June 2012
1. Education for Self-Direction:
An open curriculum challenges students to acquire a broad liberal arts education. We will help students meet that challenge by making structural and policy improvements to existing advising and course selection procedures. Likewise, we will assess College programs and procedures to ensure that the educational experience is sufficiently rigorous, accessible, and pertinent to our changing student demographic. Action programs for implementation in this plan are organized into four areas:
A. Advising and Curricular Programs, Policies, and Procedures
Convene a task force, working with the Committee on Academic Policy, to review the following: a concern about disparities in advising; a decline in the number of students taking courses with a quantitative literacy component; a rise in average grades; a perception that department offerings and student curricular choices favor depth over breadth; and the ability of juniors and seniors to enroll in courses outside their concentration (DoF).
Update February 2009: A Task Force on Advising was established in January 2009: Steve Yao, chair; Todd Franklin; Steve Orvis; Edith Toegel; Leslie North; Leslie Bell; Phyllis Breland ’80; Karen Brewer; Kristin Friedel. The Committee on Academic Policy will consider all issues other than advising.
Update June 2009: Hamilton received two separate $100,000 grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the first to establish a consortium of six Upstate New York colleges to pursue academic and operating collaborations, and the second to ensure Hamilton’s liberal arts focus for (1) curricular breadth and advising, (2) writing and research, (3) speaking and creative performance, and (4) quantitative, symbolic, and scientific reasoning.
Update June 2009: The Task Force on Advising issued its report that included four recommendations focusing primarily on pre-major advising: 1. Update admission and new student orientation documents to clarify and emphasize student responsibility throughout the advising process; 2. Establish an orientation program for new and continuing advisors to highlight faculty responsibilities, academic requirements, and College policies and resources; 3. Redefine advising as a teaching responsibility as opposed to a service responsibility; 4. Implement assessment of advising and corresponding system of accountability to ensure its effectiveness. The Task Force further recommended that these efforts be undertaken by the new Curricular Breadth and Advising Leader (funding from the Mellon Foundation grant) with assistance from an ad hoc committee.
Report appendices: Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D (All are PDF 
)
Update January 2010: Dean of Faculty Joe Urgo appointed four Mellon Curricular Leaders: Todd Franklin, Curricular Breadth and Advising; Al Kelly, Writing and Research; Heather Buchman, Speaking and Creative Performance; and Sally Cockburn, Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning
Update January 2010: Hamilton re-piloted College 130 in the fall term as a way to reconsider a common first-year experience.
Update January 2010: The self study being prepared as a part of the Middle States reaccreditation process is emphasizing diversity and curricular review.
Update June 2010: The Mellon Curricular Leaders submitted their first report, which focused on what they learned from internal discussions and from site visits to Amherst and Brown, two institutions with long-standing open curricula.
Update January 2011: An ad hoc “educational goals” working group was established in the Fall, made up of the Mellon Curricular Leaders and representatives from CAP and the Middle States Working Group on Mission and Goals. Its charge is to develop a more concise set of educational goals that align with the College’s mission and current curricular practices. Ultimately, these goals will help faculty advisors work with students to develop appropriate breadth and depth in their course selection.
Update June 2011: In April, the faculty approved changes to the Catalogue regarding enrollment restrictions, allowing juniors and seniors to enroll more easily in lower-level courses.
Update June 2011: At its May meeting, the faculty passed a set of educational goals, updating the “College Purposes and Goals” statement in the College Catalogue.
Update June 2011: A faculty development workshop titled “Incorporating Quantitative Reasoning Across the Curriculum” was held in June.
Update January 2012: The Dean of Faculty’s Office initiated a review to determine how collaboration and cooperation among academic support centers on campus can be strengthened to help support students in cross-curricular disciplines such as writing, oral communication, quantitative literacy, information and technical literacy, and foreign language acquisition.
Update January 2012: The Dean of Faculty is scheduling a series of open discussions for faculty members on the topic of long-term curricular priorities. Meetings will be organized around discipline areas or other common interests.
Update June 2012: The Faculty in May adopted simpler and clearer Writing Intensive course guidelines, which can better accommodate a range of pedagogical styles without diluting the rigor of the writing program. The Committee on Academic Policy plans to undertake reviews of all the syllabi for Writing Intensive courses every five years, starting in 2015-16.
Update June 2012: The Dean of Faculty held a series of open meetings with the faculty to discuss long-term curricular issues.
B. Co-Curricular Programming
Evaluate the reallocation of existing space for the creation of a cultural education center (VPA&F, DoF, DoS, VPIT)
Update February 2009: A Task Force on the Cultural Education Center was established in January 2009: Julio Videras, chair; Edwin Gaston ’11; Denise Ghartey ’12; Bill Huggins; Angel Nieves; Lisa Magnarelli ’96.
Update June 2009: Task Force considering the creation of a cultural education center issued its recommendations (view report): Short-term proposal was for the renovation and expansion of the Afro-Latin Cultural Center (the Azel Backus House was mentioned as an alternative); Long-term proposal was for a cluster of three buildings, including the renovated ALCC, the Horowitch Career Center and the Ferry Building. The Task Force also recommended hiring a director and an office assistant and creating a committee to determine the mission and goals of the center, its governance and programming. The Deans of Faculty and Students expect to announce the appointment of a programming director in July 2009.
Update January 2010: Visiting instructor Madeleine E. Lopez was appointed Consulting Director of the Cultural Education Center in July. She has begun working with students, faculty and staff on programming initiatives in conjunction with the establishment of a Cultural Education Center on campus.
Update June 2010: Trustees approved converting the Ferry Administration Building to a Cultural Education Center. Renovations should be completed in the fall.
Update January 2011: The Days-Massolo Center opened on January 17, 2011, to address the needs of Hamilton’s increasingly diverse student body. A formal dedication is scheduled for April.
Update June 2011: The Days-Massolo Center was dedicated on April 1, 2011, and a national search was initiated for a full-time director.
Update January 2012: Amit Taneja was appointed director of the Days-Massolo Center. He was special assistant to the senior vice provost for equity and inclusion and former associate director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center at Syracuse University.
C. Athletics and Physical Education Program
Pursue full integration into NESCAC for all intercollegiate athletics teams (DoF, DA&FA)
Update February 2009: Hamilton continues to pursue this objective with NESCAC presidents.
Update June 2009: Following a vote of the NESCAC presidents at their April 2009 meeting, all Hamilton teams will compete in NESCAC effective with the 2011-12 academic year.
Update January 2010: President Stewart is the 2009-10 chair of the NESCAC Presidents’ Committee.
Update June 2010: NESCAC presidents and the respective admission deans and athletics directors on the executive committee held their regularly scheduled meeting on the Hamilton campus in April. For many, it was their first visit to Clinton. Schedules are being developed to integrate the final seven Hamilton teams into NESCAC competition.
Update June 2011: Hamilton’s field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer teams begin league play in NESCAC this fall; basketball will follow in the winter and lacrosse in the spring.
Update January 2012: Hamilton is now a full playing partner in NESCAC.
Expand partnerships between physical education and academics (DoF)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred to the faculty’s standing Committee on Athletics in January 2009.
Update June 2009: The Committee on Athletics formalized the practice of having “faculty team advisors” and has circulated a job description. The Committee will ask for faculty volunteers to meet with prospective student-athletes in their academic fields of interest.
Update January 2010: The Committee on Athletics solicited volunteers successfully and all 28 programs now have faculty team advisors. The Committee’s next step will be gathering the faculty advisors in the spring term to discuss how they might best assist the programs.
Update June 2011: The Committee on Athletics proposed a model for strengthening and standardizing the program that links individual faculty members with sports teams, called the Faculty Team Affiliates Program.
Update June 2012: The Faculty Team Affiliates was formalized as a service program with clear expectations for participants.
D. Academic Facilities
Complete construction projects already under way (VPA&F)
Update February 2009: Phase 2 of the renovation and expansion of the Kirner-Johnson Building is on schedule and on budget.
Update June 2009: The Kirner-Johnson construction project was completed in May; punch-list items are being addressed.
Update June 2010: All academic construction projects that were under way when the strategic plan was adopted have been completed.
Continue with planning and design for new projects (VPA&F, VPIT)
Update: February 2009: The College has contracted for schematic designs from its arts facilities architects.
Update June 2009: Schematic designs were completed and presented to the Board of Trustees in June. The architects will prepare documents and drawings to support fundraising efforts.
Update January 2010: The arts are the College’s top facilities fund-raising priority. Donors are actively being cultivated for the project.
Update June 2010: Fund-raising for three new arts facilities has accelerated with the pending kickoff of a new capital campaign and a more positive economy.
Update June 2010: The faculty passed a resolution at its May 4 meeting calling for the College to “begin planning systematically for the renovation of Burke Library.”
Update January 2011: President Stewart appointed a task force in the fall to study the future of Burke Library.
Update January 2011: The Board authorized the College to move forward with design development and construction documents for the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the summer.
Update June 2011: Construction of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art began in June. The Theater and Studio Art building is in the design development phase.
Update June 2011: The Library of the Future Committee completed its deliberations and submitted its report to President Stewart.
Update January 2012: At its December meeting, the Board of Trustees authorized the College to proceed with construction design documents for a new theater and studio arts building.
Update June 2012: Site preparation has begun for the new theater and studio arts building, with a groundbreaking scheduled for July.
Update June 2012: The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art is scheduled to open on October 5.
Update June 2012: With the relocation of the Emerson Gallery to the Wellin Museum trustees authorized renovations of Christian A. Johnson Hall to support programs in mathematics, languages and the Digital Humanities Initiative.
Undertake a fuller study of campus use in the summer (All) and pursue summer academic workshops, seminars and institutes that make use of academic buildings, reflect institutional emphases, and take advantage of faculty strengths and expertise (DoF) [Also being considered as part of Item 4 “Engagement with the World,” Section B “Scholarship and Creative Activity”]
Update February 2009: A Task Force on Summer Programs was established in January 2009 to “consider the establishment of summer conferences and programs that reflect institutional priorities. Its membership includes: Andrew Jillings, chair; Maurice Isserman; Onno Oerlemans; Sharon Williams, Dannelle Parker; Sharon Rippey; Irene Cornish; and Margie Thickstun.
Update June 2009: Vice President of Administration and Finance Karen Leach gave a preliminary report in June to the Board of Trustees outlining the pros and cons of the Dartmouth Model.
Update June 2009: The Summer Program Task Force issued a report outlining the logistics for an “Adirondack Essentials” summer workshop “for alumni, professional writers and recreational writers who wish to live adventurously and write well.”
Update June 2009: The East Asian Languages Department submitted a proposal to the Dean of Faculty to create a summer Chinese-language institute for K-12 students.
Update January 2010: Plans are under way to pilot three summer programs in 2010: (1) the Adirondack Essentials program referenced above, led by Professor Maurice Isserman; (2) an oral communication “boot camp” targeted to alumni and professionals, focusing on analysis and development of oral presentation skills, led by Oral Communication Center Director Susan Mason; and (3), a summer program for K-12 Chinese language instructors, led by Professor Hong Gang Jin.
Update January 2010: A two-week-long course for students interested in learning about the marine record of the ice shelf settings and sediment core methodologies will be held at Hamilton this summer. This is an NSF-sponsored activity related to the International Polar Year and the LARISSA project (LARsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica).
Update June 2011: The STARTALK Chinese language program for K-12 instructors has received funding and will be held again in summer 2011.
Update June 2012: The STARTTALK Chinese language program was held again in the summer 2012.
2. Self-Governing Community:
Education for self-direction demands an inclusive self-governing community. To the extent possible, constituencies ought to be self-regulating – students regulating students, faculty governing faculty, and staff administering to staff – as well as interlocking, to assure consistent, inclusive, and effective exchange and interaction. Some of this happens already: students regulate themselves through Student Assembly, the Honor Code, and the Judicial Board, and faculty do the same through policies and procedures set forth in the Faculty Handbook. Because all employees add an important perspective, new governance policies will incorporate a fuller range of voices and accommodate greater representation among and between campus constituencies. Various planning subcommittees called for enhancing self-governance at Hamilton; ideas fell into three categories:
A. Community Building
Review the way all students are acclimated to campus (DoS)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred in January 2009 to the faculty’s standing Committee on Student Activities.
Update June 2009: The Committee on Student Activities reviewed the current orientation program and suggested that faculty advisors attend the lecture by Maura Cullen and help to facilitate the small group discussions that follow. The committee is also exploring the possibility of housing first-year students together in clusters around campus and supports the concept of a first-year experience that would be part of the curriculum and include a residential component. Work on these issues will continue in the fall. (See also “B. Student Development” below.)
Update June 2009: The College continues to promote the community-building aspects of its pre-orientation programs. As of June 15, Adirondack Adventure had 222 enrollments and the Urban Service Experience had 28, which represents 53% of the incoming class.
Update June 2009: Kristin Strohmeyer, reference librarian, has been appointed to the new role of Coordinator of Marketing and Outreach in the Hamilton College Library.
Update January 2010: In September 2009, the College launched a Web site for students who are among the first in their family to attend college (see: www.hamilton.edu/first) and held several receptions for the group.
Update January 2010: A committee comprised of faculty, administrators, staff, and students will be established to select a common reading that will be required of all new students, and a discussion of the text will be incorporated into the New Student Orientation program.
Update January 2010: Student Assembly adopted a Statement of Community in the form of a “Message from the Students of Hamilton College.” The statement reads: “The Hamilton College community gains strength from the diversity of its members. The expression and consideration of differing viewpoints represents education at its best. In our efforts to cultivate an inclusive environment, it is essential that we seek to respect the unique perspectives of individuals on our campus. Students are encouraged to consider the implications of their words and actions. It is a reality that in any diverse community, misunderstandings and conflicts might arise. To work through these disagreements, we as a student body promote engagement in dialogue to create mutual understanding and expanded knowledge. With this in mind, we urge each student to help promote a welcoming community for all.”
Update June 2010: The College and Student Assembly selected The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien as the common reading for the Class of 2014.
Update January 2011: The Division of Student Life, with input from the Committee on Student Activities, continues to explore new and better ways to introduce first-year students and transfers to the College. A report of possibilities will be delivered to the President in early February. The Common Reading Committee has been established to select the reading that will be required for the Class of 2015. (See also “Dialogue and Debate, B. Student Development” below.)
Update June 2011: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was selected as the common reading for the Class of 2015. (See also “Dialogue and Debate, B. Student Development” below.)
Update June 2011: The Division of Student Life has been reorganized and Meredith Harper Bonham has been named senior associate dean of students for strategic initiatives. She will promote connections between students’ academic and co-curricular activities, including orientation and the first-year initiative. (See also “Dialogue and Debate, B. Student Development” below.)
Update January 2012: In November, the College announced the formation of an ad hoc Committee on the First-Year Experience to explore, review and propose those approaches to the first-year experience that will be most effective at Hamilton. Committee members include: Meredith Harper Bonham (chair), senior associate dean of students for strategic initiatives; Karen Brewer, associate dean of students (academic)/professor of chemistry; Wei-Jen Chang, assistant professor of biology; TJ Davis, assistant professor of physical education/men's and women’s head swim coach; Katheryn Doran, associate professor of philosophy; Kristin Friedel, registrar; Isaac Handley-Miner ’14; Travis Hill, assistant dean of students and director of residential life; Anthony Jackson ’15; Steve Orvis, professor of government; Nat Strout, associate professor of English (See also “Dialogue and Debate, B. Student Development” below.)
Update June 2012: The ad hoc Committee on the First-Year Experience submitted its draft report in June to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student Affairs. The draft also has been shared with the Committee on Academic Policy for feedback before it will be sent to the entire community for comment in August. The committee will discuss its recommendations at a faculty meeting and a Student Assembly meeting at the start of the fall semester.
Update June 2012: Evocative Objects edited by Sherry Turkle was selected as the common reading for the Class of 2016. (See also “Dialogue and Debate, B. Student Development” below.)
Update June 2012: First-year orientation will be coordinated by the Residential Life Office with oversight from the Senior Associate Dean of Students for Strategic Initiatives.
Reexamine the four classifications of employee groups (VPA&F)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred in January 2009 to the Campus Planning Committee, which was charged to “pursue new governance structures and a more inclusive governing organization.” (See also “B. Governance Policy and Procedures” below.)
Update June 2009: The Campus Planning Committee has recommended that the President establish a task force for explore the creation of a staff assembly for non-faculty employees. (See also “B. Governance Policy and Procedures” below.)
Update January 2010: The President established a task force in October 2009 to consider the creation of a Staff Assembly. Members included Steve Stemkoski, Director of Human Resources (chair); Meredith Harper Bonham, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees (President's Office); Carolyn Carpan, Director of Public Services (Burke Library); Jon Hind, Director of Athletics; Mark Kinne, Carpenter (Physical Plant); Mike Stottlar, Custodian (Physical Plant); Robin Vanderwall, Academic Office Assistant for Anthropology, History, Sociology and Communication; and Kelly Walton, Senior Assistant to the Associate Dean of Faculty. (See also “B. Governance Policy and Procedures” below.)
Update January 2012: The Staff Assembly held its first two campus-wide meetings in the fall and solicited nominations for four committees: Nominations and Elections; Communications; Employment Environment and Professional Development; and Wellness
Continue progress toward a campus population whose diversity reflects the coming generations of employees and students (All)
Update February 2009: The Senior Staff is considering expansion of opportunity programs.
Update June 2009: Preliminary statistics for the Class of 2013 indicate that it will be the most diverse class on record as measured by the percentages of multicultural students from the U.S. (20%) and of international students (6%). Thirteen percent belong to the first generation in their family to attend college. Thirty-six states and 25 countries are represented in the class. Final statistics will be available in the fall.
Update January 2010: Hamilton announced in November 2009 that it was expanding its partnership with the Posse Foundation. Building on its nine-year relationship with Posse Boston, Hamilton will add a Posse from Miami in the fall of 2010. Both Posses for fall 2010 matriculation were selected in December.
Update June 2010: The Class of 2014 is expected to be the most racially and ethnically diverse in the College’s history.
Update June 2010: The spring/summer Alumni Review features a wide-ranging cover story on diversity.
Update January 2011: Members of Posse Boston and Posse Miami were selected in December 2010 for the Class of 2015. A celebration marking the 10-year anniversary of Hamilton’s affiliation with the Boston Posse is planned for March 31.
Update June 2011: Preliminary statistics for the Class of 2015 show 20% have identified as multicultural students from the U.S., and 4% are international. Thirteen percent are from the first generation in their family to attend college. Thirty-four states and 19 countries are represented in the class.
Update June 2011: On campus in March, Hamilton celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Posse Partner and President Stewart was recognized as a Posse Star at the organization’s annual NYC Gala in May.
Update January 2012: Hamilton has established the Student Emergency Aid Society (SEAS) to provide support for students with limited financial resources who have one-time, emergency needs or financial barriers that aren’t otherwise covered by financial aid. The intention is to ensure that all students have equal access to all that Hamilton offers, regardless of their financial background. (See also Engagement with the World, A. Diversity and Access, below.)
Update June 2012: Preliminary statistics for the Class of 2016 show a record 25% have identified as multicultural students from the U.S., and 6% are international. Fifteen percent are from the first generation in their family to attend college. Thirty-three states and 21 countries are represented in the class
B. Governance Policy and Procedures
Evaluate the work of all committees to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and representation (DoF, VPA&F, DoS, EAP) and pursue new governance structures and a more inclusive governing organization (VPA&F)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred in January 2009 to the Campus Planning Committee. In February the committee began deliberations on the creation of a staff assembly (for all non-faculty employees) and the inclusion of students on standing committees.
Update June 2009: The Campus Planning Committee recommends a pilot project in 2009-10 with amenable faculty committees to include students as non-voting participants. The committee further recommends that the President establish a task force to explore a staff assembly organization for non-faculty employees. (See also “A. Community Building” above.)
Update January 2010: The President established a task force in October 2009 to consider the creation of a Staff Assembly. Members included Steve Stemkoski, Director of Human Resources (chair); Meredith Harper Bonham, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees (President's Office); Carolyn Carpan, Director of Public Services (Burke Library); Jon Hind, Director of Athletics; Mark Kinne, Carpenter (Physical Plant); Mike Stottlar, Custodian (Physical Plant); Robin Vanderwall, Academic Office Assistant for Anthropology, History, Sociology and Communication; and Kelly Walton, Senior Assistant to the Associate Dean of Faculty. (See also “A. Community Building” above.)
Update January 2010: Student representatives have been added to the committees on Admission and Financial Aid, and Budget and Finance.
Update June 2010: Established the Student Committee for Intramurals to oversee, with the assistance of the Director of the Fitness Center and Campus Wellness, the successful management and implementation of the College’s intramural program.
Update January 2011: Hamilton established and held an election for a Staff Assembly of non-faculty employees charged with promoting, strengthening and further enhancing Hamilton's sense of community and mutual respect. The Assembly advises the president and her senior staff on the interests, concerns, needs and ideas of non-faculty employees. Community members elected to the Assembly include: Jay Bonham '93, Associate Dean of Admission, Diane Brady, Staff Assistant for Registration, Amy James, Director of Outreach and Orientation, Regina Johnson, Office Assistant, Office of the Dean of Students, Lisa Magnarelli '96, Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Life/Director of Student Activities, Linda Michels, Senior Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Tony Poccia, Manager of Building Structural Trades, Anne Riffle, Staff Assistant for Advising, Maureen Scoones, Associate Director, IT Process Improvement and Education
Update June 2011: Staff Assembly began meeting; the group introduced members and discussed their charge at the spring all-employee meeting.
Update January 2012: Staff Assembly hosted campus-wide meetings and began soliciting nominations for new committees.
Update January 2012: VP for Administration & Finance Karen Leach made early 2012-13 budget presentations to the Staff Assembly and the faculty at their respective meetings in the fall
C. Co-Curricular Social and Residential Facilities
Convene a task force of faculty and students to make recommendations for increased opportunities for co-curricular faculty and student engagement (DoF, DoS)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred in January 2009 to the faculty’s standing Committee on Student Activities.
Update June 2009: The Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the renovation and expansion of Emerson Hall for student activities.
Update January 2010: Renovations to Emerson Hall began in June 2009 and are progressing on schedule for an August 2010 re-opening.
Update January 2011: The Sadove Student Center at Emerson Hall opened in July and was dedicated in October during Fallcoming.
Update January 2011: Proposals related to a focus on the first year include a number of opportunities for faculty and student affairs collaboration. Report to be submitted to the President in early February.
Update June 2011: The REAL program will move from Wertimer to South Hall, expanding from 40 to 60 students, with each student enrolled in one of four courses.
Pursue athletics facilities that can be completed through the plant renewal budget or through fundraising (DoF, VPA&F, VPC&D, VPIT)
Update February 2009: Pricing being obtained in the event funding becomes available.
Update June 2009: The Board of Trustees approved the renovation of Steuben Field with an artificial grass surface.
Update January 2010: Upgrades to Steuben Field were completed in September 2009.
Update June 2010: Steuben Field hosted men’s and women’s lacrosse games, including the Liberty League Tournament and the first round of the NCAA Tournament for women.
Update June 2010: New lights and a new playing surface will be installed in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House this summer.
Update January 2011: Field House upgrades were completed in September.
Update January 2012: A new playing surface for volleyball was purchased and installed for use during the fall season; new lights and a new scoreboard were installed in the Sage Rink.
Update June 2012: Courts in the Little Squash Center were repaired and refinished.
D. Sustainability
Implement the recommendations of the Green Team and fulfill the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (VPA&F, VPIT)
Update February 2009: In January, the College’s sustainability committee reviewed a study of Hamilton’s environmental stewardship and carbon footprint. Created by the consulting firm Sightlines, the study measured, monitored and benchmarked Hamilton against other colleges and universities and analyzed the distribution of its greenhouse emissions by various activities. In addition, planning is under way for summer construction projects that will further Hamilton’s commitment to sustainability. Projects include the demolition of North and South Courts (with attendant storm water retention improvements, re-use of the exterior stone and reduction in energy usage), the replacement of windows in Benedict Hall and upgrades to the heating system in Benedict.
Update June 2009: New and ongoing initiatives such as the Residence Hall Energy Challenge and the second annual Ham, Cram and Scram demonstrate the College’s progress in this area. LEED certification is being pursued for the Kirner-Johnson Building. The College’s Green Team is finalizing the draft of a Climate Action Plan and will invite comments later this summer.
Update January 2010: Hamilton submitted its Climate Action Plan to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment program.
Update January 2010: The renovation and expansion of the Kirner-Johnson Building received a Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Update June 2010: The Emerson Hall renovation is registered for LEED certification (level to be determined) and construction is proceeding accordingly.
Update June 2010: Summer renovations include a number of sustainability initiatives in South Residence Hall, the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House, Burke Library, Science Center, Bundy East and West Residence Halls and other smaller projects. Projected energy savings are 1.4 million Kilowatt-hours and 65,000 therms of natural gas, which is equivalent to about 843 metric tons of Co2.
Update January 2011: Hamilton has applied for LEED Gold certification for the Sadove Student Center at Emerson Hall.
Update January 2011: The third annual Cram and Scram collected from students in May and resold to new and returning students in August tons of recycled residence hall items and furnishings.
Update January 2011: HEAG sponsored a month-long dorm energy challenge in the fall.
Update June 2011: The Sadove Center at Emerson Hall was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) for its energy-efficient and sustainable construction. It is Hamilton’s third LEED-certified building (second Gold).
Update June 2011: Bon Appetit sponsored its fourth annual Low Carbon Diet Day in April. The event coincided with the Hamilton Environmental Action Group’s observance of Green Week
Update June 2011: Cram & Scram, a student-run effort to recycle usable materials from residence hall rooms, was held again in May. Furnishings were collected for resale in the fall.
Update January 2012: From Dec. 17 to Jan. 2, Hamilton reduced its electrical consumption by 147,937 kilowatt-hours for the 30 buildings listed on the dashboard. This extrapolates out to approximately 236,826 kilowatt-hours saved by the entire campus. These savings are enough to power twenty average homes in the United States for an entire year. These energy savings helped reduce our carbon emissions by 84.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to planting 2,177 tree seedlings for a growth period of 10 years.
Update June 2012: The Hamilton Environmental Action Group (HEAG) held its annual Green Week celebration in April, promoting sustainability and campus engagement in conservation efforts. Daily events included guest speakers, a concert and a campus clean-up.
3. Dialogue and Debate:
Self-direction and self-governance require and engender dialogue and debate; opportunities to enhance skills and deepen expertise will be provided to all students and employees, ensuring that the College is an educational institution for all. Hamilton stands firmly in support of academic freedom. We also recognize that with such freedom comes the responsibility to accept ownership of one’s ideas and to be prepared to defend one’s position, and to be able to articulate the positions of others and engage them respectfully. The strategic planning subcommittees identified three areas in which to focus our efforts:
A. Effective Communication
Increase communications vehicles that contribute to full participation in the life and functioning of the College (All)
Update February 2009: Senior Staff is considering implementation strategies for this action item.
Update June 2009: The Senior Staff plans to begin holding monthly community meetings in the fall. The meetings will be topically based and organized by the offices of the Dean of Faculty and the Dean of Students.
Update January 2010: Three community meetings were held in the fall semester: 1) Citizenship at Hamilton: Rights and Responsibilities; 2) Race and Privilege on College Campus, with invited speaker Tim Wise; and 3) open meeting on the Student Assembly statement on community.
Update June 2010: Assistant Dean of Faculty for Institutional Research Gordon Hewitt presented results of the Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS) Climate Survey to academic department chairs, the full faculty, and at a community forum.
Update June 2010: The Staff Advisory Committee has begun publishing a monthly Employee Spotlight
Update January 2011: The senior staff reprised its “Hamilton 2032” presentation first delivered at the December trustee meeting. Approximately 85 employees took part in a five-hour discussion about the College’s future.
Update June 2011: As part of the Middle States reaccreditation process, numerous open meetings were held on campus, including several conducted by the members of the visiting team during their site visit in April.
Update January 2012: The Staff Assembly hosted two campus-wide meetings during the fall semester
Update January 2012: The College surveyed all employees (and trustees) about their definition of quality and used those results as part of trustee plenary in December.
Update June 2012: The Dean of Faculty held a series of open meetings with the faculty to discuss long-term curricular issues.
B. Student Development
Establish a task force to review how students are acclimated to Hamilton (DoS, DoF)
Update February 2009: This action item was referred in January 2009 to the faculty’s standing Committee on Student Activities.
Update June 2009: The Committee on Student Activities has recommended changes to the current orientation program, including the training of Resident Advisors, Orientation Leaders and Adirondack Adventure leaders, enhancing early connections with academic advisors and the diversity lecture by Maura Cullen (along with the small group discussions that follow). The committee is interested in housing first-year students together in clusters around campus and supports the concept of a first-year experience that would be part of the curriculum and include a residential component. Work on these issues will continue in the fall. (See also “A. Community Building” above.)
Update June 2009: To facilitate proficiency in information and media literacy across the curriculum, Reference Librarian Glynis Asu has been appointed to the new role of Coordinator of Information Literacy in the Hamilton College Library. In addition, the Library hosted a workshop for the faculty on May 21, 2009, titled “Information Literacy and Accreditation: Mandates for Faculty and Librarians.” Librarians will continue to work with the faculty and Information Technology Services staff members in the fall to determine how we create proficiency in information and media literacy across the curriculum.
Update June 2010: The College and Student Assembly have selected The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien as the common reading for the Class of 2014.
Update January 2011: January admits for the Class of 2014 participated in a four-day orientation program before beginning classes on January 17.
Update January 2011: The Division of Student Life, with input from the Committee on Student Activities, continues to explore new and better ways to introduce new students to the College. A report of possibilities will be delivered to the President in early February. The Common Reading Committee has been established to select the reading that will be required for the Class of 2015. (See also “Self-Governing Community, A. Community Building” above.)
Update June 2011: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was selected as the common reading for the Class of 2015. (See also “Self-Governing Community, A. Community Building” above.)
Update June 2011: The Division of Student Life has been reorganized and Meredith Harper Bonham has been named senior associate dean of students for strategic initiatives. She will promote connections between students’ academic and co-curricular activities, including orientation and the first-year initiative. (See also “Self-Governing Community, A. Community Building” above.)
Update January 2012: In November, the College announced the formation of an ad hoc Committee on the First-Year Experience to explore, review and propose those approaches to the first-year experience that will be most effective at Hamilton. Committee members include: Meredith Harper Bonham (chair), senior associate dean of students for strategic initiatives; Karen Brewer, associate dean of students (academic)/professor of chemistry; Wei-Jen Chang, assistant professor of biology; TJ Davis, assistant professor of physical education/men's and women’s head swim coach; Katheryn Doran, associate professor of philosophy; Kristin Friedel, registrar; Isaac Handley-Miner ’14; Travis Hill, assistant dean of students and director of residential life; Anthony Jackson ’15; Steve Orvis, professor of government; Nat Strout, associate professor of English (See also “Self-Governing Community, A. Community Building” above.)
Update June 2012: The ad hoc Committee on the First-Year Experience submitted its draft report in June to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student Affairs. The draft also has been shared with the Committee on Academic Policy for feedback before it will be sent to the entire community for comment in August. The committee will discuss its recommendations at a faculty meeting and a student assembly meeting at the start of the fall semester.
Update June 2012: Evocative Objects edited by Sherry Turkle was selected as the common reading for the Class of 2016 (See also “Self-Governing Community, A. Community Building” above.)
C. Faculty and Staff Development
Invest in new and continuing employees (All)
Update February 2009: Compensation surveys were completed and the results were reported to the Staff Advisory Council. “Hamilton Cares” was launched in February 2009 to recognize major events in the personal lives of College employees.
Update June 2009: In a difficult economy, the decision to provide flat-rate salary increases for all employees was intended to help those earning least and most likely to be affected by the economic downturn. The College also adjusted staff salaries for those positions that warranted changes as determined by market survey data.
Update January 2010: The New York Six consortium is considering ways its members can collaborate on employee training.
Update January 2010: The Faculty Budget Committee is reviewing the way we benchmark faculty salaries and looking for a more reliable methodology to compare Hamilton with its peers.
Update June 2010: The Senior Staff created the Hamilton Management Roundtable to provide managers with professional development experience to cultivate the potential of the people they supervise and to provide effective workplace communication tools.
Update January 2011: The College has increased Wellness programming (workshops, classes, seminars) for employees.
Update January 2011: The first Hamilton Management Roundtable began in fall 2010 with 12 participants and will conclude its 15 meetings in February 2011. The HMR discussions are based on the reading of four books and the sharing of experiences. The next HMR will begin in spring 2011.
Update June 2011: The second Hamilton Management Roundtable will have four co-leaders and approximately 20 participants. Fifteen two-hour sessions are scheduled to take place from July 2011 to March 2012.
Update January 2012: The Staff Assembly has established committees focused on Nominations and Elections; Communications; Employment Environment and Professional Development; and Wellness. Special incentives introduced for new participants in wellness programs.
Update June 2012: The Staff Assembly organized a series of picnics for the campus community, held each Wednesday at lunchtime during the summer.
Update June 2012: The third Hamilton Management Roundtable will have six co-leaders and 23 participants in the fall.
4. Engagement with the World:
The purpose of an education centered on self-direction, self-governance, and thoughtful dialogue is to prepare students for effective engagement with the world. Society is served by giving students and faculty alike a place for thinking, imagining, and creating. But on a more practical level – and especially in this economy – we recognize that everything we do on College Hill is influenced by the world around us. While our purposes and goals are lofty, our realities are shaped in part by forces beyond us. At the same time, we are not here simply to perpetuate Hamilton College, but to help students prepare themselves for careers and service in the nation and beyond.
A. Diversity and Access
Meet the demonstrated financial need of every student (DA&FA, VPC&D)
Update February 2009: Hamilton reaffirmed its policy to meet the full demonstrated need of each student and the College continues to respond to mid-year requests from current students for new or increased financial aid.
Update June 2009: Hamilton met the full demonstrated need of every student admitted to the Class of 2013 and responded to 65 mid-year requests from current students for new or increased aid due to economic hardship (unemployment, medical, foreclosure, general economy). To date, the College is not aware of any students who left Hamilton for economic reasons or plan to do so in the coming year.
Update January 2010: Ten inaugural Kirkland College Scholars were named. Their college loans and work-study obligations have been relieved by funding from the Kirkland Endowment.
Update June 2010: Trustees voted in March to increase the financial aid budget by 6.9 percent in 2010-11 to more than $26 million.
Update June 2010: The total number of students receiving Pell grants increased from 202 in 2008-09 to 236 in 2009-10.
Update: January 2011: In response to the College’s changing demographic, a new committee has been established to address the financial and other needs of some students once they arrive on campus.
Update June 2011: Hamilton has submitted to a foundation a proposal for funding the special financial needs of some entering students.
Update June 2011: Financial Aid is top priority for Bicentennial Initiatives Campaign; as of June, commitments total $20 million against a $40 million goal.
Update January 2012: Majority ($12 million) of the gift from the SunUp Foundation was directed toward student scholarship endowment
Update January 2012: Focus of the annual 1812 Leadership Circle program in New York City was Hamilton’s need for student scholarship aid.
Become need-blind in admission (DA&FA, VPC&D, VPA&F)
Update February 2009: For the second consecutive year, the admission staff will monitor and attempt to reduce the number of cases where a family’s ability to pay becomes a factor in the admission decision.
Update June 2009: The number of cases where a family’s ability to pay was used as a factor in the admission decision decreased due to a larger financial aid budget for the class entering in the fall. The “need-blind experiment” carried out this year suggests that Hamilton would have to increase its financial aid budget by about $2 million to become fully need-blind. Need-blind admissions remains a strategic priority for the College, but progress is likely to be slow in the current economy, for the College is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all enrolled families.
Update January 2010: Trustees affirmed at their December meeting that becoming need-blind in admission is the College’s top priority and instructed the senior staff to accelerate planning to achieve this objective.
Update June 2010: The trustees voted at their March meeting to adopt a need-blind admission policy for domestic students. Hamilton will continue to meet the full demonstrated need for all admitted students.
Update January 2011: Hamilton announced in December the launch of “Bicentennial Initiatives,” which includes the goal of $40 million in new endowment to fund the need-blind policy.
Update June 2011: Hamilton admitted its second class under the need-blind protocol.
Update June 2012: Hamilton admitted its third class under the need-blind protocol.
Increase the percentage of students and employees of color (All)
Update February 2009: We are in the midst of employee hiring and student recruitment cycles for the 2009-10 academic year and this action item is a factor in our deliberations. The College continues to consider new markets in which to advertise.
Update June 2009: Preliminary statistics for the Class of 2013 indicate it will be the most diverse class on record as measured by the percentage of multicultural students from the U.S. (20%) and international students (6%). Final statistics will be available in the fall.
Update January 2010: Final census data confirm that the Class of 2013 is the most racially and ethnically diverse in the College’s history.
Update January 2010: The percentage of tenured and tenure-track faculty of color increased from 17.5% in 2008-09 to 18.3% in 2009-10.
Update June 2010: As of June 1, the Class of 2014 will be the most ethnically and racially diverse in Hamilton’s history, comprising 23 percent domestic students of color and 4 percent international students.
Update January 2011: Hamilton opened the Days-Massolo Center to support its increasingly diverse student population.
Update June 2011: The percentage of tenured and tenure-track faculty of color increased from 18.3% in 2009-10 to 18.8% in 2010-11.
Update January 2012: Twenty percent of the Class of 2015 identified as multicultural students from the U.S. An additional 20 students (4%) are international citizens.
Update June 2012: Preliminary counts show the Class of 2016 will be the most ethnically and racially diverse in Hamilton’s history, comprising 25 percent domestic students of color and 6 percent international students.
Update June 2012: According to the Faculty Affirmative Action Report completed in May, the percentage of tenured and tenure-track faculty of color increased from 18.8% in 2010-11 to 19.4% in 2011-12.
B. Scholarship and Creative Activity
Compensate faculty based on teaching, research, and service (DoF)
Update February 2009: Compensation decisions will be made later in the spring mindful of economic circumstances.
Update June 2009: Economic circumstances resulted in flat-rate salary increases for all employees.
Update June 2010: Based on annual reports from faculty and reviews by department chairs, faculty merit pay increases were allocated from a 2 percent raise pool according to a professor’s performance on teaching, research and service.
Update June 2011: Based on annual reports from faculty and reviews by department chairs, faculty merit pay increases were allocated from a 4 percent raise pool according to a professor’s performance on teaching, research and service.
Update June 2012: Based on annual reports from faculty and reviews by department chairs, faculty merit pay increases were allocated from a 3.3 percent raise pool according to a professor’s performance on teaching, research and service.
Support faculty scholarship that leads to publication and presentation (DoF)
Update February 2009: The Dean of Faculty’s annual bibliography of faculty publications, exhibitions and presentations is in production.
Update June 2009: The annual compilation of 2008 faculty and administrator research and creative activity was posted to the College’s Web site. It listed 128 authors/presenters with a total of 425 citations encompassing publications, exhibitions and performances. In addition, on Class & Charter Day, five faculty members were recognized publicly for career achievement, early career achievement and notable year achievement.
Update January 2010: Despite budget reductions in Academic Affairs, funding to support faculty research was held steady from 2008-09 to 2009-10.
Update June 2010: The annual compilation of 2009 faculty and administrator research and creative activity was posted to the College’s Web site. It listed 121 authors/presenters with a total of 364 citations encompassing publications, exhibitions and performances. In addition, on Class & Charter Day, five faculty members were recognized publicly for career achievement, early career achievement and notable year achievement.
Update June 2011: The annual compilation of 2010 faculty and administrator research and creative activity was posted to the College’s website. It listed 120 authors/presenters with a total of 340 citations encompassing publications, exhibitions and performances. In addition, on Class & Charter Day, four faculty members were recognized for career achievement, early career achievement and notable year achievement.
Update January 2012: The Taylor Fund, being used for the first time this year, has provided a significant increase for support of research in the sciences.
Increase opportunities for student research and presentation (DoF)
Update February 2009: Hamilton recently announced a new endowment to provide funding for students conducting summer research in chemistry.
Update June 2009: The number of students pursuing summer research increased slightly in 2009, to 137 total (88 science) from 133 (86 science) in 2008. The Dean of Faculty Office is funding, fully or partially, 104 students (including 16 Levitt Scholars) in 2008.
Update January 2011: Throughout the fall semester, Hamilton sponsored a series of poster sessions (most notably during Family Weekend) for summer research students to present their work.
Update June 2011: Hamilton is supporting the summer research of more than 130 students, under the auspices of the Levitt Center (16), Emerson Foundation (22), various science funds (92) and Kirkland Associates (3). More than 40 other students are pursuing summer internships with Hamilton funding.
Update January 2012: With the generous financial support of Arthur Levitt, Jr. P'81 and the Norman and Rosita Winston Foundation, the Levitt Center established the Levitt Leadership Initiative at Hamilton College. The Institute will give selected students across academic disciplines two weeks of hands-on training in personal leadership skills, along with real life challenges to make a positive difference using those skills. The Levitt Center is also leading an effort to teach leadership skills across the curriculum. In addition, Mr. Levitt has provided funding for public service internships and Levitt Research Group Grants to expand opportunities for team and individual work in public affairs.
Update June 2012: Hamilton is supporting the summer research of more than 140 students, under the auspices of the Levitt Center (35), Emerson Foundation (20), various science funds (81), Diversity and Social Justice Project (5) and Kirkland Associates (1). More than 50 other students are pursuing summer internships with Hamilton funding.
Consider the establishment of summer conferences and programs that reflect institutional priorities (DoF, VPA&F, VPIT) [Also being considered as part of Item 1 “Education for Self-Direction,” Section D “Academic Facilities”]
Update February 2009: A Task Force on Summer Programs was established in January 2009 to “consider the establishment of summer conferences and programs that reflect institutional priorities. Its membership includes: Andrew Jillings, chair; Maurice Isserman; Onno Oerlemans; Sharon Williams, Dannelle Parker; Sharon Rippey; Irene Cornish; and Margie Thickstun.
Update June 2009: Vice President of Administration and Finance Karen Leach gave a preliminary report in June to the Board of Trustees outlining the pros and cons of the Dartmouth Model.
Update June 2009: The Summer Program Task Force outlined a proposal for an “Adirondack Essentials” summer workshop “for alumni, professional writers and recreational writers who wish to live adventurously and write well.”
Update June 2009: The East Asian Languages Department submitted a proposal to the Dean of Faculty to create a summer Chinese-language institute for K-12 students, to take advantage of our national leadership in Chinese language acquisition.
Update January 2010: Plans are under way to pilot three summer programs in 2010: (1) the Adirondack Essentials program referenced above, led by Professor Maurice Isserman; (2) an oral communication “boot camp” targeted to alumni and professionals, focusing on analysis and development of oral presentation skills, led by Oral Communication Center Director Susan Mason; and (3), a summer program for K-12 Chinese language instructors, led by Professor Hong Gang Jin.
Update January 2010: A two-week-long course for students interested in learning about the marine record of the ice shelf settings and sediment core methodologies will be held at Hamilton this summer. This is an NSF-sponsored activity related to the International Polar Year and the LARISSA project (LARsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica).
Update January 2011: Hamilton is sponsoring this summer an Adirondack Adventure Writing Workshop for alumni, parents and friends. The course is modeled after Professor Maurice Isserman’s popular course for students. Director of Outdoor Leadership Andrew Jillings will also participate.
Update June 2011: The STARTALK Chinese language program for K-12 instructors has received funding and will be held again in summer 2011.
Update June 2012: Hamilton hosted the STARTALK Chinese language program and conferences for major gift officers and development vice presidents.
C. Employee Satisfaction
Be the employer of choice for all employees (All)
- Maintain competitive salaries for all employees
Update February 2009: Compensation decisions will be made later this spring mindful of economic circumstances.
Update June 2009: In a difficult economy, the decision to still provide flat-rate salary increases to all employees was intended to help those earning least and likely to be most affected by the economic downturn.
Update January 2011: Hamilton gave wage increases above inflation for the 2010-11 budget year, averaging 2.5% or hourly staff, 3% for unionized employees and 2% for administration and faculty. Selective competitive market adjustments were also made. As we plan for wage adjustments in the 2011-12 budget, we continue to examine the effect of inflation, Hamilton’s competitive position and the College’s financial circumstances.
- Ensure clear processes for evaluation and compensation
Update February 2009: The Human Resources Office is working on a pilot project to consider standardization of functions for positions that are similar.
Update June 2009: The Human Resources Office has begun reviewing job descriptions for the Academic Office Assistant position. Feedback has been gathered and is being analyzed with the intent of drafting a standard job description.
Update January 2011: The Human Resources Office worked with Academic Office Assistants to complete job analysis questionnaires and then reviewed the responses and worked with the Dean of Faculty Office to create appropriate descriptions. A final job description was developed and then reviewed and approved by the Dean of Faculty.
- Provide support for spouses/partners of talented new hires in finding employment
Update February 2009: Hamilton is a member of the Upstate New York affiliate of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, which provides online resources to people considering a move to the area. The College also works directly with other local college recruitment officers to uncover possible job opportunities. Spouses and partners of new hires are eligible to enroll in classes at Hamilton free-of-charge.
Update June 2009: Throughout the spring, the spouses and partners of several Hamilton employees have found employment as a result of College initiatives.
Update January 2010: Unlike many colleges, Hamilton avoided layoffs in 2009-10 and provided a flat salary increase for all employees except members of the senior staff, who received no increase. In appreciation for the work of its non-faculty employees and in recognition of lower-than-usual salary increases, the College provided four extra days of vacation between Christmas and New Year’s.
Update June 2010: Unlike many colleges across the country, Hamilton has again avoided layoffs and this year will provide a 2.5 percent raise pool for staff and a 2 percent raise pool for faculty and administrators. The additional vacation days between Christmas and New Year’s, new in 2009, will be retained in 2010.
Update January 2011: Hamilton again provided four extra days of paid vacation between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The College has also increased Wellness programming (workshops, classes, seminars) for employees.
Update January 2011: Hamilton established and held an election for a Staff Assembly of non-faculty employees charged with addressing general workplace issues. Those elected to the Assembly included: Jay Bonham '93, Associate Dean of Admission, Diane Brady, Staff Assistant for Registration, Amy James, Director of Outreach and Orientation, Regina Johnson, Office Assistant, Office of the Dean of Students, Lisa Magnarelli '96, Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Life/Director of Student Activities, Linda Michels, Senior Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Tony Poccia, Manager of Building Structural Trades, Anne Riffle, Staff Assistant for Advising, Maureen Scoones, Associate Director, IT Process Improvement and Education
- Review health insurance subsidies for retirees and long-term disability policies
Update February 2009: Hamilton will continue to review its competitive market position regarding these benefits in the coming year. Changes to health insurance subsidies and long-term disability policies will be considered as part of the 2010-11 budget cycle. Such changes were not economically feasible in 2009-10.
Update June 2009: Vice President for Administration and Finance Karen Leach has done a preliminary study of health insurance subsidies for retirees and long-term disability policies, but further analysis is needed.
Update January 2011: The cost of health insurance for active employees and retirees continues to be a concern. While our policies appear to be competitive, they are adding significant cost to the College budget. Human Resources has been looking at colleges with active wellness programs. The new Staff Assembly will be asked to review health insurance costs and wellness programs to come up with a community strategy. Additional benefits programs are not possible in the current fiscal environment, but analysis of the best use of existing funding will continue.
Update June 2011: In April, Hamilton formed a Health Care Study Group (Dave Thompson, Lori Dennison, Sue Stetson, Sue Campanie, Lauri Swan, Diann Lynch, Terry Lapinski, Karen Brewer, Jeffrey Pliskin, John Bartle, Karen Leach, Luann Zaleski, Samantha Cavanaugh, David Aversa, Anthony Juliano, and Steve Stemkoski) to educate themselves about the current state of health care in the U.S. and understand Hamilton’s options. They will help make recommendations for the 2012-13 budget and assist in establishing a longer-term strategy.
D. Community Service and Outreach
Support initiatives that encourage civic engagement (DoF, DoS, VPIT)
Update February 2009: Hamilton has renewed its participation in the Imagining America Initiative and will soon formally announce the establishment of the Community Outreach and Opportunity Program (COOP).
Update June 2009: The Community Outreach and Opportunity Program has undergone a “beta launch” and created an on-campus Advisory Committee that is reviewing drafts of the organization’s mission statement. COOP is planning a public launch in the fall.
Update January 2010: COOP was officially launched in October with a presentation by Steve Culbertson ’79, President and CEO of Youth Service America, and a reception.
Update January 2010: Discussions are under way between COOP and Levitt Center staff to better coordinate service learning on campus.
Update January 2011: Hamilton again provided paid release time for employees to participate in the MLK Day of Service.
Update January 2011: COOP is increasing focus on literacy and youth mentoring. There are three new programs currently under the COOP umbrella: YPP (Young People's Project -- math literacy work with middle school-age children), America Reads, a one-on-one tutoring program at Kernan Elementary involving 18 Hamilton students and 18 2nd graders, and Let's Get Ready, an SAT prep program that will run this spring serving Proctor students.
Update January 2011: Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is expanding this spring to include 10 different trips.
Update January 2012: For the fourth consecutive year, all first-year students participated in Hamilton Serves, a half-day program of service in the local community as part of Orientation.
Update January 2012: As an alternative to Adirondack Adventure, 40 first-year students participated in Outreach Adventure, a community engagement program in which a small group serves at a non-profit agency in the nearby cities of Utica or Rome, or in outlying rural areas. Project categories include construction and rebuilding, hunger and homelessness relief, youth mentoring and engagement, environmental/farming and community building.
Update January 2012: Hamilton again provided paid release time for employees to participate in the MLK Day of Service.
Update June 2012: Hamilton College employees from Administration and Finance and the Coop are working on a Hamilton-sponsored literacy project as a year-round Martin Luther King Day of Service. The Community Bookshelf Project provides gently used books to families in Utica.
Update June 2012: The President has created an ad hoc committee to study Hamilton’s relationship with the local community.
Update June 2012: The Coop Service Internship (CSI) program hires eight first-year students to work six hours per week at a local agency and then meet as a group to pursue professional development training (e.g. public speaking, grant writing, etc.). The students make a two-year commitment to this program.
Create and sustain partnerships with the Town of Kirkland and Village of Clinton (VPIT)
Update February 2009: Hamilton provided a one-time $10,000 grant in January 2009 that enabled the Town of Kirkland to resume plowing the 26.5 miles of county roads in the town.
Update June 2009: Vice President for Information Technology Dave Smallen serves on an ad hoc economic development steering committee for the town and village.
Update January 2010: The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund Committee distributed eight grants totaling $30,000. Since 2001, when grants were first awarded, income from the endowed fund has provided more than $265,000 in grants to local non-profit and public service agencies.
Update January 2010: Hamilton announced that it will contribute $250,000 toward the purchase of a ladder truck for the Clinton Fire Department.
Update January 2010
- VPIT was part of a committee that created a Community Development Plan, endorsed by the Town, Village, CCS, and Hamilton College
- Community Newsletter created with articles submitted by Hamilton, CCS, Town and Village. This newsletter will appear quarterly. December issue featured articles about a collaboration between Hamilton's COOP and CCS to use the school buses to transport Hamilton students for community service and an article on the use of the Hill card in Clinton.
- Hill Card implemented for 13 merchants in the Village of Clinton.
- Hamilton's COOP organized numerous volunteer activities in the Clinton schools.
- Representatives from Hamilton's administration attended all meetings of local government (Town, Village, and CCS) and reported back to senior staff
Update June 2010: A Hamilton representative (Dave Smallen) has been appointed to a new Economic Development Team for the Town of Kirkland.
Update June 2010: During the 2009-10 academic year Hamilton students (and some employees) used their Hill Card to make 4675 purchases totaling more than $60,000 at 12 area merchants that accept the College ID card for transactions.
Update January 2011: Hamilton has expressed its support for the Kirkland Development Corporation by pledging $15,000 for KDC operations in 2011.
Update January 2011: In December, the Town-Gown Fund disbursed $52,020 to support local non-profits and public service agencies. The Fund has made 73 grants totaling $318,000 since 2001.
Update June 2011: President Stewart continues to meet with local officials and members of her senior staff continue to attend village, town and school board meetings.
Update June 2011: As part of Hamilton’s Municipal Contributions Agreement, the College will provide $408,000 in July to local government, school and public safety organizations.
Update January 2012: Hamilton invited members of the local community to participate in its Bicentennial Kickoff on Sept. 23-25 and co-sponsored in late October a program at the Clinton Central School Performing Arts Center featuring Hamilton and Clinton students and focusing on the College’s Bicentennial.
Update January 2012: In December, the Town-Gown Fund disbursed $62,000 to support local non-profits and public service agencies. The Fund has made 81 grants totaling more than $380,000 since 2001.
Update June 2012: As part of Hamilton’s Municipal Contributions Agreement, the College will provide around $440,000 in fiscal year 2013 to local government, school and public safety organizations.
Update June 2012: President Stewart and VP Dave Smallen met with representatives from a local merchants organization to consider new programs between the two groups.
Senior Staff: Implementation of the Strategic Plan is the responsibility of the College’s Senior Staff:
Joan Hinde Stewart, President
Donald Carter, Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Africana Studies (CDO)
Lori Dennison, Executive Director, Office of the President (EDP)
Monica Inzer, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid (DA&FA)
Karen Leach, Vice President, Administration and Finance (VPA&F)
Patrick Reynolds, Dean of Faculty (DoF)
Dave Smallen, Vice President for Information Technology (VPIT)
Dick Tantillo, Vice President, Communications and Development (VPC&D)
Nancy Thompson, Dean of Students (DoS)
