University at Albany
State University of New York
2005-06 University Senate
Monday, February 13, 2006
Meeting Minutes
Present: J.P. Abraham, J. Bartow, J. Berkowitz, T. Bessette, R.S. Birge, R. Bisbing, G.
Bunnell, G. Burke, S. Chaiken, S. Chinnam, N. Chiuchiolo, R. Collier, E. Cupoli, D. Dai, D.
Dewar, S. Faerman, R. Geer, J. Hanifan, F. Hauser, S. Herbst, A. Hildreth, C. Hong, H.
Horton, R. Hoyt, V. Idone, A. Israel, M. Jerison, P. Joris, L. Kranich, P. Leonard, A. Lyons,
C. MacDonald, T. Maxwell, L. McNutt, C. Merbler, S. Messner, J. Murphy, R. Miller, G.
Moore, O. Ongiti, O. Pelosi, M. Pryse, R.M. Range, E. Redkey, J. Savitt, M. Sherman, D.
Shub, L. Snyder, J. Stromer-Galley, S. Tenenbaum, D. Truchann III, L. Videka, D.
Wagner, B. Weaver, J. Wessman, E. Wulfert, R. Zitomer, A. Zonder.
Guests: C. Crandall, B. Hedberg, P. Joris, B. Szelest, R.White
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of December 19, 2005 where approved.
President’s Report (presented by Provost Herbst):
President Hall: Provost Herbst reported that President Hall is currently in California.
Mission Review II: There is no news yet on Mission Review II, partly due to new
leadership at SUNY. More information will be provided as the process unfolds. Among
the concerns likely to be addressed in Mission Review is the quality of the undergraduate
student body. Thanks to W. Locust and S. Mahan for their efforts in this particular area.
American Collegiate Moot Court Association: Provost Herbst noted that four University
at Albany students participated in the (AMCA) national at the University of Texas,
Arlington, January 20-21. Two students advanced to the final four, Alison Bain-Lucey and
Matthew Laroche, who brought home the semi-finalist trophy. These are some of our
impressive and ambitious students.
Habitat for Humanity: The Provost commented on how many students excel inside and
outside the classroom. As an example, she noted that students raised $4,500 for
“Habitat for Humanity.”
Investigators: Several investigators from the Schools of Education, Public Health,
Rockefeller College, and Criminal Justice have recently received major awards, to name
a few.
Compact Planning: Provost Herbst noted that there are over a hundred plans that have
been drafted as part of compact planning. These will help clarify our goals and
ambitions. UPC will provide feedback on the plans to the Selective Investment
Committee around the beginning of March. Provost Herbst thanked UPC for their work
on compact planning, and presented a gift of chocolate covered strawberries to C.
MacDonald, Chair of UPC, and others involved with the review.
Signage: Business and Finance has received $2.5 million for campus signage.
University Hall: Provost Herbst stated that the new building is expected to open this
summer and should be an impressive entrance for new and prospective students and
their families. The first impression is often critical when recruiting students.
State Funding: Provost Herbst stated that with regard to state funding, there is ongoing
coverage in the Times Union, but we will know more in a few months about state funds.
Athletics: Provost Herbst noted that the “Big Purple Growl” was a huge success, selling
out for the first time since the RACC opened in 1982. She announced that the men’s
lacrosse team is now ranked 18" in the nation in a pre-season poll and commended L.
McElroy. She also announced that the men’s basketball team has taken 1* place in
America East. On Friday night at 7 PM, ESPN will present the 4" annual
BracketBusters, a men’s basketball event matching NCAA tournament hopefuls against
each other. UAlbany’s team will participate in one of the featured games.
University Faculty Senate Report: Presented by R. Collier, SUNY Senator
Provost Salins: One of the surprises at the latest meeting in Farmingdale on January 26-
28 was an announcement that Provost Salins would be resigning his position and will
leave in June or July. He will be joining the political science faculty at Stony Brook.
Mission Review II: The Provost noted that the translation of Mission Review II
documents into “memoranda of understanding” (MOU) is proceeding on schedule.
“Aleph 600”: The Provost also supported the “Aleph 600” SUNY-wide library inventory
and acquisitions software, but this has generated controversy. While the concept of
avoiding unnecessary duplication of book and serial purchases across the system
promised relief to continuing budget woes of our libraries, it was not at all clear that
campus librarians would retain sufficient control in determining exactly when a purchase
is truly “unnecessary.” This was not defeated but sent back to committee for the next
Senate meeting.
Alfred College of Ceramics: There seems to be significant progress being made to
protect Alfred College of Ceramics, and its SUNY identity from being completely
absorbed by the private Alfred University. The majority of the other SUNY state-
operated campuses had met and voted to endorse the University Faculty Senate’s
resolutions supporting Alfred Ceramics and opposing the “Academic Bill of Rights.” The
panel of Senators, sent by the Chancellor, appears to have made progress in resolving
conflicts between the administration of that campus and faculty governance.
Open Meeting Law: University Counsel gave a lengthy presentation on the Perez vs.
CUNY case concerning the Open Meetings Law. CUNY lost a lawsuit, and SUNY counsel
feels it is likely just a matter of time before SUNY faces a similar suit. The Open Meeting
Law applies to “public bodies” that perform a “governmental function.” Meetings of any
body deemed a public entity are subject to the requirements of the Open Meeting Law
except where confidential personnel matters are being discussed. It was noted that
such bodies must satisfy a quorum. When a quorum is present, meetings must be open,
and there must be prior notice of the meetings. Written minutes must be kept anda
record must be maintained of the final vote of each member of the public body on
matters on which a vote is formally taken.
SCBA: A bill will be introduced for discussion later in the meeting concerning the
University at Albany’s response to the call for our plan to carry out “Strengthened
Campus-based Assessment” (SCBA). The deadline is the day after tomorrow.
Binghamton Faculty Evaluations: Students at Binghamton successfully gained access to
that campus’ computerized results of their evaluation of faculty teaching through
Freedom of Information legal action. Several Senators did not see this as a problem
because their evaluations of teaching are already made public to students.
University in the High School Program: Kimberley Reiser, President of the Faculty
Council of Community Colleges addressed the Faculty Senate. She noted that the
Community Colleges are disturbed by the University at Albany’s program, both in terms
of competition with community college efforts to enroll high school students as well as
issues of “quality control.” The Faculty Council is engaged in conversations with NEA
and NYSUT, and they believe the program is complementary, but now is a good time for
areview. This will continue to be addressed in the GEAR group as well.
Open Meetings Law: Chair Messner noted as a follow-up to D. Collier’s report that he
has contacted J. Reilly about implications for the University Senate of the legal action
about the Open Meetings Law. J. Reilly has enumerated the requirements that would
follow if the law were to be applied to meetings of Senate bodies. Chair Messner noted
that in a number of respects, the Senate is already in compliance, including posting the
schedule and minutes of meetings of the Senate. The requirements for keeping a record
of how individuals voted could create logistical difficulties in instances of a voice vote. J.
Reilly’s office is reviewing the case, and whether our circumstances differ, and will
advise us. It does look like the law will apply.
Chairs Report: Presented by S. Messner, Chair
Academic Calendar: Chair Messner reported that the Executive Committee discussed
the issue of the religious holidays and the academic calendar at its meeting on January
30. The matter has been referred to UPC for the time being. C. MacDonald will
comment on this briefly in the UPC report.
Senate Forum: Plans for the Senate Forum for the spring are being developed. J.
Murphy contacted the Senate Chair and suggested an event co-sponsored with the
Division for Student Success. The general topic will be free speech versus hate speech.
The plan is to identify a subject for a moot court, with student presentations, and with
faculty and possibly members of the outside community as justices. More details will be
provided at a later date.
Senate Meeting Projection Capabilities: The Chair expressed interest in reducing the
volume of photocopies for Senate Meetings. The Chair and the Senate administrative
staff will experiment with using the LCD projector with visualization capacity at
meetings. This is a work in progress, and the Senate would like to ease into this
transition.
Council Reports
1. Council Reports
a. CAA, Malcolm Sherman: The Committee is continuing with reviews.
b. COR, Vince Idone: Nothing to add to the summary.
c. CPCA, David Shub: Nothing to add to the summary.
d. GAC, Monica Rodriguez: J. Bartow, for M. Rodriguez: Nothing to add to the
summary.
e. GOV, Diane Dewar: Nothing to add to the summary.
f. LISC, David Wagner: Nothing to add to the summary.
g. UAC, Philippe Abraham: Nothing to add to the summary.
h. ULC, Joan Savitt: Nothing to add to the summaries.
i. UPC, Carolyn MacDonald: UPC is currently undertaking a review of compact
plans, which is a massive task. UPC has requested volunteers from the
Executive Committee to assist. Members of UPC and Executive Committee
volunteers will participate in an all day meeting on Tuesday, the 21* of
February, to discuss the compact plans and develop recommendations for the
Selective Investment Committee, the Provost, and President. Concerning the
academic calendar, C. MacDonald has arranged a meeting with the SA
President and GSO to address the issue.
Committee Reports
j. CAFFECOR, Lawrence Snyder: Nothing to add to the summary.
k. CERS, Richard Zitomer: No report.
New Business
Nominations for Council Membership: The Committee on Council Nominations proposed
the following assignments: Heather Horton, to replace Starr Wood on the Governance
Council; and Jogindar Uppal, to replace Randall Craig on CPCA. Both nominations
where approved by separate unanimous votes.
Senate Bill 0506-13: Proposal to Amend Ph.D. and M.S. Programs, College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering: GAC
J. Bartow, on behalf of M. Rodriguez, Chair of GAC, explained that for a number of
months there has been a plan to split the existing Ph.D. and M.S. programs into two
separate degree programs. Questions were raised about expansion of resources
necessary to teach this program. It was noted that this is formalizing what is currently
being practiced. An additional question concerned the 1-5 credit load for foundation
courses. It was noted that the modules for each student may vary, and the differential
credit load provides flexibility. The bill was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Senate Bill 0506-14. University at Albany’s Response to the Call for Our Plan to Carry
Out “Strengthened Campus-Based Assessment” (SCBA): UAC
J. P. Abraham, Chair of UAC, and A. Hildreth, Associate Dean for General Education
explained that the University must modify the Gen Ed plan that was passed in 2002. The
trustees are requiring all SUNY campuses to adopt assessment tools that can be
standardized more readily: ‘nationally normed instruments’ will now be required in three
areas of the curriculum critical thinking, writing, and mathematics and statistics. To
evaluate the three different choices that SUNY offered campuses, The Gen Ed Committee
formed two task forces which ultimately made recommendations to UAC. In line with
those recommendations, the Committee has decided to defer the choice of an assessment
tool in math and statistics until more information is available. For writing and critical
thinking, the UAC endorsed the task force suggestion to adopt the SUNY Wide
Disciplinary rubrics in both areas. The trustees’ mandate for a nationally normed
instrument extends to assessment of student engagement. Vice Provost Anderson
recommended that we adopt National Survey of Student Engagement to comply with the
SUNY directive. Concerns were expressed about the utility of exams, and some interest
was generated to see what other campuses are doing. Faculty members were
encouraged to think about using assessment as a learning tool. We hope to reach
consensus about our expectations of our students, particularly in the upper level classes.
The bill was passed unanimously by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned: Motion to adjourn passed by voice vote at 4:30 PM.
APPENDIX. SENATE COUNCIL SUMMARIES
Council on Academic Assessment (CAA), Malcolm Sherman, Chair
No report.
Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community
Responsibility (CAFFECoR), Lawrence Snyder, Chair
CAFFECOR has not met yet this semester. We will schedule a meeting soon.
Committee on Ethics in Research and Scholarship (CERS), Richard Zitomer,
Chair
No report.
Council on Research (COR), Vincent Idone, Chair
COR met on February 1, 2006. The Interim Vice President for Research, Lynn
Videka, presented a report and then a demonstration of the revised research division
web site.
The Conference/Journal Committee recommended changes to the itemized budget
section of the application for funding. The wording was changed to provide clarity for
both the applicant and the committee for appropriate award amounts. In addition, a
statement was added requesting information about anticipated consequences in the
event the award is not granted.
The Researchers Liaison Committee will continue to work in small groups on the
two outstanding issues: improving research communication with academic units; and
decentralization of administrative support.
Proposed text will be written and recommended to clarify the role of Council on
Research and University Planning and Policy Council (UPC) in determining permanent
status for center/institutes.
Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments (CPCA), David Shub, Chair
CPCA had only two cases to reach it in the fall semester. We will meet on Monday,
February 13, to review the first two cases of the new semester. Gaps in membership
have been filled. Due to the large number of prospective cases this semester we expect
to meet weekly, with two or more cases to be considered at each session, for the
remainder of the semester (and probably beyond).
Graduate Academic Council (GAC), Monica Rodriguez, Chair
The GAC met on February 2, 2006 and discussed the Fall 2005 CNSE Curriculum
Proposal. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences was formally consulted
regarding possible impacts to other units at the University. The GAC voted to re-approve
the proposal with slight revisions. A bill will be submitted to be considered for action by
the Senate.
Governance Council (GOV), Diane Dewar, Chair
On Wednesday, February 15, the Governance Council will be meeting with Ricky
Fortune, from the School of Social Welfare, to discuss the decentralization issues
surrounding the standards for social work education.
Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing (LISC), David
Wagner, Chair
LISC met on Monday, 6 February. We reviewed the issues raised by members of
the Senate at its December meeting regarding the E-Mail as An Official Means of
Communication policy. We concluded that the best procedure to follow was not to
attempt to come up with a satisfactory set of revisions ourselves at this time. Instead,
we will forward the Senate concerns to the IT Policy Review Board as considerations to
be included in a revision of the existing policy. LISC would then review, approve, and
forward those revisions to the Senate.
One of our primary concerns for the Spring Semester is a review of the
composition, purpose and functioning of our committees (i.e., Library Acquisitions and IT
Policy Review). Both committees had previously existed as committees bridging the gaps
between academic and administrative concerns. Under the new charter and by-laws, the
roles they play and the issues they consider may need some review. Those and related
questions will be the primary focus of at least our next meeting on 6 March.
Undergraduate Academic Council (UAC), Philippe Abraham, Chair
At the urging of the Chair of the Committee on Academic Standing, the
Undergraduate Academic Council voted to update the wording on all appeal forms
needed to petition the Committee on Academic Standing and to include the same in the
Undergraduate Bulletin; the warning reads as follows: “Making false statements and/or
filing forged documents and/or submitting false material to a University committee
violates the standards of academic integrity. Such violations are subject to appropriate
disciplinary action under the rules of the University.”
The UAC also began discussion on:
a) The proposed Interdisciplinary major in Documentary Studies
b) The proposed minor in Globalization in the Americas
c) The difficulty posed by the requirement of a minor and completion of our current
general education requirements for some students as relates to their timely
graduation.
In addition, the Undergraduate Academic Council will be proposing the following bill for
passage by the Senate at that body’s February 13, 2006, meeting: University at Albany’s
Response to the Call for Our Plan to Carry Out “Strengthened Campus-based
Assessment” (SCBA)
University Life Council (ULC), Joan N. Savitt, Chair
In the February 6, 2006 meeting, ULC received and discussed a report prepared by
the Ad Hoc Benefits Committee, which made a strong case for changes to Albany's
current policies for parental leave in terms of the nature and length of leaves themselves
and possible modifications to tenure timetables for new parents. Since it is possible for
the University at Albany to have a contract that goes beyond the one negotiated by UUP
for all of SUNY, ULC expects to bring recommendations forward soon for further
consideration.
ULC also discussed the need for all students to have health insurance. Currently,
coverage is encouraged, but close to 20% of UAlbany's students are not insured. Two
possible ways to rectify this are to establish a mandatory policy and automatically enroll
all students taking 6 or more credits for coverage, or to establish a mandatory policy
from which students may request to be waived if they are covered by another policy.
Discussion of this matter is continuing within ULC and also at appropriate administrative
levels. Specific recommendations may be forthcoming.
University Planning and Policy Council (UPC), Carolyn MacDonald, Chair
No report
