University Senate Executive Committee
Monday September 16, 2013
2:45 PM
UNH 306
Christine Wagner, Senate Chair
Minutes
Present:
Deborah Bernnard, Susanna Fessler, Richard Fogarty, Elizabeth Gaffney, Yenisel Gulatee, Caitlin
Janiszewski, Michael Jaromin, Robert Jones, Danielle Leonard, Andi Lyons, Carolyn MacDonald,
John Monfasani, Susan Phillips, Sanjay Putrevu, Joette Stefl-Mabry, Ronald Toseland, Christine
Wagner
The meeting convened at 2:45 pm.
Chair Wagner introduced Elisa Lopez from the President’s Office who will serve as the Senate staff support
beginning next year. Members of the Executive Committee introduced themselves.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT - ROBERT JONES
President Jones welcomed SEC members. He said from all indications the semester is off to a good start. The
campus welcomed the class of 2017 with 2,550 incoming freshman who were accepted out of 21,500 applicants.
The President provided the following statistics on the incoming class: The average high school grade is 90.1; 200
are enrolled as Presidential Scholars including Frederick Douglass Scholars; 133 new students were admitted to the
University’s Honors College. The incoming class is very diverse with 41.9 percent of the population being
students of color. The University has enrolled 13,145 undergraduates and 4,595 graduates for a total enrollment of
17,740 students for 2013-14.
President Jones announced the start of the new Living-Learning Communities in several disciplines which includes
Chemistry, Biology, East Asian Studies and History, as well as many others. He reported that faculty numbers are
growing with 55 new full-time faculty members hired as a result of the SUNY 2020 Challenge grant. The
President said this is a strategic opportunity to increase faculty in areas where we don’t have programs. This could
potentially boost enrollment by attracting students interested in programs currently not being offered.
President Jones commented on the success of the opening of the new School of Business Building. The event was
attended by regional leaders, alumni and members of the legislature. Everyone was impressed with the new
facility. The President believes this new state of the art facility will boost the ranking of our School of Business
from #86 to the top 50.
This past weekend was the opening of the new football stadium. President Jones said that, although we did not
win the game, he was proud of the effort our student athletes showed while playing in a much different playing
environment. The President was also very pleased with the 11,000 attendees from the community as well as
faculty and staff who converged on Bob Ford Field. He said the new stadium should assist in building our alumni
support.
The President provided an update on campus construction. The fountain project is expected to be completed in
October. The acquisition of the Schuyler High School is now complete and a renovation plan is being developed.
President Jones said the space will be a significant asset for offering more classes on the downtown campus. The
school’s auditorium will also be a great asset. The new data center will open in March and will house of number
of ITS offices and staff. The design phase of the new ETEC facility will begin in early October.
President Jones thanked everyone who has been working hard to plan events for the upcoming Inauguration Week.
He said many exciting activities have been planned including performances and discussions.
The President provided an update on the separation of CNSE from UAlbany. An implementation team has been
formed and attempts are being made to convene the group. An MOU signed by Chancellor Zimpher, President
Jones and Dr. Kaloyeros maps out the committee process in the interim. There will be a separate MOU for
UAlbany on shared services that will be required during the first two years. The President seeks broad engagement
on the process and reported that he has received recommendations from the Senate for a campus advisory
committee that will inform him on the process. The intent is for all voices to have input in identifying the
relationship between UAlbany and CNSE. President Jones reported that all of the CNSE senators have resigned
their senate seats. He said it’s possible that CNSE is developing its own senate structure which may require the
University Senate to provide advisement.
President Jones said he hoped to initiate a conversation over the next 30 days on where to take UAlbany in the
future. CERS Chair MacDonald inquired about what potential areas he may be looking into. The President said
that we need to continue to invest in programs where we already excel to remain on the cutting edge. He added
that we need to move those programs on the cusp to a level of excellence. He said it would be an opportunity to
start a dialogue and to consider where the humanities are now and where they need to be in the future to keep them
strong, how the disciplines in the humanities can have a growing role, and how our disciplines will be more
interdisciplinary. The President said the big challenge will be things we have not pursued in the past due to
historical or financial reasons. President Jones added that broadening academic offerings will grow enrollment and
research and provide a more meaningful experience for our undergraduates.
PROVOST’S REPORT—SUSAN PHILLIPS
Provost Phillips reported on events that kicked off the new semester including the candlelight ceremony. The
event was very impressive with more than 2,000 in attendance. She reported the following items:
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This year the writing and critical inquiry program will be launched with 16 lecturers being hired.
This fall marks the first year for each freshman to have a small class experience during their first year.
Sue Faerman is working on an engaged learning environment.
A second wave of SUNY Works will provide opportunities for students to participate in internships, co-ops
and service learning.
There will be a follow up to the academic retreat that took place over the summer.
A call will be made for pilot project for online teaching and learning. Another round of funding for OLTL
is expected for next year.
The two proposals were submitted to SUNY last year for program development in high needs areas for
computer networks in engineering and an IT program. Provost Phillips reported that both received funding.
A self-study and review of our international efforts and work will be conducted this fall with an external
consultant. Recommendations will be made to President Jones in January.
The new Provost’s Fellows Program established last year has six participants this year: Jennifer
Manganello from the School of Public Health; Angie Chung from the Sociology Department, Lani Jones
from the School of Social Welfare; Charles Shepherdson and Laura Wilder from the English Department
and Abebe Rorissa from Information Studies. Each faculty member will do work on their own projects.
Provost Phillips reported that Dean Peter Bloniarz has been selected by the Governor’s Office as the Executive
Director of the Cyber Security Board. An interim dean will be appointed for the College of Computing and
Information.
COR Chair Monfasani inquired if additional faculty lines would be forthcoming as a result of SUNY 2020.
Provost Phillips responded that the process is on hold for now but will be considering what direction to pursue in
the future.
APPROVAL OF SEC MINUTES OF MAY 1
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The minutes were approved by a vote with five
abstentions.
SENATE CHAIR’S REPORT – CHRISTINE WAGNER
A reminder that Celebrate & Advance Week is September 21-28, culminating in the Inauguration of President Robert Jones on September
28th. A variety of activities are scheduled for this week. Please register in advance.
President Jones, as part of the formal consultation process, met with the Senate Executive Committee on 6/13/13 and 7/17/13 to discuss
the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering’s pursuit to become an independent, free-standing degree-granting structure within the
SUNY System. In a memo (8/29/13) to Chair and Vice-Chair of the Senate, President Jones asked the University Senate to recommend
fifteen (15) individuals to serve on a campus advisory committee that will assist the President in considering issues associated with this
transition. The Senate Chair has asked GOV to designate these individuals in accordance with Article II.5.5 of the Faculty Bylaws.
President Jones asked for this recommendation by 9/13/13.
UUP has raised the issue that the composition of CPCA, as defined by the Senate Charter, may be in conflict with Article 33.1.c of the
UUP Contract. Consequently, the Senate Officers met with UUP local chapter president, Jim Collins, on 5/29/13. A subsequent meeting
with Senate Officers, Jim Collins and current local chapter president, Bret Benjamin, will take place on 9/12/13.
Chair Wagner reminded everyone of the events for inauguration week and that some require advance registration. Chair
Wagner said she would be making a few remarks at the inauguration ceremony on behalf of the faculty.
Chair Wagner referred to Section VII.3 which states the Senate Chair may appoint a parliamentarian. Through our
continued relationship with Albany Law School, Andrew Howard has been appointed to the position for the coming year.
Chair Wagner referred to Senate Secretary Gulatee for updates. Secretary Gulatee reported that council assignments for
graduate and undergraduate students are underway and council chairs will be contacted for assignments.
OTHER REPORTS
UFS (University Faculty Senator’s Report) –Danielle Leonard, J. Philippe Abraham & John Schmidt,
SUNY Senators
The SUNY Faculty Senators are looking forward to the Fall Plenary which will take place October 24-26 at SUNY Maritime.
Senator Leonard reported that UAlbany will host the 2014 Winter Plenary in January. Senator Leonard and senate staff
support met with UFS Executive Assistant Carol Donato in January of this year for a preliminary discussion on preparing
for the event. She said that the Senate does not have any responsibility but she offered her assistance as a SUNY Senator.
CERS Chair MacDonald offered to assist with a campus tour if such an activity is on the schedule.
GSA (Graduate Student Association) – Caitlin Janiszewski, GSO President
Ms.Janiszewski reported the name change of the GSO to Graduate Student Association. The GSA’s lead senator has
resigned but an acting senator has been selected and will attend the first Senate meeting. The GSA is also making attempts
to recruit additional students to serve on Senate councils.
At its first meeting the GSA adopted a budget. GSA is making attempts for greater efficiency to stay within the budget by
restricting activity and re-delegating responsibilities. Ms. Janiszewski is taking the lead on identifying dates for the
President’s forums. GSA will be holding information sessions for students concerning the CNSE/UAlbany split.
UPPC Chair Lyons inquired about past budget difficulties and asked if things had been repaired. Ms. Janiszewski said part
of the difficulty stemmed from the GSA leadership not being informed about what they needed to do financially. They are
currently in the process of developing a finance handbook. Additionally, Ms. Janiszewski sits on the UAS Board which
provides financial assistance to the group. She said she believed they were in good shape going into the new year.
SA (Student Association) –Francis Agyemang, Student Association President
No response
CAA (Council on Academic Assessment) – Deborah Bernnard, Chair
Chair Bernnard reported the council would meet on Friday, September 20.
CAFFECoR (Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community Responsibility) –
Susanna Fessler, Chair
Nothing to report
CERS (Committee on Ethics in Research and Scholarship) – Carolyn MacDonald, Chair
Chair MacDonald reported the council needs two new members.
COR (Council on Research) – John Monfasani, Chair
COR will hold its first meeting of 2013-14 on Thursday, September 17th.
CPCA (Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments) – Sanjay Putrevu, Chair
CPCA will have its organizational meeting on September 6.
Chair Putrevu reported the council will meet again on Friday, September 20. He said the council needs additional
representation from the sciences in light of the resignation of the CNSE member. A graduate student has contacted him
about serving on the council but he said the discussion needs to occur in the larger context of UUP. The council has
received about nine cases for review. Chair Putrevu said he hoped that future cases will be submitted in a timely manner.
GAC (Graduate Academic Council) – Ronald Toseland, Chair
Nothing to report
GOV (Governance Council) – Joette Stefl-Mabry, Chair
GOV met on 09/09/13 to address:
1. the request of President Jones’ to recommend 15 names for the CNSE Advisory Committee, and
2. the co-chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Campus Security’s request to recommend two names of teaching faculty
for the current open seat on that committee.
LISC (Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing) – Elizabeth Gaffney, Chair
The first LISC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2013, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM in AS 122. This will be a basic
organizational meeting.
UAC (Undergraduate Academic Council) – Richard Fogarty, Chair
The council met for the first time on Wednesday, 4 September, 2:30-4:00, in LC31J (this will be the regular meeting time and place
during the fall semester). The chair previewed matters that are likely to come before the council over the next several months, and
discussed committee assignments. The council’s next meeting will take place on 11 September.
ULC (University Life Council) – Michael Jaromin, Chair
Chair Jaromin reported the council will meet on September 23. Work will continue on diversity and inclusion efforts. UPPC
Chair Lyons inquired about the status of the smoking task force and added that Chancellor Zimpher’s initiative calls for all
SUNY campuses to be nonsmoking on January 1. Chair Jaromin said the issue had not come up. Chair Wagner said the task
force had convened at some point. Chair Jaromin said he would follow up with Vincent Delio.
UPPC (University Planning and Policy Council) – Andi Lyons, Chair
Chair Lyons reported the council will have their first meeting on Friday, September 20. The Provost will provide an update
at that time.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Composition of CPCA & UUP Contract:
Chair Wagner said the issue arose last year when UUP informed Senate Chair Lyons of a conflict between the
UUP contract and CPCA’s membership as defined in the Charter. UUP’s contract states that the second level of
academic review must come from academic employees or teaching faculty. Since the Senate Charter includes
professionals and students in CPCA’s membership, the conflict was raised by then UUP Chapter President James
Collins. The Senate officers met with Professor Collins, and most recently met with new UUP Chapter President
Brett Benjamin. Professor Benjamin will identify the concerns in writing and submit a memo to the Senate
officers asking them to address the issue. Chair Wagner said once his written statement is received, she will
submit it to GOV for review. She suggested that GOV seek legal counsel about what needs to be amended in the
Charter. Chair Wagner said she would contact John Reilly on what to do in the interim. She added that an
amendment should be rather straightforward in addressing the issue.
Senator Schmidt inquired if CPCA will be reviewing cases for CNSE. CPCA Chair Putrevu said the council does
not have any cases from CNSE at this time but he was unsure how to proceed if CNSE cases were received.
Council Chairs
Chair Wagner informed SEC members that five of the elected council chairs are not senators and they will require
Senate approval for a one year term as senators. In response to the question of why non-senators are chairing
councils, Chair Wagner explained that a call for council chair nominations was made in an email to each of the
council memberships prior to their respective organizational meetings this past spring. In the cases of CAA, COR,
CPCA, GAC, and LISC, no senators stepped forward to assume the position of chair, and non-senators were
nominated and elected.
NEW BUSINESS
Senate Charter Amendment: CAFFECoR
A Charter amendment to dissolve CAFFECoR was drafted by GOV this past spring for SEC review. CAFFECoR
Chair Fessler referred to the report in which the committee examined all possibilities and concluded that the
committee’s existence was no longer required, adding that if CAFFECoR is consulted in a matter it has no power
to act. CERS Chair MacDonald inquired as to how the process was different from CERS. Chair Fessler replied
that CERS members are provided with an investigative committee but no parallel structure exists for CAFFECoR.
Each school and college has specific grievance procedures. If a grievance is non-academic, the Office of Student
Success has its own structure in place to address such issues.
UPPC Chair Lyons referred to past discussions for the establishment of an undergraduate ombuds office. Chair
Fessler said a bill was passed by the Senate but did not advance after its passage. Chair Wagner suggested the
conversation may need to be revived.
A motion was made and seconded to forward the amendment to the Senate. The motion was approved by a vote.
Chair Wagner informed SEC members that the amendment would be presented at the first Senate meeting for
discussion only on September 30. Voting will not take place until the following meeting in October.
CNSE Separation:
The SEC met with President Jones over the summer to discuss the separation of CNSE from UAlbany and the
Senate leadership received a memo from the president requesting names for a Campus Advisory Committee (CAC)
that would advise both the president and the provost on the issues involved.
On September 6, Chair Wagner received a memo from the chair of the CNSE governance body, Professor Alain
Diebold, informing her that all CNSE senators and council members were resigning their Senate positions effective
immediately. Professor Diebold stated the reason as a conflict of interests. Chair Wagner said for the most part, all
of the councils remain fully constituted even following CNSE resignations. CERS and ULC are short in their
memberships and replacements will be made. Replacements will also be made to councils where chairs have
requested an additional member to replace the CNSE member. Hassaram Bakhru’s resignation leaves a vacant atlarge seat on the Senate. Chair Wagner will ask the Governance Council to oversee a special election to fill the
vacancy. Chair Wagner said the resignations have left three Senate seats vacant. SEC agreed that those seats
should remain vacant until CNSE is officially separated from UAlbany.
In the long term, the Senate will need to address what to do with the three seats after separation. Chair Wagner
proposed the creation of a subcommittee of SEC to be charged with reviewing changes to the Senate and its
councils and committees. She provided a list of potential members, a number of them being past Senate chairs that
could bring expertise and historical information to the committee on such matters. A motion was made and
seconded for forming a subcommittee, and a discussion ensued. LISC Chair Gaffney said it may be premature to
make changes before knowing the details of the separation. Chair Wagner said we need to look ahead, assuming
that CNSE will be a separate entity in the fall and how it will affect the Senate’s work in the spring when elections
take place and new council memberships are formed. COR Chair Monfasani advised consulting with GOV and
suggested the group become a subcommittee of GOV. A suggestion was also made that if it were not a
subcommittee of GOV that at least two members should be from GOV who would report back to GOV.
SEC members discussed the charge of the committee alongside concerns about the flow of information from the
advisory committee to the Senate. Chair Wagner said a request has been made to have members of the CAC and
implementation team report to the Senate but the decision would be up to the president. In response to questions
about the charge of the subcommittee, Chair Wagner said the group would only deal with internal Senate issues.
She said if the subcommittee should fall under GOV’s purview, she would withdraw the motion for it to be part of
the SEC. UPPC Chair Lyons moved that the SEC recommend that the Governance Council consider forming a
subcommittee that would advise GOV on the issues of CNSE’s separation from UAlbany, and recommended the
list of names reviewed earlier in the discussion as potential members. CERS Chair MacDonald added that the
committee would be ad hoc. Chair Wagner said the motion would allow GOV to identify the charge of the
committee and its membership. The motion was seconded and a vote approved GOV form an ad hoc committee.
There was one abstention.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 4:51 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Gail Cameron, Recorder