The meeting was called to order by Chair Mary Carney at 4:05 PM in Fenton 105.
The Chair announced that the Executive Committee was proposing changes to the agenda as distributed:
Under “Time shortened courses” the Executive Committee proposes limiting the debate to 15 minutes, and if there has been no resolution by the end of that time, postpone the discussion until the end of the agenda; and,
Under “Standing Committee Annual Reports” add Student Affairs Committee, with Chair Ryan Arnold giving the report.
The Chair then asked for a motion to accept the agenda, as amended. The motion was moved and seconded. There being no discussion, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The Chair asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 3, 2006. The motion was moved and seconded. There being no discussion, the motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Pres. Hefner reported on the budget situation in Albany, saying that we are still waiting definitive word. The overrides were very good: enrollment growth monies (approx. $25M), mandatory increases (approx. $85M, with the $32M that Gov. Pataki would have taken out of that amount), high need programs (approx. $3.8M), construction monies added (including Fredonia’s incubator building… and we might still get planning monies for the new Science and Technology building from the work of Assemblyman Parment and Senator Young), the TAP reductions were restored.) There is frenzied lobbying going on in Albany as pressure is being brought to bear so the Gov. will not impound monies that have been overridden.
Summer construction season is upon us, and we will be very busy this year. The new soccer stadium and fields, completion of the University Commons, and the distributed boiler/heating system (a 2-yr project) will be part of this summer’s work.
Enrollment applications are slightly ahead of last year, but the campus is still 40 deposits behind last year (not a large difference). This can be attributed to the Central Processing Center’s being 7 weeks behind. Even at these rates, we will be above our enrollment target for 2006-2007.
The campus has received the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) based on our Mission Review II meetings from SUNY Central that we’ve been expecting for eighteen months. The President hasn’t even looked at it yet, and will wait until after commencement. He expects this to be coming to the Senate in fall 2006. No MOU will be signed or agreed to without consultation with the Senate.
Assemblyman Parment will be our commencement speaker, and the confirmation/affirmation of the degree candidates will occur at the ceremonies, since that is the current campus policy and no action was taken at the last Senate meeting.
SUNY University Senator Bob Rogers asked what effect will occur in the MOU process with the new provost once one is named. Pres. Hefner said he had no idea at this time.
Sen. Simon indicated that Planning & Budget Committee will also be happy to look at any proposed MOU document over the summer.
Chair Carney indicated that the proposal from Pres. Hefner at the April meeting relating to some of the wording in the “Time Shortened Courses” document that passed the Senate in March was now off the table for further discussion. (This memorandum was attached to both the April and May agendas.)
Sen. Julia Wilson began the discussion indicating that she had conferred with her colleagues and they tended to support the President’s concern and liked his wording change, but would like it to have a little more teeth. She then moved an amendment to the proposed wording (attached to the minutes on the web site as “Severely Time-Shortened Courses”). The motion was seconded by Sen. Zia Arnavut. An editorial comment was made from the floor that the word “both” should be removed (there were two in one place). This was agreed to.
Sen. Richard Reddy asked for clarification as to whether the term “syllabi” might also include “outlines”, which some faculty use instead. Sen. Wilson responded that the wording does not include “outlines” but that could probably be left to the departments.
Sen. Ted Schwalbe asked what the purpose of “notifying” the Academic Affairs Committee might be. Sen. Wilson said she was just using the language of the original wording from the President’s memorandum. Sen. Arnavut said that the Academic Affairs Committee would get notification because they approve all courses. Sen. Schwalbe retorted that Academic Affairs would not be “approving” any of these courses; the original course had already been approved.
Registrar Nan Bowser added that Academic Affairs Committee gets a courtesy copy of any approvals such as these.
Sen. Reddy suggested that having a copy in the Academic Affairs Committee might be useful should anyone on the Senate or elsewhere wish a report be made.
Sen. Neil Feit rose to speak against the motion. This motion is in-between the original and the proposed language of Pres. Hefner. He prefers the original. The College of Education offers a lot of these time-shortened courses, and the structure of that College currently doesn’t allow as much extra-department review, which he feels is needed
SUNY University Senator Rogers spoke in favor of the motion, saying these are not new courses. This is for an existing course, and having the Deans do this review “makes them earn their money.” If there is backlash, well, that is what the Deans earn the big bucks for
Sen. Wilson said that in Math there was one issue that might impact negatively: logistically there might be problems with criteria and pre-requisites, and possible problems with catalog copy
There being no further discussion, a vote on the motion, as amended, was called. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote
In the absence of Reneta Barneva, who is ill, Chair Carney presented a slate of candidates from the Executive Committee for filling vacancies on the Planning & Budget Committee (attached to the minutes on the web site, titled “Planning and Budget Comm slate”). These are for three-year terms. The Chair called for discussion, and there being none the motion was approved unanimously.
Academic Affairs – Dr. H. Joseph Straight
Item 1: Faculty Approval of Degree Candidates (attached to the minutes on the web site as “Faculty Approval of Degree Candidates”)
At the last Senate meeting, option II had been substituted for option I, and we were discussing when time ran out. Dr. Straight brought attention to the two notes at the end of the document, which were constructed based on the discussion at the last Senate meeting. There was no further discussion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Item 2: Earning Multiple Degrees from the same Academic Department (attached to the minutes on the web site as “Earning multiple degrees from the same academic department”)
The Committee was asked to look into this by the Registrar. The Committee emailed all the departments asking for exceptions. Those that were noted from these emails are included in the proposed policy.
Sen. Joni Milgram-Luterman offered that the School of Music has several programs that they allow students to get separate degrees, but those aren’t listed under the exceptions. Dr. Straight replied that no one from the School of Music notified the Committee of those programs.
Sen. Amy Cuhel-Schuckers asked how those departments that need exceptions can get them. Dr. Straight suggested going to the Committee’s web site and using the Program Change form. The Academic Affairs Committee wants to take a look before we grant approval. The Committee did with the departments that are listed as having exceptions.
Registrar Bowser recommended that this policy be included in the new catalog. It provides a policy that students can find. The School of Music would have until the next catalog gets finalized to get its exceptions through. Dr. Straight added that indeed, this wouldn’t be in effect until the next catalog, and he suggested that the Schools of Music and Business, where he suspects there are also such needs, do the paperwork. The form doesn’t need to be extensive, just say what you need for exceptions. Then Academic Affairs will look at it.
VP David Herman asked if this would be effective with new students, as opposed to being applied retroactively to all students. Dr. Straight responded that yes, current students would be grandfathered, and this would apply only to students who come in under the new catalog in 2007.
Sen. Jan McVicker asked where one obtains this program proposal form. Dr. Straight indicated it was one of several forms available under the Committee’s space on the web site.
Sen. Michael Grady asked for clarification, the departments who want exceptions and don’t already have them need to do this before the deadline for materials to be included in the 2007 catalog revision. Dr. Straight answered, yes.
Sen. Richard Reddy asked if that statement in effect was an amendment to this proposal adding it would be effective in the fall 2007 semester. Dr. Straight answered, yes.
Sen. Feit asked if the information on the proposal was correct, a B.S. in Geochemistry of Geophysics with a B.A. in Earth Sciences. Dr. Straight indicated that indeed the Earth Sciences degree is a B.A. program.
There being no further discussion, the vote was taken. The motion passed as amended by unanimous voice vote.
Item 3. College of Education Restructuring (attached to the minutes on the web site as “Summary of the COE Reorganization Proposal” and “College of Education Departmental Structure”)
The topic of changing the structure of the College of Education was brought up as information at the last Senate meeting. The Academic Affairs Committee has looked it over, and is recommending approval of the proposal to create two departments within the College.
Sen. Cuhel-Schuckers raised a point about cost. The document indicates that this will essentially be cost-neutral with the exception of adding two stipends. What about increases in support staff? Dr. Straight said that yes, there will be an increase in secretarial support, but this was going to happen anyway, with or without this structural change, and therefore was not deemed to be caused by this change.
Sen. Wilson raised another question dealing with the cost of this proposed change. Chairs will have release time, was that taken into consideration when determining the cost impact of this proposal? Dr. Straight responded that the Program Chairs currently have release time, and they will not once this structural change takes place. The net change is zero.
Sen. Grady asked if all the College’s courses are still going to be designated EDU. Dr. Straight indicated yes, at least as of now. Sen. Grady followed up by saying knowing which courses are in which department would be helpful for liaison with the adolescence programs. Dean Givner said the College could make information available, especially for advising, and will get a list out of course by department.
Sen. Cuhel-Schuckers asked about the disparity in numbers between the two departments. How will advising be handled? Dean Givner responded that the College currently utilizes centralized advisement resources, where the majority of advisement information is done in mandatory group meetings with the students.
Sen. Simon noted that many of the faculty teach in both departments. How was the decision made to include faculty in one or the other of the departments? Dean Givner indicated that the College will be looking at this issue as time goes on. For this first determination, they looked at the majority of the courses that were taught by each of the faculty and put them in the appropriate department based on that information. If anyone feels they have been misplaced, they can come and talk to the Dean. Sen. Simon followed up asking about how merit increases would be handled. Dean Givner said that DSI is provided to each College, and the deans determine how the money is distributed. Right now there is no difference based on the average salaries in the two departments. There will be equitable distribution of DSI monies.
Sen. Reddy noted that there was no verbiage in the proposed change concerning Senate representation. Since departmental representation is now part of overall Senate representation there is going to have to be some changes. Perhaps the Senate Executive Committee will meet with COE representatives, and we can make changes in the appropriate representation before this fall, if approved.
Sen. Feit noted there are no Assoc. Deans in the Colleges of Arts and Humanities or Natural and Social Sciences, and those units are just as large as the College of Education. Is an Assoc. Dean necessary? Dr. Straight indicated that each College is capable of determining its own structure. Duties in for this Assoc. Dean position seem appropriate. Sen. Simon added that Planning & Budget agreed with this. VP Horvath added that the needs in the College of Education for oversight of accreditation and State Ed certification matters and regulations were significant.
Registrar Bowser said that she would like to add a responsibility to the Assoc. Dean position: oversight of transfer articulation agreements. She feels that in the College of Education the Assoc. Dean would have a better handle on such agreements and this position should retain that oversight role
There being no further discussion, the vote was taken. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote
Item 4: New BFA major in Dance.
Dr. Straight noted that this major, if approved, will still not be official until it is approved by SUNY Central and State Ed. He also indicated that the Academic Affairs Committee feels that such a major is a perfect fit for Fredonia.
Sen. Jason Mellen rose to speak against the motion. Students have come to him concerned about the academic integrity of instituting a dance major when there are limited facilities and few faculty. Most schools have three to five dance studios. Fredonia has only one or two. We have only two faculty right now. The students feel we need to approve creation of more facilities before instituting a major. It is too soon.
Dr. Straight responded that yes there are resource implications. We are SUNY, however, and we all know that in SUNY you have to have a need before you get resources.
Sen. Grady asked about the numbers of majors expected. Sen. Ivey indicated that about half the students and families that attend Theater and Dance open houses ask about the possibility of dance as a major. Helen Myers, faculty member in Dance, said that the major will start small, and grow from there. She has several students in the dance minor here at Fredonia who will want to move to Dance as their major.
Sen. Matthew Brysinski asked about the frequency of offerings. How will this affect the ability of students to complete a major in dance in four years? Ms. Myers responded that she is confident that for right now we can handle it. We have two full-time faculty, and two part-time adjunct faculty. We hope to increase these numbers as we grow as a major.
Sen. Simon noted that the American Studies major has 14 majors and no full-time faculty. That program relies on the goodness of other departments. He is concerned about this. But having a dance major is also valuable.
Sen. Ted Sharon argued that we need to create the major, and then work on increasing resources available to it as we go. There is indeed quite an outpouring of interest at the open houses.
Dr. Straight said that one aspect of adding resources to dance might come from offering the new CCC course “Introduction to Dance.” This has been approved by the CCC, and will be the first dance course offered in Fredonia’s core curriculum.
Sen. McVicker rose to ask if being a BFA program, potential majors will have to audition? She also noted that the credit hours are pretty high compared to BA programs. Dr. Ivey responded saying that the Musical Theater BFA has 90 credits in the major. This is fairly typical of BFA degrees.
Sen. Arnavut asked if any study of potential competition in the area was done. Dr. Straight said even if there are other schools in the area, we can excel at this. Ms. Myers said there is a program at UB, but since they are a research institution, their focus is very different from what this major would be. There is also a program (ballet only) at Mercyhurst in Pennsylvania. We currently have 50 dance minors, and at least 5 will sign up tomorrow for a dance major.
Registrar Bowser spoke to the verbiage in the proposal concerning future employment opportunities. It includes teaching dance in public schools. We want to make sure we don’t mislead potential students into believing that this will lead to dance certification for schools. It will not. Admissions materials will have to be carefully reviewed to make certain that we do not imply that it will.
Sen. Feit said that he liked this proposal. Will it be considered an impacted program for CCC? Dr. Straight responded, no.
A student asked for clarification that a minor will be required with this major, as well. Dr. Straight said yes, but students will not be exempt from CCC requirements. Sen. Ivey said that BFA programs are very tight, and there is little room for electives. Sen. Reddy reminded all that having a minor does serve as the “Upper Level” requirement in the CCC, and removes the necessity of taking that portion of the CCC in separate courses.
Another student asked if it is very tight with CCC and minor courses, etc.; will that impact a student’s ability to get the degree in four years? Dr. Ivey said that current BFA students do. Many take additional credits during the year, or summer courses, etc.
University Senator Rogers asked if a hypothetical schedule had been modeled. Ms. Myers responded, yes. Sen. Ivey added that many of the core courses in BFA programs are sequential, and many students will probably test out of the primary level courses. Many students are beyond beginning tap, jazz, or ballet, for example.
There being no further discussion, the vote was taken. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Item 5: New minor: Leadership Studies
Sen. McVicker noted that when Interdisciplinary Program Coordinators prepare such proposals, they provide a ‘heads up’ to the Chair of a department whose courses they will include. She wasn’t aware of any consultation, and she would have indicated that ENGL 368 no longer exists. It has been replaced by COMM 222.
Sen. Feit argued that we recently passed a new Women’s Studies major that when one looked at the courses, one could easily see that it was a Women’s Studies curriculum. This proposal does not say “Leadership” to me. Mr. Robert Mead-Colgrove responded by reading terms used by a National Council group in leadership studies, indicating that all those are included in courses in the proposed curriculum. Dr. Straight suggested that we could add a course to the core and play around with the electives in the future to make it more clearly a “Leadership” curriculum.
Sen. McVicker added that when we first propose an academic minor, many of us really don’t have a really solid identity from the first listing of courses. Yet, those programs develop and grow and gain that identity over time. She asked in the advanced course in leadership, what internship possibilities are there? Mr. Mead-Colgrove answered that there are 10 workshops that are part of that course, and Freshman-Sophomores have to take those. Juniors-Seniors who move into the program currently won’t (because they’ve had such activities in other venues) but would have workshops doing things such as mock interviews. We currently have nine interns on campus working in areas that could be included in the Leadership Minor.
Sen. Brysinski asked are workshops required before one can take the advanced course. [The Secretary apologizes if this wasn’t the gist of the question. His handwriting was nearly incomprehensible.] Mr. Mead-Colgrove responded, yes.
Sen. Feit asked if there were plans for this to become a major eventually. Mr. Mead-Colgrove indicated that there probably would not be, as long as he will be directing it.
Sen. Simon indicated that he thought other courses in the curriculum would fit better than some that are included. Sen. McVicker agreed when it comes to English courses. There are other courses that would better serve your needs in English. Mr. Mead-Colgrove said that he would be happy to have others indicate courses that might better serve the program. Just let him know.
Sen. Cuhel-Schuckers asked if there was any typical course grouping. Mr. Mead-Colgrove answered saying not at this point in time. The group had looked at the possibility of creating tracks, but staffing is limited and the interests of the students who would be taking this minor are so diverse, it makes it really hard to develop tracks. Dr. Straight added that there is no substitute for good advising; even a secondary, “unofficial” advisor from a minor can be very effective.
There being no further discussion, the vote was taken. The motion passed by voice vote.
University Senator Rogers spoke to the report that was available as a handout (“Report on the SUNY Faculty Senate Plenary” available on the web site of these minutes). He said full minutes will be available on the SUNY University Senate’s web page soon.
The time having reached 5:30, the Chair asked for a motion to extend the meeting for ten minutes. Sens. Reddy/Simon moved and seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The annual reports of the various Senate committees were made available either with the agenda or as handouts at the meeting. Those that were handouts are included with these minutes. Each of the chairs made a few comments before the body.
It was noted that the Planning & Budget Committee will need a representative from the Humanities beginning in the fall, since Bruce Simon will be on a Fulbright in Japan.
Sen. McVicker asked a question concerning the fourth to the last bulleted item in the Student Affairs report, where reference is made to an agreement with the Village. What is that about? VP Herman said an informal agreement has been made concerning areas of concern.
Congratulations were offered to Harry Watters, who will be retiring after serving the campus very ably for many years.
The time having reached 5:40, the Chair asked for a motion to extend the meeting for five minutes. Sens. Reddy/Arnavut moved and seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Chair Carney said that to have the last meeting of the year end without offering thanks to the chairs of the committees, to the members of the Senate Executive Committee, to the student representatives for their service, and to SUNY Senator Bob Rogers (who is not running for re-election), would not be right. Applause greeted each segment as they were named.
Sen. Arnavut asked about the mailing of the election ballots. Chair Carney indicated they are ready to go, and should be out soon.
Sen. Reddy then offered thanks to Chair Mary Carney for taking over after Dr. Swansinger’s moving into the administration, and also thanked her for operating so effectively this semester. Applause greeted Sen. Reddy’s statement.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Vincent Courtney, Faculty Secretary