June 5 Staff Meeting recap
Skidmore College staff gathered in June to discuss end-of-year updates, staffing and budget planning, campus improvement projects, and accomplishments from the 2025-26 academic year.
human resources
Chief Human Resources Officer Julie Delay welcomed new employees across offices, including Facilities, Financial Services, Media Services, Advancement, Alumni Engagement, the Counseling Center, and Athletics.
Employees were encouraged to participate in Live More Skidmore wellness offerings, including discounted tickets to the Tri-City ValleyCats game on July 7, where President Marc Conner will throw out the first pitch. Free fitness classes are also being offered at the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center throughout June and July, and an upcoming Hydration Challenge will run for six weeks.
Upcoming community events include Gather in Pride, a Collegewide celebration of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, from 3 to 4 p.m. June 15 at the Wyckoff Center.
Delay also shared updates on workforce planning. The College continues to review vacant staff positions to align roles and responsibilities with strategic priorities.
For faculty, the College anticipates reducing the overall number of positions over time as part of its budget planning process. To support those efforts, the Board of Trustees approved development of a voluntary separation incentive program for eligible faculty nearing retirement. Details will be finalized over the summer and shared with faculty in the fall.
The next staff meeting will be held in September. Additional details will be shared in the Skidmore Weekly Bulletin and on the Human Resources website.
Finance and Administration
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer Daniel Konstalid reported that the College is on track to close the current fiscal year with a balanced budget. He also shared that the Board of Trustees approved the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Konstalid noted that the budget reflects slower revenue growth and ongoing financial pressures across higher education. To address these challenges, the College has taken steps to reduce expenses across departments while continuing to support institutional priorities.
He emphasized the importance of proactive planning and adapting to changing financial conditions to ensure the College’s long-term financial sustainability.
Facilities Services
Dan Rodecker, assistant vice president for facilities and planning, highlighted several campus improvement projects, including enhancements to the front entrance and renovations to the first floor of Jonsson Tower. Both projects are designed to improve student experiences and create a more welcoming campus environment.
Additional smaller projects will be completed this summer as well. More information is available on the Facilities Project Page.
President’s remarks
President Marc Conner reflected on the academic year and the ways in which the Skidmore community has responded to challenges facing higher education and the broader world.
He highlighted accomplishments in academics, student support, health and wellness, accessibility initiatives, and strong enrollment projections for the Class of 2027. He noted that Skidmore experienced one of the strongest fundraising years in its history and received an exceptionally positive Middle States accreditation review.
Conner spoke about the energy and excitement surrounding Commencement, noting the meaningful celebrations for graduates and their families. He also reflected on a successful Reunion Weekend, marked by strong attendance, enthusiasm, and engagement from returning alumni.
The meeting ended with a Q&A.
