Senate Meeting
September 8, 2008

I.  Approval of tentative agenda:  approved

II.  Approval of minutes from May 5, 2008:  approved

III.  President’s Report (S. Kenny):

  • Information on the state budget reductions is detailed in an email sent to campus community.  There are rumors of more cuts in November.
  • Opening day enrollment started with 23,066 students including 302 at SB Southampton.  These are preliminary numbers. 
  • Communicate with Legislatures.  Do not use Stony Brook logos, computers, etc. for advocacy.

IV.  Provost’s Report (B. Lindquist):

  • The NYS Department of Education has approved three new sustainability-focused majors for SB Southampton to be implemented this fall.
  • In August the new Institute for Ocean Conservation Science was established within SoMAS.  Dr. Ellen Pikitch, an internationally renowned expert on fisheries science, management, and conservation biology, will serve as Executive Director.
  • There were 68 new faculty hires this fall.  A New Faculty Hire Dinner Reception was held on September 5th to welcome our new faculty which gave them an opportunity to meet Campus Senior Administrators.
  • The annual economic impact that Stony Brook has on Long Island is almost four percent of all economic activity in Nassau and Suffolk counties.  Stony Brook is Long Island’s largest single-site employer. 
  • The Calendar Committee has met and will present calendars for next 6 years for consideration by the senate.

V.  Senate President’s Report (B. Lane):

  • Presidential Search conducted by Chancellor’s Office.  Rules for search were sent by email to constituency.  The University Senate and A&S Senate were asked to provide names for the Search Committee.  Aimee De Chambeau explained the Election procedures, which will be done on Solar.  The election will be campus-wide.
  • New Student Convocation was a success.
  • The Senate Constitution and By-laws need to be revised.  Last revision was in 2003.

VI.  New Business:

  • Andrei Antonenko outlined Resolution passed by the GSO on Improper University Senate Procedure at the 5/08 University Senate meeting.

Violations include:

    • Improper use of substitute motion
    • Violations of the rules of debate
    • Violations of the rules for closing debate
    • Unequal presumption of  Senate membership and unequal rigorous application of the rules of order
  • Robert’s Rules of Order should be used to facilitate meetings and not to disenfranchise certain groups.
  • GSO feels that the vote on the smoking ban was unconstitutional.
  • Dr. Fouron wanted to know what the goal is for the GSO.  A. Antonenko stated that the purpose would be to amend the University Senate by-laws and constitution, making  the procedures of  debating and voting made more clear.  Would like a re-vote on this issue with a properly conducted debate.
  • Dr. Goodman:  The University Senate is not guided by Roberts Rules of Order (it is not mentioned in the University Senate Constitution/By-laws).
  • Debate on vote and fair opportunity to speak on vote by GSO ensued.
  • Dr. Goodman asked the President of the Senate to take over the floor.

VI.  New Business:  No new business.

Meeting adjourned at 4:35.

Submitted by:

Laurie Theobalt
Secretary