December 10, 2021 Minutes SONOMA STATE ENTERPRISES, INC.
Minutes
SONOMA STATE ENTERPRISES, INC. Minutes December 10, 2021MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Justin Arenson Ms. Ashley Blaylock Ms. Noelia Brambila Dr. Kyuho Lee Mr. Neil Markley, Ex-Officio Dr. Karen Moranski Dr. Mario Perez Ms. Emily Lusk Porter Dr. Judy K. Sakaki Dr. John Urbanski Ms. Amanda Visser, Ex-Officio Mr. Fred Vaske
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mr. Stan Nosek Mr. Gregory Sawyer Dr. Anastasia Tosouni
OTHERS PRESENT:
Ms. Jill Crenshaw Dr. Jerlena Griffin-Desta Ms. Jessica Way
21.15 Call to Order
Mr. Markley called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.
21.16 Approval of the September 24, 2021 Minutes
The minutes from September 24, 2021 were provided to the Board via email prior to the meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously with two changes to the attendance list.
21.17 President’s Report
Dr. Sakaki announced that the new Vice President of Administration and Finance, Monir Ahmed, has been appointed and will be starting January 3. Dr. Sawyer is retiring and on January 3 the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, Michael Young, will begin.
21.18 University Report
Dr. Moranski shared that 67% of classes will be in-person in the Spring. The application deadline will likely be extended to January 15. Recruiting initiatives in southern California have resumed. 75% of completed applications are for first-time, first year students.
21.19 Vice President for Student Affairs Report
None.
21.20 Associated Students Report
Mr. Arenson shared that the last senate meeting of the semester took place and the group is currently budgeting for next year. They are in the process of approving specific initiatives that each of the Associated Students programs will work to accomplish, which specifically relate to addressing goals in the strategic plan. A resolution to address learning material affordability and accessibility has been passed.
21.21 Report from SSU Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer and Chair of SSE Board of Directors
None.
21.22 Chief Operating Officer’s Report
Mr. Markley shared that there is now a website for store merchandise which allows you to print items on-demand. He also explained that staffing and campus population have limited the culinary footprint this year. A program has been implemented in the Kitchens to provide access to refreshments after SIP closes in the afternoon. GrubHub ordering is now available at SIP. Staffing continues to be challenging. Culinary is working to increase their student and staff hires in the Spring.
21.23 Chief Financial Officer’s Report
Ms. Visser shared that SSE’s second PPP loan has been forgiven. She also reviewed the 10.31.21 income statement and statement of net position. SSE has received 5 year enrollment projections from the University and these figures will be incorporated into our budget.
21.24 Operating Update
Mr. Markley discussed how the lower enrollment numbers, virtual classes, and the impact of COVID, along with inflation and labor issues have created a difficult business environment. SSE has raised the student salary in order to retain employees. As we move into Fall 2022, we are still considering operational models to ensure SSE’s long-term viability. SSU is the only university in the CSU that has state employees working in an auxiliary, discussions on this topic with the Chancellor’s Office will continue.
21.25 ACTION ITEM: 21/22 Budget Revision
The revised budget was presented to the board by Mr. Markley. The motion to approve was introduced by Dr. Moranski and seconded by Ms. Blaylock. The revision passed unanimously.
21.26 Other Non-Action Items
None.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.