ACOE_Self-Study

the teaching/learning environment. The cost for this project, which was completed in 2014, was $2.6M. • To improve the attractiveness and functionality of the College’s entrances and ground level, the 1st floor was completely redesigned and renovated. This project was completed in July 2016 at a cost of $6M. • To improve and modernize the electrical and mechanical infrastructure of the building, a major electrical upgrade was completed in July 2016 at a cost of $9.2M, and Phase 1 of a mechanical upgrade of the building’s air handling units was completed in Fe bruary 2018 at a cost of $5.5M. • Phase II of the mechanical project is now underway and is expected to be completed in early 2021 at a cost of $9.7M. • The lower lobby (basement mezzanine) is being renovated to become the primary location of student teaching labs. This project will be completed in the summer of 2019 at a cost of $3.7M. • To enhance both the patient and clinical teaching experience, a new pediatric care unit is being created on the 10th floor. This project will be completed by the end of 2019 at a cost of $3.4M. • To enhance both the patient and clinical teaching experience, the University Eye Center’s primary care floor (7th) is being redesigned. When funded, the project will move into construction and could be completed in early 2022 at a cost of $11M . As a result of survey results revealing that some students chose not to attend SUNY College of Optometry based on their campus experience on interview day, the nature of the interview day experience was substantially revised to make it more welcoming and informative. • In an effort to increase the admissions yield (matriculation to acceptance), a concerted effort was made to educate all individuals who have contact with applicants (Admissions Committee members, Student Affairs staff and student guides) regarding the importance of their interactions with applicants in affecting applicants’ choice of program. The yield has improved from 54% and 58% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, to 66%, 63% and 63% in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. • Increasing the matriculation of underrepresented minority students (URMs) has become a priority at the College as reflected in the 2018 – 2023 Strategic Plan and the Diversity and Inclusion Master Plan. In the past five years, the percentage or URMs has increased from 5% to 10% in the Fall 2018 entering class. • In response to feedback from past incoming classes on how to improve communication post-acceptance, the admissions staff created "SUNY Opt-In"--an online portal where incoming students can find all the necessary information they need to know leading up to orientation. • As a result of the increased need for mental health services, the Office of Student Affairs created a webpage listing the services available to students.

Student Affairs •

22