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University Council Minutes, February 26, 2025

3:30 p.m. Via Zoom

Present: A. Rosenfeld, D. DeFino, M. Bard, M. Beckwith, C. Carlson, B. Gaines, M. Higgins, M. Hughes, Y. Kang, S. Petrovich, A. Qayyum, O. Murillo, L. Paroski, C. DelliCarpini, L. Roca, S. Carey, T. Mulligan, J. DeMelis, K. Dhanwada, J. Stabile, C. Winkler, E. Procario-Foley, J. Robinson, C. Smith, I. Stabell, N. Vidal-Finnerty, M. Callaghan, J. Steele

Excused: Richardson, M. Volza

A. Rosenfeld called the meeting to order at 3:34pm. Quorum was met.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes for the 12/11/24 meeting of the University Council were approved via e-mail on 2/4/25.

Announcements

Faculty are asked to please look out for an e-mail seeking self-nominations for elected and appointed committees.

Information Item: President’s Report

  • As of this afternoon the White House spending freeze has been halted; when faced with such issues, the university works hard to implement alternative plans, which it is not always possible or prudent to communicate (causing confusion); we are taking steps to identify programs most likely to be impacted, and identifying first steps should that happen
  • Admissions reports are very positive, thanks to their hard work
  • The Gabelli Ctr for Teaching and Learning opened on 1/9
  • The Gabelli Presidential Speakers Series will continue with talks by D. Graham Burnett (2/26-27) and Shannon Vallor (3/22)
  • AI@Iona continues to form partnerships with local districts, including Yonkers, Bronxville, and Cardinal Hayes (for five-part AI trainings)
  • J. Steele is working on a strategic plan for campus technology, particularly in the libraries
  • LaPenta Student Union renovations are on track for April completion and May occupation
  • Iona’s annual Trustee Scholarship Gala will be held on 4/8, and will honor Steven Corwin, CEO of the New York Presbyterian healthcare network
  • On 2/2, Iona will mark the first Men’s Lacrosse game in our history

Information Item: Provost’s Report

  • J. DeMelis has been hired as Dean of LSB; he had previously served as interim Dean
  • In celebration of Black History Month (February), the university with host several events, including a Black alumni panel on 2/7 featuring Mandell Crawley, as part of the View from the C-Suite series
  • While we haven’t yet reached the census date, preliminary data shows improved fall-to-spring retention over last year

Information Item: Core Curriculum Committee Report

  • CCC met on 1/16
  • The committee launched core curriculum assessment scoring for Fall 2024; we have completed Round 1of scoring and are currently working on round 2
  • The committee continues to on the FA25 COL 150 faculty schedule

Information Item: Reports from Constituent Assemblies

Faculty Senate

  • The Senate met on 1/23
  • Revisions to the Senate constitution were approved
  • The last details of revisions to the Council constitution are still being worked out, and will be shared prior to a final vote
  • The Senate discussed the faculty survey, and agreed to work with T. Mulligan on potential topics that might be included

Staff and Administrative Council

  • SAC met on 1/23
  • The Brother Bray subcommittee will soon send out a e-mail soliciting nominations of the Brother Bray Award
  • SAC provided support to the Committee for Environmental Sustainability and the Facilities department on their initiative to implement a battery recycling program
  • The subcommittee for the SAC constitution review met on 1/28, and will continue its work

Student Government Association

  • SGA met on 1/23
  • New members were inducted
  • E-board continues to working on spring events

Information Item: Reports from the Standing Committees

Committee on Rank, Tenure and Awards

No report

Committee on Academic Affairs

  • CAA met on 1/21
  • Several MTH courses were deactivated
  • CAA approved a shift to online delivery of graduate EDU courses
  • CAA approved a Latin American Studies minor
  • CAA approved the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science

Committee on Budget

  • BUD met on 11/13 and 11/20
  • BUD approved a proposed 3% increase to room and board
  • BUD voted to recommend a 2% rate increase for per-credit tuition for the MHC and MFT Graduate programs
  • BUD voted not to increases graduate Business programs, CSD, OT, or Nursing credits
  • BUD voted to approve new rates of $1,050 per credit for the new Masters in Social Work program

Committee on Human Resources and Compensation

  • BUD met on 11/13 and 11/20
  • BUD approved a proposed 3% increase to room and board
  • BUD voted to recommend a 2% rate increase for per-credit tuition for the MHC and MFT Graduate programs
  • BUD voted not to increases graduate Business programs, CSD, OT, or Nursing credits
  • BUD voted to approve new rates of $1,050 per credit for the new Masters in Social Work program

Committee on Libraries and Information Technology

No report

Committee on Institutional Advancement

  • ADV met today (1/29)
  • O. Huk and L. Poupis were appointed co-chairs
  • The Advancement Office is currently working to fill five empty positions
  • G. Grant discussed upcoming events (including a reception in Naples, FL); highlighted the importance of “Gaels Go Further”; sought feedback on hosting a gala during Homecoming; and pointed out that he summarizes all potential donor meetings, and sends those summaries to his team, senior leaders and the President for transparency and feedback

Committee on Student Life

No report

Committee on Athletics

  • ATL met on 12/5
  • The committee discussed end-of term efforts to support student athletes who might be struggling or at risk of failure
  • M. Glovaski reviewed strong team performances in Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, Water Polo, Golf, Rowing, Swimming, Basketball and XC; Men’s XC achieved its 34th MAAC conference championship, the longest active championship streak in the country
  • M. Glovaski reviewed Fall term community service initiatives, including Tunk or Treat, Thanksgiving activities, and Team Impact Partnership
  • M. Glovaski discussed Open Doors, which ensures athletes understand financial literacy and employment requirements
  • A seminar on depression was held for athletes
  • The legislation in the US House outlining revenue sharing with athletes, needs clarification for future decisions as the NCAA reviews it

Committee on Diversity

No report

Committee on Enrollment Management

No report

Committee for Environmental Sustainability

  • CoES met on 1/28
  • Two student leaders from Iona’s GreenFaith Circle travelled to Albany on January 22 to participate in a “Climate Mass Mobilization.
  • K. Cawley has collaborated with S. D’Alfonso to reinstate a semester-long program that will bring three students to the United Nations
  • Facilities informed the committee that R. Barrios will provide ongoing assistance with campus composting efforts
  • The Deignan Institute announced its speaker series
  • Iona formalized a new battery recycling program

Action Item: B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science

The Council voted unanimously to endorse the new program.

There being no other business, A. Rosenfeld adjourned the University Council meeting at 4:25pm. The next meeting of the Council will be held on 2/26/25.