University at Albany, State University of New York
Governance Council
R. Michael Range, Chair
September 15, 2008
Minutes
Present: Nan Carroll, Richard Collier, Edward Cupoli, Candace Merbler,
John Monfasani, R. Michael Range, John Schmidt
The meeting convened at 3:33.
Agenda topics:
Minutes:
A motion to approve the minutes of the September 5, 2008 meeting was made by Nan Carroll and was
unanimously accepted by all present.
Criteria for Restrictions for Chairs of Senate Councils and Committees:
The discussion focused on the issue of the appearance of conflicts of interest, for example, when a
department chair serves as chair of a council or committee, where said department could benefit from
the influence in decision making from its chair serving as chair of a particular council or committee. It
was argued that in such a situation, the chair, or for that matter, any other member with a potential
conflict of interest should recuse themselves and not vote. There was a consensus not to recommend a
charter amendment that would restrict eligibility of department chairs. However, it was suggested that
the Senate Chair make a statement in the opening remarks to the University Senate, at the beginning of
the academic year, that council and committee chairs, as well as any other member of the university
recuse themselves when serving in a position where any conflicts, or the appearance of any conflicts
could arise, and further hold themselves to the ethical standards as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Charter Amendment Proposed by LISC:
The Governance Council agreed on recommending that a non-elected ex-officio member of a council
or committee not chair that committee. GOV will explore adding appropriate language to the charter.
The Chair will report to the Executive Committee to obtain broader feedback on the issue, both for and
against the recommendation. Any such amendment would not apply to those currently serving on
committees.
Guests:
John Delano—Update on GOV’s May 2008 Recommendations Regarding
Middle States Self Study Steering Committee:
John Delano, last year’s chair of GOV, was asked to respond to inquiries from GOV to obtain
information on how the recommendations of GOV, made in a letter dated May 12, 2008, were
considered, and the response from the administration. John provided two handouts, one showing the
status of individuals identified in the May 12 letter and the other showing a historical time-line
concerning the Self-Study, beginning on March 27, 2008 through September 8, 2008. In addition to
addressing these questions, the time-line shows the effort on the part of GOV to work with the
president and co-chair of the Self-Study, offering assistance and advice.
Sue Faerman and Steve Messner, Co-Chairs of Middle States Self-Study Steering Committee
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Sue Faerman, reflected on her past involvement with the
Middle States Self-Study from ten years ago, her current involvement as co-chair, and on the need to
bring experience and leadership to the process. These two characteristics were essential in selecting a
co-chair, which she conveyed to the president. Also, the co-chair would be someone who might make
a long term commitment. Steve Messner was recommended by Sue to the president because of his
experience and leadership background. In proposing the appointment of Professor Messner, she hopes
that the experience he gains from this process will be carried forward to teach someone else ten years
from now.
The Chair of GOV expressed concerns about the process not moving ahead earlier, prior to the end of
the spring semester, even though one of the co-chairs was already put in charge in early summer 2007
by then Officer in Charge Susan Herbst. The Chair further inquired about not having a steering
committee in place sooner. Vice Provost Faerman recalled delays due to the new interim president
coming on board and whether or not the process would continue due to the ongoing presidential
search. The Interim President decided that it should go ahead, but by this time (late March) it was
realized that the leadership model involving a “junior” co-chair who would chair the next self study ten
years from now, did not attract any candidates. In early April, it was decided that a model involving
two equal co-chairs would be more appropriate.
The Chair of GOV thanked John Delano, Sue Faerman, and Steve Messner for coming and for their
work on this important matter. Sue added that members of the committees are the ones that should be
thanked for all the work they are doing.
The Chair suggested that Council members e-mail each other their thoughts about the process, and that
a report should be drafted to be submitted to the Senate Executive Committee, then the Senate. The
contents of the report should include recommendations for the future.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm.
Recorded and submitted by
Gail Cameron
