University Senate Executive Committee
Monday September 15, 2014
2:45 PM
UNH 306
Joette Stefl-Mabry, Senate Chair
Minutes
Present:
Deborah Bernnard, Marc Cohen, Susanna Fessler, Cynthia Fox, Elizabeth Gaffney, Boris Goldfarb,
Yenisel Gulatee, Caitlin Janiszewski, Michael Jaromin, Carol Jewell, Robert J. Jones, Kajal Lahiri,
Danielle Leonard, R. Timothy Mulcahy, Sanjay Putrevu, Abebe Rorissa, John Schmidt,
Joette Stefl-Mabry, Christine Wagner, Robert Yagelski
The meeting convened at 2:45 p.m.
APPROVAL OF SEC MINUTES
The minutes of May 5th were unanimously approved, with 3 abstentions.
President Jones and Interim Provost Mulcahy joined the meeting following some of the Council Reports.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – ROBERT J. JONES
President Jones greeted everyone and announced he was very pleased that Tim Mulcahy had agreed to come out of
retirement to serve as Interim Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost as we complete the Provost
search. We look forward to his leadership.
Regarding recent academic affiliations and strategic alignments with Albany Law School and SUNY Downstate
Medical, the President intends to keep the UAlbany community fully engaged and abreast. He has been having
conversations with entities based on the 4 strategic goals he had articulated during his inauguration. Staff and faculty
have been challenged to think more strategically regarding how to expand our University’s academic footprint.
UAlbany has been treated differently than other university centers due to its location in the state capital and in an
environment as the only 4 year public option amidst some 24 private institutions with programs a research university
would have otherwise offered. Our University did not develop, for instance, an engineering, law school, or medical
school. These reasons perhaps made sense decades ago; however, given the state’s investment and high needs at this
juncture, it makes no sense to continue this policy. There is a certain significant cohort of students that we do not
attract because we simply do not offer a significant number of the programs those students want. It really starts to
show when comparing how other Universities are growing enrollment, while we have had greater challenges growing
and maintaining our enrollment. So, that is the backdrop of why we are now having conversations regarding
affiliations or deep alliances as well as developing new offerings such as a Computer Engineering program next fall.
This has also been the catalyst for conversations with Dean Penny Andrews about a proposed academic affiliation
with Albany Law, a proposition discussed 4 or 6 years ago here. It was then suggested to the President by Senator
Lahiri that Economics and Law is a huge synergy opportunity and a highly marketable program that could be
expanded.
In response to questions, the President responded that the University is pursuing a similar deep affiliation with
Downstate Medical – again not a new idea, as an MOU had previously existed in the areas of Medicine, Allied
Health, and the School of Public Health. Downstate President Dr. John “Skip” Williams is engaged in conversations
regarding academic alignment. If this 3-part strategy of developing alignments for programs in Engineering, Law
and Allied Health is successful, President Jones considers that it would fundamentally transform the University as
has not happened since the move from downtown in late 1960s. President Jones stressed that he and the
administration remain committed to transparency and consultative dialogue. He welcomes input from faculty and
the entire UAlbany community. As to if similar conversations were being had with Albany Med and why Downstate
was chosen, the President replied that strategically it made more sense to work with another public SUNY school.
INTERIM PROVOST’S REPORT – R. TIMOTHY MULCAHY
Interim Provost Mulcahy expressed his excitement to be here in this role and working with all of you. He noted it
had been a big decision, and he agreed to serve because he believes in President Jones’ vision and similar, compatible
style. To move the University forward, Interim Provost Mulcahy emphasized, it takes the question of whether or not
there will be a dynamic partnership out of the equation. The Interim Provost shared with the SEC his background,
having grown up in Glens Falls, and an overview of his vast experience in higher education, as outlined in his
UAlbany biography.
Interim Provost Mulcahy invited all to contact him via e-mail or stop by the Provost’s Office. He indicated he will
not be a candidate for Provost, but will continue to serve as if he were assuming that role in order to advance the
University. He hopes to share in the same vision of excellence.
The Interim Provost welcomed questions and comments. Regarding his view of the Library, which reports to the
Provost, he responded that he had met with Dean Mary Casserly and discussed the essential importance of libraries.
Many view libraries as laboratories which form the core of information retrieval. He had been very supportive of
libraries in his former roles. Senate Chair Stefl-Mabry voiced her excitement at his appointment and noted that both
the Interim Provost’s and the President’s thoughtful, intentional and inclusive views were much appreciated.
President Jones added it is important that the Senate and UAlbany community provide honest and candid feedback
and are vested in the outcomes, with the Universities’ enormous potential. He urged that individuals e-mail or call
him, Interim Provost Mulcahy or Chief of Staff Leanne Wirkkula with concerns and ideas that might reshape
programs and make transitions much more seamless. He added that, as conversations continue, they plan to be very
transparent about the proposed program and affiliation models, and he hopes it will be apparent the tremendous value
UAlbany has to add as a research university. By the end of the year it will be clear if conversations will or will not
proceed.
UNIVERSITY SENATE CHAIR’S REPORT – JOETTE STEFL-MABRY
Chair’s report to the SEC– 9/8/14 (authored by Christine Wagner)
Senate Bill 1314-04: Proposal to establish a Graduate Certificate Program in International Health and Human Rights was approved by the
Senate on 4/7/14 and approved by the President on 4/23/14.
Senate Bill 1314-06: Proposal to Establish a Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Major in Bio-Instrumentation was
approved by the President on 4/18/2014.
Senate Bill 1314-05: Proposal to Establish a Graduate Certificate Program in Teaching Composition was approved by the President on
4/18/14.
A letter of intent from the College of Computing and Information for a new major in Computer Engineering has been received and is
being reviewed in UPPC.
A letter of intent from the School of Education for a new major in Human Development has been received and is being reviewed in
UPPC.
OTHER REPORTS
UFS (University Faculty Senator’s Report) –Danielle Leonard, J. Philippe Abraham & John Schmidt,
SUNY Senators
We are looking forward to the Fall Plenary Session of the UFS at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse on October 23-25th, and
will have more to report about the issues to be considered later.
There will be a first annual diversity conference through the Office of Student Services to be held here at UAlbany
in November.
GSA (Graduate Student Association) – Caitlin Janiszewski, GSA President
The GSA has had a very busy summer. Following our structural overhaul from last year we have developed an ambitious agenda to test
our new strength. We have developed a strategic plan which outlines a vision for our advocacy and professional development efforts.
Central to our professional development plan is to develop a hybrid model of professional development which empowers students for both
the academic and non-academic job market. Central to our advocacy vision is to simultaneously build our presence on campus and our
reputation beyond campus via the SUNY System Student Assembly and the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students. We
hope that better serving students on campus and demonstrating our potential through partnerships external to UAlbany will inspire
students to see the GSA as an organization worth investing time and energy in.
As a first step to do this, we took a risk and canceled our long standing welcome picnic and replaced with a three day open orientation
program to connect students with important entities on campus such as library services, the GSEU, Office of Environmental
Sustainability, Career Services, etc. This program doubled as an attempt to attract people to our new offices on the 3rd floor of the
Campus Center and it was amazingly successful. Rough estimates suggest that we reached about 20% more students than our picnic last
year, at 30% less cost, and definitely 50% less stress. We hope to hold another program like this in the spring for incoming students.
Hopefully, by this point all members of the SEC has been introduced to the graduate student council representatives. We have a very
strong team of committed students ready to take on difficult issues such as residency policy, admission policy, the Provost search, and the
future of the Downtown Campus. We are really look forward to this year.
GSA developed a new strategic planning process.
SA (Student Association) –Marc Cohen, Student Association Representative
Dippikill
Completed
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In process
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Upcoming
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Planning and Tabling for the Great Danetopia
I have been working with James to place an order for new Dippikill merchandise
I am finalizing my office hours
I am planning my Block Party Tabling Event
I plan on contacting several student group E-boards about the prospect of having a Dippikill Retreat
I plan to follow up with the International Affairs Director about planning a student welcoming event for this semester and potentially the
beginning of next semester
I will be planning out dates for my tabling events for the rest of the semester
Community Engagement and Outreach
Mississippi Day
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September 13, 2014
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Finding 25 UAlbany student volunteers
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Two shifts (10:00am - 1:00pm / 1:00pm - 5:00pm)
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Currently coordinating with Panama, Co-Community Service Chair for Alpha Phi Omega- should have list by the end of this week
September Service Day
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Date and Time are TBD- will be finalized by tonight
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Contacting 4-6 local external organization (Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, etc) for the purposed of solidifying a
common date where UAlbany students can go and serve the community collectively.
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Creating a flyer for the event to distribute at the SA Block Party
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Consider renting UAlbany Shuttles for Transportation
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Consider paying for Breakfast
Gender and Sexuality Concerns
National Coming Out Reception and Festivities
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Reception on October 23rd at 8:00pm
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Performance artist Lady Dane has been booked
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Plan to have other people share their coming out stories
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Will have food, refreshments, activities and giveaways
National Diversity Month/LGBTQ History Month (October)
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Working with Multicultural Affairs on planning events
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More details to follow
Luncheon with Sue Rankin (November)
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Speaker Sue Rankin- one of the creators of the campus climate index
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Will be discussing diversity on campus and what can be done to uphold our mission in supporting diversity includes our queer students in
particular
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More details to follow
Communications
Press and Medic Contacts
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Department has obtained direct numbers to contact for future press releases and event information
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Contacts include the Times Union and local news stations
SA Daily
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Establishment of Monthly SA Newsletter
First edition to be released shortly
Academic Affairs
Albany Police Appreciation Night
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Saturday October 4th at 6:00pm at the Football stadium
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Please come out to the game to show support for the officers of the department.
DWI awareness Event
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Planning on tying into Alcohol Awareness Week in October
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More details to follow
Programming
Block Party
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September 7 at 12:00
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Putting together last minutes things
Fall Concert
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Looking into the possibility of having concert
Potentially November 22
Multicultural Affairs
Planning Cultural Carnival
Student Group Affairs
Prepping for Purple and Gold Awards
Staff had been assigned reports, and updates were provided from each department. As VP of the Student Association,
Marc Cohen reported he had attended that past Wednesday an Albany Committee Relations Meeting presented about
SA with a number of citizens, police and elected officials. A goal is to improve the UAlbany student image in general
with the community. He would also be attending an upcoming Pine Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, acting
as a liaison to the community. SA is also working on the Speaker Series.
COUNCIL/COMMITTEE CHAIRS’ REPORTS:
CAA (Council on Academic Assessment) – Deborah Bernnard, Chair
There is no report from the CAA. We have scheduled our first meeting for Sept. 30.
CAFFECoR (Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community Responsibility) –
Carol Jewell, Chair
CAFFECoR has scheduled its first meeting of the 2014-2015 academic year for September 24, 2014.
CERS (Committee on Ethics in Research and Scholarship) – Susanna Fessler, Chair
CERS had no business over the summer.
COR (Council on Research) – Kajal Lahiri, Chair
Nothing to report.
COR would be meeting the following week.
CPCA (Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments) – Sanjay Putrevu, Chair
CPCA organizational meeting was held on Sept. 3 and the next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Due to several resignations, the council size is down to nine members. The council has only one representative
from the sciences and none from public health.
CPCA has no members from Science or Public Health. The Council needs more membership to discuss cases, who
are established full professors active in research and teaching. The Council does a lot of work, and many members
who did so very well had to resign. The protocol, he stressed, is that calls for Council members come from the
Senate Chair. Christine Wagner added that potential members may be joining from Environmental Science and
Biology. It was pointed out that the Provost’s report underlined a lot in the cases that should be fixed. CPCA
Chair Putrevu responded that each department is different, and the Council does not have the authority to send
back cases to be fixed.
GAC (Graduate Academic Council) – Abebe Rorissa, Chair
GAC will be meeting on April 29th to consider a petition from a graduate student to be reinstated in the psychology
graduate program. We may also have other reports to consider at the meeting from the two standing committees of
the Council. Remaining business will be taken up during a meeting on May 9th if needed.
GAC has the best support staff. The Council had 2 meetings already. The Dean of Graduate Studies set the overall
agenda. They have all committees set except additional members mandated by the Charter. They need about 8 more,
and Jonathan Bartow is working hard contacting and may already have 3. Thank you to GSA, as they already have
2 members willing to stand on each standing committee.
GOV (Governance Council) – Cynthia Fox, Chair
Governance Council Update: May 13th – August 15th (authored by Joette Stefl-Mabry)
GOV met on May 13th
Senate Chair Wagner and Chief of Staff Leanne Wirkkula attended the meeting to discuss the Provost Search Committee. A review of the
procedures for formal consultation was conducted referencing the following materials:
State University of New York Policies of the Board of Trustees, ARTICLE IX: COLLEGE OFFICERS AND
ORGANIZATIONS, TITLE B. COLLEGE ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICERS, § 2. Appointment. Appointments of all college
administrative officers and professional staff not in a negotiating unit established pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law shall
be made by the chief administrative officer of the college; such appointments shall be reported to the Chancellor. Appointment of
academic officers such as vice-president for academic affairs, academic deans and others with similar responsibilities shall be made
after consultation with the faculty.
Faculty Bylaws of the University at Albany, Article I. Section 2.5 Faculty Participation in Advisory Groups Outside of
Governance Bodies. Administrators may choose to advance their leadership vision for the University by constituting special
committees and task forces, selecting individual faculty members because of their experience or expertise. Ideally, such advisory groups
shall be constituted in consultation with the Governance Council of the University Senate and lines of communication with relevant
governance bodies shall be enunciated. In any case, such groups do not represent the Faculty as a whole and advice from such groups
does not replace approval by or formal consultation with the Faculty. Such groups may freely provide advice; however, for such groups
to be considered part of the formal consultative process, a majority of the faculty members must either be appointed by, or their
recommended appointment approved by, the Senate Governance Council, as specified in Article 2, Section 5.5, and specific faculty
members must be designated to regularly report to the Senate. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate shall be consulted in the
composition of all major University level search committees and committees to select honorary degree recipients.
Senate Chair Wagner’s understanding was that to be considered formal consultation GOV could either approve a majority (51%) of the
slate of faculty names A) GOV recommended or B) recommended by the President. In this context, faculty are ‘rank and file’ teaching
faculty who are not playing another role, such as a Dean.
Chief of Staff Leanne Wirkkula clarified that the Provost Search Committee had not been formed but, per the intended message from the
President at the last Senate meeting, was on the way to becoming formalized. Candidates had since been notified of their nominations to
serve, pending GOV’s approval. Responses were due by the close of business that Wednesday. A total of 17 members would include a
range of representation from different units: 9 ‘rank and file’ teaching faculty, 4 academic leaders who also hold tenure, and 4 administrators.
An open call for nominations went out to the campus in the February 28 th announcement regarding the transition. The President also
requested the Deans and GOV provide a proposed slate of faculty or staff.
GOV agreed to meet on Thursday, May 15 th to review and vote on the President’s proposed membership and to share any concerns. The
list would be provided at that time.
Amendment RE: Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to amend the Charter as follows:
Proposed Revision:
The following change was proposed:
X.1.3.3. The Committee shall develop and regularly administer assessment instruments, conduct data analysis and report findings
to the Council on a two-year cycle.
Chair Stefl-Mabry said that she would send out the formal amendment to the GOV committee for a final review via email.
GOV met on Thursday, May 15th
The council reviewed the President’s proposed membership, and sent its recommendations to the President.
On May 16th, Chair Stefl-Mabry received an email from Chief of Staff Wirkkula responding to the Governance Council’s recommendations
and asking GOV to vote on the amended list. Chief of Staff Wirkkula commented that the President had appreciated GOV’s insight and
constructive feedback. An email vote was conducted and GOV voted unanimously to accept the proposed slate.
On May 18th, Chair Stefl-Mabry sent an email to Chief of Staff Leanne Wirkkula to inform her that the Governance Council had (via email)
approved the final slate of the Provost's Search Committee, as proposed by the President, after consultation with the Governance Council.
July 8th : Michael Christakis sent an email to Chair Wagner, informing her that since Candace Merbler had resigned from the UAS Board
of Directors right around the end of the semester in May, and pursuant to UAS Bylaws, vacancies from “constituent groups” (in this case
the “faculty”/the University Senate) shall be filled by said constituency group until the next such election takes place (in the spring, in this
case), it fell upon the Governance Council to appoint a replacement for the UAS Board until the next election cycle.
On July 9th Chair Wagner sent the request to GOV to appoint a replacement for the UAS Board. On July 9 th, Chair Stefl-Mabry sent an
email to GOV with a list of prospective candidates and asked GOV to vote via email. By July 14th a quorum had been reached and Chair
Stefl-Mabry notified Senate Chair Wagner that by means of an email poll, the Governance Council had voted to accept the nomination of
Gary Kleppel to the UAS Board as a replacement for Candance Merbler.
August 15th
Chair Stefl-Mabry sent an email to GOV with the rewritten Amendment re: Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation
Although the Council had already voted to accept the amendment, Chair Stefl-Mabry asked GOV to review the Amendment and rationale
and share their thoughts re: the rationale:
Rationale:
The Governance Council has concluded it is important to institutionalize systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of governance
in representing its constituencies, in addressing issues and concerns, and in affecting institutional decisions. This would support
“the development of stable expectations and working relationships” as recommended in the 2009 Middle States Report, Chapter
4, p. 2 (see https://wiki.albany.edu/display/middlestates/Home). Although the recommendation put forward in the 2009 Middle
States Report was for annual campus surveys of faculty (see quote below) the Governance Council has decided that a two year
cycle would more effectively support a process of survey development, implementation, analysis, presentation of results and
revision.
“It is strongly recommended that the campus survey of faculty completed for the Middle States self-study be done annually as a
way to monitor faculty views and conditions at the University” (Chapter 4: Leadership, Governance and Administration, p. 8).
Once again, GOV voted unanimously to accept the Amendment.
Assessment of Governance and Consultation Ad Hoc Committee
Joel Bloom, Director of Academic Assessment & Survey Research, has been working with GOV on the implementation of the shared
governance and consultation surveys. Bloom sent Chair Stefl-Mabry the results of the student and faculty and professional staff survey.
GOV is currently working on analyzing the results of the survey and will share a preliminary report with GOV in the next few weeks.
On the business for today, the Committee on Governance and Consultation is in the process of evaluating the
survey taken last semester. We are working with GOV and will share the results with the President’s Office and
then will share with the Senate. Results will help inform how the Senate will move forward this year.
Former Senate Chair Susannah Fessler suggested changing the wording, as it appears in 2 places in the GOV
report from May 13th, from ‘rank and file’ teaching faculty to ‘faculty who hold academic rank,’ a technical term
in the BOT policies that distinguishes them from professional faculty and MC. She also suggested changing ’4
academic leaders who also hold tenure and 4 administrators’ to clarify and discern from i.e. deans who have
academic rank but also are not MC. We have to be clear about the definitions.
LISC (Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing) – Boris Goldfarb, Chair
Nothing to report.
LISC would meet the first week of October and was working on populating seats.
UAC (Undergraduate Academic Council) –Robert Yagelski, Chair
The initial meeting of UAC for fall semester will be held on September 11th, so we have no report to file by the
5th.
UAC’s first meeting last was week partly organizational, populating 4 subcommittees and active memberships. UAC
is continuing to review the Gen Ed competencies under the new program. Of about 54 plans, a little less than half
were reviewed. UAC is also considering action for proposing a name change for a major in public policy. It seems
a straightforward matter in which a minor will be brought into line with changes to the degree program from some
years ago. It is not clear if needs to go to the Senate floor. Immediate Past Chair Christine Wagner and CERS Chair
Susannah Fessler clarified that there had been discussions regarding name changes. The Senate does not need to
vote on a name change when it is just effectively an internal change. Karen Hurst would be kept in loop as she
requested. Sue Freed would be putting forward this request to SUNY. The request would however need to be reviewed
by the Registrar and would affect about 100 students.
ULC (University Life Council) – Michael Jaromin, Chair
Nothing to report.
UPPC (University Planning and Policy Council) – Christine Wagner, Chair
Nothing to report.
UPPC had met on 9/11 to review for resource implications initial proposals for 2 undergrad majors in the School
of Education and CCI. Questions had been answered and both were unanimously approved. The proposals will now
move to SUNY then to GAC. UAC Chair Yagelski added they had an informational meeting, solely for review of the
budgets, regarding the process. He noted he had met with Ann Marie Murray and that an enormous work had been
done, including comparisons to other institutions. There had been discussion with Dean Wulfert of CAS that approval
would go through her office too. There will be a lot of feedback between now and when the proposal goes to the
Senate floor.
It was requested that Sue Phillips be invited to come to the next Senate meeting and provide an update regarding
CNSE in her new role.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Stefl-Mabry recapped that GOV’s Council on the Assessment of Governance and Consultation ran a survey
last semester, based on a charge in the Charter. It was decided to revise the language of this charge as follows, as
GOV felt (in the rationale) that an annual review did not allow enough time order to review results and implement
desired changes:
X.1.3.3. The Committee shall, on a 2-year cycle, develop and regularly administer assessment instruments, conduct
data analysis, report findings and make recommendations to the Council.
The information from the survey will allow the Council to make changes and help inform the process of shared
governance.
A motion was not needed because the Amendment was coming from a council. However a vote was cast and
unanimously approved that this Charter amendment was ready to be distributed with the Senate 29th meeting
materials 3 weeks prior being voted upon at the October 20th Senate meeting.
SEC Chair Stefl-Mabry asked all Chairs to review with their respective committees and councils their Charter
charges and include comments and concerns in the reports of the next SEC meeting.
LISC Chair Boris Goldfarb requested access to the omnibus list of names to be drawn upon for service. Senate
Secretary Gulatee agreed to share this list and added that SEC members contact chairs who served last year for
additional recommendations, as long as there was diversity of membership in terms of aligning with the Charter and
across campuses.
GSA Chair Janiszewski asked that she be informed if they had not yet been contacted by their graduate student
members, and she would notify them.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Elisa Lopez, Recorder