REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES
OF THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY SENATE
AND ITS COUNCILS, 2000–2001

This report gives the memberships of the University at Albany Senate and the eight permanent Senate councils for the academic year 2000–2001 and reviews their principal actions. It does not review the activities in depth, but conveys the issues that surfaced during the year and invites questions and further discussion on the topics.

Several developments during 2000–2001 underscored the need for this kind of regular report and better communication in general on campus regarding governance matters. Faculty members who are not senators make up a majority of the membership of councils, and so the Senate and its councils depend on the broad involvement of faculty. A Faculty Forum on April 18, 2001 discussed ways to strengthen this system on campus. A central theme was that more active channels of communication among the Senate, councils, individual senate representatives, and members of the University would be useful in these respects. Thus, the Senate is trying to improve the information channels in the following ways.

Membership and Activities of the University Senate for 2000–2001

In 2000–2001 the membership of the University Senate consisted of the following:

Principal Activities of the University Senate During Full Meetings

Legislation Approved within the Senate Meetings

The Senate met as whole six times during the year, with three meetings each semester. At each meeting, President Hitchcock gave a report to the Senate, with Provost Santiago providing the President's report on one occasion. The Senate approved bills on the following subjects.

Senate Bill No. 0001–01: Partnership Agreement for the Establishment of Army Reserve Officer's Training (ROTC) Instruction at the University at Albany. This bill put on a more formal basis a longstanding informal relationship with the ROTC program on campus. It came to the Senate through the Educational Policy Council. The bill was debated actively over two meetings. Some individuals suggested, with EPC, that the bill formalized a limited relationship with the ROTC program; that it was beneficial in terms of reduced legal liability from an informal arrangement and in terms of aiding a number of SUNY students; and that it had no broad policy implications. Other individuals suggested that the action seemed to support an organization that, in maintaining "Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell" policy, conflicted with the University's Principles for a Just Community.

Senate Bill No. 0001–02: University at Albany Policy for the Responsible Use of Information Technology. This policy established a number of principles for handling a variety of issues raised by changes in information technology, including emerging privacy and copyright issues, security, email, and other matters. It was brought to the Senate from the Council on Libraries, Information Systems, and Computing.

Senate Bill No. 0001–03: Proposal to Establish an Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Major in International Studies. The Senate, with the understanding that certain issues pertaining to course prerequisites would be addressed during implementation, approved an Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Major in International Studies. The proposal came to the Senate from the Undergraduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–04: The New General Education Program: This revision of the General Education program reflected changes based on feedback from SUNY System Administration concerning the Trustee categories of Western Civilization and Other World Civilizations. The previous categories of Historical Perspectives on Cultures and Regions and Global and Cross- Cultural Studies had not been deemed as sufficient to meet the Trustees' categories. The revision removed Historical Perspectives on Cultures and Regions as a category, and created a general category of Cultural and Historical Perspectives, which includes U.S. (History), Europe, Beyond Europe, U.S. Pluralism and Diversity, and Global and Cross-Cultural Studies. The revisions also make U.S. Pluralism and Diversity and Global and Cross-Cultural Studies local requirements. The proposal came to the Senate through the Undergraduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–05: Proposal to Change Graduate Academic Policies. This bill amended graduate policies regarding certifiable full-time status, graduate assistantships, and eligibility for doctoral leaves of absence. The bill proposed that to be certifiable as being enrolled full-time, graduate students must be registered for twelve credits or one dissertation load (899) credit per semester, except for students in certain categories. Graduate students appointed to full assistantship positions would be expected to register for and complete a minimum of nine credits or one dissertation load credit per semester. Enrollment by graduate assistants at one of these levels should be cause for such students to be certified as being in full-time status. Graduate students enrolled for less than twelve credits per semester who are participating in a program requiring full-time field work may also be certifiable as in full-time status, subject to the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Academic Council, based upon the recommendation of the program faculty. Finally, doctoral students shall be eligible for leaves of absence up to the point of admission to doctoral candidacy and/or registration for dissertation credits, but not afterwards. These amendments changed policies, made many years ago, in light of experience with the policies, budgetary considerations, and the practices of other University centers. While the discussion at the Senate meeting raised issues that would need to be monitored in the transition, the bill passed the Senate. The proposal came through the Graduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–06: Proposal to Establish an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. This bill established a Certificate on Nonprofit Management and Leadership, taking advantage of the strengths of several schools engaged in teaching, research, and outreach regarding nonprofit organizations. The bill came to the Senate through the Graduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–07: Joint Bachelors/Masters Programs Linking the M.S. in Health Policy and Management with the Undergraduate Programs in Psychology (B.A.), Sociology (B.A.), and Economics (B.A. and B.S.). The bill, which came to the Senate through the Graduate Academic Council and the Undergraduate Academic Council, established joint graduate- undergraduate programs between the School of Public Health and the undergraduate programs in Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.

Senate Bill No. 0001–08: Curricular Revision from the School of Education. This bill clarified current undergraduate General Education Studies minor requirements, especially for undergraduates interested in K-12 teaching, and also proposed a name change for the minor to eliminate confusion between the General Education requirements and the minor in Education. The bill come to the Senate from the Undergraduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–09: Proposed Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Minor in Bioethics. This bill established an interdisciplinary minor, involving a number of departments, in the rapidly developing field of Bioethics. The bill came to the Senate through the Undergraduate Academic Council.

Senate Bill No. 0001–10: Revisions to Principles of a Just Community. This bill established minor revisions to the University's Principles of a Just Community in light of developments and experience since the document's approval in 1990. The bill came to the Senate through the University Life Council.

Other General Activities of the University Senate

On February 12, 2001, the Senate passed a resolution, forwarded to the Chancellor and Provost of the State University of New York, expressing deep concern about the extent to which the State University of New York Central Administration was involved in the course-by-course approval of courses in the new General Education program. The resolution asked the Chancellor and Provost to limit the SUNY Central review of General Education program at Albany and other SUNY campuses to broad programmatic issues, rather than course-by-course approval.

During 2000–2001 the Senate, with the financial support of the President, sponsored four lunchtime discussions on the teaching of American History on the campus. The series, which was organized by Professors Mark Raider of Judaic Studies and Richard Hamm of History, was intended to foster a broad discussion of how different disciplines addressed a core subject at the University, and to do so apart from the immediate controversy that had developed regarding the teaching of History in the General Education debate of 1999-2000.

The Senate sponsored two faculty forums. One dealt with the topic of teaching outcomes assessment, an issue certain to be discussed further in 2001-2002. The second was the April Faculty Forum, mentioned above, on the topic of faculty governance at the University at Albany.

At its March meeting the members of the Senate elected Professor John Pipkin (Geography and Planning) as Chair-Elect and Professor Lillian Williams (Women's Studies) as Secretary for 2001-2002.

Membership and Principal Activities of the Senate Councils

Eight permanent councils carry out the largest share of the Senate's work:

This section of the report reviews the memberships of the councils and their main activities. In the membership lists for the councils presented below, an asterisk indicates that the individual was a Senator; and an "H" indicates that the individual was a holdover member from the Council from the previous year.

The Council on Educational Policy

The Council on Educational Policy (that has come to be called, more commonly, the Educational Policy Council, or EPC) is responsible for the overseeing of the total academic plan for the campus and for indicating educational priorities; participates in the formulation and execution of the campus budget; evaluates the educational performance of the university as a whole and of its various components; and reviews proposals for new programs and for the discontinuance of existing programs with respect to budgetary implications.

EPC Membership in 2000–2001

The membership of EPC consists of the President of the University, the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Research and Student Affairs [Ex Officio members]; one Dean's Council Appointment; eight Teaching Faculty, four of whom must be senators; three Professional Employees, one of whom must be a senator; one Graduate Student; and three Undergraduates, with two of the students needing to be senators.

Ex Officio: Karen R. Hitchcock, President; Carlos E. Santiago, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Christopher D'Elia, Vice President for Research; James Doellefeld, Vice President for Student Affairs

Dean's Council Appointment: Ralph Harbison (School of Education)

Teaching Faculty: (H) Donald A. Biggs (Counseling & Educational Psychology); (*H) Ronald A. Bosco (English) Chair; (H) Frank M. Hauser (Chemistry); *Reed J. Hoyt (Music); *(H) Sung Bok Kim (History); (H) Olimpia A. Pelosi (Languages, Literatures & Cultures)

(H) Steven Rich (Biomedical Sciences); *Louis W. Roberts (Classics); Lorre B. Smith (University Libraries).

Professional Employees: *Carson Carr (EOP); (*H) Jonathan T. Bartow (Graduate Studies); (H) John S. Levato (School of Business); Sheila A. Mahan (Academic Affairs)

Graduate Student: Dalia Abdel-Hady

Undergraduates: *Hava Aga; Ralph Duran; *Arie Lipnick

Primary Activities During 2000–2001

The primary activities of the Educational Policy Council (EPC) in 2000–2001 included the following actions.

EPC approved, after extensive discussions taking place over four meetings during the course of the year, a Letter of Intent for the academic programs of the School of Nanosciences and Materials. This discussion focused on important procedural and substantive issues.

The procedural issue was the way in which a new school and curriculum should be established on campus and, in particular, the relative roles of the University administration and faculty governance in that process. The sense was that the University administration had the authority to establish a new school, in consultation with governance, and that governance was primarily responsible for reviewing and approving the curriculum of such a new school. The Graduate Academic Council would review the curriculum when it received such a proposal.

Substantively, the issue was whether the general programs of the new School were consistent with the academic mission of the University and revenue projections set forth in the Letter of Intent. The proposal, and much of the discussion, suggested that research and education in nanosciences and materials on campus had reached a level of development that justified a distinctive school. The Council discussed the concern that establishing a new School, separate from the College of Arts and Sciences, could affect departments such as Physics, Biological Sciences, and Computer Sciences involved to different degrees in related research and education. The Council was assured, in response, that such a new school would lead to a strengthening of existing academic programs because of the tight connection between research in nanosciences and materials and these core disciplines in Arts and Sciences. For example, students would need to take courses in these core disciplines, and the new School would be funded mainly by new State and private resources targeted specifically for nanotechnology and material sciences that necessarily would lead to a strengthening of sciences on campus in general. It was suggested that the initiative did not represent a zero-sum situation, but rather a new model of development in which new resource allocations would become part of the base budget of the University, with necessarily tight links between the strategic plans of the new School and the science departments in Arts and Sciences. The Council voted to approve the Letter of Intent, and reported on this discussion to the Senate meeting of March 26.

EPC also reviewed an Interim report of the State University of New York Provost's Advisory Task Force on the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes. The Council's discussion stressed, and EPC subsequently reported to the University Senate, that enhancing academic programs through better systems of assessment and evaluation is an important activity for the University that ought to be pursued actively. It also emphasized, however, that the University should be allowed the discretion to design an assessment program that reflects its own programs and circumstances, and that the State University of New York should provide necessary resources should SUNY come to require substantial new assessment procedures.

EPC approved, and forwarded to the Senate for approval, a Partnership Agreement for the Establishment of Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) Instruction at the University at Albany. The proposal, which reflected changes requested by EPC in 1999-2000, subsequently was discussed and approved by the University Senate.

EPC approved a Letter of Intent for an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership. This Certificate Program would involve several academic units on campus.

EPC approved a Letter of Intent for a Master of Science Degree Program in Literacy and Special Education based in the School of Education.

EPC also reviewed and approved changes to the Academic Calendar for Spring 2001, some of which were made necessary by the reorganization of the May commencement.

At its final meeting, on April 23, 2001, EPC discussed the questions of student attendance and faculty suspension of classes around holiday periods. EPC voted to suspend classes on Wednesday, November 27, 2001, the day before Thanksgiving in 2001. The Council also discussed the issue of appropriate standards of behavior with respect to class attendance and scheduling more generally, and the Council recommended that EPC revisit this issue in the 2001-2002 academic year.

The Undergraduate Academic Council (UAC)

The Undergraduate Academic Council (UAC) is responsible for implementing the academic plan as established by the Council on Educational Policy in respect to undergraduate studies; establishes criteria for determining academic standing, academic honors, admissions policy and undergraduate program review; reviews all undergraduate academic programs and recommends new programs; formulates policies for honors programs and independent study programs; insures and reviews procedures for individual student academic grievances at school and college levels; considers and recommends suspension or discontinuance of programs to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and to the President.

UAC Membership in 2000–2001

The membership of ULC consists of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies or his/her designee [Ex Officio]; six Teaching Faculty, three of whom must be senators; two Professional Employees, one of whom must be a senator; one Graduate student; and three Undergraduates, one of whom must be a senator.

Ex Officio: Sue R. Faerman, Dean of Undergraduate Studies or designee.

Teaching Faculty: (*H) Shirley Chang (East Asian Studies); Mark J. Dalton (Theatre), Chair; Anne M. Hildreth (Political Science); *Andi Lyons (Theatre); Stephen North (English); (H) Lawrence Rafflovich (Sociology); Mary Sellen (University Libraries); Paul Toscano (Chemistry).

Professional Employees: Robert H. Gibson (Registrar's Office); (*H) Susan Maloney (School of Business); Maritza Matinez (Office of Academic Support); Suzanne K. Phillips (Advisement Services Center); Gregory I. Stevens (Arts and Sciences)

Graduate Student: None appointed by Graduate Student Organization.

Undergraduate Students: Jonathan Estreich; David Shor; Brian Levine.

Primary Activities During 2000–2001

Approval of New Programs

The Council approved several new programs or revisions of existing programs, including the following:

A faculty-initiated minor in Bioethics.

A revision of the General Education Studies minor in the School of Education. As a part of this revision, the name of the minor was changed to Education Studies.

An interdisciplinary major in International Studies.

A revision in the Judaic Studies major.

The creation of four lower division courses offered through the Department of Public Administration and Policy to be given in connection with Army ROTC activities on campus. The Council, as well as the full Senate, discussed the ROTC program at length. When the course proposals were initially discussed, some Council members expressed serious reservations about ROTC based on philosophical and administrative concerns, most of which revolved around fear of discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals by the Army instructors of the courses. These reservations diminished when the Department of Public Administration and Policy submitted the course proposals as most Council members believed such a placement of the courses would give students a clear place to pursue any complaints.

The Council also reviewed but did not approve a proposed revision of the English curriculum.

Matters of General Academic Policy

The Undergraduate Academic Council acted on the following issues regarding general academic policy.

Responded to the University's Ad Hoc Committee examining the Report of the Provost's Advisory Task Force on the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes.

Passed the revision in the University's General Education program as submitted by the General Education committee.

Affirmed the interpretation of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies of the policy on Absences from Examinations to mean that students with legitimate excuses for missing an examination must be given a make-up exam, even if the instructor has a "drop the worst test" grading option.

Discussed, but ultimately voted not to forward to the Senate Executive Committee, a motion to amend the University policy regarding the de- registration of undergraduates without prerequisites. The proposal would have required professors to announce to their classes which prerequisites would be enforced before any deregistration could be done. It should be noted that this motion was originally passed by the UAC, sent to the Senate Executive Committee, and sent back to the UAC. Upon reconsideration, the UAC reversed its original decision.

The Undergraduate Academic Council also discussed the following items but did not act on them during the academic year.

Commercial note services: While skeptical about the influence of these services on undergraduate academic culture, the Council saw no clear way to restrict them, believing that individual professors should deal with the classroom issues as they see fit.

Forgiveness policy: The UAC heard a case brought up from the Subcommittee on Academic Standing. A student was seeking retroactive withdrawal from classes taken 13 year ago, which the student failed. These failures are now restricting the student's options, despite success as a returning student. The Council considered whether the University should adopt a forgiveness policy that would allow students a clean slate similar to starting over at a new school. After much discussion, the Council could not agree on a forgiveness mechanism that would be appropriate or fair to all students.

The following bills, all submitted by Dean Faerman toward the end of the semester, were not acted upon before the semester ended:

A proposal to make minors optional.

A proposal to create a V grade which would allow students to graduate with pending incompletes under certain circumstances.

A proposal to change the senior residency requirement for students who have studied abroad in a non-SUNY study abroad program.

The Graduate Academic Council

The Graduate Academic Council (GAC) is responsible for implementing the academic plan as established by the Council on Educational Policy in respect to graduate studies; establishes criteria for determining academic standing and admissions policy; reviews all graduate academic programs and recommends new programs it deems desirable; insures and reviews procedures for individual student academic grievances at the school and college levels; and considers and recommends suspension or discontinuance of programs to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and to the President.

GAC Membership in 2000–2001

The GAC consists of the Dean of Graduate Studies or his/her designee [Ex Officio]; six Teaching Faculty, two of whom must be senators and one of whom must be a member of the library staff; one Professional Employee; three Graduate students, one of whom must be a senator; and one Undergraduate student.

Ex Officio: Jeryl L. Mumpower, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Teaching Faculty: Deborah Bernnard (University Libraries); Anne E. Fortune (Social Welfare); Mary Gallant (School of Public Health); (H) Gregory D. Harper (Earth & Atmospheric Sciences); Richard D. Irving (University Libraries); (*H) John Monfasani (History); *Lenore Mullin (Computer Science) (Chair)

Professional Employees: (H) Maria D. Brown (Registrar's Office); Lisa V. Trubitt (School of Criminal Justice)

Graduate Students: Dalia Abdel-Hady; Nicole Johnson.

Undergraduate: Skippy Goldberger

Primary Activities During 2000–2001

The Graduate Academic Council met seven times during the academic year. At each meeting issues of graduate enrollment and stipends were discussed. The Dean of Graduate Studies in conjunction with the GAC tried to identify ways to increase enrollment and subsidize stipends. It was generally agreed that good students often leave due to low stipends. The Graduate Scholars Program was discussed as a way to supplement stipends in targeted departments in the hopes of attracting and retaining the best students. However, this does not address how other departments will cope with this ongoing problem.

The Council suggested promoting fellowship opportunities, such as the NSF graduate fellowships or Goldwater Fellowships, for students with strong academics records. Such fellowships not only add prestige to the student but to the University. To date, no University at Albany student has won an NSF Graduate Fellowships. It may be worthwhile to identify the available fellowships that are available and promote them more broadly.

Another possibility is to encourage faculty and the Research Foundation to build in higher salaries and benefits for graduate students. Courses and workshops could be held to help students write grants and obtain other funding mechanism. Collaborations with industry may also help to obtain funding for students through co-op and intern programs.

With respect to increasing graduate enrollments, the Council discussed a suggestion that departments consider evening and weekend programs. This would enable working people to attend programs presently unavailable at the University. The issue of the present availability of such programs at the University was discussed.

The GAC heard numerous appeals to waive requirements for degrees. The departments involved were: Business, History, English, Educational Administration, Public Administration and Policy, Reading, and Economics.

Four new bachor's-master's degree programs were approved for forwarding to the Senate. These involved the MS in Health Policy and Management with the BA degrees in Psychology, Sociology and Economics, and the BS in Economics.

Numerous departments changed their requirements. The departments involved were Communications, Philosophy, Business, Biology, Spanish, Reading, Humanistic Studies, Accounting, English, Environment Health and Toxicology, Education and Counseling Psychology.

The GAC approved changes to graduate policies pertaining to certifiable full-time status (12 credits), graduate assistantships (9 credits or one 899 doctoral dissertation), and eligibility for

doctoral leaves of absence. Doctoral leaves of absence will be approved up to the point of admission to doctoral candidacy and/or registration for dissertation (899) credits.

Proposals for curriculum changes within the School of Education were approved. It is the intent of the School to discontinue the undergraduate teaching minor.

A new program in Forensic Molecular Biology was approved and a new program in Materials Science was discussed.

A few departments requested a waiver of the requirement that graduate course be taught by holders of the Ph.D. degree. These Departments were Philosophy, English, Reading, Health Policy, Management and Behavior, Epidemiology, and Biometry and Statistics. In all cases the GAC agreed that using non-Ph.D. holders was a temporary solution to be approved in specific cases and that a general approval would weaken the University and our graduate programs.

Another important topic that was discussed related to electronic submission of Doctoral Dissertations. The GAC agreed that a general policy must be investigated for students that want to submit the dissertation in CD or other electronic form. A few students are attempting

to submit the dissertation in this form at the present time. This is viewed to be an emerging problem that needs investigation.

Council on Research

The Council on Research reviews research activities and the allocation of research funds within the university; considers ways by which the university can increase the effectiveness of its research activities; considers ways in which the publication of research may be assisted; reviews procedures of research being conducted with regard to the well- being of human subjects, safety standards, etc.; and considers the relationship between teaching and research.

Council on Research Membership During 2000–2001

The Council consists of the Vice President for Research or his/her designee [Ex Officio]; seven Teaching Faculty, two of whom must be senators; one Professional Employee; two Graduate students; and Undergraduate.

Ex Officio: Christopher D'Elia, Vice President for Research or designee.

Teaching Faculty: *Sarah R. Cohen (Art); Toby W. Clyman (Languages, Literatures & Cultures); (H) Diane Dewar (Health Policy, Management & Behavior); (*H) Bruce C. Dudek (Psychology) Chair; (H) Tim Hoff (Health Policy, Management & Behavior); (H) Philip McCallion (School of Social Welfare); Sharon Parkinson (Africana Studies); (*H) David A. Shub (Biological Sciences); Lynn Videka-Sherman (School of Social Welfare).

Professional Employees: Nancy E. Carroll (Center for Legislative Development); Meghan Cook (Center for Technology in Government).

Graduates: Christopher Bischoff.

Undergraduate: *Angela Johnston

Primary Activities During 2000–2001

The Council met monthly as a whole, and several subcommittees met on an ad hoc basis, as needed. The work of the Council generally fell into two categories. The first of these was a set of recurring activities which comprise the yearly workload for the Council. The second was consideration of a set of issues brought forward by members or the VP for Research.

Standard Activities

A. Review of internal campus funding mechanisms.

  1. Review and Evaluation of Benevolent Association Graduate Research Support Grants.
    1. Fall Semester — recommended seven applications for funding.
    2. Sprint Semester — recommended seven applications for funding.

      Both rounds of applications were evaluated by a subcommittee consisting of six faculty reviewers, and chaired by the Council Chairperson. None of the reviewers were COR members, but several were chosen as graduate program directors in their home department.

    3. Review and Evaluation of FRAP-A applications.

      The council created a subcommittee, consisting of some Research Council members and several other faculty members. This subcommittee reviewed the college recommendations, and generated a final ranking submitted to the full Council. The rankings were then forwarded to the VP for Research for his approval.

    4. Review of FRAP-B applications.

    5. FRAP-B allocations to each college were determined by an algorithm which considered (a) faculty FTE in each college, (b) indirect costs generated by each college, and (c) historical allocation levels (minor).

      FRAP-B applications were reviewed and ranked by each college. The Council reviewed each college's rankings for adherence to criteria and process and then forwarded those recommendations on to the VP for Research without and changes in the individual colleges' priorities.

    6. In both the Fall and the Spring, the Council evaluated applications for support of Conferences and Journals. The recommended amounts for allocations were forwarded to the VP for Research.

      B. Excellence in Research Awards.

      The Council considered several nominations for the campus Excellence in Research Award. This review involved examination all materials forwarded by the nominators and resulted in the choice of three faculty members who were recommended for the award.

      The Council also requested that the President and Provost consider provision of written guidance on this award. Specifically, the Council wants a clear description of the purpose of the award and criteria to be used by the Council in its deliberations. This request stems, in part, from the realization that final recommendations on this award are heavily influenced by the quality of the nomination package, in addition to excellence of the researcher.

      Other Activities

      The 2000-01 Council addressed several other topics during the year, some of which are ongoing into the summer of 2001 and beyond.

      A. Centers and Institutes Reviews

      With the completion of the new campus policy on Research Centers and Institutes having been accomplished last year, the Council is now charged with regular review of existing Centers and Institutes. In order to begin this process, the Council distributed a survey to Center/Institute Directors for purposes of information gathering so that an evaluation process could be recommended. This survey will produce an up-to-date database on activities of these research units. By the end of the academic year only 67% of Centers/Institutes had responded and the Council is currently attempting to obtain the remainder and identify whether some of the non-compliers are actually defunct units.

      The Council also completed action on one new Center Application, and several name changes for existing Centers. The Council was also involved in consultation on the planning for two new Centers.

      B. Miscellaneous

      The Council spent considerable time discussing policy and considering recommendations on several other issues. Four of those were:

      1. Indirect Cost returns policy.

      2. FRAP mechanism evaluation. The Council has undertaken a full evaluation of the FRAP mechanism. A database is currently being compiled with the assistance of the VP for research, and work on this evaluation will occur over the Summer 01. Recommendations will follow, and may range from minimal to radical changes in these award mechanisms.

      3. Computing Support for Researchers. The Council determined created a subcommittee to pursue concerns over the level of computing support provided for Research. That work will continue into the next academic year.

      4. Human and Animal Subjects Committees and Oversight. The council has engaged in a discussion on the potential oversight of the Human and Animal Subjects Committees by the COR.

        The University Life Council

        The University Life Council has the overview of University-wide matters, non-academic in nature and pertaining to any and all constituencies, and will make recommendations to enhance the quality of life on and off campus.

        ULC Membership for 2000–2001

        The ULC consists of the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee [Ex Officio]; four Teaching Faculty, one of whom must be a senator; four Professional Employees, one of whom must be a senator; one member of the Service Staff; one Graduate student; and four Undergraduates, 1 of whom must be a senator.

        Ex Officio: Henry Kirchner, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

        Teaching Faculty: Carol L. Anderson (University Libraries), Chair; Sally Friedman (Political Science); Sally Knapp (University Libraries; S. T. Rao (Biometry and Statistics)

        Professional Employees: Patricia Ford (University Health Center); John A. Gendron (Financial Aid); Lynne Macko (Languages, Literatures and Cultures); Richard Ohlerking (Student Accounts); Kim Sprague (Bursar's Office)

        Service Staff: Laverne Grimshaw (Human Resources Management)

        Graduate Student: Doreen Kleinman

        Undergraduate Students: Joe Attonito; Andrew Hartmann; Benjamin Kallos; Linda Lampert

        Primary Activities During 2000–2001

        The University Life Council held twelve meetings throughout 2000–2001. ULC continued work from the preceding year on a couple of issues and also discussed new issues. As a representative body of the University community, ULC also serves as a conduit for sharing information with various interests and groups and also serves as a sounding board for various projects affecting the University and its community.

        Principles for a Just Community. Written more than ten years ago, UAlbany's "Principles for a Just Community" were reviewed by ULC. After reviewing similar documents from other universities and consulting with a number of people, various comments and viewpoints were incorporated into a document slated to go to the Senate for discussion and vote on May 7, 2001. These revisions were approved at the Senate meeting for forwarding to the President.

        Parking. An eternal "hot button" issue on campus is parking. In 1999-2000, University Life Council offered its assistance when new parking consultants were retained and during 2000–2001, ULC held two meetings devoted to parking issues and individual members interacted with other individuals on campus regarding parking concerns.

        On 9 November 2000, ULC and other members of the campus community met with representatives of the Parking and Pedestrian Issues Committee, and Chuck Manning and Shelly Johnston from Creighton Manning Engineering, L.L.P. The representatives from Creighton Manning outlined their findings and preliminary recommendations and options in "University at Albany Campus- Wide Vehicular Parking Study." University Life Council offered assistance as a representative University community resource for commenting on draft parking proposals. During the November meeting, other University community members had raised some questions and issues about current policies and enforcement; Jennifer Watson, Director of Parking Management, met with the Council and other members of the University community

        Food service. Given the food services challenges of the preceding year, University Life Council thought it important to devote time and attention to this issue. On 7 November 2001, ULC met with Assistant Vice President Julia Filippone and Chartwell's general manager Paul Krouse. Council members visited residence hall dining facilities at State Quad on 3 November 2000, Dutch Quad on 25 October 2000, Indian Quad on 24 April 2001, and Colonial Quad on 4 May 2001. Paul Krouse and Deb Desimony, UAS, joined us for the April and May lunches to discuss current food service plans.

        Bookstore. Senate Chair David McCaffrey referred a letter from Mary Jane Books owner Adam Militello to the University Life Council. Council members met with John Reilly, University Legal Counsel, and as a result, recommended not to take action at this time as legal actions were pending. Mr. Militello had appealed the decision of the Supreme Court to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. Arguments may take place in the Spring of 2001.

        Non-powered wheeled vehicles. ULC continued its work on a proposed bill regarding use of roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and similar vehicles on the Podium. Community hearings were held in May 2000 and based on comments, the legislation was revised and presented to Senate Executive Committee in Spring 2001. The proposed legislation was referred back to ULC.

        The Council on Academic Freedom and Ethics (CAFE)

        The Council on Academic Freedom and Ethics considers problems and recommends policies concerning matters of academic freedom and responsibility; considers problems and recommends policies and standards of professional ethics as they relate to the interaction between academic privilege and academic responsibility both within and without the university community; insures that procedures are available for student grievances concerning professional behavior deemed to be in derogation of professional responsibility and privilege; and hears, investigates, and makes recommendations concerning complaints brought by any member of the university community against any other member of the university community.

        CAFE Membership in 2000–2001

        The Council consists of four Teaching Faculty, two of whom must be senators, of which at least three must be tenured and at least 1 must be a full professor; one Professional Employee; one Graduate student; and Undergraduate.)

        Teaching Faculty: (*H) Mitchel U. Abolafia (Public Administration and Policy) Chair; *Jean Francois Briere (Languages, Literatures and Cultures); * Sanford H. Levine (Educational Administration & Policy); *Carolyn MacDonald (Physics); (*H) Lillian S. Williams (Women's Studies)

        Professional Employees: Karen L. Martin (Biological Sciences); Joan Savitt (International Education)

        Graduate Student: None appointed by Graduate Student Organization.

        Undergraduate: Vacant position.

        Primary Activities During 2000–2001

        The Council on Academic Freedom and Ethics did not receive referrals for discussion, and did not meet, during 2000–2001.

        The Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments (CPCA)

        The Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointments (CPCA) recommends to the President promotions in rank, and recommends to the President individuals for continuing appointment.

        CPCA Membership in 2000–2001

        CPCA consists of the Vice President for Academic Affairs [Ex Officio]; eight Teaching Faculty, four of whom must be senators; one Professional Employee; two Graduate students; and Undergraduates, one of whom must be a senator.

        Ex Officio: Carlos E. Santiago, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

        Teaching Faculty: Eric Block (Chemistry); (*H) Hayward Horton (Sociology); (H) Trudi E. Jacobson (University Libraries); Marjorie Pryse (English); (*H) R. Michael Range (Mathematics & Statistics) (Chair); Norma Riccucci (Public Administration); (*H) Ronald W. Toseland (School of Social Welfare); *Edelgard Wulfert (Psychology)

        Professional Employee: *Nancy L. Belowich-Negron (Counseling Disabled Students)

        Graduates: None appointed by Graduate Student Organization.

        Undergraduates: *Karen Ekenstierna; *Angelica Morris

        Primary Activities During 2000–2001

        CPCA completed its work for 2000/01 at a meeting on June 7, 2001. Throughout the year CPCA acted on 26 cases, as follows:

        • Ten promotions to full professor;

        • Ten continuing appointments and promotions to associate professor;

        • Four continuing appointments (new or recently appointed faculty);

        • Two promotions to associate professor in the School of Public Health faculty with primary appointment at the Wadsworth Laboratory in the New York State Department of Health.

        The Council also reviewed the overall record of actions during the period 1995 – 2001. There was agreement that the workload of CPCA is extremely heavy. It might be desirable to consider operational guidelines to streamline the process in order to lighten the workload, especially in view of the large number of cases that appear to be quite unproblematic. In particular, 87 cases (about 53%) during 1995 – 2001 reached CPCA with unanimous positive recommendations at all prior levels (except for some possible abstentions). While CPCA should not automatically endorse prior unanimous recommendations, such cases could be reviewed by just three members of the Council. Only if one of these reviewers identifies issues that are potentially inconsistent with the prior recommendations would the case be considered by the full Council. A future CPCA might choose to recommend adoption of such a procedure as part of its operational guidelines.

        The Council on Libraries, Information Systems and Computing (LISC)

        The Council on Libraries, Information Systems and Computing (LISC) reviews plans and recommends policies for the development and operation of library facilities and of information systems and technology on campus.

        LISC Membership in 2000–2001

        The membership of LISC consists of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Libraries, Director of the Academic Computing Center, and Director of Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning [Ex Officio members]; nine Teaching Faculty, with one each from the School of Business, School of Education, School of Public Health, Rockefeller College, and University Libraries; and four from the College of Arts and Sciences (of the nine teaching faculty, three must be senators); one Professional Employee; and one Graduate and two Undergraduate students, one of whom must be a senator.

        Ex Officio: Jeryl L. Mumpower, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Meredith Butler, Director of Libraries; Felix C. Wu, Director, Academic Computing Center; Peter Bloniarz, Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

        Teaching Faculty: *Jane M. Agee (Education Theory and Practice); (*H) Jeanette Altarriba (Psychology); David F. Andersen (Public Administration & Policy); Seth D. Chaiken (Computer Science); (H) Lindsay N. Childs (Mathematics and Statistics); * Peter J. Duchessi (Management Science and Information Systems); Roger D. Gifford (University Libraries); Brian Keough (University Libraries); (H) Andrew Reilly (Biometry and Statistics); (H) Gerald Zahavi (History).

        Professional Employees: (*H) Steven F. Doellefeld (Academic Affairs) Chair; Martin C. Manjak (Residential Networking Services); (H) Kathleen A. Turek (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning).

        Graduate Student: (H) Susan McCormick

        Undergraduate Student: *Seth Mellin

        Primary Activities During 2000–2001

        Note taking services. A particularly challenging item for the group was the issue of Internet class note taking services, which was a holdover item from last year's Council. There are a number of services that pay students to take notes in course lectures and post them onto the Internet site, along with advertising from the service.

        While LISC concurred with the view of the Undergraduate Academic Council that such services are offensive, after much deliberation in LISC meetings, and consultation with University Legal Counsel, LISC came to the conclusion that it was unable to prevent the services, and the students who supply them with notes, from posting lecture notes of University at Albany courses. Its recommendation is that individual instructors who do not wish notes from their courses to be posted at such sites put a disclaimer in their syllabi.

        Computer Usage Policy. After 3 &; years of hard work by the Computer Usage Committee of LISC, the computer usage policy was completed. The policy was approved by LISC on December 4, 2000 and by the University Senate on December 11, 2000. It was approved by President Hitchcock during the Spring 2001 semester.

        Extension of Library hours. At the request of the Student Association, LISC agreed to examine the hours of service of the University Libraries, and make a recommendation to Dean Meredith Butler. Its conclusion is that the normal hours of service in the University Libraries place the University in the top 10% for total hours of service amongst peer and aspirational peer institutions. The extension of library hours during final exam periods was also recommended. LISC's conclusion was that there is no clear reason to further extend library hours at this juncture.

        Elsevier Science Direct. The Library committee of LISC reviewed a proposal that was sent to the University by System Administration. This proposal, submitted by the Elsevier company, and called "Science Direct," is geared towards making a greater number of journal titles available in electronic format. If an institution guarantees their current level of income for journal subscriptions, they can gain electronic access to every title available through Elsevier. While the feeling amongst the LISC membership is that electronic journals will become increasingly common and accepted within academe, there are long-term concerns of losing archival access to electronic journals as technology changes. LISC strongly recommends that the 2001–2002 Council continue discussions of this issue.

        Campus Bandwidth Issues. There was marked recognition that Internet access on campus has been getting slower in recent months. In consultation with the staff from the data communications office, it has been reported that within the past year, Internet traffic has increased by more than 90% on campus, with most of this increase accounted for by outgoing data packets. This increase is thought to be due primarily to Napster and similar file transfer services. While strategies such as buffering and filtering can be used to limit file transfer related traffic, such techniques are imperfect, since such packets may easily be disguised by changing the port number. Further, LISC does not condone such restrictions of campus bandwidth, but does remind all users of University bandwidth to obey all copyright laws. LISC has been advised that the campus will likely move to either an OC3 or an Internet 2 connection, which will provide substantially more bandwidth.

        Recommended issues for 2001-2002 LISC:

        The 2000–2001 LISC recognized three issues that it recommended for consideration and/or continuation in the Council for 2001-2002.

        1. Elsevier Science Direct project — LISC recommended that this project receive regular feedback and input from LISC, and from the Library committee in particular.

        2. Campus E-mail policy — This work in progress from the Computer Usage committee is a policy piece related to appropriate usage and guidelines for e-mail services on campus. LISC suggested that this piece should be submitted as an amendment to the existing technology usage policy.

        3. Webcasting ability on campus - this issue was raised at the end of the year, and was not properly addressed in LISC. However, LISC recognized the importance of the ability to deliver digitized media from the campus to the outside world and suggest that the incoming Council consider this issue, appropriate guidelines for usage of such a system, and the Internet bandwidth implications of webcasting from campus.

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          University at Albany