April 22 Staff Meeting recap
Skidmore College staff gathered in April to discuss campus updates, employee performance review deadlines, upcoming wellness programs, student engagement efforts, financial aid, the Middle States reaccreditation process, sustainability initiatives, and work on an updated mission statement for the College.
human resources
Chief Human Resources Officer Julie Delay welcomed new employees across offices, including Facilities, Dining Services, Advancement, Campus Life, and Athletics.
She reminded staff that performance reviews are due May 22 and should be submitted to Lovelyne Pierre, associate director for employee relations and organizational development.
The Live More Skidmore Wellness Group will offer fitness classes at the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center during June and July. Additional details including registration will be communicated by email and featured in Skidmore Weekly Bulletin.
Additional professional development opportunities and upcoming events include:
- Retirement and Recognition Ceremony — May 19
- Personal Finance Workshop — May 26
- Informal HR Coffee Conversation — May 28
She also noted the next staff meeting will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the Tang Teaching Museum and will be followed by a reception. Staff are encouraged to explore current exhibitions at the Tang, with tour guides available.
Admissions Update
Jess Ricker, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions, shared an update on the Class of 2030. She highlighted strong engagement during YES! Days, including the April 11 program — the largest admissions event since the pandemic — with 700 students and family members. More than 200 families also visited campus on their own.
Vice President Ricker thanked employees for supporting visits, from giving directions to hosting classes, and meeting with families. She noted a shift toward more intentional, personalized engagement.
The Financial Aid team met with more than 160 families — reflecting strong interest in a price-sensitive environment and helping families feel confident in their decisions.
Ricker said the process has been thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative. Updates will follow after May 1.
President’s remarks
President Marc Conner highlighted recent campus activities and events, including the CICU Legislative Advocacy Day, a New York Six presidents meeting, the Humanistic Inquiry Symposium, the Filene Music Scholarship Competition, and the New England Consortium of Latinx Studies. He also noted ongoing performances, campus events, and the dedication of Ferrari Field.
President Conner shared updates on an artificial intelligence baseline policy under review and encouraged campus participation in discussions about updating the College’s mission statement. He encouraged employees to participate in the mission statement survey and attend an open forum at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the Wyckoff Center.
He reported a positive Middle States reaccreditation site visit, with strong affirmations and only one recommendation. He thanked the campus community for its contributions.
President Conner also highlighted continued momentum in advancement efforts and strong engagement in admissions programming, noting a positive overall outlook for the College.
The meeting ended with a Q&A.
The next staff meeting and networking luncheon will be held 1–2 p.m. Friday, June 5, in the Tang Teaching Museum. The full schedule is available online. Staff members are encouraged to offer feedback, suggest agenda items, and ask questions through the online staff input form.