University Senate Executive Committee
Monday January 27, 2014
2:45 PM
UNH 306
Christine Wagner, Senate Chair
Minutes
Present:
Marc Cohen (designee for Nick Butler), Anthony DeBlasi, Susanna Fessler, Elizabeth Gaffney,
Yenisel Gulatee, Caitlin Janiszewski, Michael Jaromin, Robert Jones, Danielle Leonard,
Andi Lyons, John Monfasani, Susan Phillips, Sanjay Putrevu, John Schmidt, Joette Stefl-Mabry,
Christine Wagner, John Cushman (SA Guest)
The meeting convened at 2:50 p.m.
APPROVAL OF SEC MINUTES
The minutes of December 2nd were approved with three abstentions.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – ROBERT JONES
President Jones stated he was pleased to see everyone and hoped everyone’s semester was off to a good start.
The President started his report with an update on the Nano transition. He said that the Chancellor convened the kick-off
meeting of the SUNY Implementation Team back in December just before the winter recess at which time he heard
perspectives on what the new model will be for CNSE. The President said at this juncture the model is going to build on the
relationship that CNSE has with SUNYIT.
President Jones announced that the Governor introduced his budget on January 21st. He said there is some good news for
SUNY and UAlbany. The Governor remains committed to the NYSUNY 2020 strategy. He is recommending a 4 th year of
rational tuition, which will increase our tuition by $300 a year. State aid is going to remain the same at $61 million. The
President added that there is no funding to support the collective bargaining salary increases. The President stressed this is
one of the things we are greatly concerned about, as are UUP and all SUNY campuses across the system. The President said
that the Governor is also recommending $500 million for critical maintenance for SUNY’s state operated campuses – which
includes about $30 million for UAlbany. He said the Chancellor testified last week urging the Legislature to double the $500
million in critical maintenance to $1 billion.
President Jones reported that the Governor announced with Vice President Joe Biden last month $18 million for one of the
centerpiece initiatives in our NYSUNY 2020 plan – a sophisticated system of weather stations called a statewide mesonet
that will generate high resolution weather data. Our internationally renowned faculty in atmospheric and environmental
science will benefit immeasurably from the data generated from this cutting-edge network, advancing research and scholarly
work.
The President reported another $2.6 million would be provided for other projects including the Center for Autism and
Related Disabilities, Public Health, and other special initiatives. He added that the University is in the process of finalizing its
legislative agenda, and one of the top priorities will be the renovation of the newly purchased old Schuyler School to provide
additional space for faculty, staff and students.
The President announced that the University submitted its START-UP NY plan in December, and it was approved by SUNY
on January 28th. The plan has been forwarded to NYS Empire State Development for final approval by the end of February.
He stated that the University made very clear in its campus plan that any prospective businesses must align with the
University's academic priorities. He extended a special thanks to UPPC and SEC for their extremely important input,
assistance and feedback as the plan was being designed. SUNY advised that it was the most comprehensive plan they
received, and are calling it the ‘gold standard’.
The President said that an outgrowth of the START-UP NY program was a partnership announced in January with an Israeli
company formerly called Fruitura – now BioHarvest. He recounted that he traveled to Israel in the fall to finalize the
company's commitment to establish an R&D partnership with UAlbany as well as to locate operations on the East
Campus. The company received a $1.2 million award from ESD to build a 30,000+ square foot facility on the East Campus
that is going to create about 50 jobs. The BioHarvest partnership will also enable University researchers to participate in
scientific and clinical work in the area of health and intervention strategies. BioHarvest uses a state-of-the-art tissue culture
technique to create these bioreactors, so that these value-added products (known as functional foods) can be produced in
weeks as compared to the years or months it would take on a seasonal basis.
The President reported on several leadership updates. After a year in his role now, they decided a different kind of structure
was needed for both the Chief of Staff and Government relations portfolios. The President announced that he has asked Vince
Delio, who he said has essentially led the mesonet agreement, to be his Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives and
Partnerships. Vince will now move to the role of focusing on strategic opportunities with innovative public private
partnerships, which is an increasingly important area for UAlbany. President Jones was pleased to announce he has asked
someone with whom he worked with at Minnesota, Leanne Wirkkula, to be his new Chief of Staff. The President outlined her
high level of experience in public higher education and qualifications for this role which she began on February 3rd. He said
once you have an opportunity to get to know Leanne, you will all agree that she will be a tremendous addition to the
University. The President added that the Vice President for Finance and Administration search has been extended. A final
candidate did not work out, but the search has been accelerated in the hopes of having a candidate in place within the next 90
days. The President added that it is his hope to be hiring a new Government Relations officer within the next 30 days as well.
The President answered a few questions following his report. With regard to BioHarvest, the President said the company
chose the Capital Region primarily because of UAlbany’s Cancer Research Center, School of Public Health, and other
academic and research strengths. The President said BioHarvest will hire approximately 50 to 60 people initially. He added
that under the START-UP program, the University will work to identify and attract smaller businesses as well that want to
relocate in surrounding neighborhoods. The President mentioned that we are having conversations with Leslie Whatley, the
State’s Executive Vice-President of START-UP, and anticipate working with the region’s Mayors too. The President said
that the overarching similarity between BioHarvest and any prospective START-UP company is that there must be alignment
with the University’s academic mission. The President answered several questions about general education for CNSE
students and the future status of CNSE faculty.
President Jones thanked the Executive Committee for their time, and invited them to attend with him the upcoming
University event the Purple Growl.
PROVOST’S REPORT – SUSAN PHILLIPS
The Provost reported on several items:
The SUNY Chancellor gave her State of the University on January 14th, including: addressing the formal launch of Open
SUNY with 6-8 programs around the state as part of Open SUNY Plus, including online courses enhanced by initiatives;
attending to the pipeline – wanting to grow more early college high schools; having more scholarships for STEM students;
broadening the SUNY Works ‘engaged learning” program, with the goal of getting every Fortune 500 company to
participate; diversity in faculty, administration and students.
The Provost also noted that she had the Chief Academic Officers from across the SUNY System here for a meeting after the
State of the University address. Issues that were discussed included: seamless transfer (there is currently a cross-campus
discussion underway concerning each of the major transfer pathways in which our faculty are participating for the majors
relevant to UAlbany); concern that under “Open SUNY” campuses will compete for students; funding for the STEM
Scholarships (this funding appeared in the subsequent governor’s budget; and funding for Open SUNY. Provost Phillips also
commented on the five different clusters of inter-campus research initiatives: SUNY Brain, SUNY Health, Materials and
Advanced Manufacturing, 4E (energy, economics, education, environment), and Arts and Humanities. She stated that, to
date, the interest has focused mostly in university centers, but that Community colleges and 4 year campuses are interested in
the possibility of regional collaboration so that faculty at those campuses might participate in a larger project.
Provost Phillips shared a handout “bubble map” of the ways in which engaged learning is happening across campus, what
would be needed to grow this opportunity for students’ career exploration, and considering ways to put opportunities in the
path of students so that it is not difficult to find them. Current activity includes: service learning, Career Center has
internships, SUNY Works services (we are in 2nd wave of) and study abroad, community outreach, course EDU 390, School
of Business hands-on experience, and undergrad research. She noted that Dean David Rousseau, Assistant Vice Provost Sue
Freed, and Career Center Director Noah Simon were leading a group working on this initiative.
Provost Phillips shared updates on two other projects underway:
Work is being done to develop a Computer Engineering program. Consultation has taken place with the University of Illinois
and Olin College. The question of what else besides computer engineering might be offered is also being considered. The
timeline target is to be ready for the Undergraduate Academic Council in the fall. If mapped out, the first transfer students
will be accepted in the fall of 2015, and the first graduates will follow in the years after that. Proposals for other kinds of
engineering programs are hoped to be presented to the President at the end of May.
She also shared that Allied Health Group is working on 3 different tracks: Pre-Med – are there other ways to develop
opportunities for students?; Allied Health Professions – pathways for students seeking other health-related careers; and
Behavioral Health – an emerging area of considerable strength at UAlbany that would prepare students for various kinds of
health care community work expected to be needed under the Affordable Care Act. The group has been assessing regional
employers and insurers, as well as exploring partnerships with other higher ed institutions.
UNIVERSITY SENATE CHAIR’S REPORT – CHRISTINE WAGNER
UAlbany’s START-UP NY plan has been finalized and submitted to the Chancellor. The Senate Chair received a copy of
submitted plan. Both UPPC and the SEC were consulted in the process of drafting the final plan.
The Campus Advisory Committee regarding the new relationship between UAlbany and CNSE received a memo from
President Jones informing that Chancellor Zimpher held an initial meeting of the SUNY Implementation Team in December.
President Jones indicated that a meeting of the Campus Advisory Committee would be scheduled soon.
Senate legislation (Bills 1314-01 and 1314-02), approved in the Senate on 12/9/13, was approved by President Jones.
The Campus Advisory Committee on the CNSE Separation will be meeting on Thursday, 1/31.
OTHER REPORTS
UFS (University Faculty Senator’s Report) –Danielle Leonard, J. Philippe Abraham & John Schmidt, SUNY Senators
UAlbany hosted the winter plenary meeting of the University Faculty Senate January 23-25, 2014.
Senator Danielle Leonard reported that the Provost attended the Winter Plenary, representing Chief Executive
Officers, and that, since UAlbany hosted the plenary, the UFS also had a welcome address from President Jones.
At the plenary, UFS Faculty expressed concerns about maintaining oversight of the curriculum with regard to
initiatives such as Open SUNY and Seamless Transfer, and the role of campus governance in determining if
StartUpNY businesses align with an institution's academic mission. The Long Island Hospital closure liability,
potentially to spread across campuses, was a concern yet to be resolved. Senator John Schmidt said that situation
is pretty dire and the Provost agreed. It has lost the SUNY system 13 million dollars per month, and 156 million in
the past year. There are 12 patients and 1400 staff there, but it remains open by a court order until they can get
that lifted.
GSA (Graduate Student Association) – Caitlin Janiszewski, GSA President
The GSA Vice President Nic DePaula resigned from his position at the end of the fall semester. Finding himself over-committed
and unable to follow through with his responsibilities, he decided to step down. The President has appointed an acting Vice
President, Kat Slye, who with Assembly approval may finish out the year.
The GSA is gearing up for the spring semester. We have big plans for the remainder of the year including exciting programming
initiatives by our new MCAA chair and programming chair including a film series, Olympic themed trivia night, (pending cosponsorship) guest speaker Bryan Stevenson, and of course our spring President's forum. The President of the GSA along with the
MCAA and programming chair is spearheading a community engagement initiative which seeks to bring Project Voice to the area.
Project Voice is a spoken word poetry program. We intend to gather co-sponsorship with University and community groups to
bring spoken word workshops to SUNY Albany undergraduates, local high schools classrooms, and for Project Voice's founder
Sarah Kay to guest host the GSA end of the year event which includes a poetry slam.
The GSA has also hired a Communications Director to redevelop the GSA's communications and PR strategies. These
responsibilities until now, by default fell on the shoulders of the GSA President as the organizations chief advocate. This new
person is working for the GSA to fulfill her required internship for the Communications Department. The GSA hopes to offer this
internship for graduate students in the Comm. Dept. every semester to maintain our new initiatives.
Among our many structural transitions this year, the latest proposed change will be to increase the committee requirement for
Recognized Graduate Student Organizations who receive funding from the GSA. There are currently 28 RGSOs which are required
to sit on committees (in exchange for their funds) but the GSA receives requests for nearly 40 students to sit on committees
throughout the year. Not only do we anticipate the new Vice President holding RGSOs more accountable to their committee
requirements but we hope to change our governing documents so that they meet the advocating needs of the GSA.
The GSA Programming Chair will be resigning. The topic of restructuring GSA governance will be revisited.
SA (Student Association) – Marc Cohen (designee for Nick Butler), Student Association Representative
Community Outreach - Rose Avellino
-Tabled in the Campus Center the first week in December and were able to send over 50 letters to our troops.
-Last event of last semester was a breakfast at Ronald McDonald House on Saturday, Dec. 14th.
-After school program starts this semester where different clubs and organizations from our campus will be going to Hackett
Middle School on Wednesday afternoons (called 'Discover UAlbany').
Marketing - Steven Valentine
I will be promoting the can food drive and Parkfest, while providing a SA free day as of right now. I will also be ordering small
pins for not only SA members, but Senate and graduating Seniors as well.
A new initiative we are putting together is to have a small forum with our Marketing interns and a Business/Marketing professor to
better the skills and technique of our interns. This not only allows them to delve more into marketing and its practices, but the
internship itself as well.
Director of Multicultural Affairs
To get a new director.
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SA will be teaming up with the Albany Police Department and with Clay McNeill of UAlbany Student Success
to work on improving their relationship.
The Multicultural Director search is almost complete, and interviews will start on Wednesday.
Two open seats on the SA Supreme Court will also be hopefully filled by next Wednesday.
The SA Chief Justice will spend a semester as an intern in Washington.
SA will work with the Alumni Association to do a food drive
Legislative Affairs is working on UAlbany Day to be held on campus
COUNCIL/COMMITTEE CHAIRS’ REPORTS:
CAA (Council on Academic Assessment) – Deborah Bernnard, Chair
Nothing to report.
A meeting is scheduled for February 5th.
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) – Susanna Fessler, Chair
Nothing to report.
Carolyn stepped down as Chair of CERS but remains a member of CERS. Susanna is the newly elected CERS
Chair.
COR (Council on Research) – John Monfasani, Chair
In its December 12th meeting COR voted some changes to the rules governing FRAP awards.
The deadline and advertising will be made a month earlier to help with the review process.
CPCA (Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments) – Sanjay Putrevu, Chair
The next CPCA meeting will be in early February (date to be determined based on council member schedules).
CPCA will meet every week starting next week, and they are expecting approximately 40 cases.
GAC (Graduate Academic Council) – Ronald Toseland, Chair
Nothing to report.
GOV (Governance Council) – Joette Stefl-Mabry, Chair
GOV met on 12/02/2013:
1. GOV drafted and unanimously approved the following resolution regarding the three vacant Senate seats that
resulted in the resignation of the CNSE senators:
In accordance with Article II, Section 2.3.2 of the Bylaws and SUNY Board of Trustees policies: Whereas the Board
of Trustees has voted to separate CNSE from the University at Albany and all CNSE senators have resigned from the
University Senate, therefore be it resolved that the CNSE Senate seats remain vacant through spring 2014 and return
to the pool of senators for reapportionment as per the Bylaws.
2. The Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation discussed the creation of a survey to evaluate
shared governance as per the charge of the committee (X.1.3) GOV discussed the composition of the Committee on
Assessment of Governance and Consultation, which according to the Charter, “shall consist of no more than 8 members,
including at least 3 members of the council, at least 5 Teaching Faculty, and no more than 2 voting members selected
from Faculty or Staff who are not students or Voting Faculty” (p. 9).
GOV met on 12/ 16/2013:
1. Re: Charter Amendment Re Composition of CPCA: GOV is awaiting word from Senate Chair Christine
Wagner that University Counsel has responded with any changes the Counsel may require.
2. The Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation discussed the scope of the survey on the
evaluation of shared governance. GOV agreed that the committee would consult with the IRB.
3. The Ad Hoc Committee on Senate Implications of the CNSE Transition continues to work on identifying
issues related to the transition.
4. The subcommittee working on CAFFECoR reported to GOV that it has been working on formulating a new
charge, or set of charges, as yet not complete.
GOV asked that SEC charge CAFFECoR with considering opportunities and issues surrounding
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StartUpNY
Open SUNY
Online Education
Seamless Transfer
NTPA
Increasing hiring of non-tenure track faculty, a shared concern with GSA
After discussion it was agreed, as suggested by Chair Wagner, that Chair Wagner, CAFFECoR Chair Fessler, and GOV
Chair Stefl-Mabry meet to discuss this proposal further.
LISC (Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing) – Elizabeth Gaffney, Chair
No LISC Meeting was held in December. The Library Committee met with a committee of Library staff to discuss
their work on creating a Digital Repository for UAlbany. The meeting was interesting and informative.
UAC (Undergraduate Academic Council) – Anthony DeBlasi, Chair
Report submitted by former Chair, Richard Fogarty:
UAC met on 11 and 18 December. The council approved changes to the GOG major, and conveyed these changes
to the Office of Undergraduate Education for implementation. The council also began to outline a process for
reviewing the General Education competencies in the major, a process will extend through the spring semester, and
previewed other upcoming business for the spring semester. UAC also elected a new chair, Tony DeBlasi.
Chair DeBlasi added that UAC is scheduled to meet Wednesday. The possibility of new legislation will be
discussed with Chair Wagner.
ULC (University Life Council) – Michael Jaromin, Chair
Nothing to report.
UPPC (University Planning and Policy Council) – Andi Lyons, Chair
Nothing to report.
UPPC will meet on January 12th. They have been informed they will receive information regarding a proposal to
establish a Masters in International Affairs Master’s Degree Program. GAC has already approved the proposal.
NEW BUSINESS
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Elga Wulfert, has asked that the issue of a department name change,
with the proposed merger of the Music and Theatre departments, be considered and that recommendations be made
by SEC. It was discussed whether this needs to become a formal bill in the Senate, as it may be different than a
simple name change, or if this is similar to a department name change and simply be reported to the Senate.
Andi Lyons, Chair of Theatre, was asked for her input. She considers this to be an administrative change, merging
two small departments into one mid-sized department with no structural changes.
Per the By-Laws, Senator Fessler interpreted that consultation rather than legislation would be required, as the
change falls under reorganization:
Article I. Section 2 — Rights and Responsibilities of the Faculty
2.2.2. The Faculty shall be informed and given opportunity to discuss at the earliest possible stages in their
formulation, and shall review and provide formal consultation on, prior to adoption, all proposals regarding:
(a) Creation, renaming, major re-organization, or dissolution of academic units and programs
Senator DeBlasi noted a concern regarding setting a precedent for future mergers, changing names and changing
administration. Senator Fessler suggested a message also be sent to Department Chairs as part of the consultation
process, asking that they respond and explain if a merger would not be recommended. Discussion ensued as to the
necessity for Senate action and the recommended action.
Senator Fessler moved that the SEC request a letter describing the merger of the departments from Dean Wulfert
and that the issue, along with Dean’ Wulfert’s description, be sent to UAC and UPPC for review of any potential
curricular and resource implications. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Regarding the Senate composition following the resignation of CNSE Senators and the pending separation of
CNSE from UAlbany, GOV recommended that the three senate seats formerly occupied by CNSE faculty will
continue to remain vacant for this academic year, but will be reapportioned across the remaining eight Schools and
College for academic year 2014-15, based on the current policy and procedures for apportionment.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Regarding continuing discuss of the composition of CPCA, a memo received from Associate Vice Chancellor for
Employee Relations, Ray Haines, has been forwarded to UUP Local Chapter President, Brett Benjamin. GOV will
await Professor Benjamin’s response and continue discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:09 pm
Respectfully submitted by
Elisa Lopez, Recorder