March 3, 2016

Dear Promotion Portfolio Committee:

Please accept this letter in support of Eileen Howells application for promotion. Eileen has
worked at SUNY Sullivan since April, 1999. Ive been working with her since I started here in
2001, the last ten years as the Director of the Learning Center where she is currently the Learning
Services Assistant.
I support Eileens application because of her strong work ethic and her service to the college. In
addition to fulfilling her job duties as outlined in her job description, I will point out the work she
has done in addition to these duties. During the summer of 2014 she devoted weeks of time
researching, pricing, and developing proposals to assist with building the new Learning
Commons. Her work entailed approval from several faculty and staff and many times changes
were made. She persisted and was a tremendous help with the new layout. In addition to helping
with the physical layout Eileen took on oversight of all professional and peer tutors, which
includes supervising a full-time TA. Prior to the Learning Commons tutoring took place (in
addition to the Learning Center) in the former Matrix and Writers Lounge. Furthermore, when
the Learning Commons was created Career and Transfer services became part of the department
as well, expanding the scope of her work as she supports the entire team in her primary job duties.
Eileens new responsibilities also include certifying Veterans benefits subsequent to a position
being retrenched. She completed online training and now meets with Veterans/children of
Veterans, and certifies their benefits. This has to be done quickly and efficiently as many rely on
the financial support not just for tuition but for housing as well. It was approximately two years

ago when I asked her to work with me on this, to avoid this service from being interrupted, and
she did not hesitate.
Over the last two years Eileen worked closely with the Liberal Arts division to implement an
online system for the English placement exam. This new process has made it easier for all
involved to read the essays and advise and register students. Along the same lines, Eileen worked
with the former Director of Instructional Technology to create an online form for students
requesting accommodations.
Eileen juggles multiple responsibilities that not only include coordination of tutoring services and
accommodations, but also placement testing, tracking data for all of these services, running
workshops, and supporting a staff that has doubled in size since the Learning Center was built
over ten years ago.
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Eileen for promotion and Im confident youll feel the
same after reviewing her portfolio.

Sincerely,

Rosemarie Hanofee
Department of Learning and Student Development Services