csb 06 2012.02.24 | SUNY Geneseo

College Senate Bulletin
State University of New York at Geneseo
College of Arts and Sciences

Correspondence: Dennis Showers, School of Education, South Hall 222C, email: showers@geneseo.edu, 245-5264

Note: Page numbers indicate pages as per paper copy of the Bulletins

Bulletin No. 6

Pages 46-61
February 24, 2012

Content

Page Topic

46 FAC Minutes of 1/17/12

46 SAC Minutes of 1/17

48 Executive Committee Minutes of 1/24/12

49 Senate Minutes of 1/31/12

52 SAC Minutes of 2/7/12

53 Policy Minutes of 2/7/12

52 Research Council Minutes of 2/10/12

59 University Faculty Senator Report: Cornell Plenary

61 Senate Agenda for 2/28/12

Minutes of the Faculty Affairs Committee

January 17, 2012

Present: J. McLean (Chair), J. Allen, S. Derné, B. Evans, V. Farmer, D. McPherson, L. O’Brien, A. Sheldon, H. Waddy, R. Kahrs, S. Iyer (guest), P. Jackson (guest), J. Rao (Guest)

Call to Order

James McLean called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

1. Chair’s Report:

No Report

2. New Business: Discussion of Knightweb administration of SOFI’s

FAC would like to learn the overall response rate

Paul Jackson identified reports of variation in response rate

Members of FAC asked that the Knightweb SOFI system allow faculty to add questions.

Members of FAC were concerned about the possibility that, for labs taught by undergraduate teaching assistants, SOFI responses confuse evaluation of the Faculty member and the undergraduate lab teaching assistant.

Members of FAC would like faculty to be able to see what students see when they’re filling out SOFIs

3. Old Business: Memo to Provost re input on new positions

MS (McPherson, Kahrs) to send the provost the first page of the memo. This memo indicates that if the provost wants advice, FAC is well positioned to give it.

Approved

There was discussion of the second page of the memo.

4. Old Business: SOFI reports

It was agreed that standard deviation should be provided in the graphed SOFI results. Specific action tabled until next meeting, at which chair will provide for everyone to be able to see examples of SOFI reports.

Adjournment

James McLean adjourned the meeting at 5:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Derné

College Senate Student Affairs Committee

17 January 2012

The meeting was called to order a few minutes after 4:00 pm. D. Repinski welcomed returning Senators and the SAC guest S. Simonetti, Chief, SUNY Geneseo University Police Department. The agenda for the meeting was reviewed – first a discussion with Chief Simonetti, followed by updates from the subcommittees and a brief review of the s’12 SAC meeting schedule.

Following the introduction of Chief Simonetti, D. Repinski identified some possible topics for discussion:

1) recent changes to University Police (UP) procedures given the new NYS law regarding “medical amnesty/good Samaritan” actions;

2) UP policies and procedures regarding response to sexual misconduct;

3) transportation of victims of campus sexual misconduct for medical attention and/or for the collection of criminal evidence;

4) possible needs of UP with respect to the above issues and

5) issues of concern to the Chief which might warrant SAC and/or Senate consideration.

The new NYS law was discussed first. Chief Simonetti reported that on 9/18/2011 legislation went into effect with an aim ‘to encourage a witness or victim of a drug- or alcohol-related overdose to seek emergency medical assistance in order to save a life, without fear of arrest, charge, prosecution, and conviction for drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, and certain alcohol-related offenses. The law provides protection for individuals who, in good faith, seek health care for either themselves or someone else who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life-threatening emergency.’

Chief Simonetti affirmed his support for this approach; he supports actions whereby victims of chemical overdose receive medical assistance without fear of punishment of the victim or witnesses. UP officers remain obligated to respond to emergencies, investigate and document the circumstances, and seize illegally possessed items for either evidentiary purposes or destruction. Chief Simonetti noted that the protection does not apply to other offenses, including criminal sale, provision of a controlled substance, manslaughter, murder, etc.

It was noted by SAC members that the new protections concerning mere possession of a controlled substance provided by NYS law do not apply to the Geneseo Student Code of Conduct. Rather, the Geneseo Student Code of Conduct calls for victims and/or witnesses in chemical overdose-related medical emergencies to be subject to ‘review and action’ for violating the Code of Conduct. As discussed previously, members of the SAC strongly feel that the Geneseo Code of Conduct should be changed to parallel NYS law and UPD policies and procedures. In addition, SAC members called for on-going community educations regarding NYS laws, Code provisions, and discrepancies that exist between the two.

Second the SAC turned to discussing the new Sexual Misconduct Policy and UP response to sexual assault. Chief Simonetti reported that primary UP actions include response, investigation, and victim assistance. To a significant degree, UP actions are influenced by the preferences of the victim as a cooperative victim is needed in order for the District Attorney to prosecute a well-documented incident. Chief Simonetti noted that one of his short-term goals is to offer more training to his staff regarding how to respond to victims of sexual assault. In addition, the new “Options” document is valuable as it highlights for victims options for reporting the incident (i.e., to UP, the Dean of Students, and/or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator) and the various resources available to victims. A question was asked about the information that is required in order for an incident to be noted in the annual Clery Report. Chief Simonetti reported that required Clery-relevant information includes date, time, and location of the incident. The conversation then turned to consideration of transportation options available to victims of sexual assault who seek to have evidence collected by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at Strong Memorial Hospital. It was noted that transportation options are very limited and include the following: ambulance, LATS bus, and friends/roommates. UPD will transport a sexual assault victim to Strong Hospital if staffing resources permit.

The SAC then received brief updates from the ‘Registration’ and ‘Medical Amnesty’ subcommittees. It was noted that due to schedule conflicts, Kevin Felter will resign his position as Senator and SAC member.

The SAC will next meet on Tue. 7 Feb. at 4:00 pm in Milne 121. Melinda DuBois will be our guest at that meeting and will discuss campus response to sexual assault.

Senate SAC 17 January
2011-2012
		X=Attending
Last Name:	First Name:	17-Jan
Bowersox	Tim	X
Carroll	Sandy	X
Dougherty	Lauren	X
Felter	Kevin	X
Ghuman	Adbul	X
Jeong	Jeu-Yeon	X
Katz	Jennifer	X
Klotz	Marilyn	X
MacKenzie	Doug	X
Macula	Tony	X
McLaughlin	Paul	"LoA"
Miller	Joyce	A
Repinski	Dan	X
Rescott	David	X
Simmons	Dayshawn	A
Yauney	Alex	X

Submitted by David Rescott and Dan Repinski

Notes appended 2/23/2012

From Sal Simonetti, Chief of Police, SUNY Geneseo (23 Feb. 2012):

There is one point I think we should clarify. While I indicated that UPD may be in a position (if staffing permits) to provide hospital transportation for sexual assault victims, I also believe I stated that this would have to be in conjunction with a police investigation. In other words, if a student reported to the police that they had been sexually assaulted and desired a police investigation, we could then provide assistance with a transport.

Minutes of the Senate Executive Committee

January 24, 2012

Present: D. Granger, G. Hartvigsen, C. Kreutter, C. Long, J. McLean, T. Ocon, J. Over, D. Repinski, S. Salmon, D. Showers (Chair), R. Vasiliev, J. Williams

1. Call to Order

· Chair Showers called meeting to order at 4:02 PM

2. Adoption of Agenda

· Chair Showers made one correction to agenda (date of next College Senate(CS) to be January 31, 2012); R. Vasiliev moved to accept agenda

3. Discussion of January 31, 2012 Agenda

· Chair Showers stated that Associate Provost David Gordon will attend January 31, 2012, CS meeting to discuss role of Academic Affairs Committee

4. Old Business:

· No action on first two agenda items (Proposed amendment on Administrative Faculty & Proposed positions for non-Senators on Senate Committees)

· Review of charge: Article VIII Duties of Executive Committee

Section 1: prepare agenda

Section 4: approve expenditures over $500.

Section 6: add wording to include publishing minutes in bulletin

o Ask personnel committee to report to Executive Committee at end of year.

Section 8: Professional programs representative on faculty

Section 9: Strike “faculty” from line three.

Section 10: Chair Showers called attention to constitution bylaws

o Chair Showers suggested preparing list of what administrative appointments will be involved.

o Suggestion: Formal reviews of administrators by faculty.

o Action: look at information produced by University senate

5. New Business

· Resolution: “Objecting to Wealth Inequity…”

o Responsibility of Executive Committee: Determine whether or not to take resolution to College Senate

o Question Executive Committee has: Where is this document to go?

o Recommendation: Send back to author and Chair Showers will provide feedback., e.g., make clear where to take this document; will suggest to author that language be more dispassionate

6. Adjournment: 5:08 PM

Respectfully Submitted,

Cheryl A. Kreutter, College Senate Secretary

College Senate Meeting Minutes

January 31, 2012

Present:

B. Ahmed, J. Allen, K. Becker, S. Brainard, R. Coloccia, C. Dahl, L. Dougherty, B. Evans, V. Farmer, D. Farthing, K. Fletcher, J. Giorgione, D. Granger, C. Haddad, B. Harrison, G. Hartvigsen, A. Heap, U. H. Hur, S. Iyer, H. Jeong, R. Kahrs, J. Katz, J. Kernan, M. Klotz, C. Kreutter, M. Lima, C. Long, J. Lovett, D. Mackenzie, T. Macula, M. McCormick, J. McGarrah, J. McLean, D. McPherson, J. Miller, J. Milroy, M. Mooney, L. O’Brien, T. Ocon, J. Over, P. Pacheco, D. Repinski, D. Rescott, S. Russell; S. Salmon, A. Sheldon, D. Showers (Chair), A. Steinhauer, S. Stubblefield, A. Tajima, D. Tamarin, R. Vasiliev, H. Waddy, B. Weigman, J. Williams, A. Yauney

Guest: David Gordon

Call to order

D. Showers (Chair) called the meeting to order at 4:03 PM.

Adoption of Agenda

January 31, 2012 agenda adopted without objection

Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes of the Senate meeting of November 8, 2011 were accepted without objection.

Minutes of the Senate meeting of December 6, 2011 were accepted without objection.

Guest: David Gordon (Academic Affairs)

· The College Assessment Advisory Council is the newest committee of the college, joining the research general education and the strategic planning committees

· Transmit information from one place to another

· Conversation about college level issues, intended to bridge gap

· Assessment council- VP submit assessment summary, tomorrow the report is going to the strategic planning group

· College Wiki-Chapter 6 Institutional Effectiveness

· Oversee campus processes, recommend, flowing smoothly

· Middle States- March 25- effective instruction oversight assessment procedure

o Middle States self study on college’s Wiki page

o Chapter 6 of Institutional effectiveness

· Jan Lovett comment- what is the governance, who’s on the committee?

· D.G. response- already in the constitution, standing committee, 8 members, 9 if a student is added

President’s Report – Christopher Dahl

· Contacting alumni for donations to benefit faculty and students

· Capital campaign $18.1 million

· Bringing Theory to Practice

· National Theory to Practice Meeting in D.C. with Dave Gordon, Celia Easton, Schneider- discussed Real World Geneseo-telling other campuses about how RWG has an integrated student experience- comprehensive liberal education

i. Service learning, intellectual, intensive, high-impact practices for students- we are headed in the right direction

· Middle States- transformational learning

i. Put pieces together- seven overarching goals in strategic planning- about 15-20 people in Bringing Theory to Practice

ii. Talk to private foundations about funding for grants for high impact practices

· Committee of Diversity and Community

i. Mapes and Paradis- new co-chairs

ii. Presenting diversity plan this semester- action and measurable outcomes

· Sustainability Task Force- K. Hannam and C. Ross

i. Converting to Presidential Commission

ii. Involve all teaching issues about political and social action

· Three construction sites

i. Doty- in progress

ii. Bailey- out to bid

iii. Stadium Project (former Holcomb Building) - will start soon

· Jim Milroy’s presidency

i. Requested $895,525 million, received $832,303 million, difference of 57.3 million (didn’t fund SUNY Works)

ii. Able to complete restorations

· Capital funding- re-appropriated

i. Dorm rebuilding

ii. Three major points

1. Increase per capital c.c.

2. Further restoration on SUNY Hospital

3. Tuition share- 16,478 million in adjustment

· International athlete policy: As of 1/28/12, Geneseo is out of penalty box re: issue with recruiting international students

Provost Report, Carol Long

· This is the year of accreditation for the School of Business (Feb), Middle States-Whole School (March) and the School of Education (next fall)

· Went to Ghana to reconnect with administration and build ties

i. University program- KUNST (partner school)- based on science and technology

ii. Met new vice chancellor, successful, will build capacity

· Searches- Dean of SOE- D. Marozas in charge of search committee

· Gifts- School of Business granted endowment- currently writing a job description, will begin search in spring

i. First endowed chair- raise profile- college chair and SOB

Chair, Dennis Showers

· Met with campus governance leaders- shared services- concern for academics

i. SUNY Chancellor wants administration, purchasing, financing, protecting through coordination of services

ii. Savings coordination services- best interest for all- cut purchase costs, systematize SUNY system- not in best interest

1. i.e. Computer data systems we use- just one? Will chancellor step in?

iii. Another suggestion- five percent of administration costs, not instructional funds, move to instruction in next five years

Vice-Chair, Jim Williams

· Campus recommendations sent to President Dahl

Past Chair, David Granger

· No report

Secretary, Cheryl Kreutter

· No report

Treasurer, Aaron Steinhauer

· Sending email to all staff re: donations to Senate Fund

University Senate Faculty Report, Gregg Hartvigsen

· Commented on SUNY Learning Network

· SUNY Learning Network sln.suny.edu- online degree opportunities (distance learning)

i. Geneseo not available for online courses

ii. Geneseo students may only gain credit from Carnegie Mellon’s online learning network

iii. Cost SLN $400,000 to develop

iv. What role will Geneseo take in online learning?

Student Association Report, Tyler Ocon

· Looking for new student senators- applications available- spread the word

· Spring Concert close to finalization

· SA Bus Trip on March 5-want to have a good showing in Albany- please excuse students from class that day

Undergraduate Curricula Committee Report, Ren Vasiliev

· Meetings Feb. 7, Feb. 14, March 6, March 20

· 20 proposals next week

· 65 geography proposals

· Sturges 105- 4 o’clock

Undergraduate Academic Policies, Core and Review Report, Jeff Over

· Meeting February 7, 4 pm, South 309

Student Affairs, Dan Repinski

· Meeting February 7, 4 pm

Faculty Affairs, James McLean

· Meeting on Feb. 14

Graduate Academic Affairs, Susan Salmon

· No report

Old Business

· None

New Business

· Tony Mikula, Math

· Brought concerns regarding violations of acceptable internet use policy

i. Example- religious affiliated groups

ii. Has spoken with Jim Milroy

Adjournment: 4:50 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Cheryl A. Kreutter, College Senate Secretary

Minutes, College Senate Student Affairs Committee

February 7, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 4:06.

Present: Tony Macula, Sandy Carroll, Marilyn Klotz, Doug MacKenzie, Lauren Doherty, Jenny Katz, Dan Repinski, Tim Bowersox, Dayshawn Simmons

Melinda DuBois was our guest. She works in many roles on campus, including the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students, Administrative Director, Lauderdale Health and Counseling Center, and Co-Chair of The Advisory Committee on Campus Security.

Our conversation with Melinda focused on campus response to sexual assault.

Recent Accomplishments and Successes

We learned from Melinda the following:

-The College community has learned that much more can be done to enhance campus response to sexual assault, change the campus climate, and initiate conversations about the issue.

-The Sexual Assault Teach-In in spring 2011 was well attended, did much to initiate conversations regarding campus sexual assault, and resulted in the creation of an “action plan.”

-Efforts are on-going to increase awareness of the problem, enhance our campus response to it, educate about policies and options, and help facilitate conversations (e.g., efforts of the Advisory Committee on Campus Security).

-Changes in policy and practice have been made: a new Sexual Misconduct Policy is in the Student Code of Conduct; efforts to coordinate the response among various offices are on-going;

an “Options” document was developed and adopted for use – the document explains the possible actions available to a person who reports a sexual assault to college staff.

-Stickers detailing sexual assault resource information will soon be posted in the residence halls.

Issues Warranting Further Attention

We learned about the following:

-Transportation: if a student has been sexually assaulted and wants a forensic exam, the student is best served by going to Strong Hospital, the local center for excellence staffed by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). Presently, college staff is able to offer the following suggestions for transportation options: ask a friend to assist, request help from a family member, procure the services of a taxi, or take the LATS bus. A student group was funded to provide transportation, but that hasn’t panned out. Students need a viable transportation option and funding to support this is required. Models for how to structure and organize this type of service are widely available on many college campuses. (In a conversation with Chief Simonetti, the SAC recently learned that UPD could offer transportation if they are adequately staffed.)

-Education: the campus community requires education about the gamut of topics: policies, procedures, staff resources, options for reporting and action, etc.

-Institutional barriers remain which contribute to students being reluctant to seek assistance and/or report incidents of sexual assault. These include:

-lack of knowledge on the part of students, faculty, and staff (i.e., on-going education is needed);

-absence of coordination and communication among the various college offices responsible; and

-students’ concern about “double jeopardy” – possible conduct sanctions should alcohol or chemical use be a factor in the sexual assault.

Points discussed by members of the SAC include the following:

-Tony suggested (1) that campus data gathering efforts must be coordinated, enhanced, and systematized for accurate reporting, and (2) a single person should coordinate campus efforts and be informed every time a sexual assault on campus is reported (e.g., Melinda).

-It would be helpful to enhance the “anonymous report form” on the UPD website – presently it is an empty box. Prompts should be included which allow for reporting of date, time and location.

-Dayshawn asked if students are now more knowledgeable about what constitutes sexual assault. Melinda reported that the spring 2011 National College Health Assessment results indicate an increase since the last assessment in students who report receiving information about campus sexual assault.

-Doug asked for information about current education efforts. We learned the following: students see an informational skit during Orientation; postcards have been widely distributed which detail information about resources available to persons who experience sexual assault; there are R.A. trainings and residence hall programs; and there are no designated funds (e.g., a budget line) earmarked for sexual assault education and prevention efforts. Dayshawn reported that student response to the skit varies. Melinda and the SAC discussed a range of options for education, for example, mandated on-line educational programming, enhancing the quality of the Orientation education efforts, etc. Dayshawn asked for information about ‘best practices’ for sexual assault education and prevention efforts. Melinda noted that local on-line information needs to be enhanced.

-Dan noted that education is needed for faculty and staff. Many of us do not know the roles of various college offices and the resources available to our students (e.g., UPD; the Title IX coordinators; Livingston Country Rape Crisis; Lauderdale; the Center for Community; Pathways Peer Advocates; Residence Life staff; etc.). It was noted that campus response efforts appear to be fragmented, lacking coordination, and under funded.

-Melinda noted that individuals involved with the ACCS are preparing a DOJ grant application.

Reported by Jenny Katz and Dan Repinski

Minutes for Committee on Undergraduate Academic Policies, Core, and Review meeting

February 7, 2012

Members Present:

Jeff Over, Bareeqah Ahmad, Dori Farthing, Kurt Fletcher, Ui Hur, Jim Kernan, Chris Leary, Maria Lima, Jared Meagher, Mike Mooney, Atsushi Tajima,

Guests:

Kerry McKeever (administration)

The meeting was called to order at 4:02.

After introductions the following 8 items were discussed:

Item # Item description

#1 Dual Degree Policy

#2 Eliminiate 2.00 mimimum GPA in related area requirements.

#3 Change of Grade Policy

#4 Stopped Students

#5 Academic Standards Policy

#6 Suggestion to change College mission statement to include

“transformational learning”

#7 – Repeat Courses

# 8 - Participation grades for varsity sports, music groups, and such – Limit?

ITEM #1: Dual Degree Policy

There has been a request that a new policy be added into the bulletin to address students wishing to come to Geneseo to obtain a second degree. Using a SUNY-wide policy scripted in the ‘80’s, Chair Over suggested that the following be added into the bulletin:

Proposed policy:

When a student concurrently meets the requirements of more than one option or major within a single broad field of study, a single degree should be awarded rather than two separate degrees. (This does not preclude transfer arrangements under which coursework is completed at another institution toward a professional degree and also transferred back for completion of a degree at the initial campus.) Programs which lead to two different academic objectives may result in the awarding of two degrees, provided the requirements of each program have been met; and at least 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the single degree requirement has been completed. No more than 12 hours of credit, if any, can be allowed to overlap between the two programs. At the graduate level, at least 30 credit hours of additional study must be undertaken for the attainment of two degrees at the same level. Any dual degree must be approved by the departments or programs in which the degrees are awarded

McKeever asked that we refer to this as a “Second degree” not a dual degree since Geneseo has dual degree agreements with schools in other countries. The change to the proposed policy was made.

Fletcher asked for clarity regarding the statement that says, “no more than 12 hrs may overlap between the two programs.”

McKeever responded that that the overlap specifically refers to courses within the majors and not gen ed coursework. Students wanting a second degree from Geneseo must meet all the new reqirements (as defined in the Bulletin) for a major and gen ed. Another problem that McKeever noted was that students who return after a long absence might have had taken old courses that are outdated in their content. This is why there is the requirement for departmental approval for any of these courses to count at Geneseo. McKeever also reminded the committee that 30 credits must be taken at the resident institution to get a degree.

Meagher asked how a student who got a degree in Canada could get a second degree at Geneseo. McKeever noted that students must see how courses transfer into Geneseo using the “transfer database” or through conversations with the Dean’s office. The new SUNY-wide transfer rules also state that anyone who comes in with a baccalaureate degree from the SUNY system would automatically have their gen ed requirements considered as completed.

With no other changes to the proposed policy other than the use of the term “second degree” instead of a dual degree, it was agreed that Chair Over will bring the proposal to the senate floor.

ITEM #2: Eliminate 2.0 requirement for associated courses.

Geneseo currently has a policy that states that students must maintain a min. average of 2.00 in related requirements. A request has been made to change this policy and Chair Over suggested the following be the new policy:

Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative average in all courses in the major department applied toward completion of the major, and at least a C- or better in required related courses (i.e., any courses required by the major department which are outside the academic discipline of the major).

McKeever noted that the Dean’s office was considering making the details of what constituted minimum competency be determined by each department and listed in the bulletin. This was not jumped on by the committee who, instead, continued to focus on a college-wide policy change.

Leary suggests a wording change: that states “that at least a 1.67 or better in required related courses…” This wording change was agreed upon by the committee. The amended proposal will be brought to the senate floor.

ITEM #3 – Change of Grade Policy

A request has been made for a new policy that states why and when grade changes may be made. Chair Over brought to the committee the following potential new policy:

All changes of grades must be made within twelve weeks of the start of the semester following the semester in which the original grade was awarded. Changes are limited to miscalculation; all other changes should follow the grade appeal process and be initiated by the student prior to the end of the fourth week of the semester following the term in which the grade was received.

Mooney gave his support for the policy.

McKeever noted one of the goals for this policy is to end the “grade pleading” that takes place after the semester.

The following wording change to the proposed policy was suggested and agreed upon by the committee:

“Changes are limited to error or miscalculation”

Meagher asked if there was any requirement for faculty to post all grades on-line so that students can check to make sure that they are correct. This will be the topic of a future meeting.

Tajima asked how the timing of a “grade change request” would work with summer and McKeever answered that the summer is not considered a semester.

Tajima also asked if change of grades have an impact with dismissal hearings and would this new policy cause problems with grade disputes and their appealing of dismissal?

McKeever responded that changes of grade do impact dismissal hearings because students use the grade change time to plead their case with professors to get them to change the grade as a way to save themselves. Extensions are allowed for the determination of grades and dismissal decisions.

Lima noted that perhaps the time that is noted in this policy was too short when the grade that needs changing is an I. Fletcher noted that this policy is for the change of a true letter grade and not an I or an SP. Any extensions for I’s are given at the grace of the dean.

With support from the committee, Chair Over will present the amended policy to the senate.

ITEM #4 – Stopped Students

Current policy is that there is no policy on length of time that credits can be used toward completion of a degree and a request has been made that there be a policy to address this.

Chair Over suggested the following addition to the Bulletin:

Stopped Students

Students that have taken extended leave or have withdrawn from the college may return to the college following the necessary procedures and have the credits earned count toward their current degree program on approval from the department or program that granted the credits.

McKeever noted that the term “stopped student” is SUNY language and ultimately this is much more of an admissions issue than a policy issue and thus, the item is removed from our docket.

#5 Academic Standards Policy

The Office of the Dean would like to see a policy regarding Academic probation that wouldn’t trigger probation after a single semester of being under 12 credits.

Chair Over suggested the following change/deletion to the probation wording within the bulleting:

Academic Probation

Students are reviewed for academic probation at the end of each semester. Students will be placed on probation if they fail to complete a satisfactory number of hours in two successive semesters, in any given semester and/ or if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. These students will receive probation letters from the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services. The letter will also recommend that the student take such actions as seeking advisement or counseling and reviewing work schedules. Students placed on academic probation will be required to receive advisement before registration. Students on probation must make satisfactory progress in their next semester or they will be dismissed (i.e., two consecutive probationary semesters will subject students to dismissal proceedings). Unless otherwise stipulated by the Academic Standards Committee or otherwise noted in this Bulletin, students on probation are not precluded from participation in college-sponsored co-curricular activities.

This means that a student will only be put on academic probation if they have two successive semesters with less than 12 credit hours successfully completed. This policy deals specifically with “full time students” who drop below 12 credit hours per semester. Farthing suggested that we should amend the above statement to include the term “full time”. This was agreed upon by the committee…so the new wording is now:” Full time students are reviewed for….”

McKeever asked the committee to remove the statement: “Unless otherwise stipulated by the Academic Standards Committee or otherwise noted in this Bulletin, students on probation are not precluded from participation in college-sponsored co-curricular activities.”

Mooney expressed concern about how this policy change would impact student athletes. He noted that NCAA allows the institution to make our own rules…if your school says probation = no progress…then no participation. But if institution views probation is simply a warning…and the student looses no power.

At the next meeting of Policy, we will make sure that the proposed change to “probation” does not cause troubles for student athletes.

ITEM #6: Wording of College Mission to reflect importance of transformational learning experiences in Geneseo education

Fletcher, on behalf of the Committee on Undergraduate Research and Transformational Learning, asked our committee to consider a change to the college mission statement so that it embraces the idea of transformational learning.

To change the mission statement…our committee makes a recommendation to senate…if it is passed by senate it would be a suggestion to the strategic planning board who has the power to change the mission statement. Dennis Showers recommended that it go through the policy committee.

This is the revised version of the mission statement suggested by Fletcher and the Committee on Undergrad Research and Transformational Learning (the blue text = the addition):

SUNY Geneseo, nationally recognized as a center of excellence in undergraduate education, is a public liberal arts college with selected professional and master's level programs. It combines a rigorous curriculum, transformational learning experiences, and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment. The entire college community works together to develop socially responsible citizens with skills and values important to the pursuit of an enriched life and success in the world.

The Policy committee supported this addition to the mission statement and Chair Over will present it to Senate.

ITEM #7: Repeat Courses

We were asked to consider a policy statement that would define how many times a student may repeat a course. This is promulgated by changes in federal financial aid. McKeever feels that a policy would help students who don’t let go of courses or majors easily that they take and fail. A limitation to the number of times a student can repeat a course would perhaps push students to choose a different path that better matches their academic talents.

Over countered that he sees no need for any restrictions regarding repeating a course. If a student wanted to take Tarot Card Reading multiple times, that would be their choice, but they would only get credit for it once and only one grade would stand.

Fletcher noted that there are troubles with the “free-for-all” approach to repeating courses—specifically when a course is already tightly restricted in seat space.

No decision was reached and we will re-visit this item at our next meeting.

ITEM # 8: Participation grades for varsity sports, music groups, and such – Limit?

There is currently no college policy on the number of participation credits (from music ensembles or sports) a student can use toward completion of 120 hours for graduation.

It was noted that there are department/major limitations already in place…i.e., Music limits students to 8 credits within the department and HPE limits students as well unless they are seeking a coaching certificate

Committee members wondered why this an issue/problem to the dean? McKeever replied that there is the thought that taking too much of one class limits the liberal arts spirit of Geneseo.

Fletcher recommends that we take no action on this. Fletcher’s motion was seconded by Mooney. The motion passed unanimously.

NEXT MEETING:

The Policy committee will meet again on Tuesday Feb. 14^th at 4:00. Location TBA. We will re-visit item 5 and item 7 and also investigate grade posting and if there should be a requirement for it.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 4:59

Research Council Minutes

10 February 2012, 3:30pm-4:50pm

Members Present: Paul Pacheco, Lori Bernard, Jenny Apple, Anne Baldwin, Doug Baldwin, Justin Behrend, Lynette Bosch, Betsy Colon, Meredith Marko Harrigan, Ben Laabs, Michael Lynch, Doug MacKenzie, George Marcus, Leigh O’Brien, David Parfitt, Traci Phillips, Anne-Marie Reynolds, Jennifer Rogalsky, Eugine Stelzig, Kazushige Yokoyama

Discussion:

1. Paul opened the meeting with introductions and welcomes to our new members Lynette Bosch (Art History) and Anne-Marie Reynolds (Music).

2. Anne Baldwin gave budget updates

· $4,000 underfunded in faculty travel

· $26,000 underfunded for student travel and research grants

· There was a discussion on ways to fund the two programs using reserves and unallocated funds from other programs where possible.

· Once the student travel and research grants are reviewed and the total is finalized, then Anne will be able to reallocate the funds to cover the two programs.

3. Summer Faculty Fellowships

· Presidential Summer Fellowships – there were 4 applicants. Rankings were counted and there were discussions on two of the applicants. The decision was made to fund the following: Jim Aimers, Vincent Markowski and Patrick Rault. After further discussion, a fourth applicant was not granted a Presidential Summer Fellowship but allowed a contingency to rewrite and submit again within 3 weeks. The Council will consider the revised application at its next meeting

· Geneseo Foundation and Roemer Summer Faculty Fellowships – 5 applicants. Rankings were counted and the following awards were made: Roemer was awarded to David Johnson, and two Geneseo Foundation Summer Faculty Fellowships were awarded to Scott Giorgis and Anne-Marie Reynolds.

4. Undergraduate Research and Travel Grants

· Paul and Anne talked with the council about the trends over the last three years. With the dramatic increase in requests, it is very unlikely that we will be able to sustain this upward trend. As noted earlier, at this point we’re approximately $26,000 short for 2011-2012 grant requests, although we will be able to cover all requests this year by tapping our reserve fund.

· What can be done?

o Reduce the maximum amount of individual awards.

o Place more strict limits on the amount of funding for group travel.

o Fund different amounts for poster presentations, paper presentations etc…

o Present the situation to the administration, which Anne intends to do.

o Present the situation to the SA and Geneseo Foundation to see if funding can be increased again – note that both groups increased funding levels two years ago.

· This item will be on the agenda for our next meeting to allow for further discussion at which time Anne will present a dollar analysis of different ideas based on final expenditures for 2011-2012.

· Research Council members are also encouraged to discuss this situation within their departments so they are aware that changes are likely to be made in funding starting in the fall 2012 round of applications.

5. Report from the working group on Office of Undergraduate Research

· Michael Lynch passed out and reviewed the group’s report and prefaced the discussion.

· There was a good discussion on the need for an Office of Undergraduate Research and the impact it would have on the faculty, students and overall mission of SUNY Geneseo.

· Should faculty be surveyed to see if this is something they would want or support?

· What kind of financial support could the college provide and would it be draining financial resources from other needs?

· Could there be a presence without actually having an office? Could there be a web presence?

· The group will meet again and review some of the ideas brought up by the council and will report back at the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50pm.

Submitted by Traci Phillips and Paul J. Pacheco

University Faculty Senator Report

160^th Plenary Session of the University Faculty Senate

January 27 - 28, 2012

SUNY Cornell

The University Faculty Senate is sponsoring a STEM diversity conference title "Discovery: An Undergraduate Showcase" at Legislative Office Building (LOB), Concourse Level, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY on Feb. 29, 2012. See the UFS website (http://www.suny.edu/facultysenate/).

The UFS is continuing to work to help campuses increase the sharing of governance responsibilities and interactions between faculty and administrators across the SUNY system. Difficulties arise during budget crises in working cooperatively. Faculty were reminded to push centrality of mission of instruction.

Concerns remain about how campus presidents are selected. Clearly the process differs at the major university centers compared to smaller campuses like Geneseo. In order to secure the best candidates for university centers confidentiality is a top concern.

Student mobility remains an important issue at the Provost level. The Chancellor wants seamless transfer to be in place in the coming few years. Issues with general education transferability remain. The Chancellor reportedly has said that even 300-level general education courses are not owned by individual campuses.

In our four-year college sector meeting I suggested an important concern we have is to implement the SUNY Strategic Plan ("The Power of SUNY") with diminishing resources. Others expressed a variety of concerns, including regionalization and performance-based budgeting/awards to campuses, "strategic enrollment management" (see http://www.suny.edu/powerofsuny/framework/tt_StrategicEnrollmentManagement.cfm), and curricular development being driven by the Chancellor's stated interest in regional colleges and universities to meet the employment training needs of the institutions' service regions.

Carey Hatch, Assistant Provost for Library & Information Services and the current Interim Director SUNY Learning Network, provided an interesting talk on "Disrupters of Higher Education." He provided insight into the likely future role of electronic learning opportunities for our students, including MIT's OpenClass environment and the Open Learning Initiative at Carnegie Mellon. Other warnings were issues about what's happening at iTunes University, open textbooks at Flatworld Books, and Pearson's OpenClass.

In addition, Hatch mentioned that the old Student Computer Access Program (SCAP) money ($100,000) is being repurposed to increase access to support "innovative instruction grants."

The following two resolutions were passed by the University Faculty Senate:

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160-01-1 Resolution on CUNY’s Failure to Use the Principle of Shared Governance in Establishing a New Curriculum

Whereas a core principle of college and university governance is the faculty’s responsibility for designing and teaching the curriculum, and

Whereas a core principle of shared governance is that the agency by which faculty are appointed to campus-wide or system-wide curriculum committees is the faculty governance organization, and

Whereas the administration of the City University of New York bypassed the appropriate faculty governance committees to approve Pathways, its new general education program for the University, and

Whereas Middle States, Standard Four documents the necessity for faculty governance in the development and delivery of curricula, and

Whereas the American Association of University Professors has termed the process by which this curriculum was designed as one that runs “counter to generally accepted standards of governance,”

Therefore, Be It Resolved

The SUNY University Faculty Senate urges the CUNY administration to withhold the implementation of any curriculum that has not been recommended by the appropriate University or College faculty governance committee or body. To do otherwise risks institutional censure by national organizations, accreditation by Middle States and disrepute for the University.

January 28, 2012

Pass Unanimously

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160-02-1 Resolution Supporting the Board of Trustees’ January 25, 2012 Resolution “Equitable Financial and Educational Access to Higher Education for New York’s Undocumented Immigrants” (The DREAM Act)

Whereas, the SUNY Board of Trustees passed a resolution in support of equitable financial and educational access to higher education for all New Yorkers;

And, whereas, their resolution specifically includes undocumented immigrants, as intended by the DREAM Act legislation recently defeated at the Federal level;

And, whereas, by the Board of Trustees passing their resolution, SUNY joins the New York State Department of Education, the City University of New York, New York University, members in Federal and State legislatures, and various advocacy groups in publicly supporting the passage of laws to grant equitable financial and educational access to higher education for undocumented immigrant students;

Therefore, be it resolved that the SUNY University Faculty Senate supports the resolution by the Board of Trustees;

And, therefore, be it further resolved that the University Faculty Senate compliments the Board of Trustees on its economically wise and humane approach to meeting the needs of many bright and hardworking students in New York State.

January 28, 2012

Pass Unanimously

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Respectfully submitted,

Gregg Hartvigsen

University Faculty Senator

Agenda for Senate Meeting

February 28, 2012

Call to Order 5 minutes

Adoption of the Agenda (CSB #6, p. 61)

Adoption of the Minutes

Senate meeting: January 31, 2012 (CSB #6, pp. 49)

Senate Reports 15 minutes

President Christopher Dahl

Provost Carol Long

Chair Dennis Showers

Vice Chair Jim Williams

Past-Chair David Granger

Secretary Cheryl Kreutter

Treasurer Aaron Steinhauer

University Faculty Senator Gregg Hartvigsen

Vice President, Student Asso Tyler Ocon

Reports of the Standing Committees of the Senate 40 minutes

Undergraduate Curricula Ren Vasiliev

First readings

Course Deletions

ANTH 232, ANTH 306, ANTH 335, ANTH 392

GEOG 120, GEOG 240, GEOG 379, GEOG 381, GEOG 391

Course Revisions

ANTH 201, ANTH 204, ANTH 270, ANTH 283

COMN 275

GEOG 230, GEOG 261, GEOG 274, GEOG 291, GEOG 340, GEOG 370, GEOG 377, GEOG 382, GEOG 385, GEOG 386

GSCI 331

MATH 213, MATH 221, MATH 233, MATH 333

New Courses

GEOG 161, GEOG 220, GEOG 259, GEOG 262, GEOG 263, GEOG 265, GEOG 266, GEOG 275, GEOG 278, GEOG 286, GEOG 331, GEOG 333, GEOG 352, GEOG 387, GEOG 397

Program Revisions

ANTH

ANTH Writing Requirement

BIOCHEM B.S.

GEOG B.A.

GEOG Minor

URBAN STUDIES Minor

Proposals considered at this Senate meeting can be found at:

https://boxes.geneseo.edu/deanofcollege/doc/ucc_pending/Group%20C%20First%20Reading%20on%2002_28_2012/

Undergraduate Policies Jeff Over

Five proposals (see below)

Graduate Academic Affairs Susan Salmon

Student Affairs Dan Repinski

Faculty Affairs James McLean

Old Business

New Business

Adjournment: 5:15

Committee on Undergraduate Academic Policies, Core, and Review

#1 - Academic Standards Policy

Students who withdraw from full time to below 11 credit hours are placed on probation. This applies even if student has a high GPA and is otherwise in good standing. The Office of the Dean would like to see a policy change that is easy to enforce/interpret, but does not place a student on probation if they have a good academic record.

Policy Committee proposes the changes to Academic Probation shown below (italics are insertions, strike-through are deletions) which allows for a student to fall below 12 hours for one semester without being automatically placed on probation, but successive semesters as a full-time student below 12 will result in probation. Furthermore, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services addresses issues of probation and dismissal instead of the Academic Standards Committee.

Academic Probation (p. 34 in Bulletin)

Full time students are reviewed for academic probation at the end of each semester. Students will be placed on probation if they fail to complete a satisfactory number of hours in two successive semesters, in any given semester and/ or if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. These students will receive probation letters from the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services. The letter will also recommend that the student take such actions as seeking advisement or counseling and reviewing work schedules. Students placed on academic probation will be required to receive advisement before registration. Students on probation must make satisfactory progress in their next semester or they will be dismissed (i.e., two consecutive probationary semesters will subject students to dismissal proceedings). Unless otherwise stipulated by the Academic Standards Committee Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services or otherwise noted in this Bulletin, students on probation are not precluded from participation in college-sponsored co-curricular activities.

Academic Dismissal (p. 34 in Bulletin)

Students are reviewed for academic dismissal at the end of each semester. Students will be dismissed after two consecutive semesters on probation. Dismissed students are no longer eligible to continue at the College and will be denied further registration. Notification of dismissal is sent by mail and email to the student’s address on record with the College, at the end of the semester in question. Each student is responsible for informing the College through the Office of Records and Scheduling of updates and changes to his/her address.

#2 - Second Degree Policy

Currently there is no Second Degree Policy. Geneseo formerly had the following statement in the undergraduate bulletin (2002-2004):

Use of Credits Toward Multiple Degrees

Academic credit earned at the College, or at any other institution of higher education, in a program that has resulted in the awarding of a baccalaureate or advanced degree is not counted toward the awarding of another degree at Geneseo. (This regulation does not apply to any three-two or other cooperative programs agreed upon by Geneseo and cooperating institutions.)

Numerous students want to come back to get another degree.

Based on SUNY guidelines from 1986 for Dual Degree policy, Policy Committee proposes:

When a student concurrently meets the requirements of more than one option or major within a single broad field of study, a single degree should be awarded rather than two separate degrees. (This does not preclude transfer arrangements under which coursework is completed at another institution toward a professional degree and transferred back for completion of a degree at the initial campus.) Programs which lead to two different academic objectives may result in the awarding of two degrees, provided the requirements of each program have been met; and at least 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the single degree requirement has been completed. No more than 12 hours of credit, if any, can be allowed to overlap between the two programs. At the graduate level, at least 30 credit hours of additional study must be undertaken for the attainment of two degrees at the same level. Application for the second degree is through the readmission process (described in the section titled “Readmission” in the Bulletin). Readmission to pursue a second degree is not guaranteed. Applications will be reviewed by the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services in consultation with the relevant academic departments or programs.

#3 - Eliminiate 2.00 mimimum GPA in related area requirements. (Mimimum Competence on p. 39 in Bulletin)

Current policy is that a minimum average of 2.00 is required for related requirements.

The major problem is that some degrees only have one related requirement, and if a C- is earned, this course, under current policy, can not be repeated. This also holds true for multiple related requirements if all classes are passed with minimum competency (C-) or better and the GPA is less than 2.00.

Policy Committee proposes:

Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative average in all courses in the major department applied toward completion of the major, and a 1.67 average or better in required related courses (i.e., any courses required by the major department which are outside the academic discipline of the major).

#4 - Change of Grade Policy

Current policy is that there is no policy, so grades can be changed, it would seem, at any time prior to or even after graduation.

It is suggested that change of grade policy follow the Incomplete and Grade Appeal (p. 39-40 in Bulletin) policy which states: ‘A grade of “I” must be converted to a letter grade within six weeks of the start of the semester following the semester in which the “I” was awarded.’ And: ‘Students may request a review of a grade up to the end of the fourth week of the semester following the term in which the grade was received. A complete explanation of the grade review procedure is available from the Office of the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Services, Erwin 106. A review shall be completed by the end of the eleventh week of the term in which the review was initiated.’

Policy Committee proposes:

All changes of grades must be made within twelve weeks of the start of the semester following the semester in which the original grade was awarded. Changes are limited to error or miscalculation; all other changes must follow the grade appeal process and be initiated by the student prior to the end of the fourth week of the semester following the term in which the grade was received.

#5 - Wording of College Mission to reflect importance of transformational learning experiences in Geneseo education – courtesy of Kurt Fletcher and committee on Undergraduate Research and Transformational Learning

Current Version of Mission Statement:

SUNY Geneseo, nationally recognized as a center of excellence in undergraduate education, is a public liberal arts college with selected professional and master's level programs. It combines a rigorous curriculum and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment. The entire college community works together to develop socially responsible citizens with skills and values important to the pursuit of an enriched life and success in the world.

Proposed Version:

SUNY Geneseo, nationally recognized as a center of excellence in undergraduate education, is a public liberal arts college with selected professional and master's level programs. It combines a rigorous curriculum, transformational learning experiences, and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment. The entire college community works together to develop socially responsible citizens with skills and values important to the pursuit of an enriched life and success in the world.

Justification: This change – which is consistent with the recommendations of the Middle States self-study - is proposed to recognize the fact that transformational learning (undergraduate research, service learning, civic engagement, study abroad, etc.) is already a fundamental part of the Geneseo experience. Providing these opportunities for our students is, in fact, something that we chose to incorporate into our mission and should be articulated in the mission statement.

College Senate

College Senate BulletinState University of New York at GeneseoCollege of Arts and Sciences

Bulletin No. 6

College Senate Bulletin
State University of New York at Geneseo
College of Arts and Sciences