as requested by the Provost and making recommendations for policy and procedure changes related to academic standards
Membership
- Dr. Cindy Whitney, Chair.
- Dr. Eric Samolec, Professor of Psychology
- Theresa Tambascio, Asst. Professor of English
- Katrina Campbell, Registrar
- Lynette Montgomery, Case Manager
- Raychon Gillis, Student Success Advisor
- Karen Rachetta, Coordinator of Access and Equity
Curriculum Committee
Function
The Curriculum Committee, a standing committee operating under the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, is charged with the consideration of all proposals for additions or changes to the curriculum of the College. In collaboration with the Provost, the Curriculum Committee is responsible for ensuring that all curriculum follow the requirements for the College, the State University of New York (SUNY), the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) and the college’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE), and other relevant accrediting bodies based on current program offerings. In fulfilling this charge, the Curriculum Committee plays a critical role in supporting faculty with curriculum development and revisions and in guiding the direction of the College’s academic offerings.
Membership
Each Academic Community has two representatives, there are two librarian representatives, and there are two Academic Professional Faculty representatives. In each pairing, one member is the active member (attending/voting) and the other is the alternate member (steps in if the active member cannot attend/vote):
- Business & Hospitality - Amanda Bisson (alt: Robert Sarachan)
- Communication & Creative Arts - Virginia Shank (alt: John Troyer)
- Education & Social Science - Anna Regula (alt: Kamala Tabor)
- Health, Human Services & Recreation - Patrick Mercer (alt: Amy Faben-Wade)
- STEM - David Green (alt: Alessa Chernyakov)
- Library - Eric Jenes (alt: Susanna Van Sant)
- Academic Professional - currently open (alt: Karen Rachetta - cannot attend this semester)
Ex-officio members
- Committee Chair - Travis Vande Berg
- Provost/VP of Academic Affairs - Aaron Tolbert
- Associate Provost - Anndrea Mathers
- Administrative Assistant - Sierra Brock
Meetings
Other Divisional Councils
Institutional Effectiveness Council
Function
The purpose of the Institutional Effectiveness Committee at TC3 is to oversee and support the regular, systematic and comprehensive assessment of the College’s operations, academic and non-academic units in fulfilling the College’s Mission and to strive towards academic and operational excellence to help support student success. This will include helping to assess progress of the strategic goals of the College and helping to support institutional effectiveness through appropriate assessment, and to provide recommendations to the VP of IE.
Membership
The VP for Institutional Effectiveness (IE) or Designee will be the chair of this committee with a faculty member or administrator as co-chair.
- Co-chairs
- Malvika Talwar, VP, IE – mt056@tompkinscortland.edu
- Susan Mueller, Nursing Faculty – sdm017@tompkinscortland.edu
- Members
- Kelly Wessell, Prof. of Biology, Chair, Academic Assessment
- Cheyenne Woodard, Director of Student Services
- Jonathan Walz-Koeppel, Director of Campus Technology
- Cindy Whitney, Faculty, Criminal Justice
- Victoria Zeppelin, Director of CollegeNow
- Ex-Officio
- Kori Post, Comptroller
- Michelle Nightingale, Dean of IE
- Dionysios Panagitsas, VP Finance
Agendas & Minutes
(to be linked) Institutional Effectiveness Committee Agendas & Meeting Minutes
Strategic Enrollment Planning Council
Function
The Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP) council is charged with developing, implementing, and assessing a comprehensive and integrated strategic enrollment management framework and plan that aligns with the College’s strategic goals, mission, vision, and values. The council will incorporate a methodological and data informed approach to investigate and analyze current policies, processes, and procedures to enhance student recruitment, retention, and the entire student life cycle. It shall serve as the primary advisory body to the College on matters associated with Strategic Enrollment Management.
The SEP Council shall be chaired by the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. It will meet monthly during the school year and actively participate in a series of Enrollment Summits (i.e. Data, Best Practices, Speakers, etc.) for the greater college community during the fall and spring semesters. The council shall provide an annual report on its recommendations to the President and Executive Council.
Membership
- Rob Palmieri, Vice President for Enrollment Management (Chair)
- Wendy Allen, Dean of Admissions & Recruitment
- Scott Bennett, Coordinator of Tutoring & Accommodation Services
- Alex Chernyakov, Assistant Professor
- Brent Doane, Assistant Director of CollegeNow
- David Flaten, Professor
- Matt Kiechle, Director of Wellness Services
- Anndrea Mathers, Assistant Provost
- Tim McCabe, Professor
- Mick McDaniel, Director of Athletics & Recreation
- Kori Post, Comptroller
- Zachery Snyder, Director of Strategic Marketing
- Malvika Talwar, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
- Bryan Temple, Technology Support Associate
- Patty Tvaroha , Professor
- Ken Whitener, Associate Professor
- Carrie Whitmore, Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Development
- Sandor Molnar, Student Government Association (SGA) Representative
- Michael Haupt, Institutional Effectiveness Research Analyst – Ex Officio
- Li Jiang, Institutional Research Analyst II – Ex Officio
Onboarding Group
- Cheyenne Woodard, Director of Student Activities - Co-Chair
- Colleen Conroy, Dean of Enrollment Operations & the Panther Welcome Center - Co-Chair
- Zach Snyder, Director of Strategic Marketing
- Natalie Brewster, Director of Residence Life
- Julie Partigianoni, Student Success Advisor
- Dara Regal, Associate Director of Employer Relations
- Leah Tompkins, Assistant Director of Student Activities
Meetings & Agendas
Strategic Enrollment Planning Council Meeting Agendas & Minutes (secured)