Thomas McDonald, J.D., M.Ed.

Experience

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  Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY

  Sept 1995 - May 2001

  Director of Student Disability Services

  Developed and implemented all aspects of student disability services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation in Education Act. Adjudicated disability discrimination complaints. Facilitated disability accommodation requests. Provided guidance to senior leadership on accessibility and compliance. Ensured buildings and grounds were accessible under the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. Served on CUNY-wide Committee on Student Disability Services. Served on Sexual Harassment Prevention & Response team, investigating and adjudicating sexual harassment complaints. Taught Introduction to Academic Life & Skills and provided academic advising services. Show less

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  The New School

  May 2001 - Feb 2015

  Reported directly to the Senior Vice President for Student Services. Oversaw operations of following areas: Student Disability Services, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Intercultural Support/Higher Education Opportunity Program, Career Services, Student Development and Activities, and Ombudsman Office. Supervised five directors and multiple assistant directors. Handled grievance procedure for complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment. Reviewed appeals for conduct violations. Served on university appeals committee with registrar. Served as key Student Affairs contact and liaison for eight colleges at university. Assisted General Counsel in handling complaints and legal issues. Managed annual review process of university policies and coordinate process of getting board approval for updated and new policy. Chaired education committee overseeing implementation of educational efforts on policy such as Sexual Assault. Managed extensive operating budget for all supervised areas. Served as Chair of University ADA/504 Committee. Served as university's Title IX officer. Responsible for overseeing hiring of new employees. Served as key member of the Student Support Team handling students in crisis. Key member of University Crisis Response Team. Oversaw orientation for new students. Handled complex parent issues. Show less Oversaw operations of two key areas - Student Disability Services and Student Rights and Responsibilities – and served as member of Senior Vice President’s Student Support Team. Ensured that the University was in compliance in regards to all federal, state, and local laws related to both areas. Supervised the adjudication of alleged violations of the University Code of Conduct, as well as disability service procedures. Managed budget for both offices and worked with Student Services Budget Analyst to predict and plan for future needs. Oversaw all publications and materials from both offices. Oversaw policies and procedures for both offices and advised the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs on matters of compliance and any pertinent situations. Conducted initial review of sexual harassment complaints. Met weekly with Senior Vice President and Student Support Team to develop support plans for students in crisis and various levels of need. Served on University Education Committee to develop policy and procedure (ex: Alcohol and Drug Policy; Sexual Assault Policy). Served as Chair of University ADA/504 Committee. Show less Created university’s first centralized student disability office, coordinating services for eight plus colleges/programs at the university. Assessed current needs and services, and then developed protocol, policy, and standardized forms/documentation. Began university-wide training initiative including the development of training manuals/handbooks. Responsible for basic service provision for students from five plus colleges/programs, and supervise administrators in three graduate divisions in providing services. Develop and implement university-wide accessibility initiatives. Show less

  • Assistant Vice President for Student and Campus Life

    May 2009 - Feb 2015

  • Managing Director for Student Affairs

    Jun 2003 - May 2009

  • Director of Student Disability Services

    May 2001 - Jun 2003
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  Stony Brook University

  Jan 2014 - now

  Faculty

  Teach in-person and on-line graduate-level courses in Stony Brook University's School of Professional Development, Higher Education Administration Program. Courses taught include: Higher Education Administration; Legal Issues in Higher Education; and Crisis Management and Prevention. Recipient of Faculty Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to student educational and career development.

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  LIM College

  Feb 2015 - Jun 2019

  Served as the institutional compliance officer and chair of the Compliance Committee, assessing, managing, and overseeing Federal and State higher education compliance including FERPA, F1 and J1 Visa Programs, the Clery Act, Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Immunization, VAWA, 129A, 129B, Title IX, and the ADA. Managed college-wide emergency management plan and related programs. Provided high-level support in resolving complex student and employee issues. Served as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees leading investigations on complaints of sexual misconduct and violence. Provided senior leadership for programs and services at the undergraduate and graduate level, both online and on ground. Provided oversight for key areas including Academic Advising, Counseling & Accessibility Services, Student Life, International Student Services, Study Abroad Programs, and the College Registrar. Served on President’s Cabinet and was Chair of the College Council. Show less

  • Chief Accountability Officer/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

    Jun 2017 - Jun 2019

  • Special Assistant to the Provost

    Feb 2015 - May 2017
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  Mercy College

  Nov 2019 - Dec 2022

  Responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with all laws, guidance, regulations, and college policies that help promote equity and prevent discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, and other harms. Lead investigations and manage the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints pursuant to college policies and laws including: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation in Education Act: the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Titles VI, VII, and IX of the Civil Rights Act; the Clery Act; the Violence Against Women Act; and New York State Education Law 129-B, Enough is Enough. Show less

  • Associate Director of Human Resources, Employee Relations

    Sept 2021 - Dec 2022

  • Title IX Coordinator/Equity Compliance Specialist

    Nov 2019 - Dec 2022
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  City University of New York Research Foundation

  Dec 2022 - now

  Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations

  In concert with the Senior Director, oversee operation of the labor and employment relations unit of the Office of Human Resources. Participate in the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements. Conduct investigations of employee complaints and grievances. Draft investigatory reports of findings with recommendations. Serve on collective bargaining negotiating team. Research, draft, and cost proposals. Liaise with union on resolving labor issues. Serve as hearing officer of contractual grievance procedures and represent CUNYRF at personnel-related and adjudicative hearings. Design and conduct training on a variety of subjects. Counsel and advise management on matters including performance improvement plans and corrective actions. Subject matter expert for administration and interpretation of union contracts. Counsel employees and provide resources on performance issues. Maintain employee and labor relations case management system. Show less