Lynne VanVoorhis

The committee report covered updates on library operations, including the reopening of the third floor and temporary closure of the second floor, along with extended hours for final exams. Technology updates included a maintenance freeze to support students during finals, the successful migration of student email, and progress on the Digital Signage Project. The LMS report detailed outcomes from the Bronx Ed Tech Showcase, progress on Blackboard archiving, and support services for Brightspace regarding summer and fall course preparation.

The committee reviewed and approved various academic proposals from multiple departments. For the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, and Special Education, this included numerous course changes, new course additions, and modifications to degree and certificate requirements for programs such as Organizational Leadership, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. The Department of Exercise Sciences and Recreation saw the approval of changes to the Human Performance and Fitness Ph.D. degree requirements and the addition of a new course. Finally, the Department of Middle and High School Education presented course changes for review and approval.

The meeting included discussions on the New York State budget for CUNY and the potential for budget reductions due to a lack of funding for mandatory increases at senior colleges. The committee reviewed the pilot of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure designed to provide remote access to academic software. Additionally, the group addressed a draft policy regarding the use of faculty-authored materials and noted the release of a report on Beach Sciences, which will be distributed and posted for further review.

The committee held a briefing on student services and strategies to improve awareness, including initiatives like class visits, video introductions, and the inclusion of basic needs support info in syllabi. Discussion occurred regarding the Student Life Building and potential weekend programming. The facilities report covered ongoing upgrades to Carman Hall, library entrance adjustments, campus bridge construction impact, and upcoming projects including greenhouse upgrades and landscaping. Members also discussed retrofitting older windows to prevent bird strikes, received an update on the cafeteria committee, requested information on bookstore patronage, and were informed about the schedule for upcoming graduation ceremonies.

The committee meeting covered several facility and campus life updates. The facilities report included the impact of cold weather on construction projects, instructional delays in Carman, upcoming bridge repair work involving access restrictions, and the development of an online communication form. Other discussions involved troubleshooting accessible door issues, repairs in the Music Building, strategies to address students' limited awareness of campus resources, and safety concerns regarding snow removal in faculty parking lots.