Alison Abreu

The meeting involved several key action items concerning curriculum and academic standards. The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee secured unanimous approval for curriculum changes across Languages and Literatures, Mathematics, and Exercise Sciences and Recreation departments, including program withdrawals for Latin BA, Mathematics BAMA, and Mathematics Teacher BA. The committee also approved new courses (EXS 472, REC 266) and a course redesignation (REC 210). However, a proposal for College Option Pathways General Education Degree Requirements failed to pass. The Graduate Curriculum Committee approved curriculum changes for the Exercise Sciences and Recreation Department, including a new course (EXS 921) and degree changes for the PhD in Human Performance and Fitness, which saw an increase in total required credits from 62 to 63. The Admissions, Evaluation, and Academic Standards Committee received approval for a posthumous degree for a student and the approval of the Fall/Winter Graduation List. Discussions also covered revisions to Writing-Intensive guidelines and a resolution reaffirming Academic Freedom for adjunct faculty. Committee reports addressed the need for two-ply toilet paper, updates on Middle States Accreditation preparations, IT security training, and reports from the University Faculty Senate.

Key discussions included the temporary closure of the Library Third Floor for window replacement, advising patrons to reserve or request books from the first floor, and the suspension of Treehouse Conference Room reservations. Updates were provided on Library tours. In Information Technology, the committee reviewed the ongoing use of LehmanQ for live support (noting recent high usage volumes), the proper utilization of ServiceNow for tracking service requests like classroom technology issues, and the upcoming complex migration of student email accounts to Office 365 targeted for Spring Break. Further IT updates covered mandatory cybersecurity training, the pilot program for a new Lehman VPN sign-in experience using CUNY credentials, and progress on the Digital Signage Project, which is nearing completion with 58 internal and 2 outdoor displays planned. CUNY's new agreement with LinkedIn Learning, featuring single sign-on integration at Lehman College, was highlighted. Regarding Brightspace, assistance options like office hours and feedback surveys were noted, emphasizing the use of ServiceNow for all service requests related to the LMS. The Center for Teaching and Learning announced upcoming events, including the Excellence in Education and Conference in April 2026, the assembly of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) cohort, and the assembly of The Engaged Pedagogy Program cohort, alongside an encouragement for faculty to register interest for an OER workshop.

The committee reviewed and approved several academic proposals from the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, and Special Education, including a New Program: Advanced Certificate in Special Education -- All Grades. Proposals from the Department of Middle and High School Education were discussed, covering the addition of distance education formats for multiple MSED and MA programs (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies), as well as changes in degree/certificate requirements for several programs. Course changes for ESC 708 were also addressed. A proposal for an experimental course (ESC 510) from the Department of Middle and High School Education was sent back requiring additional information.

The meeting included reports from the President regarding union contract negotiations, with hopes for a resolution by the end of June to secure an economic settlement within the same year. Student Legislative Assembly announcements covered plans for a new Senator reception and proposals for campus improvements, such as adding water fountains, extending the study period before finals, and improving the Financial Aid Center access system. The Graduate Studies Committee approved curriculum changes across multiple departments. The Governance Committee approved the slate of student nominees for Senate Standing Committees and the Lehman College Association for Campus Activities and Auxiliary Enterprises. The Committee on Admissions, Evaluations and Academic Standards approved the lists of undergraduates and graduates for spring and summer 2016 graduation. The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee also approved numerous curriculum changes across several departments. The Library, Technology, and Telecommunication committee reported on updates to the Lehman College homepage, upcoming Library Amnesty Week, a reception for Publications and Grants, and participation in the Freedom for Ahmed Naji reading, in addition to announcing the Bronx Ed. Tech. Showcase. The Budget and Long Range Planning Committee presented a draft formula for allocating Other Than Personal Services (OTPS) funds and discussed strategies to increase enrollment through graduate enrollment and summer course offerings, alongside student retention efforts. New business included referring a resolution on academic freedom to the appropriate committee and conferring the title of President Emeritus upon President Fernández.

The meeting addressed several facilities reports, including planned upgrades for the Music building, concrete work in Carman Hall, campus bridge work, continuing window projects at Shuster, T3 roof repair, and roof completion deadlines for Davis & Gillet. Discussions also covered concerns regarding dust and garbage accumulation in Carman Hall, the rejuvenation of the Cafeteria Committee, signage for Gillet's keyed elevator, and several issues related to bathroom soap and hand sanitizer dispensers across Davis, Speech and Theater, and Carman Halls. The committee discussed the possibility of switching to thicker toilet paper once current supplies are depleted. A preliminary report on the Lehman Students' Experience Survey indicated low awareness among students regarding many college services. Finally, the use of college emails by students for sensitive matters, potentially requiring incentives or mandatory tutorials, was debated.