2014-2015 University Senate
Monday, December 8, 2014
2:45 pm, Assembly Hall
Joette Stefl-Mabry, Chair
MINUTES
Present:
Bernnard, Deborah; Burke, Jerry; Chittur, Sridar; Cruz, Jose; Dai, Aiguo; Eager, Rachel; Earle, Keith;
Fessler, Susanna; Fogarty, Rick; Ford, Michael; Fox, Cynthia; Goldfarb, Boris; Gulatee, Yenisel;
Henderson, Chenaniah; Hobson, Janell; Hogan, Steve; Huang, Youqin; Janiszewski, Caitlin;
Jaromin, Michael; Jerison, Michael; Kearney, Ann; Kuznetsov, Igor; Lahiri, Kajal; Leonard, Danielle;
Manjak, Martin; Markisello, Daniel; Marler, Janet; McCaffrey, David; McDowall, David; Mielenz, Ben;
Moore, Chris; Mulcahy, Timothy; Neori, Klil; Ng, Vivien; Nowell, Gregory; Pande, Jayanti;
Pasquill, James; Petry, Greta; Pettie, David; Robinson, George; Rorissa, Abebe; Scheck, Helene;
Schmidt, John; Slade, Leonard; Tucker, Ian; Vuille, Mathias; Wagner, Christine; Webb, Raymond;
Weller, Wendy; Westmoreland, Maurice; Wulfert, Edelgard; Zemel, Alan; Zetka, James
Guests:
Salinas, Kevin; Eager, Rachel; Forsyth, Celine; Winchester, Kathie C; Bartow, Jonathan; Hedberg, Bill;
Chesin, Sorrell
The meeting convened at 2:46 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of November 17, 2014 were approved with the following voting results:
Approved 39, Opposed 0, Abstained 1
INTERIM PROVOST REPORT – Tim Mulcahy
Interim Provost Mulcahy reported the administration is moving ahead with the process of finalizing appointments to the
Adjuncts/Contingent Faculty Panel and the Graduate Student Committee. Proposed rosters would be shared with GOV to
secure their endorsement prior to formally appointing members to the committees. Charges for each committee are also in
the late stages of development.
The Provost interview process continues. Two candidates (Aziz, Stellar) had been on campus that past week, one (Srihari)
was there currently, and the fourth and final candidate (Mukasa) would be on campus that Thursday and Friday. In addition
to scheduled meetings with key constituency groups, each candidate would participate in an open forum. Interim Provost
Mulcahy encouraged everyone to avail themselves of the opportunity to hear and question the candidates. The Interim
Provost also requested that anyone who met with the candidates provide feedback about each one by completing the surveys,
and stressed that a truly consultative process includes such feedback.
The Interim Provost had that day sent a memo to Deans, Department Chairs, School/College Personnel Committee Chairs,
and the CPCA Chair encouraging them to employ multi-method assessments of teaching effectiveness for both tenure-track
and contingent faculty when evaluating academic faculty for renewal, continuing appointment and promotion. The memo
reminded them that the Fall 2012 Report of the Course Assessment Advisory Committee noted serious limitations of SIRF
scores as exclusive measures of teaching effectiveness. The memo also noted a strong recommendation that all units who
have not already done so develop comprehensive, robust mechanisms for evaluating teaching that will provide a more
reliable and fairer picture of teaching effectiveness.
Finally, Interim Provost Mulcahy shared that he had had two experiences on Sunday that made him proud yet again to be
part of a University community and that reminded him of what it is we do that is so important. First, the previous day’s
commencement ceremony reminded of how we impact the lives of so many individuals, their families and their communities
by virtue of all we do as faculty and staff to encourage their education, personal growth and development as individual
citizens of the world. The excitement was palpable, and the Interim Provost expressed pride for all you do to prepare
students for that moment, the culmination of their UAlbany experience. Secondly, Interim Provost Mulcahy had attended the
Holiday Concert in the Performing Art Center and was blown away by the enthusiasm, talent and spirit of our students and
the faculty and staff who support them. Each group, ensemble, chorale and orchestra performed to a packed theatre, and no
one left disappointed. He again voiced that he could not have been prouder of the University of Albany.
SENATE CHAIR’S REPORT – Joette Stefl-Mabry
Informational
•
11/14/14 Campus Leaders received a memo from President Jones requesting the Senate to review ex officio
voting privileges of administrators serving on Senate committees and councils. The Governance Council is in
the process of conducting that review.
•
Campus Governance Leaders have asked to be invited to department faculty meetings ASAP. Please help us
with that request within your department.
•
Senate Bill 1415-01: Proposal to Establish a Graduate Certificate Program in Adolescent Special Education for
Content Teachers was approved by GAC (11/18/14) and UPPC (11/20/14) and will go to the Senate for a vote
on 12/08/2014.
•
11/25/14 CGL Conference Call with Provost Alex Cartwright re: SUNY Excels
II. Reports of Actions
•
November 20th, Senate Chair received an email from Suzanne Freed, Assistant Vice Provost for
Undergraduate Education, that the request to have the Women’s Studies programs re-titled to become
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies has received final State approval and has been updated on the
NYSED inventory of Registered Programs.
III. Recommendations for Actions
•
N/A
Chair Stefl-Mabry noted in reply to a question that completing the survey, via the link provided, regarding the
candidates was the best way to provide input. Responses would be anonymous, and participants could also view public
forums online if not in person. The candidates’ C.V.s and cover letters could be viewed on the Provost Search website.
On December 1st the SEC had voted to approve that GOV go forward with drafting ex officio amendments to the
Bylaws and Charter per the administration’s request. It was discussed that those ex officio voting members who serve
by virtue of their administrative position will be considered in the amendment – not anyone else.
Thank you to Past Chair of the Senate, Christine Wagner, who would be on Sabbatical next semester, for her years of
Senate service.
OTHER REPORTS
UFS (University Faculty Senator’s Report) –Danielle Leonard, J. Philippe Abraham & John Schmidt,
SUNY Senators
University Faculty Senate Report
2014 Fall Plenary hosted by SUNY ESF
Attended by Philippe Abraham, Danielle Leonard, John Schmidt
I. Some important developments at System and with the BoT:
In order to best represent the University at Albany at the state-wide University Faculty Senate, the UFS Senators call for increased
engagement, information flows, and UAlbany Faculty Senate input on these and other issues through our shared governance
processes.
SUNY Excels: The Chancellor previously indicated to us that she is willing to tie increases in State funding for SUNY to
performance measures. This initiative is being called SUNY Excels—a matrix of performance measures that will include data and
goals at the System level, but with campus goals to be set in appropriate areas (as defined collaboratively campus by campus).
We’ve been asked for input and UFS Senators have been tasked with finding out what elements would be appropriate/
inappropriate for our campus. We have requested that Information presented to us by Chancellor Zimpher, Provost Cartwright and
other be coming soon on the SUNY UFS Website.
System Administration Budget: New financial assessments are coming to campuses in order to support the operations at System
Administration. The line-item budget for operating System Administration within the legislatively approved SUNY budget hasn’t
been increased in some 20 years. Obviously costs have gone up since then, and the Chancellor’s numerous initiatives have added
to the budgetary pressures. System has been charging campuses for some services, but the System expenditures significantly
exceed this as well. A further complication is that some System offices have sent these costs, charge-backs, etc., to campuses at
irregular times during the year, making campus budget planning more difficult. So a phased approach has been established that
includes some central budget cuts, increases in the charges to campuses, but a single charge for the year—phased in over 5 years.
Presidents are unhappy with this. The Board of Trustees is also concerned, in part about the methodology, in part about the size of
the System budget. The Board has approved the increased assessments to campuses for this year, but has demanded more
justification and an examination of alternatives before moving any further forward.
Budget for 2015-16: With the final year of NYSUNY2020 looming, System is consulting with the Presidents and the Board about
whether to request a new round of tuition increases to actually bring us to 2020. Further budget issues are a hard push to convince
the governor and the legislature that “maintenance of effort” means covering mandated cost increases. The SUNY Excels matrix is
to form the basis for seeking new State funds in support of SUNY. And finally, SUNY is seeking additional bonding authority for
both critical maintenance and selected new construction projects.
Seamless Transfer: The transfer paths were updated by the end of last spring, and we are now in a period of considering if
adjustments to programs might be necessary to make this work. Many, if not most, requests for program waivers have apparently
been denied without satisfactory explanation. Faculty on some campuses are questioning if they are being told to change major
requirements for the first two years. Let us know if you know about any of our waiver requests that were denied without
explanation.
Open SUNY: The “first wave” of “Open SUNY +” programs—existing online programs with enhancements—was approved last
academic year, and the second wave of 56 programs from 17 campuses has just been announced. System Administration has
increasingly recognized that most student services need to be coordinated among or handled by the contributing campuses rather
than established centrally, although SUNY is currently contracting with an outside vendor to cover a help desk 24/7 (beyond what
was being covered by previously existing SUNY Learning Network assistance). System Administration is working with interested
campuses to evaluate campus readiness for (expanded) online programs, and there is also now a business tool available to help
campuses evaluate the short- and long-term costs/benefits of online programs. Finally, SUNY is helping facilitate the
identification and development of digital materials and open education resources (Affordable Learning Solutions) for courses, not
just online ones.
START-UP NY: Some 50 SUNY campuses have approved plans (or soon will). Companies have been announced at a number of
campuses. Some campuses have Faculty committees that vet whether the companies fit with the academic mission of the campus.
What is the process that UAlbany has established to get faculty input into approving company proposals to fit with the campus
mission? Was the UAlbany Senate consulted in most recent decision http://www.albany.edu/news/54991.php?WT.source=ncfeed ?
TeachNY: There was a lot of focus on teacher education over the last year, and the Chancellor has emerged as a national champion
for the Common Core Standards in K-12 education. As part of this, she urges us to familiarize ourselves with the standards, as
future NY students will have been educated according to that approach. We can expect some changes in the abilities of our future
students, and we should be prepared to appreciate and take advantage of the skills they should possess. The Chancellor also has
established a TeachNY program in conjunction with the State Education Department, with an advisory committee to offer guidance
on how to improve teacher education and K-12 quality and success. Nationally recognized experts as well as SUNY faculty (and
union) leadership are working together to advise the Chancellor on next steps for teacher education, particularly how to improve
the effectiveness of our teacher education programs.
II. Resolutions
Full texts of the Resolutions are available on the UFS website or can be obtained through any UFS Senator.
Resolution on Sexual Assault Prevention--passed
Resolution Requesting All State University of New York Campuses Offering Athletics Create Programs to Support Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Athletes, Coaches, and Staff and to Prevent Anti-LGBT Bias and Discrimination in Athletics
--passed
Resolution on SUNY Excels Performance Measurement System requesting that local campuses as well as UFS have a strong
voice in formulating and continually refining metrics—passed
Resolution on Affordability of Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials--passed
Resolution on Reduction on the Maximum Working Hours for Student Assistants--passed
Resolution in support of expanding SUNY undergraduate research and creative endeavors—passed
Resolution on Naloxone Availability for treating opioid overdose cases--passed
Other Issues Addressed by UFS Committees:
updating guidance to faculty and campuses on best practices for internships and service learning;
examining the role of non-tenure-track faculty in shared governance;
guidance for the ethical behavior of faculty; reviewing best practices for prevention of bullying and hazing;
fostering and supporting undergraduate and graduate research;
diversity of faculty and staff. Full texts of the UFS Committee Reports are available upon request or on the SUNY UFS
website.
III. Upcoming conferences and events
Nov. 7: "Protect, Use and Share Content in Online Education"; SUNY System Administration, Albany; organized by the
FACT2 group
Nov. 11-12: “Making Diversity Count: Ensuring Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Impact”; Albany Marriott; sponsored by the
UFS and the SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Feb 10, 2015: “Graduate Research: Making a Difference in New York”: Legislative Office Building, Albany; sponsored by
UFS
March 20-21, 2015: 2nd Annual SUNY Voices Shared Governance Conference; location TBD.
April 10, 2015: First SUNY Undergraduate Research Symposium; Brockport. Open to all undergraduate researchers.
IV. Other
Personnel matters at System Administration: The Board has offered the Chancellor a new contract, which is to be for 5 years.
Alexander Cartwright has joined SUNY System Administration as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. Alex comes to System
from the University at Buffalo, where he had been Vice President for Research. Beth Bringsjord, who served as Interim Provost for
the past year, has returned to a position as Vice Provost and Vice Chancellor. Jim Malatras left the position of Chief of Staff, called
back to the Governor’s office to be Director of Operations for New York State. Stacey Hengsterman is interim Chief of Staff for
Chancellor Zimpher, with a search in place for a permanent individual. Josh Sager is the new chief budget officer; he replaces
Wendy Gillman, who retired.
LICH and the Hospitals: SUNY finally has a contract to sell the Long Island College Hospital site. What will be the financial
impact on the rest of the SUNY campuses? The Board of Trustees will be delving into this question now that we know what
SUNY will recover from the sale ($240M).
Last spring, the Senate Executive Committee took up a resolution that calls upon SUNY to conduct an investigation of how
the whole LICH purchase and subsequent closure occurred, in order to try to prevent such a fiasco from occurring in the
future. The EC chose not to pass the resolution, reasoning that the basic reasons behind what happened already are public
record, that this would be an unnecessary expense that likely wouldn’t yield any new results, and that such a study might
better be done by one or more of our own faculty.
There are some other developments regarding the hospitals and medical schools. First, the Board passed a resolution to set up a
task force to examine and propose a “new governance structure” for the SUNY hospitals: how the hospitals should be governed—
likely with local governing boards, answering perhaps to a central governing board that is separate from the SUNY Board of
Trustees. There is a call for closer ties between the stand-alone medical schools and the University Centers. Accordingly, not only
Downstate and UAlbany have been in discussions about collaborations, but Binghamton and Upstate are in talks as well. The idea:
SUNY hospitals remain essential to successful operation of our medical schools and thus a critical part of the SUNY family.
The next Plenary is January 22nd at SUNY Farmingdale.
GSA (Graduate Student Association) – Caitlin Janiszewski, GSA President
The GSA is working on closing out the semester and evaluating how far we have come in achieving our strategic plan's goals. Our
Recognized Graduate Student Organizations have had a very successful semester having put on an array of engaging professional
development and social events. Our grants program is more efficient than ever. Our MCAA committee is working effectively for
the first time in years, regularly attending the President's Diversity Council meetings, re-developing guidelines to encourage the
values of diversity and inclusion through RGSO programming and GSA Executive Board activities. Our programming committee
hopes to repeat the very successful orientation program we had this fall for transfer and new students in the spring. Although we
have had turnover in the position of treasurer this semester, the transition was nearly seamless with the help of our building
institutional memory and a new financial manager in the Office of Student Involvement. We continue to build strong fiscal
policies to ensure stability and are also exploring ways to invest a rather large surplus in our future to build the foundation of the
GSA. Some of the investment has been in our relationship with the National Association of Graduate-Professional students.
Through our attendance at their Legislative Action Days and their national conference we have obtained extremely valuable
information and best practices to serve the GSA in the future including lobbying strategies, social media strategies, and new
professional development models. Our GSA advocacy team, comprised of our Senators and various representatives, has been the
most active and committee group of reps we have seen in the last few years. Despite continued challenges with turnover and the
usual struggles that emerge from attempting to balance graduate student involvement in governance with our other responsibilities,
I feel confident in saying that overall the GSA is functioning at the highest level it has in several years.
SA (Student Association) – Marc Cohen, Student Association Representative
Academic Affairs
Preparing for our upcoming event “Pizza Wars”, where students will have the opportunity to test and rate pizza samples from
local vendors throughout Albany.
All proceeds will be donated to the Albany Police Athletic League annual Toy Drive.
Communications
Just recently released the November edition of the “SA Daily”.
Looking for interested writing for the newsletter in the future.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Will be promoting Epilepsy Awareness Day this upcoming week throughout campus
Have been collecting donations for the Epilepsy Foundation and are doing a raffle for t-shirts for the cause.
Our Thanksgiving Food Drive is coming to a close and we will be dropping off all food donations on Monday.
Dippikill
Recently finished a Dippikill photo book to be displayed at the front desk of our office and eventually a second displayed in
the Dippikill Lodge.
Donated a weekend in Dippikill giveaway to the Rock Cafe for Hillel!
Gender and Sexuality
Helping establish a new student group that will go by the name of SOUL (Shades of Unified Liberation) which will serve as a
safe space and resource for queer people of color and the issues that are specific to these intersecting identities.
Begging the early stages of planning next semester’s events including a potential LGBT Conference, a Love Is Love
Demonstration, a Second Chance Prom, and other exciting ideas.
Wrapping up Transgender Day of Remembrance which was 11/20, when we created a display in the campus center
remembering those who have been murdered due to hate crimes in the past year.
Legislative Affairs
Scheduling meetings with local representatives including county legislatures and city council Members.
Discussing university policies and our relationship with the government.
Marketing
Have recently been tabling for Fall Fest featuring artists Fabolous and Konshens.
Quarters flyers on all quads, the lecture centers, the libraries, and the campus center on each table.
Currently promoting 8 different events- flyers and social media.
Programming
Busy preparing for our fall concert this weekend.
Student Group Affairs
Working with Sodexo for a catering showcase early next semester.
Groups will be contacted by the end of the semester for SA visits next semester.
Preliminary planning for Purple and Gold Awards has begun.
Currently updating any confusion regarding official recognition for each student group.
COUNCIL/COMMITTEE CHAIRS’ REPORTS:
CAA (Council on Academic Assessment) – Deborah Bernnard, Chair
The Council on Academic Assessment met on November 25 and approved a report from the Academic
Program Review Committee which reviewed the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences’
program review process.
CAFFECoR (Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community
Responsibility) – Carol Jewell, Chair
Nothing to report
CERS (Committee on Ethics in Research and Scholarship) – Susanna Fessler, Chair
Nothing to report
COR (Council on Research) – Kajal Lahiri, Chair
During the last month we have been busy settling on the memberships for the following sub-committees. The work is complete and
the subcommittees will start working very soon.
As you see below, some of these sub-committees have very responsible and sensitive decisions to make. So we have been very
careful in forming these sub-committees.
Benevolent Awards Review
(Benevolent Association Research Grant for Graduate Students)
Conference/Journal Support Awards Review
FRAP – A Award Review
Committee on Centers, Institutes and Specialized Research Laboratories
Excellence in Research & Creative Activities Review
Researchers Liaison Committee
IRB Policy Review
CPCA (Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments) – Sanjay Putrevu, Chair
The next two CPCA meetings are on Nov. 26 and Dec. 10.
GAC (Graduate Academic Council) –Abebe Rorissa, Chair
I.
Informational
The GAC met on November 18, 2014. Among items on the Agenda were: (1) review of reports from the GAC’s three Standing
Committees, and (2) review and approval of two proposals from the School of Education (The establishment of an Advance
Graduate Certificate Program in Adolescent Special Education for Content Teachers and A School Policy on Standards of Student
Professional Conduct).
Our next scheduled meeting is on December 9.
II.
Reports of Actions
The GAC, based on the review and recommendation by the Committee on Admissions & Academic Standing, voted to
deny a student’s grade grievance.
The Council also considered and, after fairly extensive discussions, voted to approve three proposals:
A proposal by the Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences, to revise its MA degree requirements. The
proposal sought to combine two tracks and was reviewed by the Committee on Curriculum & Instruction on
November 6.
A proposal by the School of Education to create a policy on standards of student professional conduct that spells out
performance expectations all graduate students at the School need to demonstrate.
Another proposal from the School of Education to establish a new advanced certificate program in Adolescent
Special Education for Content Teachers, a high need area not just in New York but also nationally.
III.
Recommendations for Actions
We request the University Senate to approve the proposal by the School of Education to establish an Advanced
(Graduate) Certificate Program in Adolescent Special Education for Content Teachers and forward the proposal to
the President for approval. The proposal was approved by the Graduate Academic Council (11/18/14) and
University Planning & Policy Council (11/20/14).
GOV (Governance Council) – Cynthia Fox, Chair
I. Informational
1.
GOV met on November 10 and again on November 27
2.
Chair Fox reported that the recent announcement that Classbook.com has been approved for the Start-Up NY program was
discussed at SEC meeting of 11/3 and a question was raised about the consultation process. The UAlbany Start Up NY plan
includes both an Advisory Committee and an Ad Hoc Academic Advisory Committee, neither of which were approved
through formal consultation. It is also not clear who is currently sitting on those committees. It was suggested that GOV
contact Associate Vice President for Business Partnerships and Economic Development Shimazu for clarification. Chair Fox
sent the request on November 8.
3.
At that same SEC meeting, GSA gave a mini-presentation regarding graduate student issues, requesting that the full
presentation be given at the upcoming Senate meeting. An objection was raised on the basis that items paced on the Senate
agenda must be actionable, and following much discussion a vote to approve the full 20 minute presentation did not pass.
GOV Chair Fox afterward researched the Charter and By-Laws and found no mention that items must be actionable. A letter
was sent to Andrew Howard the Senate Parliamentarian, who confirmed items do not need to be actionable and who also
pointed out that while the SEC can vote and give advice on agenda items, it cannot prevent them from being on the Senate
agenda. He recommended that, in the interest of time, a brief summary of the presentation be included in the GSA Senate
report. Chair Fox has shared this information with Senate Chair Stefl-Mabry and has asked that the question of placing items
on the agenda be raised at the SEC meeting of December 1.
4.
On Friday, November 14, President Jones sent a memo the Senate leadership recommending that the Senate Bylaws and
Charter be amended to revoke voting privileges from administrators who serve as ex-officio members as well as those who
serve on committees and councils in an administrative capacity. The recommendation comes in response to the findings of
the Spring 2014 Faculty and Professional Staff Survey on Shared Governance and addresses an aspect of our current Bylaws
and Charter that has long been recognized as atypical in campus governance structures and formalizes the recommendation
articulated in The University at Albany Senate Handbook, that “in order for the actions and recommendations of the Senate
and its Councils and Committees to reflect as much as possible the voice of the Faculty and other members of the Senate, ex
officio members of the Senate and its Councils who are members of the administration should abstain from voting on bills or
other recommendations.” Passage of amendments to the Bylaws requires approval from 2/3 of the Voting Faculty, 30% of
whom must vote in order to achieve quorum. Charter amendments are voted on by the Senate.
II. Reports of Actions
1.
The Council has approved the roster of members to each of the Excellence Awards Committees forwarded to us by Bill
Hedberg and recommended a Senate delegate and alternative to be included on each Committee.
2.
The Council nominated additional candidates to serve on its Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation.
3.
The Council took up the question of how proposals for new programs move through governance.
4.
The Council considered representation for inclusion on the Blue Ribbon Panels on Adjunct/Contingent Faculty and on
Graduate Student Compensation Issues and issues that should be considered in formulating their respective charges.
5.
The Council heard a report from the organization meeting of the Committee on Liaisons and Elections.
6.
The Council discussed the President’s memo of 11/14 and the mechanisms for putting forward the necessary amendments
to the Bylaws and Charter.
7.
A sub-committee to draft the proposed legislation was formed.
III. Recommendations for Actions
1.
Chair Fox will invite additional nominees to serve of the Committee on Assessment of Governance and Consultation.
2.
Chair Fox will forward its recommendations for the two Blue Ribbon Panels to
Interim Provost Mulcahy.
3.
The Council understands that UPPC Chair Wagner is preparing a document that explains the process for approving new
programs and will take up any remaining issues when that document is available.
4.
The bylaws amendment subcommittee will present a draft at the next GOV meeting on December 15.
Regarding an inquiry, GOV and the Parliamentarian had consulted regarding what items are acceptable to
be placed on the agenda due to an issue with the inclusion of a portion of the GSA report.
LISC (Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing) –Boris Goldfarb, Chair
LISC has formed the two standing committees, including elections of the chairs. John Delano is the new chair of the Library
Committee. Rem Davis is the new chair of the IT Usage Policy Committee. Both committees had initial meetings in November
and will meet again in January. LISC council had a meeting on Monday, November 24, and heard the reports from the new chairs,
the Dean of the Libraries Mary Casserly, and the CIO Christine Haile.
UAC (Undergraduate Academic Council) – Robert Yagelski, Chair
The Undergraduate Academic Council met on November 20th. The Council discussed plans for reviewing the proposal for a new
undergraduate program in computer engineering, which the Council anticipates receiving before the end of the current semester.
The purpose of the discussion was to insure that the proposal will be reviewed by UAC before the semester break, assuming that
UAC receives the proposal in time.
The rest of the meeting was devoted to a continuation of the Council’s review of the General Education Competencies Plans,
which was begun during the 2013-2014 academic year. The competencies plans submitted for the majors in East Asian Studies and
Latin American Studies were approved. Several other plans were discussed but not voted on pending clarification of specific
components of the plans by the departments. To date, thirty plans have been approved. The review process will continue until all
competencies plans have been reviewed and approved.
The next UAC meeting is scheduled for December 4th.
ULC (University Life Council) –Michael Jaromin, Chair
The ULC met last on November 10, 2014 and hosted presentations from New Student Programs and
Pathways to Success Involvement Record.
Our next meeting is scheduled for December 8th.
UPPC (University Planning and Policy Council) –Christine Wagner, Chair
UPPC approved a proposal from the School of Education for a Graduate Certificate in Adolescent Special Education for Content
Teachers. UPPC discussed the procedures by which an undergraduate program announcement for a new major comes to UPPC. It
was agreed that, following an initial approval by UPPC of the resource implications for a new major, UPPC will have the
opportunity to review a proposal again should there be changes to the budget upon the submission of a full proposal to UAC.
UPPC discussed the substitution of the current budget table on the UPPC Campus Impact Form with a modification of the SUNY
Expense Table, thus removing duplication of effort in the preparation of proposals by Schools and Colleges, and allowing direct
comparison of budgets as the proposal moves from Program Announcement to full proposal. The UPPC Chair reported to UPPC
the receipt of a memo from Interim Provost Mulcahy to the Dean of the College of Computing and Information, Sue Faerman
regarding the creation of the Department of Computer Engineering. The Program Announcement for the undergraduate major in
Computer Engineering, which included all resources required for the department, was approved by UPPC on October 9, 2014.
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of Changes in Council Memberships
As a point of information, Senator Gulatee noted that Mathias Vuille was a new Senator to serve as a member on LISC
from the College of Arts and Sciences. Mathias would be replacing Fernando Leiva. This membership change was
approved with the following voting results: Approved 45, Opposed 0, Abstained 2.
Motion to approve Bill 1415-01
This is a proposal to establish an advanced graduate certificate program in Adolescent Special Education for Content
Teachers which had been approved by GAC and UPPC.As the Bill had not yet been vetted by the SEC, and there was
no opposition to amending the agenda, the Senate adjourned at 3:15 p.m. in order for SEC to meet. SEC met and
unanimously approved that the Bill be brought to the Senate floor, at which point the Senate re-adjourned at 3:18 p.m.
In response to a question regarding the program, it was explained that the program would allow those already certified
in the program area to also work with special needs students and therefore add that expertise.
A motion was made to approve Bill 1415-10 with the following voting results: Approved 45, Opposed 2, Abstained 2.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Elisa Lopez, Recorder
