November 2026 University Senate Report
Submitted October 22 for the November 2 meeting
Provost’s Initiatives and Leadership Appointments
In October, we announced that Paul Shepson will step down from his role as dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and return to his full-time position as a SUNY Distinguished Professor, effective January 15. In his time as dean, Shep has helped to build a larger, stronger school with an expanding role in addressing some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We are deeply grateful for Shep’s commitment to the School, and for his partnership. An interim dean will be named in the coming weeks.
Climate & Sustainability Programming
This year the C4E’s theme is AI and Sustainability. Mark your calendar for our upcoming events
November 4: Raju Rajan (ReWild Long Island), “Building a Responsible AI Landcare Hub”
On November 4, C4E will host Dr. Raju Rajan, founder of ReWild Long Island for an interactive workshop: Building a Responsible AI Landcare Hub. Dr. Rajan received a grant to build an AI-based information hub on Long Island native plants, composting, and landcare. This interactive session is designed to frame ReWild’s vision for the tool; explore how communities, including Stony Brook, local community organizations, etc. can work to shape it together; and discuss how to ensure the AI output is vetted and accurate. About 10 SBU students already work with ReWild as interns or volunteers.
Register for ReWild Long Island
November 9: FoodLab/C4E Intern Presentation by James Schmidt
In partnership with the FoodLab at Stony Brook Southampton, the C4E is co-sponsoring a sustainability internship. James Schmidt, the inaugural FoodLab/C4E Sustainability intern, will present his work in “Data-Driven Irrigation: Exploring Smart Technology for Sustainable Agriculture” on Monday, November 9
November 13: C4E field trip to Southampton Marine Sciences Center
C4E’s annual field trip this year is a full day at the Stony Brook Southampton Marine Sciences Center on Friday, November 13. The day includes lab tours, a boat trip on Shinnecock Bay with an SBU researcher, and a screening of the documentary The Bonackers, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. The activities connect Long Island’s maritime heritage with the marine science being done to restore Shinnecock Bay.
Continuing, Professional, and Online Education
Simons Summer Research Program welcomes new director; applications open November 15
Haiwen Lu, director of the Pre-College STEM program, is now leading the Simons Summer Research Program, with deep thanks to URECA’s Karen Kernan for more than 25 years of leadership. Founded by Jim and Marilyn Simons in 1984, the program is one of the most selective of its kind in the country. Last year, the program selected about 60 students from 1,800 applicants nominated by their high schools. The 2027 program runs June 28 to August 6.
Explore the Simons Summer Research Program
Consider teaching a Pre-College Summer course in 2027
Pre-College Summer will expand to five weeks when it returns for its fourth year, and we are looking for additional department and faculty partners. Courses span science and biotechnology, engineering and robotics, health professions, dental science, mathematics, environmental science, and more. The immersive one- and two-week courses will run from June 27 to July 30 in 2027. Faculty interested in teaching a course can email program director Breanne Delligatti.
Partner with the ACE program to support high school student achievement Accelerated College Education now offers 64 Stony Brook courses at more than 75 partner high schools, with thanks to Mathematics for adding MAT 123 and Chemistry for adding CHE 131. Hispanic Languages and Literature remains the largest departmental partner. Total enrolled credit hours in Accelerated College Education rose to 20,141 in 2025-26, up from 15,760 in 2024-25. High school partners have asked for courses in biology, physics, politics, writing, forensics, and art. Departments interested in offering a course can contact Laura McMullin, director of ACE.
Faculty Affairs
The Celebration of Newly Tenured and Promoted Faculty was held on Tuesday October 6, in the Wang Center’s Zodiac Gallery. It featured congratulatory speeches by President Andrea Goldsmith, Provost Carl Lejuez, and Executive Vice President William Wertheim. More than 150 faculty from East and West Campus were honored..
Faculty Development
Sessions for new faculty
On October 7, CELT led a session about accessibility in the classroom, and on October 22, the Provost’s Office partnered with Libraries to help new faculty understand and use library resources. On December 1st, there will be an end-of-year social where new faculty can come and enjoy some refreshments while sharing their experiences this semester, while the Provost Office gathers their ideas for future programming.
Sessions for new chairs
Fifteen new chairs across East and West Campus have been invited to participate in sessions this semester about building partnerships with Student Affairs, Educational & Institutional Effectiveness, and the Ombuds Office. Additional sessions for the fall will focus on AI and wearable technology in the classroom, Title II. The last session for the fall semester will take place on November 5 and will focus on budgeting.
Provost Lecture Series
In keeping with the university’s commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this fall’s Provost Lecture Series will feature physician Benjamin Luft, who pioneered the medical care of first responders, and historian Nancy Tomes, who is helping Stony Brook undergraduates explore 9/11’s impact on American history. Andrew Flescher will moderate the discussion. Join us Thursday, November 19 in the Wang Theatre.
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
November 2- November 6 is National Distance Learning Week. CELT will be offering workshops throughout the week.
All of our workshops for 2026-27 can be found on CELT’s Calendar of Events.
If you would like to schedule an individual consultation or a workshop for your department, contact CELT.
Need help making your PDFs accessible? Submit them to CELT for PDF remediation.
It is almost time for Course Evaluations. Be on the lookout for an email with details on how to check your course access and submit custom questions.
Enrollment Management
Office of the Registrar
Fall 2026 Registration Information
Monday, November 2: Advanced registration begins for winter and spring according to enrollment appointments.
Check the academic calendars for more dates and deadlines.
Summer-Fall 2027 and Winter-Spring 2028 scheduling information
Friday, November 13: Preliminary academic year schedule is due to deans.
Undergraduate Admissions
School counselor outreach efforts
School counselor engagement in support of current and future enrollment efforts has increased this fall. In addition to hosting virtual information sessions we have also expanded our in person sessions including a new program as part of our national admissions association conference and a new on campus program for school counselors from across Long Island.
Seawolf Preview Days over for the fall
Our fall on campus open house programs, Seawolf Preview Days, have concluded. Between our two programs we hosted over 1,250 guests including prospective transfer and first-year applicants. The programs allowed for us to highlight the academic and community experience through dean and faculty/staff presentations, information sessions, and campus tours.
SUNY Free Application weeks ongoing
SUNY Free Application Weeks are hosted from October 19-November 2, 2026, in support of 2027 application efforts. During this time period, prospective students from all populations and residencies, can apply for free to up to 5 SUNY institutions.
SUNY Top 10% Promise Program expansion
The SUNY Top 10% Promise Program has been expanded to every district across the State of New York for the fall 2027 application cycle. In 2026 we enrolled just over 200 students from this program through a limited number of schools; we will be monitoring numbers to see how the expansion of the program may influence our overall application and enrollment numbers.
Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS)
DHS Proposed Rule on Optional Practical Training (OPT) Fees
On October 8, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would establish significant new fees for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendations. Under the proposal, SEVP-certified institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for a student's first OPT recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent recommendation, including STEM OPT extensions. Institutions would have discretion in determining how these costs are funded.
The proposed rule is not currently in effect, and there are no changes to OPT eligibility, fees, or application procedures at this time. The proposal remains subject to the federal rulemaking process, including a public comment period, and may face legal challenges. As a result, it remains uncertain whether the proposed fees will take effect and, if so, when or in what form.
F-1 students should continue following existing OPT and STEM OPT application procedures and timelines. Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
November 16 - 20: International Education Week (IEW)
November 16 - 20 is International Education Week (IEW). The Office of Global Affairs is hosting a number of events and activities throughout the week to highlight international education and global experiences. IEW events are open to the campus community and will be posted on the International Student Success website and SB Engaged as they are finalized.
- International Photo Exhibition
- International Campus Life Time: Global Trivia Edition
- Immigration Options After Graduation Virtual Workshop (international students only)
- Grab & Go International Snacks in the International Student Center
International Student Success (ISS)
International Student Success is partnering with the Center for Prevention and Outreach on a guided discussion to help international students understand and navigate cultural differences in interpersonal interactions, including how to recognize potential bias and discrimination. The workshop will take place on November 12 in the International Student Center in Melville Library S-1450.
Explore the International Student Center
Graduate School
Conversations in Graduate Education: Dr. Ilana Horwitz, author of The Entrepreneurial Scholar
On Wednesday, November 18, the Graduate School and College of Arts and Sciences will host Dr. Ilana Horwitz, author of The Entrepreneurial Scholar. Dr. Horwitz will lead a breakfast discussion with the Yardi Scholars program, along with a faculty seminar and interactive workshop for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Complimentary copies of The Entrepreneurial Scholar will be available to attendees at both the Faculty Seminar and workshop, while supplies last.
- Conversations in Graduate Education Faculty Seminar and Lunch | 12:00 pm to 1:50 pm | Charles B. Wang Center, Theatre Lobby and Lecture Hall 2 | Register for the faculty seminar
- Becoming an Entrepreneurial Scholar: A Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Wang 201 | Register for the workshop
Research Mentor Training for Graduate Students
Friday, November 13 and Friday, November 20 | 9:30 am to 1:30 pm | Virtual
Stony Brook graduate students are invited to a two-day, virtual interactive workshop on building research mentoring skills. Participants will define a philosophy for mentoring students, gain evidence of mentoring skills for fellowships and grants, and explore strategies for “mentoring up” with advisors.
Register for Research Mentor Training
Master’s Recruitment Enrichment Funds
As part of our ongoing effort to increase enrollment in our Master’s programs, the Graduate School has distributed enrollment revenue to programs to help them improve recruitment through:
- Advertisements in field-specific journals.
- Registration to exhibit at a field-specific recruitment fair.
- Student coordinators for outreach efforts to admitted students.
- Assistance with the preparation of marketing materials.
- Production costs for marketing materials.
- Paid search campaigns through Google.
- Marketing on social media platforms.
This year, a total of $30,000 was awarded across 20 different programs. Additionally, the Graduate School has committed $10,000 to advertise for and promote accelerated programs.