Minutes of the Faculty Senate Plenary

Minutes of the Faculty Senate Plenary September 16, 2010 Steinman Lecture Hall The City College

Present: President Staiano-Coico, Provost Lemons, VP Edmondson, VP Lloyd, VP Santos; Deans: J. Barba, M. Hoskin, J. Mercado, G. Murphy, G. Ranalli, R. Stark, P. Occhiogrosso Faculty Senators: P. Brass, H. Carter, M. Chang, W. Crain, J. Gallagher, S. Goyert, M. Gutman, J. Hamilton, G. Han , L. Hoffman, R. Kalia, C. Lascar, R. Laurich, T. Lazaridis, J. Lee, M. Lutz, D. McLurkin, H. Moderegger, E. Nestmith, R. Raj, S. Rings, D. Sank, N. Sohler, G. Thompson, C. Watkins, D. Weissman, J. Wilner, M. Woessner, Y. Wyner, Excused: J. Birman, L. Callahan, G. Ross, Student Representatives: D. Czyztk, R. Coronodo, M. Dols, T. Podolsky SEEK: M. Brownlee Guests: V. Ballard, L. Bank, E. Donati, S. Ellis, L. Galman, V. Kundakcui, B. Rosablar, E. Smiley, V. Rutstein

1. The meeting was called to order at 2:08 p.m.

2. The minutes of the May 20, 2010 meeting were approved.

3. Obituaries were read for three Biology Department faculty members who had passed away during the summer: Lawrence J. Crockett, Norman Saks, and Stanley Wecker.

4. Remarks of the Chair—Professor Raj  Dedicated this session of the Senate to Hispanic Heritage Month. Latino scholar and writer Vargas Larosa will be giving a talk and receive an honorary CCNY degree.  Has had several meetings with the President, Provost, and other members of the administration. Goals include enhancing graduation rates, quality of instruction, undergraduate education services, classroom quality, class sizes, writing skills, and strengthening of student activities on campus. A culture of assessment is necessary.  The Executive Committee met with the President to discuss:  The President wants full participation of faculty in future design of PMP targets and goals and the College’s strategic plan. Shortcomings in current PMP targets and goals were discussed.  The Executive committee would like acting, senior-level positions filled as soon as possible. The President is eager to fill them, giving highest priority to Provost, Vice President of Finance, and Dean of the School of Education position.  There have been concerns re: auditing of financial matters. The Senate Resource Committee has been asked to help in College financial matters.  Services should be delivered with promptness and excellence to help us maintain our integrity and honor. Professor Raj praised the President for her leadership so far.  The Executive committee is concerned about the security and theft of equipment at CCNY. Professor Raj suggested that a log book be used to keep track of discarded items. Additionally, all exits should be monitored by security guards with proper training.  Professor Watkins has been elected Chair of Committee on Personnel Matters again. This committee will work with the Review Committee in re: over-pay scale Professorships, endowed chairs, or other named Professorships. This should help establish transparency and order, and avoid ad-hoc methods used in the past.  Other Executive Committee concerns include: thoroughly reviewing hybrid courses by faculty before they become permanent, and the use of an unbiased selection process for white papers used for federal proposals, and insuring that underrepresented individuals are allowed to participate fully in this process.  Executive Committee has appointed Professor Kalia to coordinate hearings related to the CUNY’s lowest standing on the Faculty Experience Survey and various issues.  In July, a presentation was made and comments sought to improve the proposals made by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee acknowledges a need to improve. In November a debate on this matter will be initiated in the Senate, and College-wide hearings are planned. Professor Raj seeks nominations from the Senate to serve on the Governance Hearing Committee.  The Honorary Degree Committee is seeking nominations for the 2011 graduation.  Professor Raj also noted that there is one vacancy on the University Faculty Senate.

5. Remarks of the President—President Staiano-Coico  Diversity and access are core values at CCNY.  After seeing the Faculty Experience Survey results, she was struck by how challenging it is for faculty to do their jobs. Emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration.  When considering CVs, search committees should consider match and fit with CCNY; look at diversity.  CCNY received $69 million in research funding last year.  Need to increase the 35% graduation rate. To that end, she is asking every major to provide an 8-semester grid (a roadmap to graduating in four years).  She is hosting a roundtable every Tuesday in the student cafeteria for students, and next Tuesday she will host a roundtable for faculty in the faculty dining room.  CCNY needs to be a “good neighbor” in the community. Improvements include new windows on the alumni house, no graffiti on the fire station, and the formation of an Arts Council. We need more art on campus.  The President’s welcome reception is September 28th from 5-7 PM Great Hall. There will also be a children’s book/school supplies drive during the event.  During the question-and-answer period, there was some discussion re: why there are more administrators this year and less students, and why some course sections had closed. Professor Crain pointed out that CUNY admissions closed early this year.

6. Resolution Approved: Method of Instruction (Hybrid Classes)—Professor Wilner  The University’s goal is to increase the implementation of online and hybrid courses starting Spring 2011.  Resolution was meant as a reminder of the Senate’s role in the review and approval of new courses.

7. Report of the Ombudsperson—Professor Gallagher  She has been answering many questions from those who have sought her assistance.  A dialog is needed about interdisciplinary collaboration (re: who gets credit on grants, etc.)  She is conducting an online survey (via Survey Monkey) re: theft on campus.

8. New Business  Professor Brass asked when CCNY will stop using social security numbers for student IDs. This generated a lot of discussion.  Professor Kalia stated that we need a policy re: how to address the theft of social security numbers.  Professor Raj suggested that we send an email to Deborah Hartnett, the Deputy to the President, with questions we want her to address in the next Senate meeting about this issue.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherri Rings Secretary