April 8, 2013
To:
Janice W. Anderson, Co-Chair, Academic Affairs Committee
Ken Goldstein, Co-Chair, Budget, Plans and Goals
Sarah Wyman, Co-Chair, Organization Committee
From: Mary Bacorn, Jordan Taylor, Student Representatives to the Academic Affairs Committee
Re:
Departmental Status for Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
As student representatives on the Academic Affairs Committee, we would like to propose that the
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies "program" be granted departmental status. Our formal resolution to
the Academic Affairs Committee is attached. However, in consultation with the Executive Committee of faculty
governance, we have been informed that the proper procedure is to consult as well with the Organization
Committee and the Budget, Plans and Goals Committee. For this reason, we are submitting this justification to
the chairs of these committees, prior to submitting this resolution to the Academic Senate.
We offer the following justification for our proposal. In brief, we argue that the Women's, Gender, and
Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program already functions as a department with its own office space, administrative
staff, budget for instruction and supplies, unique course numbers and formal designation as a major on
students' diplomas. The only thing different about WGSS is that it is not granted the recognition and legitimacy
that comes with departmental status.
First, we consider course offerings: In terms of number of majors, number of minors, major course
offerings, GE course offerings, and number of students enrolling, the WGSS "program" is already functioning as a
department.
1.
The WGSS program offers 19 courses under its unique course designation (WOM). In addition, 13
courses are cross-listed with other departments such as English, Black Studies, Anthropology,
Communication and Media, Geography, Sociology and Psychology. While cooperating with other
departments, the program offers its own unique course of study.
2.
The number of majors over five years shows a steady increase: In the Fall of 2010, there were 25
majors; in the Fall of 2012, there were 42 majors (Fall 09: 25 majors; Fall 10: 31 majors; Fall 11: 39; Fall
12: 42 majors). With 71 majors and minors in 2012, the WGSS program's numbers compare favorably
with academically legitimate departments such as Philosophy, Black Studies, and Geography.
3.
Over the past three years, WGSS courses have enrolled over 700 students a year. While serving its
majors, the WGSS program makes a significant contribution to GE requirements, enrolling 400 students
a year in both upper and lower division GE courses in DIVR and USST.
Next, we examine the current budget allocation to WGSS. In terms of budget, the WGSS "program" is
already equivalent to a department.
1.
The program is listed as its own "Cost Center" In the SUNY-New Paltz budget. In budget terms, the WGSS
program already has a budget allocation for instruction including half-time allocations for the four
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current joint appointments of faculty teaching in WGSS as well as in traditional academic disciplines. In
terms of the State budget, the WGSS program has its own account number. It is clear in terms of budget,
that the WGSS program is already functioning administratively as a department as these budget account
numbers indicate.
2.
The program functions inside its own unique building with designated offices and meeting spaces in the
Southside House.
3.
WGSS already has its own dedicated non-instructional staff member (secretary). In addition, the
program already has an Other Than Personnel Service (OTPS) budget allocation for supplies and other
expenses.
How can WGSS be refused recognition as a department when this university’s own accounting system treats it
exactly like all other departments on campus?
What are the advantages of Departmental Status?
We contend that departmental status will draw more students to the College at New Paltz, just as
occurred at the University of Albany when they obtained departmental status in the early 90s.
We contend that departmental status will acknowledge the legitimacy of the independent WGSS discipline and
widen the scope of academic offerings, providing students with a greater understanding of "plural forms of
research, teaching, and service that occur in multiple locations" (Women's Studies Scholarship, National
Women's Studies Association, Tenure statement).
We contend that a WGSS Department will provide a focal point for serving the unique needs of currently
underserved students in the women's and LGBTQ community, offering a place for necessary conversations of
nontraditional topics such as sexual assault, queerphobia, and domestic violence. WGSS provides an environment
for students to explore how gender, race, sexuality, socioeconomic status and other dimensions of difference are
interdependent.
For these reasons, we submit the following resolution to the faculty for approval:
Resolved: The Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program be granted departmental status.
Signed:
Mary C. Bacorn
Student Association Senate, Academic Affairs Committee
Jordan Taylor
Student Association Senate, Academic Affairs Committee
Jonathan Espinosa
Student Association Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance
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