Faculty Senate Minutes, February 20, 2025
February 20, 2025, 3:30pm (Zoom)
Present: A. Rosenfeld (Chair), D. DeFino (Secretary), M. Bard, D. Brophy, C. Carlson, K. Engemann, B. Gaines, J. Haber, M. Higgins, M. Hughes, L. Ivanov, Y. Kang, N. Kyaw, S. Petrovic, A. Qayyum
Excused: G. Grimaldi, J. Klein
A. Rosenfeld called the meeting to order at 3:33pm. Quorum was met.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes for the Faculty Senate meeting of 1/23/25 were approved via e-mail on 1/30/25.
Announcements
None
Update: LaPenta School of Business Dean’s Search
The Provost acknowledged receipt of the Senate’s most recent message expressing concerns about the precedent set in the recent hiring of the LaPenta Dean
Discussion Item: Gabelli Center
A. Rosenfeld and D. DeFino met with J. Mustich to discuss recommendations by the Senate for the Gabelli Center to fund several faculty-driven projects, including researching faculty research, and the creation of a futurist working group; J. Mustich sketched a variety of funding models being considered, and urged the Senate to continue bringing forward any topics that they felt might be appropriate for the Center
Discussion Item: Visit with SVP of Facilities & Campus Operations
The Senate discussed topics to be raised when M. Smeriglio visits at its 3/27 meeting; the Senate agreed to frame the discussion around the following questions:
1) What are the plans for upgrading classrooms, and for making campuses ready for the growing student body?;
2) What are the plans for upgrading and increasing faculty spaces on the campuses?;
3) How can faculty help in idenfitying particular areas of need?
Discussion Item: Recent Federal Higher Education Mandates
The Senate discussed recent changes handed down from Washington, particularly those regarding Title VI and DEI; the Senate will seek to identify areas of greatest faculty concern, reaching out to university constituencies most likely to be impacted by these changes, and to seek guidance from leadership on structures and strategies for communicating about, and responding to these changes
Discussion Item: Elections
Shortly the Senate will send out a call for self-nominations for faculty to stand for elected and appointed committees; A. Rosenfeld said that he would happy to stand for re-election as Senate chair (his first term ends in May), and encouraged any other interested parties to step forward
Discussion Item: Survey
The Senate discussed several proposed revisions to the Faculty Senate Survey; several new edits were considered.
There being no other business, A. Rosenfeld adjourned the Faculty Senate meeting at 5:29pm. The next Senate meeting will be held on 3/27/25 at 3:30pm via Zoom.