Susan Coultrap-McQuin (presiding), Michael Ameigh (recording). Mary Beth Bell, Lanny Karns, David King, Linda Rae Markert, Rhonda Mandel, Yvonne Petrella, Sara Varhus.

Progress reports on classes for fall 2006 semester: The deans reported on efforts in their units to increase small classes and decrease large classes.  A variety of ideas were proposed for working toward that goal without increasing the number of sections overall.  Susan invited additional input as course offering lists are being prepared.  Department lists are due to the Registrar in January.  We will project our status and make any additional changes at that time.

Chair's workshop: The Council discussed possible topics for discussion at the Department Chair's retreat to be held on January 23rd.  Among those proposed:

-Working with and encouraging new faculty;

-Exploring ways to engage departments in external relationships with alumni and

professional organizations;

-Developing strategies for enhancing faculty diversity;

-Instituting user-friendly methods for assessing programs;

-Expanding participation in and stimulating academic research.

An agenda will be finalized in coming days and distributed to department chairs.

Proposed Academic Research Center guidelines: The Council resumed a discussion related to proposed guidelines for the establishment of an academic research center on campus.  The guidelines are being distributed to departments for feedback.

Grant proposals to address student retention: The Council reviewed proposals submitted by departments requesting funds to establish activities that address student retention.  Susan requested feedback from the deans by Monday, November 27th.  It was proposed that some of the funding set aside for this initiative be used to send a delegation to a retention workshop in Albany during the spring semester.

Farewell to Dean Varhus: The Council congratulated Sara Varhus, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, on her appointment to the position of Academic Vice President at Nazareth College in Rochester. Sara will begin her duties at Nazareth in January. A farewell reception for the college community is planned for Thursday, December 15th, from 4-6PM in Sheldon Ballroom.

-Adjourned