University Council Minutes, January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024, 3:30pm, via Zoom

Present:  M. Callaghan, J. Carroll, S. Curko, J. DeMelis, K. Dhanwada, B. Gaines, A. Howerton-Fox, O. Huk, N. Kane, Y. Kang, A. Kelso, T. Mulligan, T. Pichardo, E. Procario-Foley, A. Qayyum, A. Rosenfeld, A. Saccoman, B. Sanner, C. Smith, O. Soluade, J. Stabile, C. Winkler,

Excused: C. Andruk, J. Breslin, S. Carey, C. Carlson, C. DelliCarpini, D. Gunn, N. Naqvi, T. Pope, S. Silverberg, M. Volza,

A. Rosenfeld called the meeting to order at 3:33. Quorum was met.

Announcements

• Black History Month begins tomorrow, lots of great events, starting as soon as Sunday afternoon.  Calendar of events has been emailed out.

Information Item: Constitution Revision Updates

• Things were voted on by this body last year, moved to the Board now.  The governance subcommittee has reviewed and approved.  Will move on to the full board at their meeting on February 14.  Asked General Counsel to also take a look.
• Only changes that had not previously been approved by this body were ones related to nomenclature, regarding positions that no longer exist.
• There will likely be more revisions coming, to align with current positions and to follow the process of governance.  Substantive changes will come to this committee going forward.

Information Item: President’s Report

• Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs has been selected.
  • Gary Grant will come on board on February 12. He has served in Vice Presidential roles at Florida Institue of Technology, University of Tampa, Washington College, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
• Jim Mustich is a nationally renowned author, editor and visionary who first joined Iona in 2019 as Executive-in-Residence.  Jim will be returning to Iona on February 5 as Senior Advisor to the President.
• The 2024 Trustee Scholarship Award Gala Honorees will be announced soon.
  • Trustee John Judge’70 and Monica Judge’71 will join Robert J. DeLuccia ’67 ‘79MBA and Edward R. McNally Jr. ’78 as this year’s Legacy Award Recipients
• Provost Mulligan was honored by United Hebrew when it hosted its annual Community Service Awards.
• Met with New Rochelle’s new mayor, Yadira Ramos-Herbert. Yadira is also an educator and was very supportive of Iona and its place in the New Rochelle community.
• Plans should soon be on hand for the proposed Upper Green and will be submitted to the City of New Rochelle with the goal of obtaining a spot on the February or March planning meeting agenda. Still seeking lead donor for the project.
• Continuing to raise money for Bronxville Baseball field which has a lead donor but is not yet fully funded.
• LaPenta Student Union plans are continuing with a target of mid-February for a review of the estimates for the Dining Hall renovations. These are funded in part through the new Chartwells contract and zero interest financing.
  • Temporarily moving Esports to Spellman Hall by end of February
  • Moving the bookstore which will begin in March.
  • The radio station will permanently move to the Murphy Center by end of May.
• Like most schools with a similar profile, we are critically dependent on enrollment. For Spring 2024 semester we made target on overall undergraduate enrollment but fell short on graduate:
  • NYPISHS coming in at 100% of target
  • School of Arts and Science coming in at just under 80% of target.
  • We have a few weeks before the start of the Spring Trimester for LSB, which is right now at 75% of target.
• In the coming weeks and months, we will see a lot of changes as we look to rightsize the resources that are dedicated to graduate enrollment as it relates to the overall success of these programs.
• With enrollment shortfalls, and increasing expenses related to NYS minimum salary mandates and health benefit increases I anticipate that we will just about make budget, or fall slightly below. Just making budget is not a healthy place to be long-term and we will continue to evaluate revenue as it relates to expenses and strategic investments in the academy and student life.
• Overall in a positive place as a university, even as other schools struggle and close. We are in a position to help them and their students.

Information Item: Provost’s Report

• Thanks to all working to foster teach-out agreements with College of St. Rose, look forward to welcoming some of those students in the Fall.
• Hosting WCC’s academic leadership team tomorrow on campus. Make easier pathways to recruit those graduates to Iona. Deans have been in constant communication with their counterparts.
• Happy to announce Iona and Institute of Thomas Paine studies received a 1 million dollar gift from Lapidus.  Continue the work of the director, Dr. Nora Slonimsky.
• Dr. Dan Thiery of the Department of History will be new Honors Director, will work with T.J. Moretti for transition this semester.  Implement new curriculum in the Fall semester if everything goes through New York State.
• Welcoming candidates in department searches throughout the university.  Look forward to working with Deans and Chairs as they finalize searches.
• Last week, Provost Office and Director of Core hosted a Town Hall to reflect on the Cornerstone.  Thank you to Elena and whole core committee for their work on that. Still looking for faculty to teach cornerstones in the fall.

Information Item: Core Curriculum Report

• Since last meeting, Core Curriculum Committee met 3 times: Dec 4, Dec 7, and Jan 18.
• Finished collecting student CSAs for fall 2023
• Developed, tested, and deployed a new method for faculty scoring of Core Signature Assignments
• conducted core curriculum assessment training for faculty scorers and provided newly developed written and video instructions to supplement the live Zoom training
• Conducted and completed Round 1 of assessment for Fall 2023, and currently conducting Round 2 of Fall 2023 core curriculum assessment
• Reviewed a variety of new syllabi as well as course changes from departments.
• Launched a vote concerning the 24-25 Common Read; the vote involves only the faculty who have already signed up to teach the Columba Cornerstone in AY24-25; the voting period is currently in process
• Continue to recruit faculty for Fall 24 Cornerstones and Learning Communities.
• Discussed preliminary planning for the May 14 Annual Training for Learning Communities which will return to an in-person format this year

Information Item: Reports from Constituent Assemblies 

Faculty Senate

• Met on January 25, discussed information gathered from various constituencies, groups senators are talking to to find what they’re concerned with. Concerns included
  • AI policy
  • Relationship between Athletics and Academics and students missing classes.
  • Questions about physical space, including equipment in classrooms.
  • Also questions about clinical faculty and the role they play.
• Hosted Provost Mulligan, had productive conversation on some of these issues including AI and space.  Also discussed the importance of making sure shared governance runs smoothly, coordinating our schedules, get things passed on in an efficient manner.

Staff and Administrative Council

• Will meet on February 15.

Student Government Association

• Working on SGA constitution to get changes in regarding senators at large and umbrella organizations.
• Working with clubs to change classification, hopefully approved by the end of the semester.

Information item: Reports from the Standing Committee 

Committee on Rank, Tenure and Awards

• First meeting of the spring semester on Monday, this semester is reviewing promotions to rank of full professor, a number of tenure cases, as well as routine contract renewals. Anticipating inquiries regarding emeritus status.

Committee on Academic Affairs

• Passed a handful of new programs and program updates:
  • Literacy, MSEd
• Special Education (All Grades), MSEd
• History, BA
• School Psychology, MA
• Bilingual Certificate for School Psychology Program
• Advanced Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Committee on Budget

• Committee has not met since last University Council meeting

Committee on Human Resources and Compensation

• Met on 1/19/24 and reviewed recent Human Resources benefit updates.  They include increases in flex spending (now $3,200) and pre-tax transportation benefits (now $315), a limit increase for 403b to $23,000. HR recommends employees review their 403b accounts on a regular basis.
• In addition there were two key compliance updates on January 1 this year including an increase in the minimum wage from $15 to $16/hour and the NY State Department of Labor increase to the minimum exempt salary to $62,400. All changes have been implemented and affected employees notified.
• Additionally, three policies previously reviewed and endorsed in HRC – Drug & Alcohol, Dress Code, and Motor Vehicle policies – have now been endorsed by PC and are posted to the website.  HRC will continue to review existing policies to ensure they are compliant. 
• With a focus on Health & Wellness the HR team will be encouraging employees wear red on February 2 for Wear Red Day in support of heart health awareness and American Heart Month. Last, if anyone has any ideas for wellness events, please feel free to email them to Colleen Muschio in Human Resources.

Committee on Libraries and Information Technology

• Met on 12/12/23.
• Blackboard Ultra Update
  • 11/8/23: Benefits presentation to Teaching Circle
  • 11/9/23: Contract signed
  • 11/29/23: Kickoff meeting
  • 12/14/23: Ultra adoption planning meeting
  • Pilot group is being assembled, 15-18 faculty members.
• Group Study Room Procedures
  • Drafted guidelines were presented by Natalka based on previous practices, student feedback, and similar institutions.
  • Finalized procedures will be posted on the Library webpage.
  • Link to procedures will also be included in reservation confirmations.
  • If a group that reserved a room does not show up for their reservation, another group can commandeer the room (no booking would be needed as the room would already show up as booked in Express25).
• Updated demo of group study room reservations
  • Zoom recording timestamp: 19:00-26:22
• Collection Development Policy
  • Existing policy updated to reflect changes since new programs were introduced.
• Turnitin AI
  • Currently, we have Turnitin with AI tracking. In January, the AI tracking is being updated and then removed to make it a separate module.
  • A general concern is that the AI module discriminates against non-English speakers. Turnitin conducted a study and did not find this to be valid.
  • Joanne has discussed this with colleagues from other liberal arts institutions and found that many have been getting rid of Turnitin entirely.
  • Proposed action: Continue in January with Turnitin without the AI capability. Monitor responses about the use of the AI module, and based on that information, potentially license the AI module later.
  • The proposed action was unanimously agreed upon.
• Computer accounts for active employees and students
  • The university pays for licensing for all software products and all library databases. Licensing agreements are typically priced by number of user accounts. Many of the software and library databases specifically state for current employees and current students.
  • It has been the institution’s long-standing policy and practice to only provide accounts to current students and current employees.
  • Graduating students’ accounts are shut off the following semester.
  • Employee accounts are shut off following termination.
  • Accounts for adjuncts are shut off if they are not currently teaching but are reactivated when they return to teach.
  • Faculty Emeritus accounts always remain active

Committee on Institutional Advancement

• Summary Report:
  • Fund for Iona (annual fund) trending up over FY 23 total.
  • Alumni participation is at 3.1% with target of making goal of 6%
• A new SVP for Advancement and Alumni Engagement has been hired - campus announcement coming soon
• 12 Days to Fight the Good Fight athletics giving campaign - Dec 1 -12
  • Big success with 729 donors and $290,116 raised
  • Men's and women's crew team supporters combined to raise close to $100,000
• 2024 Trustees Scholarship Award Gala
  • Thursday, April 25 at Cipriani 42nd Street
  • Legacy Award Recipients
    • Robert J. DeLuccia '67, '79 MBA : Co-Founder and Executive Chairman -  Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    • Edward R. McNally, Jr. '78
    • Monica L. '70 and John C. '71 Judge
• Gaels Giving Day - Saturday, March 16
  • Utilize Give Campus - crowd funding platform
  • One day push for donations and alumni participation
  • Options to support different areas and campaigns 
  • Same day as St. Patrick's Day parade and MAAC basketball championship
• Focus on Planned Giving
  • Continue to promote FreeWill -free on-line tool to create a legal will
  • Available to all faculty and staff members
  • Targeted outreach to all alumni 70 years old and up re: using their IRA's to make charitable gifts
• Upcoming Events
  • February 10, 2024 Iona Piper’s Ball
  • March 16, 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Gael Giving Day
  • April 25, 2024 Trustees Scholarship Gala
  • October 18-24, 2024 Homecoming/Reunion Weekend

Committee on Student Life

• Fall 2023 Semester Takeaways
  • Killian's kickoff was a success.
  • Commitment to enhancing commuter and residential life experiences. 70% of commuters are now logged into activities.
  • Dance and Cheer qualify for national championship competitions.
  • Health Center visits up 16%.
  • Counseling Center Walk-in Services up 60%.
• OMM's Diverse Efforts, Outreach, and Initiatives
  • More than 200+ Freshman participated in Gael Service Program and already volunteered over 1,500 hours.
  • Hosted employee orientation and annual luncheon which included talks by Dr. Wayne Tinsey, Global Ambassador for Edmund Rice Beyond Borders and Cormac McArt, the Director of the Westcourt Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
  • Sponsored Make a Difference Week, Week of the Peacemaker, multiple student retreats, the annual Thanksgiving basket drive, weekly hospitality dinners and service trips.
• Fall 2024 Recruitment Efforts Underway
  • Applications for Fall 2024 Admission are Up 21% year to date, with over 4,200 submitted as of December 1.
  • Record attendance- 870 families attended on-campus Fall Open Houses.
  • Campus visits up 15% Compared to Fall 2022.

Committee for Athletics

• The committee met via Zoom from 12:02-12:28 p.m., Thursday, December 7, 2023.
• The Academic Report was presented by Jamie Fogarty. The Athletic Academic Advisors facilitated all student-athletes with registration for the Spring 2024 semester.
• The Athletic Report was presented by Mr. Glovaski. Fall sports have concluded. Men’s cross country won its 33rd MAAC Championship and competed in the regional and national NCAA finals with a 29th place finish. Women’s cross country earned second place in the MAAC and competed in NCAA Regionals. Winning the season championship, men’s soccer hosted a semi-final MAAC playoff game, but lost to Rider. Volleyball reached the MAAC semi-final. Men’s water polo finished in fourth place at the Northeast Water Polo Conference Championship.
• In winter sports, men’s and women’s basketball have started their seasons with new coaches for both teams. Men’s coach Tobin Anderson will be hosting “Chalk Talks” for Iona students before weekday home games. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving will compete in the ECAC Championship this weekend.
• The Community Service Report was presented by Mr. Glovaski. Teams are renewing involvement with local charities, including Golotta House. Men’s and women’s basketball will host clinics for CYO coaches and players.
• In the Director’s Report, Mr. Glovaski discussed the proposed “radical” reorganization of NCAA Division One athletics and its impact on schools and student-athletes. The fourth annual “12 Days” fund-raising campaign will begin next week. Workshops for student-athletes regarding mental health, financial literacy and NIL education have been held during the semester. The Athletic Department and the Media and Strategic Communication Department has developed a pilot partnership to give graduate and undergraduate MSC students “hands-on, real-world” video production experience and social media content. On January 7, Iona will raise a banner celebrating former coach Jim Valvano, the University’s second Naismith Hall of Fame inductee, at a ceremony prior to the MBB game against Niagara. Former Iona coach Jerry Welsh was named on the list of 36 nominees on the North America ballot for this summer's HOF class.
• There was no new business or old business to discuss.
• The committee will meet next at noon, Thursday, February 1

Committee on Diversity

• No report received.

Committee on Enrollment Management

• Has not yet met this academic year.

Committee on Environmental Sustainability

• The Committee on Environmental Sustainability met on 1/25/24. We discussed our composting project which continues to engage students in Columba Cornerstone and seeks additional volunteers. 
• We also heard updates from the Gaels Go Green club, The Earth and Spirit/Berry Forum, Facilities, and the renewables in the dining hall project. 
• Facilities reported that they are investigating solar lighting while work with Chartwells in on hold until their personnel is updated. 
• We continued to discuss the possibility of EV charging on campus. 
• Lazar Paroski presented his NY State winning project "Algae Bench". The committee would like to support this project, possibly with our grant funds. 
• We sent out a ranked choice poll for members to select how they think we should spend our grant from Cenergistics. 

Action Item: Votes on New and Revised Programs

• Literacy, MSEd
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.
• Special Education (All Grades), MSEd
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.
• History, BA
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.
• School Psychology, MA
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.
• Bilingual Certificate for School Psychology Program
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.
• Advanced Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • Unanimously passed by voting members present.

Old Business: None

New Business  

Submitting additional changes to Constitution documents, will be forthcoming.

There being no other business, A. Rosenfeld adjourned the University Council meeting at 4:23 pm. The next meeting of the Council will be held on 3/6/24.