Meredith Al-Rekabi

The meeting included a Mission Minute focusing on a successful schoolwide workshop initiative addressing the pursuit of terminal degrees for MS students. The Dean's Report detailed responses to the ongoing federal government shutdown, including a commitment to protect federally funded employees from financial impacts for at least two months, totaling $600,000, and noted current limitations on grant spending. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Old Business concerning the proposed amendment to the Governance Plan to allow for virtual meeting attendance under extraordinary circumstances, which was subsequently approved by a vote of 40 to 6. Committee reports covered the Budget Committee's review of funding streams and enrollment impact on staffing ratios, the Committee on Equity and Inclusion's successful motion to change bylaws for faculty membership composition, and the Assessment Committee's discussion of alumni survey findings regarding job placement. The Associate Deans' reports covered updates on new and pending academic programs, compliance training deadlines, research funding status during the shutdown, and student support initiatives. Finally, New Business included the creation and approval of an Ad Hoc Committee to draft the specific procedures for requesting remote meeting attendance.

The meeting included a Dean's report, which covered the school's 10th anniversary, faculty achievements and retirements, new faculty and staff introductions, and a discussion on a Legionella outbreak. Updates were provided on enrollment growth, an immigrant assistance program, and strategic growth opportunities like the 4+1 program and online programs for international students. The council discussed a proposed revision to the MS in Population Health Informatics program, committee reports, and a new MS degree in Public Health Data Science. There was also an AI Committee update and discussion regarding perceptions, sentiments, resource, and developmental needs for AI integration.

The meeting included discussions on the Dean's report, which covered US News and World Report rankings, CEPH accreditation, federal stop work orders for grants, and budget concerns. The SRJH concentration proposal was presented and approved. There was also a presentation on the Faculty Mentoring Program. A proposal to allow virtual attendance for exigent circumstances was discussed but did not pass. The council discussed GC opportunities, nominee consideration, and the development of a new three-year strategic plan.

The meeting included discussions on the Non-Teaching Instructional Staff Election Results and Governance Document Resolution. The council discussed curriculum proposals, including changing the prerequisites for EPID 825 and creating two new certificate programs in the EOGHS department. A proposal to change the EOHS MPH program concentration requirements was also presented and approved. Nominations for Governance Council positions were shared, and Emma Tsui was elected as Interim Chair of the Governance Council, and Glen Johnson was elected to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. The Committee to Protect Public Health provided an update on its activities, including tracking federal policy changes and developing a public-facing webpage. The Committee for Equity and Inclusion (CEI) discussed future plans, including a Grand Rounds and open meetings. Associate Deans provided reports on Capstone and Fieldwork feedback, Student Wellness Week, and alumni engagement.

The meeting included discussions on GC and CEI Committee nominations, with Dee Kaur elected for the NTI position and Sumana Chandra accepted for the vacant staff CEI position. Dean Ayman El-Mohandes reported on recent health news, Title VI training, potential budget cuts, and the university's response to claims of discrimination. The Faculty Mentoring Program Review was presented, and breakout groups discussed structural support, community building, and individual-level support. Updates were given on the PUBH610 course and the Q2 budget projections. A proposal for a Sexual Reproductive Justice and Health concentration was presented, and Jean Grassman provided a PSC update.