2008-2009 University Senate Executive Committee
December 9, 2008
John Delano, Chair
MINUTES
Present:
Henryk Baran, Richard Collier, John Delano, Nicholas Farenkopf, Reed Hoyt, Laurence Kranich,
Eric Lifshin, Carolyn MacDonald, Lawrence Raffalovich, Michael Range, Joan Savitt, Malcolm
Sherman, Daniel Smith
Guests:
Timothy Groves
The meeting convened at 10:00 am.
MINUTES
The minutes of December 1, 2008 were reviewed with several minor edits. GAC Chair Laurence Kranich
submitted revisions to the sections pertaining to the Charter Amendment of Graduate Courses and Certificate of
Graduate Studies in Health Disparities. CERS Chair Carolyn MacDonald requested changes in the text of Dr.
Kaloyeros’ response to her question related to the CNSE Resolution. A motion was made to approve the
minutes pending receipt of the text addressing Chair MacDonald’s request. The motion was seconded and
passed.
CHAIR’S REPORT BY JOHN DELANO
As mentioned in my e-mail of December 4 (Attachment 1), this special meeting of the Senate Executive
Committee has been called largely to discuss a proposed Senate Resolution to register our understanding of the
SUNY Board of Trustees (BOT) Resolution #10R, specifically its implications (if any) for the academic
relationship between the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the University at Albany.
Following the SEC’s conversation with President George Philip and Senior Vice President Alain Kaloyeros at
the December 1st SEC meeting, there appeared to be no reason for delaying Senate action on this matter for two
months (i.e., until the first SEC and Senate meetings on January 26 and February 9, respectively). With several
days having elapsed since the December 1st SEC meeting and members appearing to have been satisfied with
the information exchanged during that meeting, this special meeting of the SEC has been called to consider a
proposed Senate Resolution 0809-03, and to place it on the agenda of the December 15th Senate meeting as an
item of ‘New Business’.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Senate Resolution 0809-03R (Attachment 2)
Chair Delano began the discussion by referring to the draft that was submitted by GOV Chair Michael Range
and CNSE Senior Vice President Alain Kaloyeros as a starting point from which to work. This was not the
original resolution that was submitted by SEC Chair Delano, Secretary Collier, and Immediate Past Chair Reed
Hoyt but one worked out by Senator Range and Senior Vice President Kaloyeros. Since the resolution before
everyone had been reviewed by Dr. Kaloyeros, Chair Delano suggested that it made eminent sense to work
from it instead of something he had not seen. Dr. Kaloyeros has expressed his acceptance of the most recent
version.
There was a discussion that ensued relating to the portion of the resolution that reads “Whereas no further issues
within the purview of the University governance were discovered…” CERS Chair MacDonald stated that she
believes that after the meeting there were additional issues and she raised concerns that there was no mention of
a budget. Other committee members pointed out that there were no further issues as it refers to in the preceding
paragraph and the issue was resolved based on that presumption. That portion of the resolution was revised to
read “Whereas, based on the discussion referred to in the preceding paragraph, no further issues…”
LISC Chair Lawrence Raffalovich inquired about whether the Board of Trustees (BoT) resolution should be
referenced as Resolution #10R or Revised 10R. It was determined that it would be referred to as Resolution
#10R.
The Senate Resolution will be added to the Senate website with attachments that will include the five
appendices listed on the resolution. The attachments that have been distributed as part of the resolution will be
changed to properly reflect that they are appendices. One final revision was for the Senate Chair to include his
first name in the next to last paragraph on the first page. A motion was made approving the changes and
forwarding the resolution to the Senate for its next meeting on December 15. The motion was seconded and
passed. CPCA Chair Eric Lifshin suggested that the Senate resolution be presented to the Senate as coming
from the SEC and be introduced by Chair Delano. CPCA Chair Eric Lifshin also asked that the record show his
appreciation for all the work that everyone involved had put into the Senate resolution.
Discussion of proposed topic for Faculty Forum (CAFFECoR)
CAFFECoR Chair Malcolm Sherman asked for the Committee’s support to propose to the Senate a faculty
forum next semester on freedom of expression. He stated that University policy supports some forms of
expression but restricts others, and outside groups have given the University a red flag on its policies. Chair
Delano supported this theme for a faculty forum.
As an historical matter, it was noted that it has come under the purview of the Senate Chair to decide themes for
the forum. Chair Delano made his request for others to submit their ideas about additional themes. UPC Chair
Reed Hoyt suggested that members of the University Council should have input as well.
Chair Sherman made a request for a recorder for the committee. The discussion will need to be taken up at
another time.
Consideration that Senior Vice President/CEO of CNSE be designated an ex officio member of the
University Senate through future amendment to Faculty Bylaws and Senate Charter (Senate Chair)
Senate Chair Delano introduced this as a matter for consideration. Given that amending the Bylaws is a
formidable task, a nomination of Dr. Kaloyeros could be considered for a short term. Senate Secretary Richard
Collier read from the Bylaws, Article 2 Section 2.4:
At its discretion, the Senate Executive Committee may nominate up to two Senators from the eligible
voting faculty for approval by the Senate for one-year terms. In addition, if a Senate council is unable to
elect a chair from among its Senators, it may nominate its chair-elect to be appointed for a one-year term
as a Senator by the approval of the Senate.
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GOV Chair Range made a motion that Senior Vice President Kaloyeros be elected ex officio for the remainder
of the term. The motion was seconded and passed.
OLD BUSINESS
Budget Advisory Group
GOV Chair Range reported that GOV members were concerned about the delay in assembling the President’s
Budget Advisory Group. The scenario that the Interim Provost had discussed at the last SEC meeting did not
indicate that it would convene anytime soon due to the budget process. GOV feels strongly that the process
should get started as there is a learning curve and much data, including history that needs to be reviewed and
digested. GOV would like to urge the Interim President and Interim Provost to move quickly.
Charter Amendment to Ensure Better Consultation
GOV Chair Range reported that GOV members had considered the recommendations made by SEC at its
December 1st meeting. The underlined language is new text and does reflect SEC’s recommendations. The
rational has been revised and the bulleted items were removed. However, GOV members felt strongly that they
should be included as part of the record, and they would be included as part of the Chair of GOV’s summary
report when the amendment goes to the Senate. At that point, Chair Range requested a vote to approve sending
the amendment to the Senate. A discussion ensued and some SEC members felt that the language referring to
“the President adhering strictly to these principles” was still too strong and in need of rewording. They
suggested striking that section from the amendment. The amendment will go back to GOV for further
consideration.
The meeting adjourned at 11:02 am.
Respectfully submitted by
Gail Cameron, Recorder
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