Faculty Senate Minutes, March 27, 2025

3:30pm, Ryan Library 308

Present: A. Rosenfeld (Chair), D. DeFino (Secretary), M. Bard, D. Brophy, C. Carlson, K. Engemann, B. Gaines, J. Klein, M. Higgins, M. Hughes, L. Ivanov, Y. Kang, S. Petrovic, A. Qayyum

Excused: G. Grimaldi, J. Haber, N. Kyaw

Guests: S. Carey, M. Smeriglio

A. Rosenfeld called the meeting to order at 3:32pm. Quorum was met.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes for the Faculty Senate meeting of 2/20/25 were approved via e-mail on 2/27/25

Announcements

None

Update: Course Caps

A. Rosenfeld met with T. Mulligan to discuss raised upper-level course caps for several Fall 2025 courses; the Provost reported that roughly 60 LSB and 25 A&S course caps have been raised, but that a presentation would be made to chairs, with possible negotiation to lower caps in courses where necessity is demostrated

Update: Committee on Evolving Higher Ed Landscape

A. Rosenfeld met with T. Mulligan to discuss the formation of a Senate-proposed committee that will advise the university on how to respond to current and evolving issues in higher education; once the parameters of the committee are set, the Senate will solicit self-nominations to fill faculty slots

Update: Committee on Shared Governance

A. Rosenfeld met with T. Mulligan to discuss the formation of a Senate-proposed committee to review the efficacy and function of shared governance; membership will include representatives from the President’s Office, the Provost’s Office, staff, students, and faculty; faculty members will be selected and appointed by the Senate once the parameters of the committee are finalized

Discussion Item: Visit with President

S. Carey joined the Senate to discuss the university’s response to new regulatory guidelines, as well as general faculty concerns

Discussion Item: Visit with SVP of Facilities and Campus Operations

M. Smeriglio joined the Senate to discuss current and longer-term projects and plans undertaken by his office, and to consider ways in which faculty might serve as more effective partners to that office

There being no other business, A. Rosenfeld adjourned the Faculty Senate meeting at 5:26 pm. This is the last meeting of the current Senate. The first meeting of the incoming Senate meeting will be held on 4/24/25 at 3:30pm via Zoom.