Problems have been evident at the State University of New York at Fredonia long before current President Stephen Kolison took office in August 2020. The latest enrollment numbers, however, are one of the scariest developments in the storied institution’s history.

This spring, the student population — for graduates and undergraduates — is below 3,000. Urgency was three years ago.

In its meeting last week, the College Council finally appeared to acknowledge they may need to do more to help the struggling university. Members agreed to create North Chautauqua County Growth Coalition that will bring together stakeholders both on and off campus who have a keen interest in SUNY Fredonia and its relationship with the community.

Those on the coalition will come from the College Council, the University Senate, village of Fredonia government, the Chamber of Commerce, and administrative vice presidents on campus.

“Our charge as the College Council is to interact with the community,” Alexander said. “We’re hoping they’ll help — and when they need help, we can help them.”

At least one individual was a bit skeptical. “I’ve been on these kind of things before, where it fizzles out the wheels after two years,” council member Rich Morrisroe said.

Morrisroe is correct. College Council throughout this ongoing crisis has been far too complacent. A coalition is a nice idea, but it falls way short on problem solving.