State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher revealed a plan last month to forfeit her administration’s housing allowances in order to increase compensation for her staff.

Zimpher testified before the New York State Higher Education Committee on Sept. 24 that she will forfeit $90,000 in housing allowances, but she will retain her salary of $490,000.

Three current members of her administration, David K. Lavallee, John J. O’Connor and Johanna Duncan-Poitier will receive additional compensation of $30,000 each based on their increased workloads.

Lavallee, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, will take on his interim position permanently and will head all of SUNY’s international programs. He will retain a base salary of $315,000 ‘ $70,533 less than the previous person who held that post. Lavallee forfeited his annual housing allowance of $60,000.

O’Connor, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and secretary of SUNY, will now head all economic development and entrepreneurial activities. He will retain a base salary of $275,937, forfeiting his housing allowance of $39,000.

Duncan-Poitier, chancellor’s deputy for the education pipeline, will now take on the responsibilities of the community colleges portfolio, as vice chancellor for community colleges, and will retain a base salary of $250,000.

Zimpher does not regret forfeiting the housing allowance for the additional compensation given to the members of the senior administration.

‘Realizing the significant increase in responsibility, I offered members of my leadership team some financial accommodation,’ Zimpher said. ‘Given the high standard of their work, I wish I could have done even more.’

Chancellor Carl T. Hayden, chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees, is also in favor of the plan.

‘The decision by the Chancellor and her staff to forgo their housing allowances is an example of bold and creative leadership in a time of immense economic stress,’ Hayden said.

Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Monica Rimai, who will be forfeiting $60,000 in housing allowances, also supports Zimpher’s plan to increase pay for her staff in light of their hard work.

‘In the face of harsh fiscal realities, we have been able to identify over $3.5 million in savings through our overall restructuring and consolidation program here at System Administration through reductions in both personnel and operating costs,’ Rimai said.

These personnel reductions resulted in the elimination of 16 SUNY positions.

According to Chancellor Hayden, these eliminations are just one of the consequences of $634 million in cuts to SUNY operating aid in the past three years.

This reduction, according to Hayden, has led to enrollment caps, major and course offerings being eliminated and replacements of tenured professors with adjuncts.

‘And I fear we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg,’ Hayden said. ‘Surely, there is more of this ahead.’