w w w . s u n y o c c . e d u

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D.President, Onondaga Community College

Report to the Community

Onondaga Community CollegeExecutive Administration:

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., PresidentLarry Reader, Assistant to the PresidentPatricia Higgins, Acting Vice President

of Student ServicesJames Ruddock, Associate Vice President

for Technologies, Health Professionsand Community Education

Barbara Risser, Associate Vice Presidentfor Arts and Sciences

Joseph L. Rufo, Chief Financial OfficerArthur Szu-tu, Chief Information OfficerThomas Burton, Vice President,

Institutional Advancement

Dale A. Sweetland, ChairSandra L. BakerAlthea F. ChaplinJames A. CorbettJames DiBlasiJames W. FarrellWilliam T. KinneBernard KraftSam LaguzzaWilliam H. MeyerMartha E. MulroyJames P. MurphyTerry R. PickardKathleen RappEdward F. RyanMark A. StanczykRobert D. WarnerT. Brendan WhelanLovie L. Winslow

Onondaga County Legislators:Nicholas J. Pirro

Onondaga County Executive:

David W. Murphy, ChairConnie Monteleone Whitton, Vice ChairMichael J. Sullivan, SecretaryPeter P. Curinga III, Student TrusteeDr. Gary R. LiventDonald M. Mawhinney Jr., Esq.Paul M. SolomonOctavia P. WilcoxMark N. Wladis, Esq.

Onondaga Community CollegeBoard of Trustees:

Thomas F. Egan, ChairRandy A. Daniels, Vice ChairStephanie A. Gross, Student MemberSteven L. AlfasiAminy I. AudiEdward F. CoxJohn J. CreminsCandace de RussyGordon R. GrossDaniel J. Hogarty Jr.Lou HowardPamela R. JacobsCeline R. PaquetteRonald B. StaffordPatricia E. StevensHarvey F. Wachsman

SUNY Board of Trustees:Robert L. King

SUNY Chancellor:

It is my pleasure to present to you Onondaga CommunityCollege’s annual report for 2003-04. The purpose of thisreport is to keep the College’s stakeholders fullyapprised of the progress made and the future ahead asOCC continues to implement the goals and objectivesas outlined in its comprehensive strategic plan, AFramework for Success.

Highlights of the past year include continued recordincreases in enrollment, the development of animproved service/cost reduction plan with the firststages of implementation already well underway, a42 percent increase in overall giving to the OCCFoundation, technology advancements that improveaccess and convenience for students, and the launchof a comprehensive, research-based RealignmentPlan that is transforming the campus.

Energy and enthusiasm will be abundant at OCC in thecoming year as we continue implementation of this planthat will align all College resources in direct support ofstudent success. This will include the beginning of thetransformation of the Gordon Student Center to a one-stop student services hub, a project which is expectedto save the College more than $200,000 annually as aresult of process efficiencies. Also this year, we willbreak ground for the first residence halls on the OCCcampus, a critical project that will realize high demandby our students when opened in 2006.

As a public institution, OCC represents a critical linkfor citizens of all backgrounds and economic meansto achieve the higher education that is absolutelynecessary to enter or to advance in today’s economy.With the reliability of state funding for communitycolleges in jeopardy, OCC will preserve its commitmentsto quality and access by working diligently to reversethis alarming decline in public funding for highereducation while remaining solidly focused on strictefficiency. The College will also launch in 2005 a majorgifts campaign to attract investment in the future of ourcommunity through charitable giving.

Now entering its 43rd year, Onondaga CommunityCollege remains steadfast in our commitment to studentsuccess. As we continue our noble mission of enrichinglives as a leader in learning, we look forward to ourcontinued service to the citizens of Central New York.

f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t

We believe that:

1. Education is a major factor in the growth and development

of society.

2. Onondaga Community College is successful to the extent

that it adds value to individuals and institutions in the

community it serves.

3. Onondaga Community College enriches the lives of those it

serves by creating an atmosphere dedicated to life-long

learning and intellectual inquiry, and by promoting a full

under standing of our diverse society and the world

in which we live.

4. The student is the primary focus of a community

college education.

5. Respect for human dignity and diversity is fundamental

to the educational process.

Onondaga Community College Beliefs (Excerpted from the Onondaga Community College 2003-2005 Strategic Plan)

w w w . s u n y o c c . e d u

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D.President, Onondaga Community College

Report to the Community

Onondaga Community CollegeExecutive Administration:

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., PresidentLarry Reader, Assistant to the PresidentPatricia Higgins, Acting Vice President

of Student ServicesJames Ruddock, Associate Vice President

for Technologies, Health Professionsand Community Education

Barbara Risser, Associate Vice Presidentfor Arts and Sciences

Joseph L. Rufo, Chief Financial OfficerArthur Szu-tu, Chief Information OfficerThomas Burton, Vice President,

Institutional Advancement

Dale A. Sweetland, ChairSandra L. BakerAlthea F. ChaplinJames A. CorbettJames DiBlasiJames W. FarrellWilliam T. KinneBernard KraftSam LaguzzaWilliam H. MeyerMartha E. MulroyJames P. MurphyTerry R. PickardKathleen RappEdward F. RyanMark A. StanczykRobert D. WarnerT. Brendan WhelanLovie L. Winslow

Onondaga County Legislators:Nicholas J. Pirro

Onondaga County Executive:

David W. Murphy, ChairConnie Monteleone Whitton, Vice ChairMichael J. Sullivan, SecretaryPeter P. Curinga III, Student TrusteeDr. Gary R. LiventDonald M. Mawhinney Jr., Esq.Paul M. SolomonOctavia P. WilcoxMark N. Wladis, Esq.

Onondaga Community CollegeBoard of Trustees:

Thomas F. Egan, ChairRandy A. Daniels, Vice ChairStephanie A. Gross, Student MemberSteven L. AlfasiAminy I. AudiEdward F. CoxJohn J. CreminsCandace de RussyGordon R. GrossDaniel J. Hogarty Jr.Lou HowardPamela R. JacobsCeline R. PaquetteRonald B. StaffordPatricia E. StevensHarvey F. Wachsman

SUNY Board of Trustees:Robert L. King

SUNY Chancellor:

It is my pleasure to present to you Onondaga CommunityCollege’s annual report for 2003-04. The purpose of thisreport is to keep the College’s stakeholders fullyapprised of the progress made and the future ahead asOCC continues to implement the goals and objectivesas outlined in its comprehensive strategic plan, AFramework for Success.

Highlights of the past year include continued recordincreases in enrollment, the development of animproved service/cost reduction plan with the firststages of implementation already well underway, a42 percent increase in overall giving to the OCCFoundation, technology advancements that improveaccess and convenience for students, and the launchof a comprehensive, research-based RealignmentPlan that is transforming the campus.

Energy and enthusiasm will be abundant at OCC in thecoming year as we continue implementation of this planthat will align all College resources in direct support ofstudent success. This will include the beginning of thetransformation of the Gordon Student Center to a one-stop student services hub, a project which is expectedto save the College more than $200,000 annually as aresult of process efficiencies. Also this year, we willbreak ground for the first residence halls on the OCCcampus, a critical project that will realize high demandby our students when opened in 2006.

As a public institution, OCC represents a critical linkfor citizens of all backgrounds and economic meansto achieve the higher education that is absolutelynecessary to enter or to advance in today’s economy.With the reliability of state funding for communitycolleges in jeopardy, OCC will preserve its commitmentsto quality and access by working diligently to reversethis alarming decline in public funding for highereducation while remaining solidly focused on strictefficiency. The College will also launch in 2005 a majorgifts campaign to attract investment in the future of ourcommunity through charitable giving.

Now entering its 43rd year, Onondaga CommunityCollege remains steadfast in our commitment to studentsuccess. As we continue our noble mission of enrichinglives as a leader in learning, we look forward to ourcontinued service to the citizens of Central New York.

f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t

We believe that:

1. Education is a major factor in the growth and development

of society.

2. Onondaga Community College is successful to the extent

that it adds value to individuals and institutions in the

community it serves.

3. Onondaga Community College enriches the lives of those it

serves by creating an atmosphere dedicated to life-long

learning and intellectual inquiry, and by promoting a full

under standing of our diverse society and the world

in which we live.

4. The student is the primary focus of a community

college education.

5. Respect for human dignity and diversity is fundamental

to the educational process.

Onondaga Community College Beliefs (Excerpted from the Onondaga Community College 2003-2005 Strategic Plan)

Student Centered� Work continued on theimplementation of the 2002Facilities Master Plan, including theinitial stages of the transformationof the Gordon Student Center to aone-stop, student service hub thatwill integrate all processes andservices into one convenientlocation.

� Progress continues to be madeon the student housing project.Scheduled to open in fall 2006, theresidence halls will house 500students, providing an attractiveoption for on-campus living that isin high demand by current andprospective students.

� Technology enhancements toWeb Advisor provide students withincreased service, including onlineaccess to schedules and gradereports, and online tuition paymentsusing a credit card. An upgrade tothe STAR system also enablesstudents to pay by telephone usinga credit card.

� Enrollment in online coursesexploded, with more than 1,000students enrolled in 67 courses infall 2004, up from 28 studentsenrolled in 4 courses in fall 2001.

Learning Focused� Guided by the Facilities MasterPlan, capital improvements to the30-year-old Onondaga Hill campusfocused on critical maintenanceand health and safety projects,including much-needed upgradesto the Ferrante Hall chemistrylaboratories, and renovations toStorer Auditorium’s lobby,restrooms, and improvedaccessibility for persons withdisabilities.

� Improved directional signagewas implemented, enablingstudents and visitors to moreindependently and easily locateclassrooms and campus offices inthe Gordon Student Center, theAcademic Building, Coulter Libraryand Ferrante Hall.

� Orientation programs weredeveloped for new employees andsupervisors, providing resourcesand support to help employeesbecome fully productive morequickly.

CommunityOriented� The award-winning LeanInstitute was selected to receivethe maximum award of a $50,000grant from SUNY’s WorkforceDevelopment Project. The Institutewas also recognized by theAssociation of Community CollegeTrustees (ACCT) as a CommunityEconomic Development BestPractice and was one of the topfinalists in the prestigiousBellwether Awards for itsinnovative programs.

Five complete programs arescheduled to be online by January2005, further increasing educationalaccess for students.

� The campus’ first full-timeproduction use of wirelesstechnology paved the way forstudents to access three additionalInternet cafés.

� Restructured practices forcertifying financial aid significantlydecreased processing time,allowing students to receive theirfinancial aid awards an average ofone week sooner.

� Eight new student scholarshipsin Music, Engineering Technology,Architectural Technology andElectronic Media Communicationswere awarded this year.

� OCC remains committed todiversity and inclusion. Designedto increase the number of studentsfrom traditionally under-represented groups on campus,the “Recruitment and Retention forUnderserved Populations” reportwas completed. Recommendationswill be implemented in thecoming year.

� Artists, performers and scholarsrepresenting a diversity ofbackgrounds appeared on campus,including nationally knowneducator Sonia Nieto, NativeAmerican recording artist Jana,artist Juan Cruz, and Bluesperformer K.J. James. The campusalso hosted the HaudenosauneeFestival to honor Native history andtraditions, and celebrated theopening of the newly renovatedAnn Felton Multicultural Center andan adjacent art gallery.

� OCC athletic teams excelled andgained national and regionalrecognition:

� Men’s lacrosse ranked 3rd inthe nation and won the MidstateConference for the 4th year in arow.

� Women’s tennis placed 3rd

at the Region III Tournament.

� Women’s volleyball wasundefeated in Region III, DivisionIII, finishing 30-1 in the regularseason.

� Men’s tennis came in first inthe Region III Tournament andplaced 6th in the NJCAA NationalTournament.

� The OCC Sports Hall of Fameopened in January, welcoming fiveinaugural inductees, including the1992-93 NJCAA National ChampionMen’s Basketball Team.

� As a technology campus, theCollege’s computer network wasupgraded, resulting in improvedreliability, security, andmaintainability.

� Teaching and student learningwere enhanced with the addition ofnine new SMART classrooms thatutilize new technologies. Oneclassroom is dedicated as atraining facility for faculty to learnthe technology and augment its usein their curriculum.

� The ANGEL course managementsystem was implemented, providingadvanced technology toelectronically enhance classroom-based courses. This versatile toolalso supports facultycommunication and collaborationbeyond the classroom.

� On the forefront of homelandsecurity, the Public Safety TrainingCenter launched the firstemergency management degreeprogram and the first pre-employment police trainingprogram in New York state. TomCreamer, an international expert incounter-terrorism, joined the PSTCfaculty to provide training to firstresponders throughout the stateand nation.

� A comprehensive orientationprogram for new faculty wasimplemented, including the additionof mentoring teams and a focus onbest practices. Expanded efforts tobroaden the diversity of candidatesincluded advertising in targetedpublications and emphasizing therecruitment of faculty withdemonstrated experience andinterest in diversity appreciation,diverse students, and multiculturalenvironments.

� Sixty percent of new facultyparticipated in advisor trainingthat is offered twice annually.Eight advisor-training moduleswere created this year.

� Employee developmentopportunities included workshopsto develop business skills, tuitionwaivers for OCC and SUNYinstitutions, and programs offeredthrough the Teaching Center andCoulter Library.

� The Horizons LeadershipProgram was launched with aninaugural class this fall. Thisselective program trains andprepares OCC’s own employees forleadership roles within theinstitution.

� Work was completed on aconflict resolution initiative thatdeveloped policies, resources, andtools to address differences,tensions, and conflicts in theworkplace.

� OCC’s students contributednearly 2,400 hours of servicelearning to the region. The Collegewas awarded its first AmeriCorpsVISTA (Volunteers in Service toAmerica) position by the New YorkCampus Compact through the NewYork State Office for National andCommunity Service. The Collegealso served as a Campus Compactworkshop site.

� The men’s lacrosse teampartnered with ENABLE, a localagency that serves children andadults with disabilities, holding aFun Run to raise funds for ENABLE’sprograms.

� More than 75,000 visitorsattended various events andprograms, including the ever-popular Syracuse M&T Jazz Fest,on the beautiful OCC campus atopOnondaga Hill.

� The inaugural season of ArtsAcross Campus, which includedpartnerships with the SyracuseSymphony Orchestra, the EversonMuseum of Art, and SyracuseStage, expanded educationalopportunities for the campus andthe community through high-qualityarts programming.

� More than 5,000 people attendedthe Haudenosaunee FriendshipFestival at OCC to celebrate Nativehistory and traditions. The $30,000proceeds from the event will fundscholarships for Native students toattend OCC.

� Overall giving to the OCCFoundation grew by 42 percent in2003-2004, while the number ofdonors increased by 10 percent.

� Community support for studentscholarships and programsincreased by 30 percent, providingnearly $70,000 in scholarships and$80,000 in awards and other grants.

� A sold-out field of 150 golfersand generous sponsors helpedthe OCC/Hanford PharmaceuticalsScholarship Classic golftournament raise a record$22,000, a 47 percent increaseover last year.

Framework for SuccessThe physical environmentthroughout the campus . . .

will be clean, well maintained,safe and conducive to learning.

Framework for SuccessThe College will . . . provide a

comprehensive employeedevelopment program,as well as appropriate

recognition and rewards.

Framework for SuccessProper stewardship and

a commitment to the public trustdictate that limited resources

be committed only to thoseeducational programs and

services that meet thehighest quality standards

and the needs of the community.

Tom CramerCounter Terrorism Expert

Throughincreased

efficiencies,OCC realized

nearly$1 million

in costsavings.

Student Centered� Work continued on theimplementation of the 2002Facilities Master Plan, including theinitial stages of the transformationof the Gordon Student Center to aone-stop, student service hub thatwill integrate all processes andservices into one convenientlocation.

� Progress continues to be madeon the student housing project.Scheduled to open in fall 2006, theresidence halls will house 500students, providing an attractiveoption for on-campus living that isin high demand by current andprospective students.

� Technology enhancements toWeb Advisor provide students withincreased service, including onlineaccess to schedules and gradereports, and online tuition paymentsusing a credit card. An upgrade tothe STAR system also enablesstudents to pay by telephone usinga credit card.

� Enrollment in online coursesexploded, with more than 1,000students enrolled in 67 courses infall 2004, up from 28 studentsenrolled in 4 courses in fall 2001.

Learning Focused� Guided by the Facilities MasterPlan, capital improvements to the30-year-old Onondaga Hill campusfocused on critical maintenanceand health and safety projects,including much-needed upgradesto the Ferrante Hall chemistrylaboratories, and renovations toStorer Auditorium’s lobby,restrooms, and improvedaccessibility for persons withdisabilities.

� Improved directional signagewas implemented, enablingstudents and visitors to moreindependently and easily locateclassrooms and campus offices inthe Gordon Student Center, theAcademic Building, Coulter Libraryand Ferrante Hall.

� Orientation programs weredeveloped for new employees andsupervisors, providing resourcesand support to help employeesbecome fully productive morequickly.

CommunityOriented� The award-winning LeanInstitute was selected to receivethe maximum award of a $50,000grant from SUNY’s WorkforceDevelopment Project. The Institutewas also recognized by theAssociation of Community CollegeTrustees (ACCT) as a CommunityEconomic Development BestPractice and was one of the topfinalists in the prestigiousBellwether Awards for itsinnovative programs.

Five complete programs arescheduled to be online by January2005, further increasing educationalaccess for students.

� The campus’ first full-timeproduction use of wirelesstechnology paved the way forstudents to access three additionalInternet cafés.

� Restructured practices forcertifying financial aid significantlydecreased processing time,allowing students to receive theirfinancial aid awards an average ofone week sooner.

� Eight new student scholarshipsin Music, Engineering Technology,Architectural Technology andElectronic Media Communicationswere awarded this year.

� OCC remains committed todiversity and inclusion. Designedto increase the number of studentsfrom traditionally under-represented groups on campus,the “Recruitment and Retention forUnderserved Populations” reportwas completed. Recommendationswill be implemented in thecoming year.

� Artists, performers and scholarsrepresenting a diversity ofbackgrounds appeared on campus,including nationally knowneducator Sonia Nieto, NativeAmerican recording artist Jana,artist Juan Cruz, and Bluesperformer K.J. James. The campusalso hosted the HaudenosauneeFestival to honor Native history andtraditions, and celebrated theopening of the newly renovatedAnn Felton Multicultural Center andan adjacent art gallery.

� OCC athletic teams excelled andgained national and regionalrecognition:

� Men’s lacrosse ranked 3rd inthe nation and won the MidstateConference for the 4th year in arow.

� Women’s tennis placed 3rd

at the Region III Tournament.

� Women’s volleyball wasundefeated in Region III, DivisionIII, finishing 30-1 in the regularseason.

� Men’s tennis came in first inthe Region III Tournament andplaced 6th in the NJCAA NationalTournament.

� The OCC Sports Hall of Fameopened in January, welcoming fiveinaugural inductees, including the1992-93 NJCAA National ChampionMen’s Basketball Team.

� As a technology campus, theCollege’s computer network wasupgraded, resulting in improvedreliability, security, andmaintainability.

� Teaching and student learningwere enhanced with the addition ofnine new SMART classrooms thatutilize new technologies. Oneclassroom is dedicated as atraining facility for faculty to learnthe technology and augment its usein their curriculum.

� The ANGEL course managementsystem was implemented, providingadvanced technology toelectronically enhance classroom-based courses. This versatile toolalso supports facultycommunication and collaborationbeyond the classroom.

� On the forefront of homelandsecurity, the Public Safety TrainingCenter launched the firstemergency management degreeprogram and the first pre-employment police trainingprogram in New York state. TomCreamer, an international expert incounter-terrorism, joined the PSTCfaculty to provide training to firstresponders throughout the stateand nation.

� A comprehensive orientationprogram for new faculty wasimplemented, including the additionof mentoring teams and a focus onbest practices. Expanded efforts tobroaden the diversity of candidatesincluded advertising in targetedpublications and emphasizing therecruitment of faculty withdemonstrated experience andinterest in diversity appreciation,diverse students, and multiculturalenvironments.

� Sixty percent of new facultyparticipated in advisor trainingthat is offered twice annually.Eight advisor-training moduleswere created this year.

� Employee developmentopportunities included workshopsto develop business skills, tuitionwaivers for OCC and SUNYinstitutions, and programs offeredthrough the Teaching Center andCoulter Library.

� The Horizons LeadershipProgram was launched with aninaugural class this fall. Thisselective program trains andprepares OCC’s own employees forleadership roles within theinstitution.

� Work was completed on aconflict resolution initiative thatdeveloped policies, resources, andtools to address differences,tensions, and conflicts in theworkplace.

� OCC’s students contributednearly 2,400 hours of servicelearning to the region. The Collegewas awarded its first AmeriCorpsVISTA (Volunteers in Service toAmerica) position by the New YorkCampus Compact through the NewYork State Office for National andCommunity Service. The Collegealso served as a Campus Compactworkshop site.

� The men’s lacrosse teampartnered with ENABLE, a localagency that serves children andadults with disabilities, holding aFun Run to raise funds for ENABLE’sprograms.

� More than 75,000 visitorsattended various events andprograms, including the ever-popular Syracuse M&T Jazz Fest,on the beautiful OCC campus atopOnondaga Hill.

� The inaugural season of ArtsAcross Campus, which includedpartnerships with the SyracuseSymphony Orchestra, the EversonMuseum of Art, and SyracuseStage, expanded educationalopportunities for the campus andthe community through high-qualityarts programming.

� More than 5,000 people attendedthe Haudenosaunee FriendshipFestival at OCC to celebrate Nativehistory and traditions. The $30,000proceeds from the event will fundscholarships for Native students toattend OCC.

� Overall giving to the OCCFoundation grew by 42 percent in2003-2004, while the number ofdonors increased by 10 percent.

� Community support for studentscholarships and programsincreased by 30 percent, providingnearly $70,000 in scholarships and$80,000 in awards and other grants.

� A sold-out field of 150 golfersand generous sponsors helpedthe OCC/Hanford PharmaceuticalsScholarship Classic golftournament raise a record$22,000, a 47 percent increaseover last year.

Framework for SuccessThe physical environmentthroughout the campus . . .

will be clean, well maintained,safe and conducive to learning.

Framework for SuccessThe College will . . . provide a

comprehensive employeedevelopment program,as well as appropriate

recognition and rewards.

Framework for SuccessProper stewardship and

a commitment to the public trustdictate that limited resources

be committed only to thoseeducational programs and

services that meet thehighest quality standards

and the needs of the community.

Tom CramerCounter Terrorism Expert

Throughincreased

efficiencies,OCC realized

nearly$1 million

in costsavings.

Student Centered� Work continued on theimplementation of the 2002Facilities Master Plan, including theinitial stages of the transformationof the Gordon Student Center to aone-stop, student service hub thatwill integrate all processes andservices into one convenientlocation.

� Progress continues to be madeon the student housing project.Scheduled to open in fall 2006, theresidence halls will house 500students, providing an attractiveoption for on-campus living that isin high demand by current andprospective students.

� Technology enhancements toWeb Advisor provide students withincreased service, including onlineaccess to schedules and gradereports, and online tuition paymentsusing a credit card. An upgrade tothe STAR system also enablesstudents to pay by telephone usinga credit card.

� Enrollment in online coursesexploded, with more than 1,000students enrolled in 67 courses infall 2004, up from 28 studentsenrolled in 4 courses in fall 2001.

Learning Focused� Guided by the Facilities MasterPlan, capital improvements to the30-year-old Onondaga Hill campusfocused on critical maintenanceand health and safety projects,including much-needed upgradesto the Ferrante Hall chemistrylaboratories, and renovations toStorer Auditorium’s lobby,restrooms, and improvedaccessibility for persons withdisabilities.

� Improved directional signagewas implemented, enablingstudents and visitors to moreindependently and easily locateclassrooms and campus offices inthe Gordon Student Center, theAcademic Building, Coulter Libraryand Ferrante Hall.

� Orientation programs weredeveloped for new employees andsupervisors, providing resourcesand support to help employeesbecome fully productive morequickly.

CommunityOriented� The award-winning LeanInstitute was selected to receivethe maximum award of a $50,000grant from SUNY’s WorkforceDevelopment Project. The Institutewas also recognized by theAssociation of Community CollegeTrustees (ACCT) as a CommunityEconomic Development BestPractice and was one of the topfinalists in the prestigiousBellwether Awards for itsinnovative programs.

Five complete programs arescheduled to be online by January2005, further increasing educationalaccess for students.

� The campus’ first full-timeproduction use of wirelesstechnology paved the way forstudents to access three additionalInternet cafés.

� Restructured practices forcertifying financial aid significantlydecreased processing time,allowing students to receive theirfinancial aid awards an average ofone week sooner.

� Eight new student scholarshipsin Music, Engineering Technology,Architectural Technology andElectronic Media Communicationswere awarded this year.

� OCC remains committed todiversity and inclusion. Designedto increase the number of studentsfrom traditionally under-represented groups on campus,the “Recruitment and Retention forUnderserved Populations” reportwas completed. Recommendationswill be implemented in thecoming year.

� Artists, performers and scholarsrepresenting a diversity ofbackgrounds appeared on campus,including nationally knowneducator Sonia Nieto, NativeAmerican recording artist Jana,artist Juan Cruz, and Bluesperformer K.J. James. The campusalso hosted the HaudenosauneeFestival to honor Native history andtraditions, and celebrated theopening of the newly renovatedAnn Felton Multicultural Center andan adjacent art gallery.

� OCC athletic teams excelled andgained national and regionalrecognition:

� Men’s lacrosse ranked 3rd inthe nation and won the MidstateConference for the 4th year in arow.

� Women’s tennis placed 3rd

at the Region III Tournament.

� Women’s volleyball wasundefeated in Region III, DivisionIII, finishing 30-1 in the regularseason.

� Men’s tennis came in first inthe Region III Tournament andplaced 6th in the NJCAA NationalTournament.

� The OCC Sports Hall of Fameopened in January, welcoming fiveinaugural inductees, including the1992-93 NJCAA National ChampionMen’s Basketball Team.

� As a technology campus, theCollege’s computer network wasupgraded, resulting in improvedreliability, security, andmaintainability.

� Teaching and student learningwere enhanced with the addition ofnine new SMART classrooms thatutilize new technologies. Oneclassroom is dedicated as atraining facility for faculty to learnthe technology and augment its usein their curriculum.

� The ANGEL course managementsystem was implemented, providingadvanced technology toelectronically enhance classroom-based courses. This versatile toolalso supports facultycommunication and collaborationbeyond the classroom.

� On the forefront of homelandsecurity, the Public Safety TrainingCenter launched the firstemergency management degreeprogram and the first pre-employment police trainingprogram in New York state. TomCreamer, an international expert incounter-terrorism, joined the PSTCfaculty to provide training to firstresponders throughout the stateand nation.

� A comprehensive orientationprogram for new faculty wasimplemented, including the additionof mentoring teams and a focus onbest practices. Expanded efforts tobroaden the diversity of candidatesincluded advertising in targetedpublications and emphasizing therecruitment of faculty withdemonstrated experience andinterest in diversity appreciation,diverse students, and multiculturalenvironments.

� Sixty percent of new facultyparticipated in advisor trainingthat is offered twice annually.Eight advisor-training moduleswere created this year.

� Employee developmentopportunities included workshopsto develop business skills, tuitionwaivers for OCC and SUNYinstitutions, and programs offeredthrough the Teaching Center andCoulter Library.

� The Horizons LeadershipProgram was launched with aninaugural class this fall. Thisselective program trains andprepares OCC’s own employees forleadership roles within theinstitution.

� Work was completed on aconflict resolution initiative thatdeveloped policies, resources, andtools to address differences,tensions, and conflicts in theworkplace.

� OCC’s students contributednearly 2,400 hours of servicelearning to the region. The Collegewas awarded its first AmeriCorpsVISTA (Volunteers in Service toAmerica) position by the New YorkCampus Compact through the NewYork State Office for National andCommunity Service. The Collegealso served as a Campus Compactworkshop site.

� The men’s lacrosse teampartnered with ENABLE, a localagency that serves children andadults with disabilities, holding aFun Run to raise funds for ENABLE’sprograms.

� More than 75,000 visitorsattended various events andprograms, including the ever-popular Syracuse M&T Jazz Fest,on the beautiful OCC campus atopOnondaga Hill.

� The inaugural season of ArtsAcross Campus, which includedpartnerships with the SyracuseSymphony Orchestra, the EversonMuseum of Art, and SyracuseStage, expanded educationalopportunities for the campus andthe community through high-qualityarts programming.

� More than 5,000 people attendedthe Haudenosaunee FriendshipFestival at OCC to celebrate Nativehistory and traditions. The $30,000proceeds from the event will fundscholarships for Native students toattend OCC.

� Overall giving to the OCCFoundation grew by 42 percent in2003-2004, while the number ofdonors increased by 10 percent.

� Community support for studentscholarships and programsincreased by 30 percent, providingnearly $70,000 in scholarships and$80,000 in awards and other grants.

� A sold-out field of 150 golfersand generous sponsors helpedthe OCC/Hanford PharmaceuticalsScholarship Classic golftournament raise a record$22,000, a 47 percent increaseover last year.

Framework for SuccessThe physical environmentthroughout the campus . . .

will be clean, well maintained,safe and conducive to learning.

Framework for SuccessThe College will . . . provide a

comprehensive employeedevelopment program,as well as appropriate

recognition and rewards.

Framework for SuccessProper stewardship and

a commitment to the public trustdictate that limited resources

be committed only to thoseeducational programs and

services that meet thehighest quality standards

and the needs of the community.

Tom CramerCounter Terrorism Expert

Throughincreased

efficiencies,OCC realized

nearly$1 million

in costsavings.

w w w . s u n y o c c . e d u

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D.President, Onondaga Community College

Report to the Community

Onondaga Community CollegeExecutive Administration:

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., PresidentLarry Reader, Assistant to the PresidentPatricia Higgins, Acting Vice President

of Student ServicesJames Ruddock, Associate Vice President

for Technologies, Health Professionsand Community Education

Barbara Risser, Associate Vice Presidentfor Arts and Sciences

Joseph L. Rufo, Chief Financial OfficerArthur Szu-tu, Chief Information OfficerThomas Burton, Vice President,

Institutional Advancement

Dale A. Sweetland, ChairSandra L. BakerAlthea F. ChaplinJames A. CorbettJames DiBlasiJames W. FarrellWilliam T. KinneBernard KraftSam LaguzzaWilliam H. MeyerMartha E. MulroyJames P. MurphyTerry R. PickardKathleen RappEdward F. RyanMark A. StanczykRobert D. WarnerT. Brendan WhelanLovie L. Winslow

Onondaga County Legislators:Nicholas J. Pirro

Onondaga County Executive:

David W. Murphy, ChairConnie Monteleone Whitton, Vice ChairMichael J. Sullivan, SecretaryPeter P. Curinga III, Student TrusteeDr. Gary R. LiventDonald M. Mawhinney Jr., Esq.Paul M. SolomonOctavia P. WilcoxMark N. Wladis, Esq.

Onondaga Community CollegeBoard of Trustees:

Thomas F. Egan, ChairRandy A. Daniels, Vice ChairStephanie A. Gross, Student MemberSteven L. AlfasiAminy I. AudiEdward F. CoxJohn J. CreminsCandace de RussyGordon R. GrossDaniel J. Hogarty Jr.Lou HowardPamela R. JacobsCeline R. PaquetteRonald B. StaffordPatricia E. StevensHarvey F. Wachsman

SUNY Board of Trustees:Robert L. King

SUNY Chancellor:

It is my pleasure to present to you Onondaga CommunityCollege’s annual report for 2003-04. The purpose of thisreport is to keep the College’s stakeholders fullyapprised of the progress made and the future ahead asOCC continues to implement the goals and objectivesas outlined in its comprehensive strategic plan, AFramework for Success.

Highlights of the past year include continued recordincreases in enrollment, the development of animproved service/cost reduction plan with the firststages of implementation already well underway, a42 percent increase in overall giving to the OCCFoundation, technology advancements that improveaccess and convenience for students, and the launchof a comprehensive, research-based RealignmentPlan that is transforming the campus.

Energy and enthusiasm will be abundant at OCC in thecoming year as we continue implementation of this planthat will align all College resources in direct support ofstudent success. This will include the beginning of thetransformation of the Gordon Student Center to a one-stop student services hub, a project which is expectedto save the College more than $200,000 annually as aresult of process efficiencies. Also this year, we willbreak ground for the first residence halls on the OCCcampus, a critical project that will realize high demandby our students when opened in 2006.

As a public institution, OCC represents a critical linkfor citizens of all backgrounds and economic meansto achieve the higher education that is absolutelynecessary to enter or to advance in today’s economy.With the reliability of state funding for communitycolleges in jeopardy, OCC will preserve its commitmentsto quality and access by working diligently to reversethis alarming decline in public funding for highereducation while remaining solidly focused on strictefficiency. The College will also launch in 2005 a majorgifts campaign to attract investment in the future of ourcommunity through charitable giving.

Now entering its 43rd year, Onondaga CommunityCollege remains steadfast in our commitment to studentsuccess. As we continue our noble mission of enrichinglives as a leader in learning, we look forward to ourcontinued service to the citizens of Central New York.

f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t

We believe that:

1. Education is a major factor in the growth and development

of society.

2. Onondaga Community College is successful to the extent

that it adds value to individuals and institutions in the

community it serves.

3. Onondaga Community College enriches the lives of those it

serves by creating an atmosphere dedicated to life-long

learning and intellectual inquiry, and by promoting a full

under standing of our diverse society and the world

in which we live.

4. The student is the primary focus of a community

college education.

5. Respect for human dignity and diversity is fundamental

to the educational process.

Onondaga Community College Beliefs (Excerpted from the Onondaga Community College 2003-2005 Strategic Plan)