Nicole Bennett

The meeting included extensive remarks from the Chair concerning the nuances and limitations of academic freedom as outlined in a recent CUNY Central email, contrasting CUNY's interpretation with AAUP standards, and questioning terms like 'due interference' and 'hostile environment.' Key agenda items involved updates on the Middle States accreditation process, the Provost's report highlighting new appointments (Special Advisor on Community Engagement and the Executive Director of the Sorensen Center), and ongoing initiatives to promote Intellectual Discourse and Constructive Dialogue, including 'Real Talk' sessions and the 'Perspectives' training program. Furthermore, the Administrative Committee reported on approved curriculum changes and the re-election of several committee chairs. The body received updates on strategic planning initiatives corresponding to five institutional goals identified from the DREAM survey. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Brookdale decanting project, detailing the relocation plans for Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and the School of Nursing, as well as the ongoing construction timelines. The establishment of a Search Committee for the Dean of the School of Health Professions was announced, with elections scheduled for the subsequent meeting.

The meeting commenced with the Chair's remarks outlining recent attacks on shared governance from federal and state governments, specifically mentioning impacts on faculty oversight of curriculum and academic freedom in various states. Key discussion points included the President's report on robust Fall 2025 enrollment figures, the launch of new scholar programs (Salud Scholars and NextGen Scholars), and the introduction of the ACE program and the Transfer Student Success Center. Significant time was dedicated to discussing support for immigrant students amidst federal actions, including grant cuts (such as McNair and TRIO grants) and potential financial aid reductions (SEOG, work-study, Grad PLUS loans). The President also provided updates on faculty and staff hiring, staff recognition awards, and various college celebrations and acquisitions, such as Billie Holiday's papers and the States of Incarceration Exhibit. The Administrative Committee approved curriculum changes and the election of student nominees for a Search Committee for the Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. The meeting also featured reports on the Syllabus Checklist and the Middle States Accreditation self-study preparation visit.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include opening remarks by the Chair, a report from the Provost, an update on Middle States matters, and reports from the Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee agenda features a special Senate election for vacant At-large seats, information on approved curriculum changes, and an election for an At-Large member of the Administrative Committee. Further agenda items involve reports from the Committee on Charter Review and the Committee on Academic Assessment & Evaluation, as well as a resolution regarding the Undergraduate Course Repeat Policy.

The meeting agenda was revised to place the President's report before the Middle States update and to add an item to the Administrative Committee's report. Key discussions included an update on the Middle States Ethics and Integrity Subcommittee's work. The Administrative Committee addressed several items: a special Senate election for vacant At-large Seats, submitting curriculum changes for information (including a new minor in Nutrition & Public Health and various course changes), the election of faculty nominees for the Committee for Handling Appeals to Faculty Complaints, and the election of nominees for the Search Committee for the Dean of the School of Health Professions. Furthermore, the Senate adopted a resolution opposing the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," emphasizing concerns over faculty autonomy and institutional integrity, following amendments. The President's report highlighted several student success initiatives, such as the Transfer Student Success Center and the HCAP program, as well as the "Finish Line, Leave No Student Behind" effort to help students near graduation complete their degrees. The President also detailed faculty and staff scholarship achievements, including work from the Food Policy Center, research on sustainability and climate change, and a public engagement project called Radical Transformations. Recognition was given to achievements across various schools, including psychology research on elephants, Social Work research on the Golden Tea Program, and faculty recognition in the School of Education.

The meeting included remarks from the Chair regarding mandated Title VI training and ongoing concerns about its content related to academic freedom. The Provost provided updates concerning the commencement of the search for the Dean of the School of Health Professions and detailed plans for vacating the Brookdale facility, including the relocation of departments like Physical Therapy, Medical Lab Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, and the Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing to new leased facilities, along with plans for a 'Thank you to Brookdale Party'. Updates were also presented on Middle States Self-Study Standards III and IV. The Administrative Committee reported on curriculum changes that were approved for information, and the results of the election of nominees for the Search Committee for the Dean of the School of Health Professions. The Graduate Student Association reported on their efforts to resurrect the organization, cultivate community, and their involvement in Senate committees, noting a discrepancy in student representation within the Senate. Finally, the Nominating Committee presented nominations for various vacant seats on Senate Committees, and the Governance Committee reported the approval of the Asian American Studies Program Bylaws and the By-Laws of the Thomas Hunter Honors Program. A resolution to amend the Undergraduate Course Repeat Policy was discussed and postponed until the next meeting.