I feel compelled to respond to the recent articles regarding the message delivered by President Stephen Kolison at SUNY Fredonia, the reaction of the student body and the impact on all staff on the campus.

To say there are multiple questions regarding the President’s message and vague “Plan” for correcting the untenable situation faced by the lack of leadership in recent years, I will leave it at that for the moment.

Instead I would like to address the tone deaf timing of this “message.”

As an adjunct for 18 years and for those not familiar with the academic calendar, I know that the current weeks in December are used to finalize courses, complete projects and take finals. It is a time of high stress as students and staff are involved in preparation for the completion of the semester – along with anticipation for returning home for the holidays.

Certainly the President’s message inserted a sense of confusion and insecurity across the entire campus. Initially my response was why was it necessary to hold this assembly now – there was nothing in the message that was ” time-sensitive.” The realization I came to is that this administration does not communicate or take into consideration the student body – the heart of the campus – the reason we exist.

We are currently at a historical low in enrollment. The recruitment campaign for enrollment is tepid at best. No Director of Admissions for over a year gives a glimpse of no emergency! And I would note that when prospective students and their parents look to lock in their choice of colleges and are approached by a wide choice of anxious recruiters – seeing recent news reports are not going to provide confidence or a student friendly atmosphere. Heading home I cannot imagine there will be much enthusiasm for their alma mater or encouragement to peers and family to enroll at SUNY Fredonia!

I would also assume that some of the current students after hearing the presentation and who feel unsure of their future, will look to transfer for the spring semester to complete their degree.

It is very disturbing to me as Fredonia alum, having served on the College Council for 26 years, was an Adjunct for 18 years, and also a community supporter and donar, to witness such disrespect for the professors, staff and most importantly the student body.

Historically, SUNY Fredonia was one of the top tier of comprehensive universities with enrollment at 5,000-plus. And even today with the enrollment issues campuses are facing, SUNY Fredonia is still capable of meeting that challenge and offering the exceptional education that we have provided in the past.

However, what we have here is not just an enrollment problem or the university itself, but a total lack of leadership obtuse to the needs of the campus community.

JoAnn Niebel is a Sheridan resident.