September 12, 2011 | University Senate

University Senate
Meeting
September 12, 2011

I. Approval of tentative agenda: approved.

II. Approval of minutes from September 12, 2011.

III. Senate Business

Class Vectors (M. Aronoff)

Committee came up with a new set of time starts for classes. Some of the goals are to increase the number of class meeting times, usability of class meeting times, simplify class starting times, increase number of campus life times slot from 1 to 2, mesh class meeting times better with other schedules on and off campus and to stay close to standard 750 minute definition of one Carnegie credit hour.
Dr. Aronoff listed the main new positive features as well as possible negatives
Will continue to present this proposal to different groups on campus. Would like to have recommendations by the end of the month so that we can make a recommendation to get this on the books by September 2012.
Vote taken on the “sense of the Senate”: All in favor, none opposed, 6 abstentions. Passed unanimously.

Senate President:

It is important to let your departments know what is discussed at the Senate meetings. You can circulate the agenda and minutes to your colleagues.
Called for a moment of silence for Dr. John Marburger and Dr. John Toll.
Called for the Senate to vote on the final approval of the formation of the “Cultural Analysis and Theory” department: All were in favor with none opposed and 6 abstentions. Passed unanimously.
The following proposed amendments to the by-laws were endorsed by the Senate Executive Committee:
- Educational Services Committee: Propose to restructure the Computing and Communications Committee.
- Information Technologies Committee: Propose to replace the Computing and communications committee with a new umbrella committee that draws its membership from the existing standing committees which deal with information technologies.
- Election of the Senate President: Propose that the Senate President be elected at the end of the Fall semester, and serve a semester as President-elect. Propose to sever the connection between the Secretarial and Presidential elections. Propose that the immediate past-president assume responsibilities of Parliamentarian of the Senate.

We propose the following two changes in the Constitution:

Please send your comments in writing. We will vote on this next month.

IV. Electronic Communication Privacy Protection Policy (D. Snow)

The Executive Committee explored what other universities are doing as far as protection of faculty privacy in their electronic communications. A few have strong policies.
Incorporated feedback (in bold) from the last meeting.
Includes students and staff.
Discussion on Policy.
Please send comments in writing for next meeting.

IV. UUP Report (A. Shertzer)

UUP team took a trip up to Schoharie, NY where there was devastation from flooding from Hurricane Irene. We are doing a food drive in October.
UUP Negotiations are still ongoing.
Met with Senator LaValle about the interest in revisiting TAP cap this coming session.

V. Update on Construction on Campus (B. Chernow)

Start of the design phase of a new translational medical research building to be located on East Campus.
Started design for 400 beds, a new residence hall and 60,000 sq. ft dining hall near the Student Union
Student Union renovation is slated to be renovated.
Started the process for 400 bed Graduate and Professional student housing.
Design of Pritchard Pool has started.
Student Rec Center to be finished in the fall.
Roof replacement on South Campus.
Windows in Psychology A and B and SBS to be replaced.
Rehabbing the west power plant.

VI. President’s Report (S. Stanley)

SUNY 2020 passed over the summer which provides for the enactment of a rational tuition plan. Phase one of the program is worth up to $140 Million to the four SUNY University Centers, which include Stony Brook. The program will initially consist of $35 Million in Capital funding per school.
Announced the appointment of Dr. Dennis Assanis as our new Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs. Will officially join the University on October 3rd.
With the recent retirement and passing of Dr. Jack Marburger, a national search will begin for a new Vice President for Research.
Karol Kain Gray has announced her resignation as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. She has accepted an appointment as the new Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of NC at Chapel Hill.
Marburger Memorial Celebration will be on Sept. 16th at 3:30 in the Staller Center with a reception to follow in the Wang Center.
University Convocation/Toll Memorial Celebration will be held on Sept. 21st at 4:00 in the Staller Center, Main Stage with a reception to follow in the Wang Center.

VII. Interim Provost’s Report (N. Squires)

Clarifications in new hires.
Dr. Minghua Zhang appointed to Dean of SoMAS.
Welcomed 65 new faculty members to SB this Fall. New Faculty Reception immediately following the University Convocation.
Stony Brook Cares Campaign took off on September 1st.

VIII. Report from the East Campus (K. Kaushansky)

IX. New Business: No new business.

X. Old Business: No old business.

Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Submitted by:

Laurie Theobalt
Secretary