University Senate Meeting Minutes

March 3, 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 February 3, 2025 carried.

Greetings from Brenda Anderson, University Senate President

- Welcomed everyone to the University Senate meeting.

- The University Senate conducts nominations for faculty and professional staff to join standing committees or as Senators At-large by March 7th.

Report from Interim President McCormick

- Full written report can be viewed here.

- Introduced the future President of Stony Brook University.

- President McCormick and future President Andrea Goldsmith discussed the importance of academic freedom, the value of higher education, and the role of public universities.

- They also addressed the challenges faced by universities, including funding cuts and the need to articulate the importance of education and research to the public.

- Andrea Goldsmith emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and setting high aspirations for Stony Brook University. She also mentioned her commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive environment on campus.

Reports from Amy Cook

- Full written report can be viewed here.

- Discussed updates on promotion and tenure policies, including the establishment of an expedited tenure process for senior faculty and administrative academic leaders.

- Will create a new promotion and tenure website on the provost site within the next month.

- Will follow up with Monica Bugallo regarding the permanency process for staff.

Reports from Administrative Review Committee, Madeline Turan and Robert Kelly

- Presentation can be viewed here.

- Full written survey results can be viewed here.

- Discussed the ongoing process of reviewing and evaluating administrative performance within the university.

- The Administrative Review Committee, chaired by Madeline Turan and Rob Kelly, conducted a survey last spring with 1,500 responses.

- The survey was designed to identify concerns and issues, with comments from faculty and staff providing valuable insights. They highlighted issues such as building maintenance, parking availability, and the understanding of management structures.

- Rob Kelly also noted that President McInnis’ approval was the highest seen in the last 25 years.

- The committee plans to follow up on the building maintenance issues with a detailed report and possibly a mini survey.

Report from Provost, Carl Lejuez

- Full written report can be viewed here.

- Discussed the ongoing undergraduate enrollment growth and plans to adjust it due to housing issues.

- The university is focusing on strategic priorities such as climate, AI, and quantum computing.

- There is a plan to hire faculty members based on departmental needs, unit and university strategic plans.

- The university is also considering the impact of potential changes in government policies on hiring and retention.

- The administration has committed to supporting current faculty and staff while considering the long-term implications of government policies.

- Will meet with all chairs and directors across the University to discuss job security concerns.

- Will continue supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including the prodigy program.

- The School of Communication and Journalism will run a search for new department chairs.

- Will revisit the idea of a university-wide promotion and tenure committee next year.

Reports from UUP

- B. Kube - East campus President

- No presentation.

- L. Melious – West Campus UUP President

- No presentation. Tabled due to timing.

- The United University Professions (UUP) remains committed to our members’ concerns on the executive orders from the DC Administration on NIH funding and stands with AFT pushing back on funding cuts. Please stay informed at uupinfo.org for upcoming organizing events.

- March 5th ~ UUP Department Rep from 12:00 to 1:00pm SAC 302

- March 13th ~ Know Your Rights Workshop ~ 12:00 to 1:00pm via Zoom

- March 24th ~ Executive Board Meeting ~ via Zoom

- April 5-6th ~ Spring Delegates Assembly, Albany, NY

Old Business: No old business.

New Business: No new business.

Meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.

Senate President: Brenda Anderson
Senate Secretary: Richard Stein