FACULTY SENATE MINUTES #13

FACULTY SENATE MINUTES #6

�� November 11, 2008

1. CALL TO ORDER: The 6th meeting of the Faculty Senate for 2008-2009 was called to order at 1:10 PM on November 11, 2008 in Brockway Hall, Jacobus Lounge by Chair William Buxton.

SENATORS AND MEMBERS PRESENT: B. Buxton, K. Lawrence, J. Shedd, I. Jubran, N. Helsper, H. Botwinick, D. West, D. Miller, J. Governali, J. Hendrick, J. Rayle, A. Dahlman, T. Vigars, E. McCabe, M. Ware, M. Dwyer, M. Rainsford, C. Hahl, G. Sharer, R. Kendrick, C. Cirmo, S. Anderson, T. Phillips, P. Koryzno

SENATORS AND MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Duncan, J. Reese, J. Walkuski, O. White, B. Langhans, D. Harrington, T. Slack, D. Videto, S. Snell, E. Bitterbaum, M. Prus, R. Franco, W. Shaut

GUESTS PRESENT: �P. Koryzno, J. Cottone

II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: �The minutes from October 28, 2008 were approved as amended.

III. SENATE ACTIONS:

There was a paper ballot vote to nominate six members for the University Police Advisory Board. The following individuals were elected: L. Rogers,

J. Driscoll, C. Hines, E. Lund, J. Wright, M. Holland (Approved)

There was a vote on University Faculty Senate Resolution 150-01-01 Effect of New York State�s Budget on SUNY (Approved)

There was a vote on University Faculty Senate Resolution 150-02-01 New York State Commission on Higher Education (Approved)

There was a vote on the amendment from J. Governali �to exclude any reference to the chair being tenured from the primary amendment to the Faculty Affairs Committee proposal (Approved; 7/5)

There was a vote on the amendment to the Faculty Affairs Committee proposal �to exclude any reference to election of the chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee.� (Approved; 15/1)

There was a vote on the amendment regarding the Faculty Affairs Committee proposal �that the chair be tenured wherever possible.� (Approved;13/0)

There was a vote on the Faculty Affairs Committee Proposal from H. Botwinick as amended: �I recommend that the Senate adopt all changes to the Faculty Affairs Committee which are recommended in Part Two of the Review of Governance Report as amended to exclude any reference to election of the chair and that the chair be tenured wherever possible.� (See pages three and four of the detailed grid for Senate Standing Committees). (Approved; 14/0)

IV. CHAIR�S REPORT:

Chair Buxton reported on five names of people he had obtained for the University Police Advisory Board:� Bruce Perrine, Accounts Payable; Lisa Rogers, Telecommunications; John Driscoll, Instructional Support for Geography and Physics; Cheryl Hines, Advisement and First Year Programs; Elaine Lund, Student Health Services. There was an additional call for names from the floor and these names were put forward: Jean Wright, Physical Education; Mike Holland, Assistant Vice President Student Affairs.� A paper ballot, suggested by R. Spitzer, was undertaken with the parliamentarian counting the ballots.� The following people were elected:� Lisa Rogers, John Driscoll, Cheryl Hines, Elaine Lund, Mike Holland and Jean Wright.

Chair Buxton also mentioned the UUP Union Matters Lunchtime Series Number 6 being held on Wednesday, November 19 from noon to 1:30 P.M. in the Corey Union Caleion Room with lunch being provided.� He encouraged the campus to become involved and mentioned the severe ramifications to SUNY Cortland as a result of the budget cuts.�

In conclusion, Chair Buxton reported on the first meeting of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, of which he is a member, on Thursday, November 13.� He stated that given the economic uncertainties New York and the nation is facing, the planning phase SUNY Cortland is entering may result in fundamental changes in the college. Buxton welcomed comments from everyone and encouraged those �involved in the Faculty Senate to provide comments and feedback to the Steering Committee, and to take an active part in the Strategic Planning Process.

V. VICE CHAIR'S REPORT:

No report.

VI. SECRETARY�S REPORT:

No report (absent.)

VII. TREASURER�S REPORT:

John Shedd announced that the annual call for Faculty Senate dues will be going out on November 20.� He encouraged everyone on campus to pay their dues which fund the Memorial Scholarship Fund.� Treasurer Shedd explained that the dues are tax deductable and a written receipt is provided for that purpose.

VIII. PRESIDENT�S REPORT:

J. Cottone reported for President Bitterbaum who was not in attendance. Dean Cottone reported on a meeting this past Friday where all other SUNY Presidents are urging a tuition increase beginning spring 2009.� Governor Paterson was at a Town Hall meeting in Syracuse seeking public input on budget cuts.� The legislature will be back in session on November 18 coinciding with the Board of Trustee�s meeting.� The Presidents have sent a letter along with Trustee McCall with a set of recommendations. Finally, President Bitterbaum sent along his congratulations to the Soccer, Field Hockey and Cross Country teams that have moved on to NCAA playoffs, as well as the football team which will be heading into the final game, hopefully with an undefeated season when they play against Ithaca at the Cortaga Jug Game.� Everyone was also reminded about the Veteran�s Day ceremony that day at 3:00 in the Old Main Mezzanine.� Finally, Dr. Cottone stressed that although the Chancellor�s search is ongoing there are no new developments at this time.

IX. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Long Range Planning Committee � �C. Cirmo, Chair � The Chair reported that the LRPC committee will be meeting at 8:30 A.M. on Thursday.� The committee �still hasn�t formalized a relationship with the Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

Educational Policy Committee � R. Kendrick, Chair � R. Spitzer reported in the absence of R. Kendrick that the Summer Session Proposal will be back to the Senate Steering Committee on November 18.� Another proposal to clarify the wording in the college catalog relating to overlap in majors has been under discussion. EPC is recommending that a policy of 50% overlap be allowed.�

Student Affairs Committee � T. Phillips, Chair � No report.

Faculty Affairs Committee � J. Walkuski, Chair � No report (absent)

College Research Committee � No report (absent)

General Education Committee � D. Miller, Chair �� The Chair reported that the General Education Committee is running efficiently.� Dr. Miller stated that the committee was surprised at a change in status involving the GE Committee becoming a sub-committee of the Educational Policy Committee and requested that it become more clearly defined.

X. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committee on Committees -� J. Barry, Chair � There was not report from the Committee on Committees.�

A Dahlman inquired as to the status of the ad hoc committee being formed to consider creation of the Professional Affairs Committee.

XI. AREA SENATOR�S REPORTS:

No report.

XII. SUNY SENATOR�S REPORT � M. Ware � No report. {SEE Resolutions 150-01-01 and 150-02-01 under Old Business and Senate Actions}

XIII. STUDENT SENATOR�S REPORTS:

No report.

XIV. OLD BUSINESS:

The Faculty Affairs Committee Proposal was discussed at length and voted on {SEE Senate Actions} and approved as amended.

XV. NEW BUSINESS:

The Summer Session 4-day work week draft proposal was distributed.� There were concerns from the floor about possible outcomes of the proposal due to other activities on campus during the summer including Sports Camps, Senior Games, a 5-week EOP program along with issues concerning air-conditioning and the Memorial Library. C. Cirmo asked a question regarding the Summer Scheduling Proposal, under review by the Educational Policy Committee, scheduled to go back to the Steering Committee on November 18.� Dr. Cirmo� pointed out a problem relating to the possibility that the 4-day work week proposal could be passed before the Summer Scheduling Proposal was discussed, especially taking into consideration the amount of time the Educational Policy Committee has spent reviewing it.� He wanted to go on record as saying he felt he had been bypassed.

Respectfully Submitted:

Barbara Kissel

Recording Secretary

The following reports are appended to the minutes in the order they are submitted:

(1) University Faculty Senate Resolution 150-01-01 Effect of New York State�s Budget on SUNY;

�� Resolution 150-02-01 New York State Commission on Higher Education submitted by SUNY Senator M. Ware

(2) Faculty Affairs Proposal amendment dated October 14, 2008, submitted by H. Botwinick

(3) 4-day work week proposal draft document submitted by J. Barry

APPENDIX 2 � UFS Resolutions 150-01-01 and 150-02-01

�� Submitted by SUNY Senator M. Ware

Resolution on the Effect of New York State�s Budget on SUNY

Whereas, SUNY is being treated budgetarily as being similar to other state agencies in the Executive Branch, and

Whereas, contrary to the other state agencies, SUNY is not only a provider of important services but it is also a critical investment in the future of New York State, and

Whereas, the level of budget cuts currently announced will substantially weaken the academic reputation and status of SUNY as an institution of high academic quality by causing a serious loss of current faculty and making the recruitment of new talent (faculty and students) almost impossible, and

Whereas, the current budget cuts are so severe that they will undermine New York State�s investment in its future by making it more difficult for students to have access to the courses and programs they require, which will lengthen the time that they take to graduate and thus delay their entrance as productive members of society and the labor force as well as also incurring greater costs for their education, and

Whereas, the current financial crisis that is gripping New York State and the nation, and which is likely to continue for several years, will lead to increased unemployment that will result in an increase in the numbers of citizens seeking to acquire new or to enhance existing job skills by enrolling in SUNY,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the University Faculty Senate, as the representative body through which the faculty and professional staff engage in the governance of the University, believes that SUNY should not sustain the same percentage budget reductions as other state agencies, and

Be it further resolved, that the state publicly acknowledges SUNY as a significant investment in its future and as an engine of economic productivity that New York State sorely needs, and

Be it further resolved, that the faculty and academic and professional staff, who define the university, must be preserved at all costs even during periods of budget shortfalls, and

Be it further resolved, that the SUNY adopts a �rational tuition policy� that leads to small, predictable, annual tuition increases tied to a relevant inflationary index such as the Higher Education Price Index, which should not be used as an alternative to required state appropriation, and

Be it further resolved, that Governor Paterson and the Legislature should restore to SUNY a substantial portion of the budgets cuts already made and provide sufficient funds in continuing years to maintain SUNY as one of the premier institutions of public higher education in the country.

150-01-1 passed without dissent

Resolution on the Effect of New York State�s Budget on SUNY

October 18, 2008

Resolution on Implementing the Recommendations of the New York State Commission on Higher Education

Whereas, the final report of the New York State Commission on Higher Education recommended a series of actions that would enhance the value of public higher education to New York State by moving it more firmly into the 21^st century.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the University Faculty Senate urges Governor Paterson and the New York State Legislature put into effect the ten major recommendations of the New York State Commission on Higher Education at the earliest possible time.

150-02-1 passed without dissent

Resolution on Implementing the Recommendations of the New York State Commission on Higher Education

October 18, 2008

Among the Commission�s major recommendations are the following:

� Establish a $3 billion research fund, the Empire State Innovation Fund,

�� to support meritorious research important to New York�s future.

� Create a low-cost student loan program for residents attending college in

�� New York State.

� Establish the New York State Compact for Public Higher Education to clearly

�� delineate shared responsibility for public higher education resources.

� Rebuild CUNY and SUNY faculty ranks by strategically hiring an additional

�� 2,000 full-time faculty from diverse background, including 250 eminent

�� scholars, over the next five years.

� Modify SUNY�s governance structure and system administration to provide

�� more focused attention and support for the research companies.

� Provide meaningful regulatory relief for SUNY and CUNY, by removing

�� restrictions that impeded campuses� ability to adapt quickly and promote quality.

� Develop Educational Partnership Zones in high-need school districts, bringing

�� together higher education and P-12 resources to improve student outcomes and

�� Enhance college participation.

� Ensure that high school graduates are well prepared for college through a

�� College Readiness Act.

� Strengthen articulation and transfer throughout SUNY and CUNY with a goal

�� of system-wide articulation of comparable courses and seamless transfer into

�� Parallel programs by 2011-12.

� Address the backlog of critical maintenance at SUNY and CUNY with a

�� sustained program of capital reinvestment.

��

�� �� APPENDIX 3

�� Faculty Affairs Committee Proposal Amendment

�� Submitted by H. Botwinick

�� October 14, 2008

Amendment to motion recommending changes to Faculty Affairs Committee

Original Motion from September 30, 2007:

I recommend that the Senate adopt all changes to the Faculty Affairs Committee which are recommended in Part Two of the Review of Governance Report.� (See pages three and four of the detailed grid for Senate Standing Committees).

Proposed amendment to motion:

I recommend that the Senate adopt all changes to the Faculty Affairs Committee which are recommended in Part Two of the Review of Governance Report except for the stipulation that the chair of the FAC shall become a voting member of the Senate..� (See pages three and four of the detailed grid for Senate Standing Committees).

On page three of the Review of Governance report, the third explanatory bullet under �Re Chair� should therefore be removed.

�� APPENDIX 4

�� 4-day Work Week Proposal

�� Submitted by J. Barry

�� DRAFT

Summer Session

4-day workweek

(October 24, 2008)

Background:

In 2004, SUNY Cortland developed an Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) program in an effort to accommodate employees and encourage work/life balance.� This program was approved by SUNY System Administration, the New York State Department of Civil Service, and the Governor�s Office of Employees Relations.� It was also endorsed by the unions.� Since the time of its inception, employees have enjoyed the benefits of the AWS program, and the campus operational needs have been met.��

In view of the current fiscal situation and the college commitment to carbon neutrality, SUNY Cortland will implement a college-wide four-day workweek program encompassing the following principles:

The scheduling of classes is within the purview of the college.
The governor is the only person with the authority to �close� the campus.�
SUNY Cortland currently has in place an approved Alternative Work Schedule program which includes a 4-day workweek option.
Employees can be encouraged to work a 4-day workweek, but cannot be mandated to do so.
Employees who participate in the 4-day workweek are required to fulfill their usual number of work hours or obligation.

Proposal:

SUNY Cortland will encourage all employees to participate in the 4-day workweek as outlined in the AWS program http://www.cortland.edu/hr/AWSpolicy.pdf.

Classes will not be scheduled on Fridays during the summer session, but offices will remain open as described below:

�Skeletal staffing as determined by the appropriate vice president will be required in offices.�

The core office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In offices where all employees will participate in the 4-day workweek, the unit head, in consultation with the staff, should develop a rotation to provide coverage.� Smaller offices may join with other offices to provide coverage.
In offices where all employees or the majority of employees will participate in the 4-day workweek, the offices are expected to be open until 5:00 p.m.

The college will turn off the air conditioning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays, with the air conditioning being resumed on Mondays.�

The 4-day workweek program will begin the first day of the payroll period following the spring semester final exams and end the last day of the payroll period prior to the first day of fall semester classes (the dates for 2009 are May 14 through August 19).

Implementation:

An announcement describing the program will be issued to all employees by the Office of Human Resources in December.� Each unit head will submit a Proposed Summer Office Operating Plans form to his/her supervisor by mid January (form to be developed).� All proposals will work their way up to the vice presidential level where final decisions will be made.� Employees will receive confirmation regarding summer schedules no later than mid February.

http://www.cortland.edu/senate/minutes/0809min6.html