SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE & HUMAN SERVICES
UNIT COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 2, 2016
Attendance: M. Starke, K. Lorber, T. Sineshaw, C. Reich, M. Hyppolite, S. Kim, S. Sarabia, S.
Coppola, J. McTighe, A. Moreno, N. Salter, L. Perez-Strumolo, J. Braun, N. Choudhury, S.
Padhy, A. Vasishth, E. Klein, B. Chinni, E. Kaiden, C. Bowman, A. DeGroot, F. Shapiro-Skrobe,
R. Becklen, M. Howenstein, G. Bear, M. Ecker, M. Vides, E. Ogens, E. Abbey, J. Morley, P.
Reck, H. Horowitz, M. Serban, V. Gonsalves-Domond, D. Crawley, P. Heinze, S. Ishak, M.
Edelstein
SSHS FAEC representative vote: Eva Ogens was nominated - Vote unanimous in favor
Michael Edelstein requests that Wayne Hayes be nominated for Professor Emeritus of
Sustainability status.
Vote: 37 yes, 1 abstention
Carol Bowman discussed the popularity of the yoga program. Many local school districts
want college yoga instructors to train their faculty in yoga, and specifically mindfulness, the
contemplative component. Carol asked the unit for support of the development of a 4-credit
course which would consist of 95 hours, 45 academic and the balance technique and
anatomy. Vote: 32 yes, 6 abstentions
Fred Newman reviewed the “Holds” process for Summer 16 and Fall 16 registration.
Summer registration begins March 7th and Fall registration April 4th.
Also, the deadline for nominations of students for Academic Achievement Awards is April
15th. The use of Connect was also discussed. If you want to be disconnected from the
software contact Stacey Pastorini.
Dean Lorenz advised that the Platinum Fund money is used up. However, there is still
funding available through the unit travel fund, as well as student-faculty research.
The Gen-Ed Implementation Task Force and the Social Science Inquiry outcome were topics of
discussion. It is important to attend the Faculty Forum on March 23rd. The lack of flexibility
regarding the Social Science component, and the emphasis on assessment versus curriculum
content is undermining course content. Curriculum is the purview of faculty and the deadline
created by the administration is based on the Middle States. SSHS faculty voted unanimously
that the administration must honor the original agreement. The deadline should be extended
to allow time to process revisions in a thoughtful manner and provide the flexibility to make
needed objectives.
Dean Lorenz spoke about the status of the Pathways Program. Donna Kauder of the Cahill
Center, will meet with all students in SSHS. The program will provide career exploration
software, help students create cover letters and assist in interview training. This program is
non-credit bearing and the college catalog will reflect this.
Fran Shapiro-Skrobe, the SSHS representative to the Study Abroad Committee, asked the
faculty to consider possible study abroad trips based on their majors and course offerings.
Robert Becklen, who is on the International Risk Assessment Committee, suggested that any
proposed study abroad program be reviewed by this committee.
The Summer 2016 and Fall 2016 schedules are now up online. Please check for accuracy.
Emily Abbey is a member of the President’s Advisory Committee and will not be able to
attend the Friday, March 4th meeting (11:30-1PM). Please contact Aaron if you would be able
to attend this meeting.
Seon Mi Kim reminded faculty that April 22nd is Scholars Day. Please submit your
faculty/student abstracts to her ASAP.
Nick Salter and Marta Vides have received over 1000 responses to the Library Task Force
survey. There are many data driven suggestions on how to improve the library expansion
plan.
Martha Ecker announced that the AFT Executive Board Teach-In has been moved to October.