MCC Daily Tribune
Responses to Questions from June 12th Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who participated in the follow-up Budget Town Hall. Regrettably, we were unable to respond to all of the questions during the Q&A, but we've compiled those questions along with our responses for your information below.
1. Q: Thank you for the clear facts. Sorry to be a bummer here, but well before COVID and
during President Kress's tenure, many of us predicted a financial crisis at MCC, warning administration about declining enrollment, the financial burden of hiring multiple outside
consultants, expensive software, policies that did not/do not favor students and student retention, and many other decisions that were made before this spring. Well, sadly, here we are. Many of these decisions were made with the approval of the Board or Trustees. Are there any changes among the Board that may be better equipped to manage the College's funds?
A: Trustee Dale Rehkopf now chairs the Finance & Facilities committee. His depth of fiscal acumen is particularly helpful at this time.
2. Q: Will we still be able to use health insurance during a furlough?
A: Yes, your benefits will continue during a voluntary furlough.
3. Q: "When you say highest paid individuals will be furloughed longest - what does that mean? If folks are voluntarily furloughed will they be given a set end date for the voluntary furlough? Will they be guaranteed a return to work?"
A: This would refer to potential required furloughs in the future and begin with non-contract administrators.
4. Q: Would this furlough take into consideration one's family household income?
A: Required furloughs for employees covered by a Collective Bargaining agreement would be negotiated.
5. Q: When will we know if we have been approved to have labs on campus?
A: As soon as our plan is approved by SUNY and the Governor's guidance for higher ed is released.
6. Q: You mentioned in a previous slide managing the downtown campus from Brighton, what is the cost to the college continuing to maintain two campuses in light of the 12 million deficit?
A: The FY 2020/21 Budget includes operating cost at approximately $3M. That compares favorably to the last year of occupancy at the Sibley building when the expenses totaled $3.6M including a credit of $1.5M for rental aid.
7. Q: Is there any discussions of closing the Downtown Campus possibly in the future?
A: There has been no discussion to close the downtown campus at this point.
8. Q: Is voluntary part time an option?
A: This is something that would be considered, but is dependent on the role and function of the employee seeking such an arrangement.
9. Q: Do furloughed staff still maintain their medical and other benefits?
A: Those who are on voluntary furlough would keep their health and other benefits.
10. Q: Are we considering raising tuition given how affordable MCC is by comparison to SUNY community colleges?
A: Yes, our FY 2020/21 Budget includes an increase of $326 in tuition. That increase was approved by the board at its June meeting.
Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
06/22/2020