Miguel A. Aragón

The agenda includes reports from the Executive Committee, the President, the Professional Staff Congress, and the Administration. Additionally, various committees of the College Council will present reports, including the Committee on Organization, By-Law Committee, Administrative Review Committee, Institutional Planning Committee, Budget Committee, and Facilities Committee. The agenda also covers reports from the Student Government, HEO Steering Committee, and Auxiliary Services Corporation, followed by sections for Old and New Business.

The Faculty Senate meeting covered various academic and administrative topics. The Interim Provost provided updates regarding academic scheduling, enrollment planning, faculty hiring strategies, and the importance of timely Verification of Enrollment rosters. Discussions also addressed ADA accessibility compliance for course materials and inquiries about privacy in Brightspace and potential Freedom of Information Act requests. The University Faculty Senate report touched on mandatory Title VI training, academic freedom, and university-wide policies regarding classroom recordings. Additionally, the Senate reviewed and approved a consent agenda encompassing degree changes in Engineering and Environmental Science, new graduate courses in Nursing, and updates to existing courses in Mathematics and International Studies. The assembly also received an information item concerning the discontinuance of zero-enrolled programs and reviewed committee reports focusing on faculty service, recruitment, and tenure considerations.

The council discussed various operational and strategic topics. The Executive Committee addressed spring enrollment, the 80/20 remote work policy, recruitment and retention strategies, and commencement speech protocols. The President reported a fiscal surplus, ongoing administrative searches, facilities repairs, and fundraising success. The Professional Staff Congress provided updates on upcoming meetings, immigrant solidarity initiatives, and the reinstatement of adjunct faculty. Administration presented a detailed enrollment update noting growth driven by returning students and graduate programs. Additionally, reports were heard from the Student Government on future events, the HEO Steering Committee regarding professional development, and the Auxiliary Services Corporation regarding infrastructure updates, campus partnerships, and retail vendor services.

The meeting featured a report from the Interim Provost regarding data collection on under-enrolled programs, efforts to address academic calendar irregularities, and the process for honorary degree nominations. The University Faculty Senate update covered strategic priorities including the integration of AI in classrooms, Title VI compliance protocols, the development of micro-credentials, and policies regarding campus firearm authorization and the recording of students during instruction. The Research Committee presented findings on research capital flow and the potential renegotiation of indirect cost recovery rates. Additionally, the Faculty Senate reviewed progress on academic goals such as continuing education, workforce initiatives, and re-envisioning general education, while also discussing the recognition of faculty service in tenure and promotion processes.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Executive Committee Report, which covered efforts to monetize the St. George facility, planning for HR workshops, concerns over low numbers of assistant professors and faculty position declines since 2017, and the commencement speeches ad hoc committee report. The President's Report highlighted the success of the Giving Tuesday campaign, positive enrollment projections for the intersession and Spring semester, and confirmation that the college was on track to end the fiscal year in a surplus. The President also offered condolences regarding recent tragic events. The Professional Staff Congress reported on upcoming member events, including a lobbying day in Albany. The Administration's Facilities Update detailed completed projects such as solar fields and Makerspace, ongoing construction like entrance doors, and several projects in design, including elevator modernization and toilet reconstruction. The By-Laws Committee decided against adding prohibitive language regarding administrators serving on executive committees, opting to rely on established norms. The Budget Committee reviewed first-quarter numbers and emphasized the goal of building reserves up to 5% of the operating budget. The Student Government Report detailed fall activities, including five completed initiatives, thirteen accomplished events like a Halloween Bash and Club Fair, and the establishment of a podcast, alongside outlining the process for the $100,000 Special Community Proposals Fund. The HEO Steering Committee discussed improving communication with HEOs and ensuring their participation in professional development and executive searches.