Towson University

The meeting includes reports from Ex Officio Senators and the Academic Senate Chair. The consent agenda covers minutes from the October 7, 2024 meeting, annual reports from the College of Health Professions Council, Course Approval Reporting Committee, FACET Advisory Board, Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, and Information and Instructional Technology Committee. New business includes a motion to approve the Forensic Firearms and Toolmarks Graduate Certificate Program, a motion to approve changes to the CHP Constitution and Bylaws, discussion of the OGC proposed policy on personal mechanical conveyance on campus, changes to the ART Document regarding department-level PTR meetings, and the election vs appointment of College Council and College Council standing committee membership.

The meeting included announcements from the Dean regarding enrollment, the FY25 budget, the paused Sustainability PhD program, monthly brown bag lunches, a Science Complex Building meeting, and a pre-tenure club. The Associate Dean discussed the need for student panelists at open house events. The Council Chairperson announced upcoming Hill-Lopes events and the Women in Science Forum. Highlights from FCSM Departments included new faculty members in Biological Sciences and Chemistry, discussions on disruptive behaviors, and updates from Computer Information Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics Astronomy and Geosciences. The council also discussed DEIJ actions, opportunities, issues, and concerns, as well as Senate updates. A motion was passed to create guidelines for standing committees regarding how to handle when individuals elected or appointed to committees have a sabbatical or leave of absence. Another motion was passed to allow the STEM Education committee to internally elect a chair.

The meetings covered a range of topics including announcements from the Dean, updates on enrollment growth, new graduate programs, faculty searches, and budget requests. Discussions also included status reports from various departments and centers, reviews of programs and initiatives, and issues related to facilities, IT support, graduate stipends, and curriculum development. The council also addressed matters such as electronic voting, amendments to the FCSM constitution, and the allocation of resources.

The College Council meeting included updates on the new Ph.D. in sustainability, RPAC funding for a STEM summer camp, and feedback mechanisms for the Dean. Departments shared highlights and pain points, including advising challenges, incentives for professional development, and workload issues. The council discussed elections, DEIJ initiatives, Senate updates, and ad hoc student councils. New business included feedback on evaluations and clarifying election policies. The council approved a motion regarding election policies and discussed student access to the science complex and incentives for faculty at commencement.

The meeting included announcements from Dean Nugent regarding the denial of the Doctorate degree proposal in Sustainability and Environmental Change, and upcoming events. Associate Dean Tomayko announced a new STEM program director, the Winter Commencement, Semester Welcome Back, Feedback workshops, and advising sessions. A progress report on the Course Evaluation task force was given. Department highlights included welcoming new faculty in Biological Sciences and an offer for the upper-level laboratory manager position in Chemistry. The DEIJ committee discussed priorities including professional development, communication, and faculty recruitment. The Senate update covered complaints about modality switching, the bereavement procedure, the Wellness Day Policy, input into displays in the Science Complex, and the role of Department Chairs in PTR meetings. Lecturer surveys were discussed, and the role of department chairs on PTR Committees was also discussed.