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Minutes University Council January 29 2025

Wednesday, 1/29/25, 3:30 p.m. Via Zoom


Present: A. Rosenfeld., D. DeFino, M. Bard, M. Beckwith, C. Carlson, M. Higgins, M. Hughes, 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: Y. Kang, R. Richardson, M. Volza
A. Rosenfeld called the meeting to order at 3:35pm. Quorum was met.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes for the 12/11/24 meeting of the University Council were approved via e-mail on 1/16/25

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 on 1/23
  • New members were inducted
  • The E-board continues to work 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

  • HR&C met on 1/17
  • Following the recent court decision to overturn 2024 Title IX rules, Iona will revert back to the 2020 rules; employee obligations to report and protections for pregnancy/pregnancy-related conditions will remain in place
  • The Safety Committee will launch mandatory active shooter training for students and employees through Vector Solutions
  • The committee endorsed a change to the leave of absence policy; employees on leave of absence will no longer accrue sick or vacation time’ accrual will resume upon reinstatement.
  • The committee approved the Unethical Relationship Policy which addresses relationships between employees and employees with supervisory roles, employees and students, and the concern of direct authority; this policy will be posted to the HR Policy section of the website

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.