Rodney Middleton

The meeting commenced with a Mission Minute regarding a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded project investigating the health effects on food delivery workers. The Dean's Report addressed CUNY Central's encouragement for individual school AI policies, the Department of Education's removal of the MPH degree from professional classifications, strategies to increase enrollment, the availability of state funding for new academic programs, and a faculty/staff donation matching initiative for the school's 10th anniversary. Old Business included an update on the Remote Attendance Resolution process, which requires final approval from the CUNY Board of Trustees, and the recommendation to sunset the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect Public Health. Key Committee Reports involved the approval of the MS in Public Health Data Science program and the Advanced Certificate in Public Health Data Science program, both related to data science and AI alignment. Revisions to SRJ course pre/co-requisites and the Transfer Policy were also approved. Associate Deans reported on core curriculum changes, updates to CUNY Online Learning, the automation of the Multiple Position Form, and research section improvements in Watermark. New Business included discussion on potentially moving the final GC meeting to May, and clarification on the current AI policy, noting that only approved tools like Microsoft Copilot are permitted until a formal AI policy is established.

The agenda for this meeting included Old Business items such as an update on Kips Bay, an update on the hybrid meetings resolution, and a faculty mentoring update. Committee reports covered proposed deletion of previous core course numbers and a proposed change to academic appeals. Associate Deans' reports addressed Body Worn Cameras FAQs. New Business consisted of discussions regarding ADA and Title II Compliance in Online Learning Environments, and a Trash Audit.

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.