College Senate
MINUTES OF COLLEGE SENATE MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2003
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M. Nelson/ B. Tomlinson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 11/10/03: V. Courtney/M. Nelson
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Hefner provided the Senate with homemade candy in the holiday spirit. Last week there was a movement of Board of Trustees. There was a request to the Governor and Legislature for no further cuts and additional funds for enrollment growth, to authorize Chancellor to seek a rational tuition policy, and to use tuition money for educational purposes. The Board has put in a formal request for a construction budget. There was a question and issue about visa applications and human resources. We do provide the service in terms of legal costs for new people and will continue to cover it. The issue in question was about a reapplication which we do not pay for. Enrollment continues to look good -- we were ahead. Happy Holidays!
VPAA'S REPORT
VP Musah said that J-Term is looking solid and expressed a thank you to those who spent a lot of time on it.
SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
J. Chilberg discussed the sense of the Senate resolution dealing with restructuring/realignment. Kershnar/ Nelson expressed the belief that this should be an actual vote and moved to do so. This was approved. There was also debate over the nomenclature in terms of colleges. M/ Nelson opposed. C. Johnsen said it sounded professional and may attract students. M. Grady asked why colleges and School of Education. T. Rywick generally said this all was a bit confusing while H. Watters questioned what would be the alternative. A. Zevenbergen and T. Schwalbe added additional comments. President Hefner stated they made the change at Chico and it was favorable because people treated the campus differently and it is a reasonable proposal. D. Herman said it reflected complexity. M. Grady pointed out that separating colleges could present the opportunity in naming a college after them. K. West pointed out that image is important and since we are part of a University, this will represent a good transition for us. Various discussions took place about the issue and paper ballots were passed out for the vote.
J. Chilberg presented and the Senate approved the Dean Search committees for Graduate, Natural and Social Sciences, and Education.
CHILDREN IN WORKPLACE POLICY-K. Tillery -Faculty and Professional Affairs
There was a good deal of discussion before the meeting especially at the Council for Women's Concerns. There was concern about some of the language in the proposal, as well as children in state vehicles being covered by insurance. T. Tzitzis pointed children are not covered. J. McVicker speaking for a constituent expressed the concern about the punitive and unfair potential of the policy. There has been a lot of concern and opposition. T. Rywick asked if we would have to revisit the issue. B. Simon and M. Nelson moved to strike state vehicles which was approved. There were also questions about the issue of work hours. Faculty often have different work hours and how much are we attempting to regulate them. President Hefner commended the committee for doing a great job on a very difficult policy. The policy was approved.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS-K. McMahon
The Public Health minor was approved. The Multiethnic Studies minor was presented. S. Kershnar questioned whether there was really a unified subject here for a minor. P. Schwartz said it was about other groups and their contribution to American Culture. V. Courtney asked why there were no sex and gender courses. S. Kershnar again questioned the lack of unified knowledge.
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING-Nelson/Carney
There was some concern that multicultural would be more appropriate. There were also general concerns about the need and ability to construct a meaningful program. Eventually, a motion to table the proposal (Louison/Carney) was approved (23-10).
The Educational Studies Program was terminated.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VOTES
Realignment approved 30 favor, 5 oppose, 3 abstentions
Nomenclature 23 favor, 12 opposed, 3 abstentions
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING-Klein/Nelson
NEW BUSINESS
SUNY Faculty Senate resolution about assessment framework. There was some discussion about the issue and the general feeling was that we oppose the forcing of such issues and need to speak with a unified voice.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: Klein/Louison.
Meeting adjourned 6:10 PM-Minutes submitted-Ray Rushboldt, College Senate Secretary