Christian Poehlmann, Senate Secretary
Council and Committee Reports for Senate, November 13, 2017
UNIVERSITY SENATE CHAIR’S REPORT – Karin Reinhold
I. Informational
On Oct 6
th, Chair Reinhold attended the Campus Governance Leaders Leadership Institute at
the Desmond in Albany. Chancellor Christina Johnson talked about her commitment for a more
diversified faculty in all SUNY centers.
On Oct 10
th, Chair Reinhold responded to the request for comments on Micro Credentials Task
Force Report with the suggestions submitted by SEC members. There is strong support for this
program and faculty are pleased to see that number one among the guiding principles for
curriculum related micro credentials is to keep high standards of academic quality. While at the
same time, concerns were raised regarding the potential assessment cost (increase workload for
reviewing councils) and implementation cost associated with rolling out micro-credentials.
On Oct 10
th, Chair Reinhold met with Alice Oldfather to plan for the upcoming Fall Faculty
meeting. The date was set for Nov 1
nd 1-3pm. The format will be a Town Hall meeting. Faculty,
professionals, staff and students are invited to attend. There will be a period of questions so all
are invited to bring questions for the president.
On Oct 18
th Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor Grace Wang extended the period for comments
on micro credentials for an additional three weeks. Updated new due date for comments is Nov
8
th.
On Oct 16
th, Senate leadership, Chair Reinhold, Vice Chair Jim Mower and Past Chair Jim
Collins, met with Provost Stellar about the move of the Informatics Science department to
CEHS. Stellar expressed his commitment to maintaining accreditation for their programs and
for nurturing and growth of their programs within the CEHS structure.
On Oct 18
th, Chair Reinhold requested names of the GSA and SA student representation in the
Assessment of Administrative Units Advisory Board.
During Oct 19-21, Chair Reinhold attended the SUNY Plenary meeting with Hamilton, Little,
and Spencer, SUNY wide Senators representing UAlbany. There is a new communications
committee to facilitate communicating SUNY’s agendas within SUNY’s campuses and with the
communities of NY. UFS requested faculty for articles about higher education issues broadly, to
be published in the UFS Bulletin. There were several resolutions including SUNY Board of
Trustees allowing Charter Schools Certification of their own teachers and campuses recognizing
‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. See the SUNY Senators’ report for more
details on resolutions and the message of the Chancellor.
The Conversation, theconversation.com, welcomes articles by faculty. Because of their high
standards checking facts and high quality, in-depths articles, the Associate Press allows the
conversation’s articles to be published directly in their feed.
On Oct 25
th, Chair Reinhold and Immediate Past Chair Collins met with UUP chapter President
A. Major. Concerns were raised about the future of the CSDA, Center for Social and
Demographic Analysis, which provides extensive support for population-related research by
social scientists at the University.
On Oct 25
th Chair Reinhold received a request from VP for Student Affairs & Public Service
Professor Christakis for University Senate representatives to serve on each of the five strategic
planning working groups. The President would like a finalized draft of the strategic plan by
mid-January, with the final plan in place by March 2018. Senate leadership then worked
together on a list of potential Senate representatives and nominated: M. Martinez for Student
Success, D. Fabris for Excellence in Research, W. Little for Globalization, S. Bernard for Public
Engagement & Community Outreach.
On Oct 30
th Chair Reinhold received a reminder about a system-wide Diversity, Inclusion and
Social Justice Awards Program developed in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Office of
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with deadline for submission of nominations for the awards of
November 3, 2017 for the inaugural award year and September 15th of each year thereafter.
Nominations should be sent to: diversityaward@suny.edu. Reinhold made calls to inquire about
UAlbany nominations.
The Fall Faculty Meeting on November 1st was a success with more than 350 people in
attendance. President Havidán Rodriguez stated that his new Strategic Plan will build on the
prior plan and focus on 5 strategic areas: 1) student success, 2) excellence in research, 3)
globalization, 4) diversity & inclusion and 5) public engagement & community outreach. The
president is forming a new President’s Council with members of different academic and
administrative offices. Members include: Vice Presidents, Deans, University Senate leadership,
representatives from the Graduate and Undergraduate Student organizations and key staff from
units across campus. There is a new Capital Campaign with official announcement soon to
come, to support access for students, endowed chairs and endowed programs. He welcomed
the community to communicate with him personally or by email. The meeting was videotaped
and we intend to have the video recording on the Senate website as soon as possible, where you
can access the full message of the president and the question and answer session.
On Nov 2
nd, Bartow requested information about the state of the proposal for discontinuation of
the combined BA/BS/MS with the MBA programs.
II. Actions taken
MS & PhD in Electrical and Computer Science Engineering was sent to SEC for approval
for the November 13th Senate meeting.
Global Distinction proposal was also sent to SEC for approval for the November 13th
Senate meeting.
Charter amendment - 1718-01A Amendment of sections X.9.1.3, 9.1.7, 9.1.8, 9.2 & 9.6 of
ULC - was approved by SEC to be presented at the November 13
th Senate meeting.
III. Recommendations for actions
Resolutions adopted by the SUNY Plenary were sent to councils for consideration.
The proposal for discontinuation of the combined BA/BS/MS with the MBA programs
is being considered by UPPC.
IV. Announcements
Vote for amendment to bylaws 1718BA01 & 1718BA02 planned for on Nov 6
th.
Vacancies in Councils and subcommittees:
o
UPPC has vacancies in
Resource Analysis and Planning Committee
University Facilities Committee
The UFS requests articles about higher education issues broadly, to be published in the
UFS Bulletin. “The Bulletin is likely to transform in the near future to an online format,
with intentions to make it a more dynamic and versatile communication portal.”
The Conversation, theconversation.com, welcomes articles by faculty.
2017 SUNY Diversity Conference: Engaging Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity in the
Classroom, Campus and Community, 29 Nov - 1 Dec.
SUNY Undergraduate Research Symposium 2018: Friday, April 20 at Oneonta, and
Saturday, April 21 at Monroe County Community College.
SUNY Senators’ Report – Diane Hamilton, Walter Little, Latonia Spencer
Nothing to report
Graduate Student Organization Report – Dawn Wharram, Lead Senator
Nothing to report
Student Association Report –Jerlisa Fontaine, President
Nothing reported
Council/Committee Chair Reports:
CAA – Istvan Kecskes, Chair, Mary Ellen Mallia Co-Chair
Nothing reported
CAFFECoR – Carol Jewell, Chair
Nothing to report
CERS – David Wagner, Chair
Nothing reported
COR – Robert Rosenswig, Chair
Nothing reported
CPCA – Louise-Anne McNutt, Chair
Nothing to report
GAC – Sean Rafferty, Chair
Nothing reported
GOV – Jim Mower, Chair
GOV has recently searched for a replacement for the MyUAlbany voting utility with the
hope that an easier-to-use system might be found that could enhance voter turnout. A
potential substitute, ballotbin.com, was investigated but was found to lack robust
security features for auditing and voter registration. The GOV Committee on Liaison
and Elections (CLE) is preparing to search for other alternatives and will prepare a
report by the end of the fall semester.
LISC –Billie Franchini, Chairs
Nothing reported
UAC – Karen Kiorpes, Christy Smith, Co-Chairs
On October 31, the UAC discussed one announcement from Gwen Kay, SUNY Senate
President, at the October 16 Senate meeting, informing us that SUNY is updating its
General Education requirements; a white paper is expected a year from now. It will
include Information Literacy core competencies for all of SUNY.
The Subcommittee on Academic Standing is working on a policy that will limit student
proposals to ask for course drops after the withdrawal deadline to one year; currently
there is no policy and there have been multiple requests from graduates for course drops
years after leaving UA. Further discussion with the Registrar’s Office and language
about S/U were recommended.
The Fall SUNY Plenary held at Delhi October 19-21 included a resolution for Academic
Advisers related to financial aid. Chair Reinhold has asked UAC to investigate the
problem at UA and what we are doing to protect both faculty and students when
negotiating increasingly complex rules and regulations (e.g., TAP and Excelsior) that can
affect a student’s ability to receive financial aid.
Our next meeting will be held on November 16, 1:00 pm.
ULC – Ekow King, Chair
I.Informational
a.Report by Chantelle Cleary, JD Asst. Vice President for Equity and Compliance.
Chantelle serves as the Assistant Vice President for Equity and Compliance.
Chantelle’s office is charged with coordinating reports of any unlawful
discrimination. The community can learn about what their options are for
accommodation, report, support, and advocacy. Administrative reports and
action to remedy the effects of the discrimination. Chantelle discussed the
University’s coordinated response for cases that include discrimination, sexual
violence, harassment, Title IX, title VII, ADA or any other protected basis. AVP
Cleary discussed that to file a report and mediate or create an investigation all go
through Equity and Compliance. Over the course of the past 3 years there has
been a 400% increase in reporting. Shared that while the number of reports has
increased there is no evidence that the campus is more discriminatory or violent
than it has been in the past. The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence opened in
2014. Coupled with the work of the new Title IX officer and the creation of the
Office of Equity and compliance, community members now know where to go to
make a report and is trusting that the institution is handling their reports in the
best way possible. State and federal agencies have also placed an emphasis on
making these reports transparent as well as to inform the community about
support and advocacy. There was a question asked regarding changes in the
Department of Education and what that would mean for us. Chantelle
mentioned that we will continue to enforce title Ix as it is an issue of due process
and that Department of Education is sub regulatory guidance not law and that
interpretation would have us follow 129B response and follow NYS law. Federal
regulation trumps state law. The expectation is that they will pass some
regulation but no one is clear on what that will be. Chantelle does not believe
that we will move toward “clear and convincing standard” versus what we use
on this campus which is “preponderance of evidence.” Chantelle stated that
above all we need to grant student due process when it comes to these cases and
the university currently goes above and beyond minimum standard. There was
a question on where the office is located (1
st floor of University Hall). She also
spoke about policies and the student code of conduct and that reports can be
done using a form on our main page of our website. There was a question
regarding ODI and how that office used to handle complaints. Chantelle
answered that the University wanted to ensure consistency that all unlawful
discrimination complaints receive the same type of investigation response.
b.ULC discussed the University’s Strategic plan for Diversity/Inclusion request to
Tamara Minor. Diversity plan has been sent to SUNY but it has not been
approved to be shared. It’s in the president’s office and is considered a draft at
this point. A question came up as to the importance of a Diversity Plan. Chair
King shared that diversity plans guide institutions in terms of how to increase
diversity and inclusion across the entire institution; typically as a means of
enhancing the quality of services and increasing retention of students, faculty
and staff.
c. VP Jim Van Voorst gave the council some information regarding the status of the
Interfaith Center. The Interfaith Center opened in 1966. In 1985, the building had
a fire and the new building was bought and run as an independent entity by an
interfaith board- Albany interfaith collegiate council (non for profit corporation).
The University Foundation went into negotiations and did an evaluation of the
building and structural items. The center was then bought by University
Foundation last December and the Foundation is looking to turn over the
property to the University. There was a transition plan worked on discussing
where to find space for the 3 clergy however the chaplains were not informed
causing a bit of mis-communication about what was going to happened.
Students created a petition and this was shared with the ULC. The space is
scheduled to close in June, 2018.
II.Reports of Actions
a.Community and Ex-Officio updates added to the ongoing agenda (also included
in the ULC amended charter)
b.Reviewed ULC Charter amendments and additional changes prior to
introduction to SEC at upcoming meeting. Revisions were approved.
III.Recommendations for Actions
a.ULC is working on Affordable Childcare Resolution
b.ULC is working on Resolution regarding Indigenous People’s Day
c. ULC will consider resolution regarding the Interfaith Center
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 15
th 3pm
UPPC – Jim Collins, Chair
UPPC Report101817 for Senate Meeting on 11/13/17
I.Information:
The Council met on October 18.
It heard a report from Provost James Stellar, in which the Provost responded to questions
about the status of Information Science Department and its new location within the College
of Emergency, Homeland, and Cyber Security, declining to specify remaining steps but
affirming his view that this was a best outcome for the Department and the College and that
his office would continue be involved in the transition process.
The Council heard a report from VP for Finance and Administration James Van Voorst
about the capital and operations budget. In general, the 2017-2018 budget projections for
income and expenses are likely to align. There is some uncertainty to the major staff and
faculty unions (CSEA and UUP) either having settled their contracts (CSEA) or likely to in
the academic year (UUP). In response to questions about whether the defense of health
benefits achieved by CSEA and being worked for by UUP, that would result in more direct
expenses for the campuses. VP Van Voorst said it should not directly affect the campus, but
could, as part of ‘indirect costs’. Increases in indirect costs in the future could be assigned to
SUNY and the campuses by the NYS legislature. Chair Collins asked about the cost and
schedule for the CETEC building. VP Van Voorst demurred on the question of final costs,
saying that the building should be completed in a few years, and would bring the
University Campus and the Harriman Campus together for the first time. A Council
member asked about the current location of the CEHC and CEAS, and the Provost
responded that both are ‘in-progress’. CEHC is currently in Rockefeller College, but will
move the CETEC building when it is done, and the University is still compiling renovation
funds for the Schuyler Building, which will house CEAS.
Chair Collins reported that he had assembled procedures documents for eight of the Senates
eleven Councils and Committees and sent them to Senate Chair Reinhold as well as staff
support members from the President’s and Provost’s office. They will be placed in Council
and Committee OneDrive folders for use and updating by subsequent Council and
Committee Chairs. He also reported on the new 8/30/17 version of the Campus Impact
Form, the need for new members on the Council and its Committees, and his work to
update current Council email distribution lists.
Sridar Chittur, Chair of the Council’s Facilities Committee, reported that the committee last
met on September 26, in which the committee heard a report from John Giarrusso and asked
questions about what organizational body coordinates construction plans with ongoing
space allocations on campus. Discussion followed about the renovations of the Business
Administration Building and Building 25, as well as the need for repair and renovation.
Joette Stefl-Mabry, the Council’s representative to the University’s Assessment Advisory
Committee, reported that the committee had met three times since mid-summer and was, in
her view, doing very good work. Chair Collins asked whether his understanding was
correct that there had been no reviews of University Dean’s since 2014. The Provost affirmed
this, attributing the lag in review of academic administrative units to the University
leadership transitions of the past year. Chair Collins asked whether the results of the 2014
surveys had ever been reported, and when told there had not been, a discussion followed
about the sensitivity of such reviews and of ways of putting the process back on a schedule.
The Council discussed new materials regarding the Center for International Education and
Global Strategy proposal for a Global Distinction Milestone, in particular, a letter of support
from the Dean of CAS.
The Council discussed Senate Bill 1718-01, Proposal to Establish M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in
Electrical and Computer Engineering, and after debate decided by consensus not to review
the bill but to refer it directly to SEC.
II.Actions:
a.The Council confirmed its support for the Center for International Education and
Global Strategy proposal for a Global Distinction Milestone.
b.The Council declined to review Senate Bill 1718-01, Proposal to Establish M.S.
and Ph.D. Programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and referred the
proposal to the SEC.
III.Recommendations: None at this time.
IV.The Council next meets on November 15.
