College of Arts and Sciences
Council of Chairs
March 7, 2012
2:30 p.m., AS 122
Meeting Minutes
Present: J. Altarriba, A. Broadwell, A. Byon, E. Gaffney, A. Golden, D. Goodwin, R. Hamm, C. Henck, M. Hill, R. Hoyt,
T. Kinal, R. Lachmann, M. Lifchitz, A. Lyons, C. MacDonald, J. Mandle, M. Messitt (recorder), V. Ng, L. Niu, J. Pipkin,
S. Plotnick (for K. Zhu), R. Rosellini, L. Sayahi, M. Schiro, C. Smith, G. Stevens, M. Sutherland, C. Thorncroft, E.
Wulfert, R. Zitomer. Guests: Susanna Fessler and Joanne Malatesta
Introductory Remarks: Dean Wulfert called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Minutes of February 1, 2012: A motion to approve the minutes was made by Reed Hoyt, seconded by Andi Lyons. The
meeting minutes for February 1, 2012 were unanimously approved.
Announcements:

FRAP B Applications due 3/9/12 (AS-217, original plus 6 copies) (http://www.albany.edu/research/Forms/FRAP.pdf)

Spring Tenure-track faculty renewals due to Dean's office 3/9/12 (to Steve Galime, AS-217)

Sabbatical reports for Fall 2011 are due 3/15/12 (faculty should send via email to Steve Galime at sgalime@albany.edu
with copy to Department Chair)
Dean Wulfert reported that a review of sabbatical leave reports (52 from CAS) from 2007-present is underway.
Stressing that sabbaticals are a privilege rather than a right, she highlighted the importance of ensuring faculty
compliance with the goals approved in submitted reports. In addition she noted the deadline of March 15 for
reports covering fall 2011.
Aaron Broadwell asked how changes in submitted reports should be addressed and the professional backgrounds
of the auditors. Dean Wulfert responded that changes should be addressed through amendments to the report,
although they should not be significantly different from the original request. She stated that the auditors are from
the State and are not likely academics. She commented that CAS has a history of thoroughness in both
compliance and documentation. In response to a question by Richard Hamm, she stated that department chairs
would be alerted of discrepancies identified in the audit.

CAS Authors and Artists Reception is 3/27/12 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Standish Room (invitations to be sent shortly, reply
to Cindy Endres at cendres@albany.edu by 3/20/12)
It was reported that the CAS Authors and Artists Reception will be held on 3/27 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the
Standish Room. Department Chairs and faculty are encouraged to attend to support colleagues whose works are
displayed. Danny Goodman added that a projector will be used to highlight visual art works.

Facilities Master Plan Informational Sessions are scheduled as follows:
4/3/12: Downtown Campus Session, 1:00 p.m., Husted Hall Room 106A
4/4/12: East Campus Session, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room A/B (near the cafeteria)
4/5/12: Uptown Campus Session, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., SEFCU Hall of Fame Room
Faculty members are strongly urged to participate in providing feedback to architects for the Plan that may have a
significant impact on CAS. The Sessions are scheduled for 4/3 at 1:00 p.m. at Husted Hall, Room 106A, 4/4 at
1:00 p.m. East Campus Conference Room A/B and on 4/6 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the SEFCU Hall of Fame
Room.
Reed Hoyt questioned the scheduling of sessions and observed conflicts with Good Friday and Passover holidays.
Richard Lachmann questioned a preliminary suggestion of moving the Sociology Department to the Downtown
Campus. Elizabeth Gaffney added that the Master Plan will review every space across the University, stating that
she will invite consultants to conduct department walk-throughs.
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
Distinguished Dissertation & MFA Project Awards nominations (2011-12) are due 4/11/12 (to Greg Stevens, AS-217)
Multiple nominations must be in priority order.

CAS Ice Cream Social is Tuesday, 5/22/12 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Terrace Lounge

2012-13 Council of Chairs Retreat is Wednesday, 8/22/12, 8:30-4:30 p.m., Alumni House
Faculty Participation Requested:

Closer Look Admitted Diversity Student Open House is 3/31/12, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the LC Concourse/Campus
Center—contact Hank Shuford, Undergraduate Admissions (Hshuford@albany.edu or 6-8204)

Open Houses for Accepted Students are 4/14/12 and 4/15/12 (send name of department representative to
Cindy Endres at cendres@albany.edu by 3/28/12)
Old Business:
Gen Ed Discussion
Dean Wulfert welcomed JoAnne Malatesta, Chair, UAC and Richard Fogarty, Chair of the Gen Ed Subcommittee to
discuss the Gen Ed Report.
J. Malatesta provided the history leading up to the report, which stemmed from a request from the SUNY Board of
Trustees in 2010 seeking changes dealing with transfer students and required courses. A Gen Ed Task Force was created
through the University Senate. The Task Force drafted a report and presented to UAC, the full Senate and departments.
Last year, UAC and the Gen Ed Committee, under R. Fogarty’s leadership, created a responsive document which was
reworked in 2012. It was approved by UPPC and now presented to the CAS chairs, the academic unit with the greatest
stake.
The highlights of the Gen Ed Report were discussed:
-Revisions to the current Gen Ed curriculum are recommended
-Timely graduation will be a focus
-Mathematics requirements will remain the same
-Lower level writing intensive requirement will remain
-Arts and humanities requirements are separated
-Three credits in the natural sciences and social sciences are required
-The proposal includes a one course language requirement
-An idea for the creation of a course based on the Challenges in the 21st Century was discussed
-The identification of competencies, their function in a changing world and related integration into majors
-Review and evaluation
Richard Lachmann inquired about the assessment of the newly proposed Gen Ed model. J. Malatesta mentioned that a
first step could be the evaluation of capstone courses that meet requirements.
J. Malatesta reviewed the functions of a proposed Gen Ed Advisory Board:
-Help departments through the assessment process
-Give Gen Ed an organizational home
-Identify and recruit experienced faculty to serve
-Report to Gen Ed Committee of UAC
R. Fogarty reviewed and commented on the specifics of the proposal:
-It borrows much from the current model
-It highlights student potential without hurting majors
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T. Kinal stated that a potential problem with the oral discourse requirements is the delegation of more faculty and an
increase in overall courses (current classes average 50). R. Fogarty suggested that certain offerings might be “outsourced”
(tap University Libraries for information literacy requirement).
M. Hill asked if the overall percentage of proposed Gen Ed courses and related impact on part-time lines is expected to
change. R. Fogarty replied that the proposed changes should lessen the Gen Ed workload for upper division courses.
Proposed changes in the Gen Ed writing requirement will not likely be made or implemented in 2012.
New Business:
Faculty Senate
Susanna Fessler, Chair of the Faculty Senate, reported that there are currently two CAS Senator-At-Large slots open. She
added that a slate of candidates would soon be sent. A list of currently serving Senators was circulated.
She described the Senate as a consultative, collaborative body representing a wide variety of academic interests across the
University. Much of its focus is drafting policy recommendations for consideration by the Administration, with the
President having final authority. The Senate is organized to work for the common good.
She reviewed the structure of the Senate, stating that full meetings are held monthly under rules of parliamentary
procedure. Ideal traits of potential Senators include professionally seasoned, knowledgeable regarding by-laws, charters,
reporting, attention to detail, diligence, committed to regular attendance and committee service, and able to communicate
Senate business to his/her home department or unit.
In response to Jeanette Altarriba’s question regarding the Senate’s voting guidelines, Fessler responded that voting faculty
are full-time members of UUP. There are two non-voting seats available for part-time faculty.
She asked Chairs to check the remaining terms of their respective department senators. She added that Senate meetings
are usually scheduled on Mondays at 2:45 p.m. to avoid conflicts with class schedules. The Senate prefers to hold
elections prior to incumbent’s expired terms to overlap appointments (Aug. 31).
It was reported that currently there are open slots for Vice Chair and Secretary of the Senate. Service as Senate Chair
entails a 3-year commitment. The individual as Vice Chair leads the Governance Council, the following year serves and
Senate Chair, and in the third year chairs the University Planning and Policy Council.
She asked for an investment of the departments in developing ideas and issues for Senate consideration as well as offering
criticism.
Dean Wulfert stressed the importance of delegating experienced faculty also to the CAS Faculty Council, preferably at the
associate or full professor level.
Annis Golden stated that the Faculty Council is awaiting the review of the CAS 2020 Proposals. Andi Lyons reported that
slots in Anthropology, Art and East Asian Studies would be available at the end of 2012 due to term expirations.
Department Searches
Dean Wulfert stressed the importance of the Chairs’ investment of time in departmental searches to help create the most
favorable impression and comfortable atmosphere for visiting candidates. She asked Chairs to ensure active faculty
participation in the search process, such as meeting candidates at the airport and sharing meals.
Master Plan Impact
Dean Wulfert summarized the focus of the University Master Plan:
-Create a Downtown-Uptown Campus corridor with shuttle transportation provided
-Improved space utilization, particularly in the daytime on the downtown campus
-Identify and relocate departments/programs/centers with research affinity
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The Departments of Sociology and of Geography and Planning were identified by the architects as candidates for potential
relocation to the downtown campus. R. Lachmann argued that transitioning would cause significant problems, including
possibly compromising the future number of declared majors for whom a transition to the downtown campus is
inconvenient.
The Department of Geography and Planning has collaborative relationships with many departments uptown and
downtown, and relocating it would create problems because a large number of planning courses are being taught in the
evening.
The Department of Economics, which at some point had been under consideration, has strong collaborative relationships
with the School of Business and Mathematics.
Richard Zitomer emphasized the importance for physical proximity for collaboration. He cited the Departments of
Chemistry and Biology within the Life Sciences Research Building; moving either entity to a different location would
compromise scholarly interactions.
Dean Wulfert encouraged the Chairs to attend one of the scheduled public Facilities Masterplan meetings with the
architects and provide input on the proposed relocations. It was noted that the comment period is short and the
implementation of the recommendations are on a fast track. Final recommendations are due to be issued in early May.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Handouts:
Agenda
Minutes of February 1, 2012 meeting
Draft Senate Bill for Revisions of the General Education Program
2011-12 University Senate Membership Roster