What's New?

First faculty/staff meeting is Sept. 10

The faculty and professional staff will convene for the first meeting of the fall semester at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, in Lecture Center 102. President Poskanzer will give a budget update at the meeting, and new faculty introductions will be made. The president will also give an overview of a new economic impact statement for the college. Refreshments will be served beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the lobby. For more information, contact faculty governance at x2891 or e-mail vanderlj@newpaltz.edu.

Regular work hours resume Aug. 23

Summer schedule will end this Friday, Aug. 20, and regular hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) will resume on Monday, Aug. 23. If you have any questions, contact Human Resources at x3170.

Poskanzer interviewed on WAMC radio

Tune in to WAMC, Northeast Public Radio Internet archive at www.chartock.net/poskanzer.html, to hear Station Manager Alan Chartock (former SUNY New Paltz professor of political science) interview President Steven Poskanzer. The interview is part of a WAMC series of interviews with college presidents (both private and public) in the Northeast Public Radio listening area.

Volunteers needed for Move-in Day

Continuing their tradition, The Center for Student Development, University Police, Custodial Services and the Office of Public Affairs have been working in collaboration to provide a smooth and welcoming Move-in Day for our first-year residents and their families on Friday, Aug. 20. In order to facilitate the flow of traffic and unloading of student possessions, we are again seeking staff and faculty who will volunteer for a roadside shift. Those of you who volunteer will receive a royal blue Welcome Week Tshirt to wear on Friday. Please call Linda Knoth at x3088 (or e-mail her at knothl@newpaltz.edu) to volunteer for one of the following time slots, and she will call you to confirm your assignment location. Those who sign up and are participating for the first time this year can come to SUB 301 at 1p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, to receive a shirt and materials. Experienced volunteers can come to SUB 301 anytime Aug. 19. Shifts are: 8:15-10:30 a.m; 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; 12:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

New York state legislature secures $10 million for SUB renovation

New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (’77) and Sen. John Bonacic announced last week that they have secured an extra $10 million in funding for the renovation of the Student Union Building on campus. The money is in addition to the 2004-2009 Educational Facilities Capital Plan, which provides for modernization and other critical maintenance projects across campus.

President Steven Poskanzer said that assuming the state budget legislation currently being passed meets with gubernatorial approval, this capital budget bill will move New Paltz a considerable way toward the “creation of a student union worthy of our student body.”

According to Dave Rooney, vice president for student affairs at New Paltz, the student union building hasn’t changed in more than 30 years, although the student population and their needs have grown significantly over that time period. He added that if approved, the money would go toward much-needed and long-overdue renovation, with the possibility of expansion.

Poskanzer will provide an update on the capital plan and the budget at the first faculty and professional staff meeting held at 3 p.m. on Sept. 10, in Lecture Center 102.

Music department has new chair

Mary E. Boyle will serve as the new chair of the Music Department with the close of Summer Session 2. She succeeds Lee Pritchard. Boyle can be reached at x2709 or boylem@newpaltz.edu.