Chair: Susan Camp

Recorder: Anthony Procopio

Members Absent: D. Pippin, J. McDougal, W. Silky, C. Mack, M. Groman, W. Rule, W. Opello, T. Delaney, J. Langenfeld-Rial

                        The meeting was called to order at 3:09 P.M.

I.    Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved unanimously with the addition of the Senator’s report.

II.    FA Chair’s Report – S. Camp

Thank you Joan

Australia was awesome. Some pictures next meeting.

Library Planning Committee—President and Provost are convening this group and would like 4 faculty appointed by FA. One from the library council, and one from each of the 3 schools. I propose that we seek nominations for elections at the Nov 20^th FA meeting.

*Other open seats*…for your thoughts

Dean of Arts and Sciences Review Committee

Library Council—1 FA seat

Admissions and Student Services Council—1 FA seat

Student Association Senate—1 seat

III.   Senator’s Report—M. Ryniker (see attached)

IV.    Reports of Councils, Committees and Task Forces

Personnel Policies Council met on October 25 and discussed procedures related to the DSI cycle that has just been completed and the relationship between DSI and the online faculty-reporting requirement.  PPC is contacting the Provost for clarification of some questions and concerns.

Academic Policies reported that they are bringing forward the proposal of Academic Quality to enforce course prerequisites using BANNER.

General Education Council met 31 October 2006; ART 208 was discussed by the Art Department and will be revised and returned to the Council for approval. Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Critical Thinking, and Computer and Information Literacy are the General Education categories to be assessed this year.  The Council continued its deliberations on the proposal to infuse critical thinking in majors and dissolve the critical thinking category.  The Gen Ed Council recommends that Faculty Assembly adopt the proposal when it is removed from table on 6 November 2006. 

Campus Concept Committee has begun discussion of Academic Quad.

V.    Elections

- There were no new nominations

VI.    Unfinished Business

It was moved to amend the General Education Critical Thinking proposal by changing the implementation date from Fall 2007 to Fall 2008. Passed 23-3

General Education Proposal to infuse Critical Thinking as amended passed 20 – 11

Proposed changes in Biochemistry BS passed: 30 – 0

Proposed changes in Cognitive Science BS passed: 28 – 0

Proposed changes in Cognitive Science BA passed: 30 – 0

Proposed changes in Cognitive Science minor passed: 29 – 0

VII.    New Business

- There was no new business

The meeting was adjourned at 4:53 P.M.

Faculty Senator Report, M. Ryniker

Faculty Senate Plenary Session, October 26-28, 2006

October 26

Chancellor Ryan attended an elegant cocktail party in his honor.  He was personable, knowledgeable and politically astute.  He mentioned an interest in smoke-free campuses.

October 27

Buffalo State President Howard spoke of articulation agreements Buff State has with 3 Chinese universities. 

Senate President Wiezalis supported the Chancellor’s goal of smoke-free campuses.

CFO Kim Cline spoke of the Chancellor’s commitment to increasing the number of full-time faculty. 

Former Chancellor Brownstone Provided the Senate with interesting history of the Senate.

Pam Sandoval presented information on math and science teachers.  She raised questions on how we might help students to learn, and maintain attention to task.

Fred Hildebrand addressed faculty development.  He encouraged us to establish a structure to support new faculty from the moment they first walk on campus. 

The high point of the plenary was the breakout session. 

Stonybrook has established an elder college.  The mini sessions are taught by retired professors.  The retirees are utilized and the college makes money.  Other campuses are encouraged to consider this model.  Our retirees have knowledge and experience to share.  They also have money to donate to their schools.

There was a good deal of discussion about course loads, ratio of full-time to part-time faculty.

On one campus an administrator became involved with curriculum decisions.

Friday evening we were introduced to the new SUNY Provost, Dr. Risa Palm.  She was intelligent, approachable, down-to-earth. 

October 28

Student Assembly report was given. 

Sector Reports were given, followed by the Committee reports.  There was a spirited exchange over a proposed new award.  Following the discussion the Senate passed the recommended award.  The Student Life Committee plans to catalog positive traditions that encourage esprit de corps on the SUNY campuses.