Faculty Senate Minutes February 25, 2021

February 25, 2021
Via Zoom

Present: D. DeFino (Secretary), M. Bard, A. Bishop, D. Brophy, H. He, A. Howerton-Fox, M. Hughes, L. Ivanov, J. Kaalund, A. Kelso, J. Klein, R. Lacey, C. Martins, S. Petrovic, A. Rosenfeld, M. Veyvoda

Excused: T. Moretti (Chair), E. Mariola, H. Park, O. Soluade

D. DeFino called the meeting to order at 3:37 p.m.  Quorum was met.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes to 1/28/21 meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved via e-mail on 2/19/21

Announcements

• Iona University’s AAUP chapter hosted a meeting of the general membership on 2/18, to discuss faculty concerns about tech-aided teaching modes—and mixed-mode in particular--moving forward; the executive committee will collate those responses, to be included in a letter to the President and Provost

Discussion Item: Faculty Survey

The Senate reviewed a draft of the survey on Qualtrics, and made some minor changes; the survey is expected to be distributed in early March

Discussion Item: COVID Protocols

In response to several evolving faculty concerns expressed about the pandemic, T. Moretti reported on current procedures and policies of the College

Discussion Item: Middle States Update

T. Moretti reported that the Middle States Working Groups are currently in the process of drafting chapters, and that preparation of the report, and for the site visit, continue on schedule. 

Discussion Item: Self-Nomination for Committees

The Senate reviewed the list of upcoming open committee seats, and discussed strategies for increasing faculty participation, both in the nomination and election process, and in committee service generally

Discussion Item: Improved Communication with Faculty

The Senate reflected on how best to keep the general faculty apprised of its work; suggestions included reviving the Senate newsletter, and regular email blasts.

Discussion Item: Shared Governance Moving Forward

The Senate discussed general concerns and frustrations regarding the process of decision-making through the current governance structure.  These concerns include lack of constituent input, inefficiencies, and limited understanding of the roles of various stakeholders.  To help ameliorate these issues, and to balance deliberative decision-making with the increasing need for efficiency, the Senate is considering two proposals:

1. A map of stakeholders, committees, and officers that lays out areas of expertise, purview, etc., to be shared with all parties tasked with decision-making
2. An advisory committee—made up of governance committee chairs—that would be consulted early on in decision-making, to speed up the process, and allow preliminary actions to be taken in good faith, while the lengthier deliberations of the governance process ran their course. 

There being no other business, D. DeFino adjourned the Faculty Senate meeting at 5:17 pm.  The next Senate meeting will be held via Zoom on 3/25/21 at 3:30 p.m.