FACULTY SENATE MINUTES NO. 13

April 20, 2004

 

1.CALL TO ORDER: The 13th meeting of the Faculty Senate for 2003-2004 was called to order at 1:15 PM on April 6, 2004 in the Hall of Fame Room, PER Center, by Chair Jeffrey Walkuski.

 

SENATORS AND MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Walkuski, P. Buckenmeyer, K. Coombs, B. Mattingly, P. Walsh, K. Alwes, J. Cottone, J. Hokanson, L. Anderson, M. Friga, M. Chandler, J. Peluso, K. Pristash, A. Johnson, A. Young, M. Barone, D. Walker, E. Bitterbaum, E. Davis-Russell, R. Franco, W. Shaut, C. Plunkett, T. Fay, C. Poole, M. Ali, J. Mosser, P. Koryzno, M. Prus, E. Caffarella

 

SENATORS AND MEMBERS ABSENT: G. Beadle, J. Rayle, S. VanEtten, P. Schroeder, T. Phillips, E. McCabe

 

GUESTS PRESENT: E. Gray, J. Feliciano, C. Smith, D. Galutz, D. VanHall, B. Griffen

 

II. SENATE ACTIONS:

There was a motion for the Senate to withdraw its participation in the search for Associate Vice President for Finance and Management and Director of Facilities Planning and Construction.(Passed)

 

III.APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

The Minutes from April 6, 2004 were approved.

 

IV. CHAIR=S REPORT:


The Chair opened by reporting an update on the Senate=s desire to participate in the searches for Associate Vice President for Finance and Management and Director of Facilities Planning and Construction. He indicated that although the Senate did have people in the consultative pool, unfortunately, none of those individuals wanted to participate in either search.He explained the subsequent dilemma the Senate was faced with, to either find more faculty and staff to take part in the pool, the Senate withdrawal from participation, or management=s appointment of individuals to serve on the committees. This procedural information was verified by R. Franco.Charlotte Plunkett, CSEA rep, explained that faculty and staff have already conducted an election for the Director of Facilities Planning.There was general discussion between Plunkett and the Chair, resulting from a mix-up in communications from J. Barry.Walkuski expressed his hope that if the Senate withdrew, the administration would honor CSEA=s contribution to the search. Vice President Shaut indicated that depending on the Senate=s decision, the administration would honor CSEA=s contribution.It was pointed out that if the Senate withdrew and a new consultative pool had to be formed, it would take two weeks, which was too time consuming considering the urgency.M. Chandler moved for the Senate to withdraw participation in both searches.The motion carried.

 

The Chair then announced that the former Vice Chair Bernard Jackson had resigned from the college due to personal reasons.Since the Vice Chair=s seat will be vacant for the remaining year, Walkuski reported that he had sent out a call via e-mail. He announced that Michael Friga and Ram Chaturvedi have nominated themselves.He called for nominations and/or self-nominations for that position until year end.

 

Chandler attempted to nominate M. Friga but the Chair explained that Friga had already been nominated.He explained that the deadline would be the next day by hard copy or e-mail. The chair would then work with J. Barry to develop a ballot to be sent out to voting faculty for consideration.Once this process was started there would be a call for Vice Chair for next year, as well as Secretary and Treasurer. He also reminded those senators whose terms are expiring to please notify secretary Buckenmeyer to keep him up to date on the elections.Walkuski went on to explain, in reference to an amendment by Philip Walsh regarding the change in bylaws, that J. Barry will be developing a ballot to go out to all voting faculty shortly.

 

VII.VICE CHAIR=S REPORT:

No report.

 

VIII.TREASURER= S REPORT:

Treasurer Coombs reported that 76 people have paid their dues, allowing enough money to fund the Faculty Senate scholarship.She indicated that she would like to see 20 more people pay their dues so that the account would be sufficient to hand over to next year=s Treasurer.She reported that the Senate is now in very good financial state compared to last Fall.

 

IX.SECRETARY=S REPORT:

Buckenmeyer announced that he sent out an e-mail as a reminder to those whose terms are expiring to run elections.He passed around a roster to facilitate clarification for those whose memberships will be terminating.

 

X.PRESIDENT=S REPORT:

President Bitterbaum said there were several things he wanted to share with the Senate, one regarding the work he is engaged in with Nasrin Parvisi and Masoom Ali regarding a proposed new line, recently decided upon at the Cabinet the prior day.He reported that since SUNY Cortland presents a face to the world via its web site, since it is so important a search will be conducted for a webmaster.He indicated that there are many chairs who can=t stay on top of their web sites and as you go down in many areas you will find many problems. This person will be hired, perhaps a graduate of ours, whose job it will be to go to different departments each day to work with them helping to set up policy. He reported that the SUNY Cortland website has been getting thousands of hits daily and not looking as professional as it should be. He reinforced the importance of this need which involves public relations and graphic arts designing, to present the institution more attractively.

 

His next item of business was the bikes on campus which have been painted John Deere yellow. He indicated the bikes will not be locked and can come out of any building, on an as needed basis. He felt that this would offer a healthy lifestyle which is a very important concept.

 

Next he reported the desire to have the US Women=s Olympic Team Handball come here.He mentioned a Memo of Understanding that has been developed with SUNY Attorneys going over the technicalities. He reported that he had lunch at TC 3 regarding this initiative which is not just a concept of this sports council, but to develop that ACortland is Sportsland@ and to promote economic activity.

 

Bitterbaum announced that Scholar=s Day was very successful and one of the most impressive things he had seen in his first year here, with a number of presentations and poster sessions, and ended by saying, AWe should be very proud.@

 

He reported that SUNY Cortland also had a very successful visit by two Turkish Presidents. This Fall we will have 30 Turkish students on our campus and the following year 50, across the curriculum.

 

The President announced winners who were recognized in a program which Ted Fay and David Schneider were involved in across the SUNY System. He reported that, AWe had more recipients than most schools our size, with 6 which were put forward, and 5 being recognized across all disciplines.@He said he was very impressed and added, AThey are our future.@

 

He announced that Sally Wallace was going to be honored that afternoon at the flagpole beyond the softball field, and also gave background on her involvement with the college after 27 years of service.

 

His last item of business was a report on the very successful visit by Glenn Toolman, President of Allscripts, and his desire to continue to develop that relationship for a variety of reasons.

 

XI.QUESTIONS FOR THE PRESIDENT:

M. Friga asked how many bikes would be available on campus to which the President allowed L. Anderson to respond. She indicated there were 30-40 presently, with some coming in weekly through donations. She hoped some day to have 100, to which Bitterbaum added his goal of 200.�� She said they would accept donations of good bikes. K. Alwes asked if the bikes have all been donated and Anderson replied that the first one had been bound for the Chezk Republic. They had 24 to start with, and one or two have been coming in weekly ever since.

 

XII. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Long Range Planning Committee - no report.

 

Educational Policy Committee -

Anderson opened by explaining that she had color coded the handouts for clarity. She explained that this work emanated from a faculty work group by the Graduate Faculty Executive Committee and an EPC policy proposal at the upper division graduate level and 500 level designated this year by course requirements. She went on to explain that what was being passed around was a memo and executive summary. She strongly encouraged everyone to read the proposal and understand it. Lastly, referring to the second proposal regarding university policy, she explained had emanated from the Provost=s Cabinet to recognize academic achievement of undergraduate students, that SUNY Cortland would recognize students who do not take 12 credits or more a semester yet achieve academically.She explained that everyone on her committee as well as others were unanimous in support of this initiative.The last proposal that EPC had been working on the this last year was to Aclean up its act.@ She explained her committee went through the handbook to see what EPC was supposed to be doing. They found several instances of tasks that EPC supposedly is to do but has never done, which is merely Aan attempt for us to align the faculty handbook with the reality for what EPC is.@ She ended by saying there would be discussion at the next meeting.

 

Student Affairs Committee - Buckenmeyer reported that Laura Brunez would be receiving the Faculty Senate Scholarship the following evening. Walkuski asked him if he would invite her to come to the next Senate meeting so that the Senate could recognize her.

 

Faculty Affairs Committee - No report.

 

XIII. SUNY SENATOR=S REPORT:

No report.

 

XIV. STUDENT SENATORS:

M. Barone mentioned the SGA elections on April 26-27 and encouraged students to come out and vote. He reported that there is 1 candidate for President, 3 for Vice President, and 2 for Treasurer. He said that Student Senate just passed all changes for the Student Government constitution which is almost completed. He said the Student Government needs to get the word out that those changes have been made and need to be approved by the student body on April 26 and 27.

 

D. Walker reported that this past weekend the Executive Board attended the Student Assembly, which is the equivalent of Faculty Senate statewide, where they went over statewide assessment. He indicated they are supporting a new tuition plan, and hazing rules, formerly a misdemeanor, and now being treated as a felony. He said that if anyone was interested in more details they could contact him in the Student Government office, to view the resolutions and documents pertaining to the background of recent Student Government decisions.President Bitterbaum asked for clarification about hazing being a felony, at what level, and Walker explained it would be considered a felony if the hazing results in injury.�� Walker also reported on the upcoming Festivus, a community outreach carnival which is SGA sponsored, for Cortland community elementary school students, Sunday, April 15, noon to 4, at the County Office building on 60 Central Ave. He encouraged faculty and staff to come use the bounce house, and invited everyone to come for cotton candy.

 

XV. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Committee on Committees - Walkuski reported look for election for Vice Chair position and he would inform the Committee on Committees to look for new searches.

 

CTE has been looking through the CTE manual, based on Walkuski=s charge to look at recommendations which have gone to all chairs on campus. He explained that there is a link out of Cornell, in support this particular proposal. He said they represent two specific recommendations to be discussed at the May 4 meeting, just for informational purposes.

 

Walsh passed around another document to be appended to the one being passed around. Walkuski also mentioned that this document replaced the older version sent around via e-mail.

 

Walkuski asked for additional comments.Jim Hokanson summed up that there were three parts to the CTE proposal and looked forward to the discussion on May 14.

 

Walsh encouraged everybody to promote as much dialogue as possible.

 

XVI. NEW BUSINESS:

CTE has been looking through the CTE manual, based on Walkuski=s charge to look at recommendations which have gone to all chairs on campus. He explained that there is a link out of Cornell, in support this particular proposal. He said they represent two specific recommendations to be discussed at the May 4 meeting, just for informational purposes.

 

Walsh passed around another document to be appended to the one being passed around. Walkuski also mentioned that this document replaced the older version sent around via e-mail.

 

Walkuski asked for additional comments.Jim Hokanson summed up that there were three parts to the CTE proposal and looked forward to the discussion on May 14.

 

Walsh encouraged everybody to promote as much dialogue as possible.

 

XVII. OLD BUSINESS: Student Senator Matt Barone passed around a resolution about textbook buying.Alwes asked if the bookstore didn=t ordinarily order used books to which Emily Gray, Bookstore Director, was recognized and spoke. She explained that they do order used books if used copies are available, but more and more publishers are coming out with new editions, 18 months being the norm. She further explained that being one problem, the other being ancillary materials. She said if the faculty member decides those are absolutely necessary for the course, the Bookstore can get used copies, but can only get book alone. She stated it would be helpful for her, as those who order the textbooks, to know at the time the order is placed, if professors care whether it=s the brand new edition, or an older edition is acceptable. They also need to know if the book is necessary versus the package, because publisher=s representatives tend to push items, because they don=t want the Bookstore to sell used books.

 

Alwes inquired if all instructors are aware of ancillary materials to which Gray responded that the packages have their own distinct ISBN number, and that the bookstore would never order the package unless specifically requested to do so by a faculty member. She explained that usually the rep goes to the faculty member and pushes the package as a Agreat new thing.@

 

B. Mattingly supported the intent of resolution but had serious concerns regarding the language feeling it was worded to imply that course materials are ordered superfluously by faculty and that would be an unfair accusation, in absence of any specific data.

 

M. Barone offered a friendly amendment to which the chair clarified that just an amendment was needed to change it, as Athere are no friendly amendments.@

 

M. Chandler explained that when a new textbook comes out there is a cover sheet that talks specifically where changes are which sometimes means only a matter of a few words and Gray agreed. Gray responded by saying, ASometimes it=s their justification for publishing a new edition, (but) if there is new research in the field, which is often true, then okay, otherwise, no.@

 

Coombs inquired as to how many faculty put books and optional materials on reserve at the library to accommodate students rather than having to purchase a book.

 

President Bitterbaum responded to several issues, indicating he was sensitive to the words being spoken, having been a faculty member, and that he felt that the students may have offered the resolution only if to establish a dialogue and to make everyone aware of the issues.

 

E.mentioned in his field changes to rapidly requiring newer editions to be printed, however, he hated to see professors disinclined to use excellent books just because students can=t afford them or substituting lesser materials.He explained that some fields change so rapidly new books have to be printed more and more often.

 

M. Chandler pointed out that on campus faculty rarely consider when we require textbooks that this is the sole information piece for students in absence of the professor and when professors select textbooks they should consider that they encompass background knowledge to have the student fully engaged.

 

K. Alwes spoke to the issue of different disciplines on campus being involved. She said, AIn English we use used books because of poetry and literature...we do to use used books especially in 200 level courses whenever can...for the reason because are in English, we do use the books that we buy.@ She agreed with Mattingly that she also could not agree with the language in the resolution.

 

Provost Davis-Russell expressed concern with Chandler=s statement, adding that because she was a former faculty member for many years she felt books should not be the only method, A...but to expose them to a lot of different themes having optional readings, recommended readings....@ She also indicated that as a mother herself she also has to pay money for her child=s books, and that, AWe want our students to be well read and educated as broadly as possible.So, I take this as restrictions on faculty such that they don=t have the options to give students a wide range of materials.@

 

Gray reinforced that she would never endorse anything that tried to interfere with a faculty member=s ability to select the best book for their course.She asked faculty members to communicate with their students why that book is important to their education and to really use it in the class, adding, AIf that happens, there is more perception it was worthwhile to spend money on the book....if it basically doesn=t get brought up in class, you don=t get tested or write papers on.@

 

Walkuski mentioned several courses of action, either a need for further dialogue on this, amending the wording in the resolution, and/or increased awareness of faculty on campus. He offered that the Senate could amend the resolution to fix the 2nd or 3 line, withdraw it, make recommendations to admin or vote on as is.

 

Barone asked if the vote had to take place.

 

Walkuski clarified that it could be withdrawn.

 

Franco found it problematic if students had already voted on the resolution.

 

Walkuski offered an amendment saying it would be supported as amended.The Chair offered any possibilities.

 

Barone wanted to make increased awareness and was grateful for great dialogue to take back to students, very comfortable, not following through with resolution.

 

The resolution was withdrawn.

 

Walkuski offered support and commiserated with the textbook problems, as a faculty member, especially with the additional packages which are thrust upon faculty and students.

 

Gray offered that this is a very hot issue with other booksellers in her organization.

 

XVII.AREA SENATORS REPORTS: Mattingly report that the Mathematics Department regional meeting of the Mathematical Association of America as being hosted by SUNY Cortland that weekend and he was looking forward to it. He explained that the MAA focusses on undergraduate college teaching primarily, with 1975 being the last time SUNY Cortland has hosted this conference.

 

XVIII. PRESENTATIONS:

 

Dawn VanHall, Chair of the Professional DSI Committee, gave a Power Point presentation {SEE ATTACHMENTS} on the Professional DSI Survey results. When she was finished Chair Walkuski commended her and her committee for doing such a thorough and Afantastic@ job.K. Alwes asked VanHall how her committee planned to proceed and VanHall answered that maybe next fall they would look into some criteria and study them a little further, conduct sandwich seminars and a workshop. Walkuski reminded her of a procedural issue that once her committee has formulated a statement or policy recommendation, they should submit it to the Faculty Senate chair, who would then forward it to the administration.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Barbara Kissel

Recording Secretary

 

The following reports are appended to the Minutes in the order reported and submitted by Senators and other members.

 

(1) Administration=s report to the Senate submitted by President Bitterbaum

 

(2) Policy Proposal for Shared Resources at SUNY Cortland

 

(3) Proposed Amendment to the College Handbook 2002-2004

(4) DSI for Professionals submitted by D. VanHall

 

(5) Professional DSI review submitted by D. VanHall

 

 

 

http://www.cortland.edu/senate/minutes/m13th.html