A&S Senate
Minutes
September 24, 2012

I.  Approval of tentative agenda:  approved.

II.  Approval of minutes from April 23, 2012.

III.  President’s Report (T. Sears)

• Middle States review:  Charles Robbins and Dan Davis are Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee.  The General Education curriculum is tied into Middles States.
• Cluster Hire Program:   A review committee met over the summer and rated the proposals received.  The Provost has selected five for funding this year.  This is envisioned as being the first part of an ongoing five-year program.   A call for proposals for next year will be going out soon.  The Provost’s website will carry the details as they are announced
• The EC met with Ben Hsiao, the new VP for Research.
• Gyrodyne:  The University reportedly paid a judgment between $170 and $180m.  There will be an immediate impact on some areas of the budget.  About half will come from operations.
• Massive Online courses (MOOCS):  The Provost reported on the formation of a committee to study the issues involved.
• Gen Ed curriculum:  proposed changes will be phased in for students beginning in AY 2013.
• We need a President-elect.  Cynthia Davidson indicated she is not available as President next year.  It was suggested that the President’s term be changed to two years.

IV.  Senior Lecturer Selection Committee (T. Sears)

• The recommendation was read and discussed for the 3rd time. Assuming it is approved, this will permit the removal of the, now superseded, regulations in the A&S Senate rules and on the website.

Vote was taken:  All in favor, none opposed and no abstentions.   

V.  General Education (G. Hammond)

• There are nine areas where a student has to show proficiency in fundamental areas of learning.  Writing effectively in English, Master Quantitative Problem Solving, Communications in a Language Other than English, etc.
• Students have to follow up on their interests by completing advanced studies in four distinct areas of the nine.
• Highly recommended that students take experiential learning such as Service Learning, Undergraduate Research or doing an Internship.
• Prepare for the world beyond graduation by taking individual courses that may satisfy other Gen Ed or major requirements.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of Gen Ed while matriculated at an institution of higher education.  Must be passed with a grade of C or better or of S.
• If you have any recommendations you can email G. Hammond or S. Sutherland (Undergraduate Council Chair).

VI.  UUP Survey on SSC’s

• The survey results are on the A&S Senate website:  http://www.stonybrook.edu/senatecas/
• One overwhelming response was the absence of communication.  Responders did not know any details about the proposals.

VII.  Other business:

• Communication between Administration and Departments.

Meeting Adjourned at 4:50

Submitted by:

Laurie Theobalt
Secretary