UNIVERSITY SENATE
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UNIVERSITY AT
ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
UNIVERSITY SENATE
Monday, December 3, 1990
3:30p.m. --Campus Center Assembly Hall
AGENDA
1.
Approval of Minutes:
University Senate, November 5, 1990
2.
President's Report
3.
SUNY-wide Senate Report
4.
.Chair's Report
5.
Council Reports
a.
· Council on Academic Freedom and Ethics - Paul Leonard
b.
Council on Educational Policy- Bruce Marsh
University Senate
518 442-5406
Administration 259
Albany, New York
12222
c.
Graduate Academic Council - Graeme Newman
J3jJ,;.l;"' t:,t::U;' ,
d.
Council on Libraries, Information Systems and Computing- Peter~lel'ltrP.I-2':
·~·-·
e.
Council on Promotion and ContinuingAppointment- Jogindar Uppal
f.
Council on Research- Frank Hauser
g.
Student Affairs Council - Michael Sattinger
h.
Undergraduate Academic Council- John Levato
i.
University Community Council -~i.P.J:e.~®l'le&,h~J..eu..a~~ .......
6.
Old Business
7.
New Business
a.
Senate Bill No. 9091-01: Commencement
8.
Adjournment
U N IVERS IT Y AT
ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
PRESENT:
GUESTS:
UNIVERSITY SENATE
December 3, 1990
V. Aceto, M. Ali, L. Austin, P. Bloniarz, J. Boeheim, R. Bosco, C. Carr,
G; DeSole, E. Fagan, M. Frinta, R. Gibson, C. Goldberg, J. Gu11ahorn, w.
Hammond, F. Hauser, J. Jenkins, J. Klepper, S. Kim, M. Knee, T. Lance,
W. Lanford, J. Leva to, J. Luks, S. Lyman, Al Macario, B. Marsh, H.
Mendelsohn, S. Messner, G. Newman, K. Ratcliff, D. Reeb, E. Reilly, J.
Risberg, Y. Reynolds, M. Sattinger, M. Sherman, H. Swygert, E. Turner,
J. Uppal, P. Wallace, G. Walker, A. Weinberg
L. Fox, L. Hidercin, F. Lees, S. Mahan, K. Mooney, P. Siamond
The meeting was called to order by Chair Lanford at 3:35p.m.
1.
Approval of Minutes
It was noted that L. Austin attended the November 5, 1990, Senate meeting.
The minutes were then approved as corrected.
2.
President's Report
The President reported on several searches that have been completed or are in
progress:
a. Dr. Richard Hughs has accepted the position as Dean for the School of
Business and will be joining the University in January.
b. The Search Committee for the Vice President for Academic Affairs has been
established and will hold its organizational meeting next week. Dr. Frank
Thompson is Chair of this Search Committee.
c. Dean Webb has announced his resignation as Dean of the School of Social and
Behavioral Sciences and the Search Committee for his successor has been
established. Vice President Steven DeLong will Chair.
d. Vice President Hartigan is overseeing the reopened search for an Internal
Auditor.
e. Vice President Gullahorn will be contacting the Deans to begin a limited
number of faculty searches.
University Senate
518 442-5406
Administration 259
Albany, New York
12222
-2-
A proposed program of reduced University activities for the period December
21, 1990-January 6, 1991 has been circulated to the University community, the
President reported. If everyone cooperates with the reduction of activities, the
University will realize a significant savings. President Swygert reported he had
spoken to the presidents of the collective bargaining units on campus about the
proposal and they are supportive.
The President's Advisory Committee on Campus Priorities has submitted the
first part of a two part report, President Swygert said. He will share this report
with the Senate Executive Committee. The report will be circulated throughout
the University community. President Swygert commented on the outstanding
job done by the Co-Chairs, Shirley Brown and Joe Jenkins.
President Swygert stated that the Governor's latest proposed budget reduction
is for increased revenues or a SUNY expenditure reduction of $61 million. He
predicted that we will see a mix of three major factors: 1) a general freeze on
expenditure items that will continue through the next semester; 2) a
recommendation made to the Board of Trustees for an increase in tuition; and 3)
an attempt to effect certain other economies. The State Legislature needs to
define furlough.
The University at Albany is trying to effect a cut in economies already by
proposing the two-week energy savings, said the President. We are not risk
free; this is a very serious time. We do not want to see our initiatives being
held against us. There is no fat in the budget at the University at Albany, he
said. This challenge gives us an opportunity to focus on the principles that are
important to us: the enhancement of undergraduate programs, recruitment and
the graduate initiatives. The University is positioned not only to survive but
also thrive.
Senator Luks asked if the University has plans to grant waivers or loans to
students because of a possible tuition increase and reduction in TAP. President
Swygert stated that a grace period would be instituted. It should be noted that
the Governor has not said whether he would accept a tuition increase. The
tuition increase is not the entire answer to the budget problem, said President
Swygert. He added that the faculty and students are our resource and strength.
Senator Boeheim asked what percentage of the $61 million would be allocated to
the University. President Swygert stated that he did not know but would prefer
an amount to manage. Then we would be able to retain our independence and
could control our destiny. The President stated that faculty retrenchment is not
an option and the core academic program has to be protected.
3.
SUNY-wide Senate Report
Senators Aceto and Wallace had nothing to report.
4.
Chair's Report
Chair Lanford reported that Emily Bliss and Norbert Zahm have been added as
members to the University Community Council.
5.
Council Reports
a. Council on Academic Freedom and Ethics: Senator Leonard had nothing to
report.
-3-
b. Council on Educational Policy: Senator Marsh stated that the committees
are at work. Legislation on the academic calendar will be introduced next
semester. The Commencement legislation will be discussed under New Business,
he said.
c. Graduate Academic Council: Senator Newman stated he had nothing to add
to the written report available at the information table.
d. Council on Libraries, Information Systems and Computing: Senator Bloniarz
stated that the advisory committees are meeting. No vote has been taken on
the Library Strategic Plan, but there was a general consensus that the plan was
a good one. Senator Newman asked about the new library facility. Senator
Bloniarz and President Swygert stated that there has been no new information
on this.
e. Council on Promotion and Continuing Appointment: Senator Uppal stated
the Council has been able to clear up the backlog from last summer and will
proceed with the cases for this year.
f. Council on Research: Senator Hauser had nothing to report~ - - -
g. Student Affairs Council: Senator Sattinger had nothing to report.
h. Undergraduate Academic Council: Senator Levato stated that the
committees are meeting. UAC will meet on December 17. A final report from
the General Education Task Force will be available in February, he said.
i. University Community Council: Senator Knee, reporting for Senator Jones,
had nothing to report.
The Council reports were approved.
6.
Old Business
There was no Old Business.
7.
New Business
a. Senate bill No. 9091-01: Commencement. Chair Lanford reminded the
Senators that this bill comes to the Senate floor moved and seconded by the
Executive Committee.
Senator Marsh stated that this bill will give the responsibility of administration
of Commencement to the President, who will report to the Senate. It will also
return Commencement to a centralized ceremony.
Senator Hammond offered the friendly amendment: "This bill shall expire
following Commencement in the Spring of 1993, and, absent subsequent action
·by the University Senate, the prior Senate bill on Commencement, passed in the
Fall of 1989, shall be reinstated." Senator Marsh accepted the friendly
amendment.
Senator Aceto expressed his concern of this bill. He moved IV. to read "That
the general plan be submitted as a bill to the University Senate at the first or
second meeting of the academic year." The motion was seconded.
The Senators expressed the folowing concerns: this amendment would continue
past practice; graduation procedures; ceremonies held in past years; and
ceremonies are for everyone, not just the students. Senator Sherman called the
-4-
question on the amendment. Chair Lanford read the amendment and took a
voice vote. Senator Leva to called for a show of hands. The Aceto amendment
was defeated by the vote of 13 in favor and 24 against the amendment.
Discussion on the main motion with the friendly amendment centered on the
problems with the students at past Commencements. Ms. Fox, President of the
Senior Class, stated that if the Commencement ceremony was special, the
students would not cause problems. Ms. Mahan reported on her discussions with
Patrick Lynch, manager of the Knickerbocker Arena. The management of the
Knickerbocker Arena has considerable experience in handling Commencements.
Also, the Arena would be able to accommodate all spectators, said Ms. Mahan.
President Swygert stated that the University will gain a considerable savings by
using the Arena as compared to conducting six separate Commencement
ceremonies on campus.
Senate Bill 9091-01 passed with one abstention.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria DeSole
Secretary
GRADUATE ACADEMIC COUNCIL
REPORT TO THE SENATE 12/3/90
1. The committee on Curriculum and Instruction recommended
to the Council a number of specific instructors for approval
in teaching graduate courses.
These were approved by the
Council.
These cases referred largely to the Teacher Center
and Teaching Supervision.
The committee also recommended
approval of a request from the_ philosophy_ d~p~~tm~n_t_ to ____ _
require M.A. students to demonstrate a competence in logic,
to be achieved through course worl~ and/or e>tamination.
The
Council approved this request.
2. The Committee on Admissions and academic standing
presented a number of individual student cases requesting
waivers of various kinds.
These were seen as non-
c:ontroversi al cases and ~iere unanimously approved by the
coum:i 1.
3. The Program Review Committees <Committee on review of
Graduate Programs and Special Committee on SED reviews) have
been constituted and ~dll meet shortly..
However, their work
will be hampered this year because of the budget freeze.
Travel expenditures for site visitors have been suspended
indefinitely.
Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing (LISC)
Report to the University Senate
December 3,1990
The Council has held meetings on November 5 and November 19, 1990.
Advisory Committees
The Office of Information Systems and Technology has appointed members to two of
the advisory committees that correspond to the standing committees of the Council. Appoin-
tees still need to be made to the Library Collection Development Advisory Committee.
University Libraries Strategic Plan
Discussion of the University Libraries Strategic Plan for 1990-1995 was the major
agenda item at our last two meetings. The Plan lays out the directions, goals, and objectives
for the University Libraries during this period. A draft of this Plan was given to LISC last
year for comment~_ and was now being re-examin_ed i11 its _fi11al f_9n11._ In_aciditiQn, last y_e~'li _
draft was missing a chapter dealing with the Library Integrated Information System, and we
were given a draft of this chapter for review prior to its inclusion in the Plan.
The Plan is consistent and complete, and presents a strong vision for the development
of the Libraries in the 1990's. Important facets of this Plan are a continued emphasis on col-
lection development and user services, use of new technologies, and planned construction of
a new library facility, Although no formal vote was asked for or taken on the Plan, feedback
from members was in general quite positive. The Plan was returned to Meredith Butler, ·
Directory of Libraries and Dean of the Library Faculty, with our comments and with our
appreciation for the thorough job of the Strategic Planning committee in preparing the docu-
ment.
Questions from Council members pertained to the following concerns:
•
Will campus information such as departmental calendars, office hours for facilities, stu-
dent and staff directory information, and registration information be available through
the Library's system, and what are the logistical and administrative costs of providing
this information?
This information will be provided, but the mechanism for providing this information and
exactly what information will be available is yet to be determined. In addition, Comput-
ing Services is investigating systems that would provide such information through their
computing facilities.
•
What is the cost of providing such information electronically versus providing it though
more traditional mechanisms?
A cost/benefit analysis has not yet been performed on this service.
•
What are the future plans for the Interactive Media Center?
Additional development of the IMC is undergoing review this year and the Instructional
Technology Advisory Committee will be an important factor in this planning process.
•
When will the upgrade of the current Library Information System begin?
It is unknown when resources will be made available for beginning this upgrade.
We plan to have one additional meeting of LISC during the fall semester after the
Advisory Committees have met.
Peter Bloniarz
Chair
.:JIC.-t!o
Bill 9091-01
INTRODUCED BY:
DATE:
UNIVERSITY SENATE
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Council on Educational Policy
November 8, 1990
IT IS HEREBY PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING BE ADOPTED:
I.
That the format of Commencement exercises be developed by the President
or his/her designee each year in consultation with the faculty and academic
adminstrators of the colleges, the Council on Educational Policy, and the
_senior class;
.
.
.
_
_
_ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
II.
That the plan reflect consideration of the University's academic mission,
external relations goals, and fiscal situation;
III.
That the plan represent the involvement of all members of the University
community and define the expectations for all participants in a
Commencement ceremony;
IV.
That the plan be reported to the University Senate as an information item at
the first or second meeting of the academic year;
V.
That this bill be forwarded to the President for approval.
RATIONALE
Last year, at the request of the President, the University Senate passed a bill (8990-01)
that revised the format of Commencement at the University at Albany. This was the first
time the Senate had passed Legislation related to Commencement. In implementing that
plan, however, the campus did encounter difficulties, including a higher-than-anticipated
commitment of fiscal and human resources and, in some quarters, a sense of loss of a
University-wide celebration of academic achievement. In order that the University may
address these and other issues, modification to last year's bill is necessary.
·
This bill proposes that, rather than a specify a format for Commencement, which limits
the flexibility of the University both fiscally and programmatically, the Senate identify a
process of consultation that the University administration may follow each year in developing
a plan.
DRAFT
1991 COMMENCEMENT PROPOSAL
Proposed for May 26, 1991, is a return to the tradition of a single University
Commencement Ceremony to be held at the Knickerbocker Arena. The ceremony
would include the conferral of all degrees, including honorary degrees, as well as brief
addresses by a faculty member and graduatin~ student and a Commencement Address.
The ceremony would be followed by CollegejSchool events on the two campuses.
A tentative schedule for Commencement weekend follows:
Saturday, May 25
1: 30p.m.
9:00p.m.
Sunday, May 26-
10:00a.m.
noon
1p.m.
Honors Convocation
Torch Night ceremony on University Field
Commencement Ceremony Knickerbocker Arena
Draft program:
Processional
Invocation
President's Welcome
Faculty Welcome
Student Welcome
Presentation of Collins Fellows ·
Presentation of Honorary Degrees
Commencement Address
Introduction of Honors Graduates
Conferral of Degrees:
.
Doctorates (including presentation of diplomas)
Master's
Bachelor's
Alma Mater
Recessional (Platform Party only)
Travel time to campuses
School/College celebrations
Social and Behavioral Science (University Field)
Humanities and Fine Arts (Library Garden)
Science and Math (Azalea Garden)
Rockefeller (Downtown -- Page Hall or Page Hall Steps)
Business (Grand Entrance to Podium)
Education (Campus Center Garden)
RATIONALE FOR SINGLE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
History of Commencement at the University at Albany
Before 1988, the University at Albany conducted a single Commencement exercise each
year, at which all degrees -- bachelor's, master's, and doctoral -- were conferred by the
President of the University. In recent years, the size of the ceremony and, especially, the
need to conduct it at an outdoor location had led the University to seek ways to modify
Commencement. In 1988 and 1989, therefore, the University divided Commencement into
two ceremonies, one for undergraduates and one for graduate students. The latter ceremony
included the individual introduction of approximately 300 master's degree recipients as well
as about 75 doctoral candidates. The undergraduate ceremony remained virtually unchanged
in size and format. In 1989, however, weather conditions affected the undergraduate
proceedings quite negatively, including contributing to unacceptable behavior by some
graduates.
As a result, in 1990, the University further decentralized Commerrcement-to - - -
-
-
School/College-based baccalaureate ceremonies of 250-900 students that allowed weather
protection and permitted the individual introduction of all degree recipients. Degrees were
conferred by the vice presidents. With the exception of one ceremony, the 1990 format
created acceptable ceremonies. Yet in the minds of some, it represented some loss of
tradition and the sense of a University community.
A Return to University Tradition
With the opening of the Knickerbocker Arena in downtown Albany, the University is
now able to consider a return to a single University ceremony, but one that will not be
affected by weather conditions; and to follow that ceremony with School/College-based
events that will permit recognition of students.
A single Commencement ceremony reflects the status and mission the University at
Albany as an institution that confers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Such a
ceremony demonstrates in scale the extent to which the campus fulfills that mission. It
further provides all students with exposure to this multifaceted mission of the University at
Albany as a center for both undergraduate and graduate education. Finally, it reminds
families and other guests that an undergraduate degree at a University represents a special
educational experience at a graduate and research center.
The return to a single ceremony also addresses the concern expressed last year and again
this year by the senior class that they graduate as a class. Such a sense of identity with one's
graduating class is a crucial part of the decision of an alumna/us to remain active in support
of the institution. Finally, die Knickerbocker Arena provides to graduates and their families
an attractive and accessible facility that affords a virtually unlimited number of guests for
each graduate.
·
Commencement is a time of celebration for students, their families and the faculty. In
an effort to promote decorum and dignity, the University professional staff has always
participated with the senior class in ensuring that alcohol and other inappropriate actions are
discouraged. That effort will continue and be enhanced in this return to the unified
Commencement ceremony.
Commencement Rationale
Page2
Improved University/Community Relations
A University at Albany Commencement in downtown Albany can become an
important symbol of the Umversity's pre~ence in this community. The image of a
University processional, for example, along State Street can suggest the intellectual
presence of a University, in a way that complements the economic impact so often
discussed.
On the latter point, however, it should be noted that a University Commencement
will bring 15,000 people into downtown Albany on a Sunday morning. By working with
the City of Albany and downtown businesses, the University will be able to contribute
to a very special day of activity in the downtown Albany area. In light of the actively
negative publicity of recent weeks, such a softening of the barrier between town and
gown can help-restore relations.
School/College Events
The proposal also contemplates a return to the Schools and Colleges of control
over the events that they will conduct. The committees established at the Colleges can
determine the nature of the event they would like to conduct for their graduates. Sites
on campus will be identified for each college and modest supplement in private funds
will be made to the annual allocation to the Colleges for Commencement.
Proposed Amendement to
University Senate Bill 9091-01 on Commencement
This bill shall expire following Commencement in the Spring of
1993, and, absent subsequent action by the University Senate, the
prior Senate bill on Commencement, passed in the Fall of 1989, shall
be re-instated.
