The CFO's office is working closely with Student Affairs and the NCSA and has developed a Housing Safety Task Force. This task force will look at various options to improve safety for our residential students. Campus Police and Facilities are working together to prevent future unwelcome visits into students' residential spaces.
Earlier this week, Yosef Shapiro, Emergency Manager Director, and Curtis Davis, Facilities Associate Director, accompanied two NCSA representatives (Sofia Lombardi and Ky Miller) on a lighting survey of the Pei Dorms. Several dark and shadowy areas were noted and discussed. On the positive side, a few of these areas can be immediately addressed by either replacing bulbs or repairing light fixtures, and this work immediately commenced. Other areas will need new lighting solutions that are durable, able to withstand inclement weather, and motion sensitive. Facilities has begun to determine the best options.
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I agree with Professor David Mullins - the white pelicans on the bay are amazing. Did you know the American White Pelican are the second largest flying birds in North America? Second only to the California Condor. According to Audubon, they have a 9 ft. wing span! The best time to see the white pelicans on the bay seems to be early morning.
The white pelicans weren't our our only visitors this week. The principal harpist of the Sarasota Opera, Guiseppina Ciarla was on the bayfront for a photo shoot and video. We were inadvertently treated to hearing her play and sing opera.
Come on down, in addition to beautiful views, you never know what or whom you might find outside Cook Hall on the bayfront!
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A BIG NCF WELCOME TO CHRISTIE FITZ-PATRICK
Christie is the new Associate Vice President of Administrative Affairs. In addition to budget, Christie will serve in an oversight role in some key areas: Application Support and Development; Information Technology; Environmental Health & Safety/Emergency Management; and Campus Police. Over the past 10 years, Christie has worked at the Florida Department of State where she served in a multitude of roles, including: Legislative Affairs Director; Budget Director; Grants Director; Deputy Secretary of State; and most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff. She oversaw government affairs, agency operations, and prepared and managed annual budgets exceeding $100 million dollars. She successfully secured additional funding for state government programs, and passed key legislation to build a better election process in Florida.
She is passionate about cultivating development of an organization and professional growth of team members.
Christie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of South Florida and holds a Master's degree in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. Her leisurely pursuits involve spending time with family, gardening, traveling, mini-vacation getaways, and exploring new takes on old cuisine.
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PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE
Loretta Shields (AVP, Human Resources), Jean Harris (Director, Procurement Services) and I are working with Board of Trustees Chair Mary Ruiz, David Fugett (NCF General Counsel), and Brad Thiessen (Chief of Staff) to choose a Presidential Search Firm. We will keep you updated on our role in supporting the search for the next president of New College.
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AIR QUALITY STUDY
This summer, in an effort to help ensure a safe reopening in the fall, New College asked Carrier and NORESCO, a part of Carrier, to conduct both an indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation assessment of Ace, the Library and V Dorm. These buildings were chosen as they best represent the various ages and types of building on campus. Carrier experts confirmed that the indoor particulate matter was within acceptable levels and the buildings' ventilation systems were performing within industry and code requirements. Carrier thoroughly evaluated select campus facilities to determine the IAQ and ventilation rates, but also provided important insights into the effectiveness of our building systems. The assessment was invaluable in providing assurance to our students and faculty that the buildings are healthy and safe for occupancy.
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TROPICAL STORM ETA
Here's a shout out to all those cleaning up from Eta! While we were spared major damage, there were minor issues. You may have noticed the cones and caution tape along the waterfront. Facilities is working to restore the sand that washed out along the seawall and to replace the bricks. Also, thank you to Yosef Shapiro, EMS Director, for keeping us updated on Eta.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO LORETTA SHIELDS on her promotion to Associate Vice President, Human Resources. Loretta has made great strides in improving Human Resources' operations, and promises more in the coming months.
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COVID UPDATE
Finally, many of you know that we have been working closely with Lab Services to increase testing opportunities. The sad reality is despite our best efforts, cases are increasing nationally and locally, and we cannot isolate New College. If this increase continues, we are planning for increased testing of both students and staff in the coming months.
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