University Senate Meeting Minutes

April 7, 2025, 3:30-5:00 PM (Hybrid Meeting Wang Theater & Zoom Meeting)

Meeting called to order by Dr. Brenda Anderson, the University Senate President, at 3:30 PM. A link to the meeting recording will be provided upon request. A motion to approve the agenda and the minutes from March 3, 2025 carried.

Greetings from Brenda Anderson, University Senate President

- Welcomed everyone to the University Senate meeting.

- Announced the University Senate elections have started today and will close on Friday, April 18th.

- Announced development of an interdisciplinary curriculum coordinating committee.

- A Committee will be developed to explore the structure of the senate.

Report from Interim President McCormick

- Full written report can be viewed here.

- Provided an update on various challenges and developments at Stony Brook University.

- Discussed the arrival of the SBU new president and the challenges facing higher education.

- Mentioned the university is maintaining its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite federal pressures.

- Reported on the loss of eleven federally funded research awards and efforts to mitigate the impact on affected faculty and students.

- University administration explores opportunities to support faculty, postdocs and graduate students affected by loss of federal research funding.

- Discussed his recent meetings with Congress members to advocate for continued federal support for university research.

- Expressed optimism about state funding for capital facilities and operating budgets.

- Noted that campus protests have been largely peaceful this year and commended the community for adhering to protest rules while exercising free speech.

Report from Provost, Carl Lejuez

- Full written report can be viewed here.

- Undergraduate and Graduate Applications numbers continue to rise.

- Over 90% for retention last year. Expect that number again this year.

- Twenty programs are participating in a three-week pre-college summer program.

- CELT Learning and Teaching symposium is on April 11^th.

- The Graduate School is celebrating Graduate Student Appreciation Week.

- The governor guaranteed $5 million over 3 years for a Department of Technology, AI and Society, which adds and supports our existing Technology and Society program. Will be the most interdisciplinary department on campus.

- Discussed the screening of the film "No Other Land" on campus. Explained the decision not show it on Holocaust Remembrance Day in the Wang Center, and that it will be shown elsewhere on campus on that day.

Reports from UUP

- B. Kube - East campus President

- The Individual Development Award (IDA) application period (part one and two) has ended.

- Mentioned about the chapter elections and encouraged members to vote.

- L. Melious West Campus UUP President

- The Individual Development Award (IDA) application period has ended, and the review process will begin shortly.

- Chapter election ballots were sent to all members last week.

- Discussed about UUP Campaign letters defending Higher Ed & Research Funding.

- Announced UUP workshop dates.

Old Business: The Senate Bylaws revisions were discussed.

- Vote: Passed by 83% of the votes.

New Business:

Reports from SCEDIT, Cynthia Davidson and Victoria Pilato

- Presentation can be viewed here.

- Highlighted the committee efforts in reviewing and evaluating aspects of educational and information technology support services.

- Discussed the introduction of AI tools and the need for better communication across campus when new tools are introduced.

- The committee will discuss strategies for better communicating guidelines on student accessibility support.

- Victoria Pilato represents SCEDIT in the Digital Governance Framework Committee.

- The Committee works with DoIT to establish a formal procedure for evaluating new software purchases for pedagogical impact.

- Faculty will consult with CELT regarding preparation for new digital content accessibility requirements.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Senate President: Brenda Anderson
Senate Secretary: Richard Stein