🧾 Spring 2025 SVPFA Open Forum – FAQ

🔹 General

Will a recording or transcript of the Open Forum be made available to the campus community?
The FAQ will summarize the information presented in the Open Forum.

Who can I contact with follow-up questions or ideas?
Questions can be directed to the Office of Finance and Administration via sharedservices@brooklyn.cuny.edu or SVPFA@brooklyn.cuny.edu

How were questions collected and responded to?
Participants were encouraged to post in the chat during the presentation. This FAQ is being compiled to answer remaining or unanswered questions.

🏗️ Improving Facilities and Infrastructure

When will major HVAC and leak issues across campus be addressed?
Brooklyn College currently has $74.5M in active capital funding focused on HVAC upgrades, leak mitigation, and infrastructure renewal. Many projects are in pre-design or design stages.  The campus community will be updated on progress.

What is being done about scaffolding at the Library and Whitman?

• The contract for Library Façade work is being finalized; scaffolding will be removed after repairs.
• Emergency netting in Whitman Theater has been installed. Ceiling repair and netting removal are expected approximately 2 years from now after roof and other infrastructure repairs are completed.

Will the East Quad trees be replaced?
Yes. Aging trees will be removed and replaced with a new planting scheme.

🌐 Technology Infrastructure

When will Wi-Fi upgrades happen?
Wi-Fi improvements are in the procurement stage. Work will begin once finalized. Roosevelt and Roosevelt Extension are excluded from this phase due to upcoming renovation plans.

Will campus internet bandwidth and resiliency improve?
Yes. Projects are in place to replace failing fiber infrastructure and modernize IT network equipment. Cooling systems will also be installed in server rooms to prevent overheating.

Are there any plans or funding for device/hardware upgrades (e.g., faculty/staff computers) in addition to Wi-Fi and network infrastructure improvements?
Our new capital priorities request included funding for computers.

🧑‍🏫 Investing in Our People

What training or professional development was offered recently?
A workshop titled “Dealing with Challenging People” had 81 attendees. Additional opportunities are forthcoming.

💰 Aligning the Budget with Our Vision

What’s the current state of the College’s budget?
We are required to maintain a 4-year balanced budget. While we’ve gained flexibility, we are still operating with $17M less in tuition revenue than five years ago.

Is the PSC contract funded in the State budget?
As of the open forum, CUNY has not received our fiscal year 2026 budget from the State. The State budget will indicate if the PSC contract was fully funded.

Is the 2-for-1 hiring restriction officially lifted?
Yes. Brooklyn College is no longer classified as a “high concern” campus, and hiring restrictions have been lifted.

Can departments begin submitting merit increase requests for COAs? If so, what is the process?
Merit increases can not be submitted at this time.  We will advise the campus when this is an option.

Does the lifted 2-for-1 hiring restriction apply retroactively to positions vacated earlier in the fiscal year?
It does not.  As mentioned, there is $17 million less in tuition revenue since prior to the pandemic.  Therefore, positions vacated earlier are not part of the baseline budget.  Enrollment increases and increased State funding will enable the College to increase our baseline budget accordingly to support our strategic plan.

Will OTPS budgets see restoration or increases in the upcoming cycle?
Once we receive our fiscal year 2026, we will assess.

🍽️ Enhancing Campus Services

What’s the status of food services on campus?
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for food services is currently in procurement.

What is the $2M community space allocation going toward?
Phase 1 will focus on student spaces.  We have accumulated requests and will maintain an ongoing list.  You can reach out to Shemeka Brathwaite for additional information.

Can the BC EMS space in 021NE be enhanced for student use?
This request has been noted.  You can reach out to Shemeka Brathwaite for additional information.

Will the full interior of the Student Center be renovated, or is only the Quiet Reflection Room part of Phase 1?
The Room for Quiet Reflection Room was renovated under a different project. The Student Center is doing some renovation work under another project. Some additional spaces will be renovated using the Community Spaces funding.

Will adjunct spaces and faculty lounges be improved more broadly beyond recent fixes?
These will be under future funding for Community Spaces.

Will the suggestion to turn the cafeteria into a multi-vendor food hall be explored?
The Community Spaces project though includes funding for a complete Cafeteria renovation.

Are there plans to pursue a campus grocery store?
We are working on a campus store.  This is the first time a grocery store has been mentioned.  If there is a campus-wide need it can be considered.