Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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State University of New York State College of Optometry

In addition to above stated detail, the Middle States members of the team report that:

The human, financial, technical, physical facilities and other resources necessary to achieve the institution’s mission and goals are available and accessible. In the context of the institution’s mission, the effective and efficient uses of the institution’s resources are analyzed as part of ongoing outcomes assessment. It should be noted that the State’s guidance on ethical behavior requires that each faculty member and all administrators earning a New York based salary above a certain threshold (as determined by the New York Ethics Commission) must sign an annual disclosure statement regarding their sources and amounts of income as well as a state mandated code of ethics affirmation.

A review of the organizational chart indicates clear lines of authority and responsibility.

The College’s student grievance procedures and equitable treatment of students are clearly articulated in the student handbook.

Both the SUNY Board of Trustees Policy book and the Faculty Handbook provide detailed policies on discipline, faculty evaluations and promotions, tenure, retention and compensation. The handbooks also address the principles of academic and intellectual freedom. The College as a public institution in the state of New York educational system provides public access to its mission, vision, goals, objectives, self ‐ studies, and periodic reports. These documents and factual information regarding recruitment and admission criteria, graduation, retention and pass rates are all available on the institution’s web site.

Strengths, significant accomplishments, significant progress, or exemplary/innovative practices

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The President’s vision and leadership is a strength

• The College has a consultative, open administrative organization, which emphasizes transparency, communication and shared governance. • Despite reductions in state support, the College has effectively managed its financial resources. • The College has done an excellent job at identifying its short ‐ and long ‐ term facilities needs and has been well supported by the State of New York through the State University Construction Fund.

Recommendations

• Middle States Standard 3 Institutional Resources The College utilizes an annual budgeting process to identify some of its equipment replacement needs. The College needs to develop a comprehensive and systematic equipment lifecycle process that proactively supports the leadership’s identification of future budget requirements.

Chapter E. Student Admissions and Services

This section covers the following standards:

ACOE Standard: Standard VI Students