SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - EAST
CONGRESSIONAL YEAR 2006-2007
GENERAL MEETING
APRIL 10, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT
Anderson, P.
Aretz, M.
Banks, J.
Bealle, P.
Beodeker, R.
Brenner, D.
Buck, L.
Cash McConnell, K.
Christensen, P.
Connolly, C.
Conzen, C.
Cummings, K.
Czura, A.
Fanning, S.
Flinter, W.
Freilich, R.
Frey, D.
Green, M.
Haff, J.
Hassildine
Hawkins, J.
Hennessey, L.
Israel, W.
Koukounas, T.
Kulis, C.
Levine, J.
Lizak, L.
Lourenso, F.
McCall, M.
McCarthy, C.
McHeffey, T.
Miller, M.
Mizdal, R.
Morelli, D.
Moritz, M.
Palumbo, N.
Reese, M.
Ridinger-Dotterman, A.
Rogers, K.
Russell, S.
Russo, L.
Ryder, M.
Schwartz, J.
Shearer, J.
Smith, P.
Villanti, C.
Welsh, W.
Ex officio: Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, President
Other Members Present: Art Lundahl, FCCC Representative/Professor
Chairperson Buck called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. and welcomed the
members to the Congress meeting.
CONGRESS STANDING COMMITTEES REPORT
Executive Committee
- Touchstones: Chairperson Buck announced that the Executive Committee of
Eastern Campus Congress would like to recognize the following members:
. Mary Reese and Pat Southard for a spectacular and successful Career Week!
. Louise Johnston, Advisor, Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, was
responsible for a wonderfully attended induction ceremony on Friday night,
March 23rd. There were approximately 80 people in attendance. About 15 or
so students were inducted, but what was especially great was that every
student who was to be inducted brought family members – children, spouses,
significant others, best friends and parents. Louise and Jerilyn Leonard,
Chapter Student President, deserve recognition. Jim Banks, the Evening
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Administrator on duty, was invited to speak to the participants. He is a great
storyteller and his words were wise and inspirational.
. Kathleen Cash-McConnell presented at the international Teachers of English
to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in Seattle, WA on March 23rd. Her
presentation was titled, “Information Literacy as a Passport to Success.
Announcement: Suffolk County Community College is now the largest
community college in the SUNY system. Our enrollment is now 21,859 students
due to the Nursing program and the flourishing Culinary Arts program.
Distinguished Faculty Award: Prof. Freilich will receive the Governance Award
for Distinguished Faculty.
Chancellor’s Award/Distinguished Faculty Rank: Chairperson Buck announced
that there is still time to recognize people for the Chancellor’s Award and
Distinguished Faculty Rank Award. The deadline for nominations is April 20,
2007. The members were asked to forward their nominations to Chairperson
Buck. Prof. Rogers questioned the next step of the process. Chairperson Buck
will notify the nominees by letter and the nominee needs to accept nominations
by April 29th. Individuals will have to prepare a dossier by September 14th.
The committee will deliberate in the fall.
Student Government: Chairperson Buck announced that the Student
Government extended a thank you to the members for supporting their
resolutions. Dr. Beodeker announced that thank you letters were put in
everyone’s mailbox.
Fostering Open Communication, Understanding and Scholarship (FOCUS):
Chairperson Buck reported that a new committee has been formed at the Grant
Campus and now has a ‘sister’ committee at the Ammerman Campus. FOCUS,
Fostering Open Communication, Understanding and Scholarship as a mission to
raise social consciousness and present alternative political perspectives by
providing educational opportunities such as panel discussions, films and lectures.
The information was presented to see if there was an interest to start another
‘sister’ committee at the Eastern Campus or to get involved with one of the
groups at the ‘sister’ campuses. The members were asked to contact Chairperson
Buck or Rani Carson at the Grant Campus if they are interested in the committee.
Class Size Committee: The Class Size Committee has reconvened. The
members were encouraged to visit the Faculty Association site to view the
contract regarding how the committee operates, etc. At the Executive Committee
meeting it was decided to select one representative from each of our standing
committees. The Eastern Campus representatives are:
. Angela Ridinger-Dotterman – Campus Environment Committee
. Laurette Lizak - Planning Committee
. Mark Moritz – Academic Affairs Committee
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Chair-elect:
Chair-elect.
Chairperson Buck announced that Mary Reese is the Congress
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Buck called for a motion to approve the February 27, 2007 Congress
meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Prof. Rogers, and the
motion was seconded by Prof. Brenner. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Academic Affairs Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution to Convert Special Topics Course, Fraud Examination (AC45)
to a Permanent Course Offering, (AC46) on the East Campus: Professional Assistant
Anderson made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof.
McCall. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Planning Committee
Prof McCall stated that the committee did not meet due to several conflicts. At the
last meeting it was reported that she discussed the egress onto CR 51 with Dr.
Christensen. The committee prepared the following resolution to be considered by
Congress:
Proposed Resolution Concerning Planning Study for an Additional Egress from the
Eastern Campus: Prof. Rogers made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion
was seconded by Prof. Brenner. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved
unanimously.
Campus Environment Committee
Mr. Palumbo reported the following items:
- On March 23, 2007, several representatives of administration, Student
Government and LIPA met to discuss wind generation on campus and LIPA’s
support of the feasibility study.
- On May 9th there will be a ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the Fitness
Trail in honor of Prof. Charles Wood. There will be a sale of seed packets in the
Cafeteria, and the money will be donated towards the Fitness Trail. Prof. Haff
reported that PTK members are putting together the seed packets and they will be
available in her office on Monday.
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COLLEGE-WIDE COMMITTEE REPORTS
College Curriculum Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution Adopting OS25 College Success Seminar New Course
Proposal: Prof. McConnell reported that OS25 would replace OS43. Prof.
Koukounas made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof.
Miller. This course is designed for students who are going through the College
Success Program. The course does not replace OS15; however, it does replace
OS20. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Proposed Resolution Regarding EG73 Environmental Literature Course Adoption
Proposal: Prof. McConnell reported that the course is an English elective, and it
speaks to man and nature. Prof. Brenner made a motion to adopt the resolution; the
motion was seconded by Prof. Smith. The motion to adopt the resolution was
approved unanimously.
Proposed Resolution Adopting Photographic Imaging Curriculum Revision Proposal:
Prof. Lourenso made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by
Prof. Russo. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Academic Standards Committee
Chairperson Buck announced that there was a correction to the agenda and asked the
members to cross out the resolution regarding the Absences and Attendance Policy.
Prof. Czura reported the following items:
- The Eastern Campus was the third campus to approve the Absence and
Attendance Policy. The online catalog has been changed back to the old version
of the policy.
- The committee met on March 8, 2007 and the meeting was devoted to FERPA.
- The SUNY aspects of FERPA are on the homepage. The members were
encouraged to review the summary.
- Prof. Bealle reported that there will be an Academic Integrity Roundtable
discussion on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., in the three Distance
Education classrooms on each campus. The discussion will give faculty the
opportunity to talk to the three Campus Deans. The members were asked for
their input regarding their thoughts and concerns.
Distance Education Committee
Prof. Villanti reported the following items:
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There is no official decision on Blackboard/Angel.
The committee is hopeful that the decision will be to go with Blackboard.
A discussion ensued on the campus pack software.
Prof. Villanti can train people in Blackboard. She asked the members to contact
her if they are interested in being trained in the summer.
There were some issues with summer classes being canceled. A few classes
were reinstated.
The members were asked to view the class size caps in the contract on the
Faculty Association web site if they feel there are too many students in their
summer classes.
Development Studies Committee
Prof. McConnell reported the following items:
- The committee discussed the repeat of unsatisfactory grades of developmental
studies students.
- The placement of developmental students in courses that they do not have
prerequisites for is being evaluated.
- The committee is researching the success rate of students who have not taken
RE10 and who are going into social science courses.
- Prof. Good spoke to the group regarding the opportunity to help train members of
the Developmental Studies Committee on how to assess developmental studies
courses.
College Seminar Committee
Prof. Johnston was not present for the meeting; however, it was noted that the
committee plans to meet next week.
Computer Use Committee
Specialist Ryder reported that the College is researching the legal limitations of
outside groups using college computers.
FACULTY COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES (FCCC)
Prof. Lundahl gave a brief overview of the Faculty Council of Community Colleges.
- There are 14,000 community college faculty in New York State.
- The FCCC represents 30 community colleges.
- Each community college has a FCCC representative. Prof. Lundahl is the FCCC
representative for Suffolk County Community College.
- FCCC meets twice a year
- Resolutions are forwarded to the Chancellor
Items addressed:
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. Strengthened Campus-Based Assessment
. Academic Bill of Rights
. President of Organization on the SUNY Board of Trustees
Group is working with new political structure
. New Governor
. New SUNY BOT
. Chancellor Ryan is leaving – assumed a new position
. Chairman of SUNY BOT is stepping down
. New Provost
. New Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs
CUNY Faculty Senate – met with them
Mission and Vision Statements – codes are being revised
There are four standing committees
. Academic Affairs Committee – Twig Project – use of innovative technology in
classroom to reduce costs
. Governance Committee – engaged in lobbying efforts
. Community College Relations Committee – addresses Chancellor’s Award and
Distinguished Faculty Rank Awards
. Student Life Committee – Student textbook laws – reducing costs.
FCCC web site address: www.fccc.suny.edu
Prof. Russo questioned if a decision was made on the logo competition. Prof.
Lundahl reported that the FCCC was trying to change their logo. Four students from
the SCCC Graphic Design program entered the competition, but they did not win.
SUNSHINE FUND
There was no report for the Sunshine Fund. Chairperson Buck asked the members to
forward their donations for the fund if they have not done so already.
CAMPUS REPORT
Dr. Christensen addressed the Congress with the following items:
- FCCC: Dr. Christensen commended Prof. Lundahl for being the FCCC
representative for SCCC.
- Eastern Long Island Executives (ELIE) Meeting: Dr. Christensen and Dean
Shearer attended an ELIE meeting on April 9, 2007. Prof. McHeffey gave a
presentation on Sticky Personnel Issues. The presentation was well received.
- Update on Current Searches:
. Mathematics: Prof. Koukounas reported that the committee concluded the
search and an offer was made to Jean Nicolas Pestieau from Stony Brook
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University. Mr. Pestieau is planning to do his presentation at the end of the
month. Dr. Christensen sent a follow up letter regarding the offer; however,
the official approval comes from the Office of the President.
. English Search: The English search is in progress. Prof. Villanti reported that
the committee is in the process of conducting interviews.
. Criminal Justice Search: Prof. Lourenso reported that the search will be
completed within the next few weeks.
. Culinary Arts Instructor and PA: Dr. Christensen and Prof. Freilich met and
and discussed the searches for the Culinary Arts Instructor and PA. The
committee has been formed. Announcements will be posted in the next day
or two. The process is moving forward.
Campus Retention and Priority Registration: Dr. Christensen reported that
priority registration will begin next Monday. He stated that our role in priority
registration is to research the students’ interests and needs. The members also
have to be actively involved as mentors and advisors. Prof. Green reported that
there are not enough advisors in Liberal Arts. Dr. Christensen strongly urged
the members to get involved.
Long Island University at Riverhead: Dr. Christensen reviewed a draft Memo of
Understanding (MOU) from Long Island University (LIU) at Riverhead and they
are moving forward, with State Education Department approval, for a 2+2, 2+3
program in Child Study. Students with an Associates Degree in Child Study will
have the opportunity to move seamlessly to a bachelors and even a master’s
degree from this campus. Tuition assistance incentives are being included in the
agreement.
Meeting with Louisa Hargrave: Dr. Christensen met with Louisa Hargrave,
Director of the Center for Wine, Food and Culture at Stony Brook University, to
discuss various ways this campus can articulate with new initiatives at
Southampton.
Capital Projects: On Friday, April 6, 2007, the County Executive gave a
presentation and signed off on several capital projects including the
Library/Learning Resource Center. Dr. Pippins, Dr. Christensen and others
participated in the event. Dr. Christensen reviewed a draft copy of the RFP for
the Library Learning Resource Center, which will be sent out to architect
designers. It has been determined by the Steering Committee that the RFP will
be a design competition.
Charles Wood Dedication/Luncheon: The dedication of the Fitness Trail in
honor of Prof. Wood will take place on Wednesday, May 9th. The end-ofsemester luncheon will take place after the dedication.
William Welsh’s Retirement Party: Dr. Christensen reported that Prof. Welsh is
retiring and will be taking a job with the Town of Riverhead, as Executive
Assistant to the Supervisor. Prof. Welsh will be missed on campus. Dean
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Shearer reported that the day of the party may be changed. She will coordinate
the plans for the party and will apprise the members of the new date.
Prof. Rogers questioned where the Culinary positions are going to be advertised.
Dr. Christensen reported that the Culinary Instructor position will be advertised
in the Chronicle. The web page listing will be posted this week. Prof. Freilich
reported that the committee is researching publications in the industry for
advertising purposes.
COLLEGE REPORT
Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, President, addressed the Congress with the following
items:
- Middle States Report: The College received excellent feedback from the Middle
States Team Report. The major recommendations were –
. Plan C
. Institutional Assessment Plan
The team would like to make sure that the College stays on target with these
recommendations.
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Budget: The College is moving forward with the budget cycle.
Legislator Appreciation Day: The Ammerman Campus had an outstanding
turnout for Legislator Appreciation Day. Dr. Pippins is hopeful that the Eastern
Campus will also have a strong turnout on Thursday, April 12th.
Capital Projects: The County Executive made a public presentation and endorsed
the Capital Projects Program. The presentation generated good press.
Campus Dean Search: Dr. Pippins announced that a search committee is being
established for the Campus Dean position at the Eastern Campus. She is hopeful
that the position will be filled by September 1, 2007. Dr. Christensen will remain
in the campus dean position until the position is filled. The co-chairs for the
committee are – Dr. Kathie Rogers and Dr. Kate Rowe. Dr. Rogers announced
the other committee members –
. Dr. Leslie Wieman, Director of Instructional Support Services
. Dan Giancola, Professor of English
. Dr. Phoebe Smith, Assistant Professor of Biology
. Gwen Branch, Instructor/Counselor
. Lucille Sirianni, Secretarial Assistant, Campus Dean’s Office
. James Frost, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
. Mary Lou Araneo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
. Nina Leonhardt, College Associate Dean for Continuing Education
. Frances LaFauci, College Associate Dean for Nursing
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Dr. Pippins thanked Dr. Christensen for the wonderful job he did as campus
dean.
Campus Meetings: Dr. Pippins will be on campus on Wednesday, April 11th for
campus meetings.
. Luncheon with Student Leadership
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – P-104
. Reception with AME
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – P-100
. General Campus Meeting
- 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – P-100
OLD BUSINESS
There was no report.
NEW BUSINESS
Student Government - Time Capsule, 30th Anniversary of the Eastern Campus:
Dr. Beodeker reported that Student Government President Jeffrey Lang was not
present for today’s meeting. The students have requested to open the Time
Capsule and are asking for the faculty members’ support. The students
would like to have an event around the time of the Spring Fling in celebration
of the 30th Anniversary of the Eastern Campus. A motion was made for faculty
support of this initiative by Prof. McCall; the motion was seconded by Prof.
Brenner. Professional Assistant Anderson recommended that the Time Capsule
be opened and replaced with a new Time Capsule. He questioned if the items in
the capsule would be on display on campus. Prof. McCall felt that the contents
were a lot of paper items that could be displayed. Congress Secretary Reese
questioned if the initiative could be approved with no representation from the
Student Government. Dr. Beodeker stated that is not clear why Student
Government President Lang is not present for the meeting. Some of the members
felt the this item was a joint initiative. The motion to approve the faculty
support for this initiative was approved 46-0-1.
- Lyceum Event: Prof. Smith reported there will be a Film Screening: An
Inconvenient Truth at the Lyceum Event on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, from 3:30
p.m. – 5:30 p.m., in S-101. This film won the Oscar for the best documentary.
- SCCC Poetry Slam Team: Prof. Banks reported that SCCC Poetry Slam Team
won 10th place in the nation. The team missed making the semi-finals by .2 of a
point. The students who participated in the event are as follows:
Eastern Campus
Ammerman Campus
Juan Morales
Travis Patterson
Matthew Sparacino
David Herbert
Danny Rock
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The members were encouraged to congratulate the students when they see them
on campus.
- Priority Registration: Prof. Green reported that during priority registration there
will be laptop computers in the cafeteria for the students for online services. The
members were asked to encourage students to attend priority registration.
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Prof. McCall reported that the Day Care Center was subsidized by student funds
and questioned if the Downtown Center in Riverhead would have the same
impact as the Day Care Center. Dr. Pippins reported that the Downtown Center
would be supported by FTEs and the cafeteria will be a breakeven situation.
Faculty Follies: Prof. Brenner reported that the Faculty Follies rehearsals will
begin on Wednesday, April 11th at 11:00 a.m. in S-206. The event will take
place on April 30th.
GOOD AND WELFARE
No report.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m. by Prof. Brenner; the
motion was seconded by Prof. Rogers. The motion was passed unanimously.
Lucille Sirianni
Recorder