University Senate
Minutes
February 2, 2009

I.  Approval of Tentative Agenda:  approved.

II.  Approval of minutes from December 1, 2008:  approved

III.  President Report (written report)

  • Dan Melucci spoke in place of President Kenny who was not able to attend.
  • Completed a thorough budget reduction with the allocation of specific cuts averaging 10% to senior management leaders.
  • Campus Administrative VP’s are taking cuts anywhere from 10-15% so that we could keep cuts to the Provost’s area to a minimum 6.5% this year and 8% for 09/10.
  • The Governor has proposed a $116 million in broad-based cuts to SUNY which we are petitioning the legislature to restore.
  • $22 million has been cut from university-wide programs that will cost Stony Brook an additional $3.7 million.
  • The Governor issued the Executive Budget Proposal for 09/10.
  • Dr. Norman Goodman suggested that we have a town hall meeting this spring.

V.  Provost’s Report (see written report).

VI.    Second Reading of Proposed Constitutional Amendment (R. Ben-Zvi)

  • Dr. Ruth Ben-Zvi read the proposed amendment to the Constitution (both the old version and the proposed)
  • It was suggested that we add “upon approval by the University Senate” to the end of the paragraph.

VII.  Campus Energy Conservation (A. Provenzano)

  • We spent almost $57 millions on energy costs in 2007.  Fifty percent was spend on electricity alone.  Seventy percent is state-funded, twenty percent paid by the hospital and ten percent paid by dorms.
  • Energy Conservation task force will meet to find other ways to save.
  • Compared utility costs for the past seven years.
  • We are replacing miles of pipes for hot water.
  • In the early stages of replacing the West Campus heating system.
  • Developing green house reduction strategies.

VIII.  Election of Senate President (E. Feldman)

  • We received 65 votes with one abstention.  Dr. Michael Schwartz received the most votes and is now President of the University Senate.
  • Dr. Feldman thanked Dr. Bernie Lane for his service as President of the Senate.
  • Dr. Lane thanked the senate and the administration.

IX.  Old Business:  No old business.

X.  New Business:  Find new venue for the University Senate meetings.  One possibility is a Wang Center Lecture Hall.  Will look into booking at least one this semester.

Meeting Adjourned at 4:36

Submitted by Laurie Theobalt, Secretary