SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - EAST
CONGRESSIONAL YEAR 2006-2007
GENERAL MEETING
APRIL 10, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT
Anderson, P.
Aretz, M.
Banks, J.
Bealle, P.
Beodeker, R.
Brenner, D.
Buck, L.
Cash McConnell, K.
Christensen, P.
Connolly, C.
Conzen, C.
Cummings, K.
Czura, A.
Fanning, S.
Flinter, W.
Freilich, R.
Frey, D.
Green, M.
Haff, J.
Hassildine
Hawkins, J.
Hennessey, L.
Israel, W.
Koukounas, T.
Kulis, C.
Levine, J.
Lizak, L.
Lourenso, F.
McCall, M.
McCarthy, C.
McHeffey, T.
Miller, M.
Mizdal, R.
Morelli, D.
Moritz, M.
Palumbo, N.
Reese, M.
Ridinger-Dotterman, A.
Rogers, K.
Russell, S.
Russo, L.
Ryder, M.
Schwartz, J.
Shearer, J.
Smith, P.
Villanti, C.
Welsh, W.
Ex officio: Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, President
Other Members Present: Art Lundahl, FCCC Representative/Professor
Chairperson Buck called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. and welcomed the members to the Congress meeting.
CONGRESS STANDING COMMITTEES REPORT
Executive Committee
- Touchstones: Chairperson Buck announced that the Executive Committee of
Eastern Campus Congress would like to recognize the following members:
. Mary Reese and Pat Southard for a spectacular and successful Career Week!
. Louise Johnston, Advisor, Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, was
responsible for a wonderfully attended induction ceremony on Friday night,
March 23rd. There were approximately 80 people in attendance. About 15 or
so students were inducted, but what was especially great was that every
student who was to be inducted brought family members – children, spouses,
significant others, best friends and parents. Louise and Jerilyn Leonard,
Chapter Student President, deserve recognition. Jim Banks, the Evening
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Administrator on duty, was invited to speak to the participants. He is a great
storyteller and his words were wise and inspirational.
. Kathleen Cash-McConnell presented at the international Teachers of English
to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in Seattle, WA on March 23rd. Her
presentation was titled, “Information Literacy as a Passport to Success.
- Announcement: Suffolk County Community College is now the largest community college in the SUNY system. Our enrollment is now 21,859 students due to the Nursing program and the flourishing Culinary Arts program.
- Distinguished Faculty Award: Prof. Freilich will receive the Governance Award for Distinguished Faculty.
- Chancellor’s Award/Distinguished Faculty Rank: Chairperson Buck announced that there is still time to recognize people for the Chancellor’s Award and Distinguished Faculty Rank Award. The deadline for nominations is April 20, 2007. The members were asked to forward their nominations to Chairperson Buck. Prof. Rogers questioned the next step of the process. Chairperson Buck will notify the nominees by letter and the nominee needs to accept nominations by April 29th. Individuals will have to prepare a dossier by September 14th. The committee will deliberate in the fall.
- Student Government: Chairperson Buck announced that the Student Government extended a thank you to the members for supporting their resolutions. Dr. Beodeker announced that thank you letters were put in everyone’s mailbox.
- Fostering Open Communication, Understanding and Scholarship (FOCUS):
Chairperson Buck reported that a new committee has been formed at the Grant Campus and now has a ‘sister’ committee at the Ammerman Campus. FOCUS, Fostering Open Communication, Understanding and Scholarship as a mission to raise social consciousness and present alternative political perspectives by providing educational opportunities such as panel discussions, films and lectures.
The information was presented to see if there was an interest to start another ‘sister’ committee at the Eastern Campus or to get involved with one of the groups at the ‘sister’ campuses. The members were asked to contact Chairperson Buck or Rani Carson at the Grant Campus if they are interested in the committee.
- Class Size Committee: The Class Size Committee has reconvened. The members were encouraged to visit the Faculty Association site to view the contract regarding how the committee operates, etc. At the Executive Committee meeting it was decided to select one representative from each of our standing committees. The Eastern Campus representatives are:
. Angela Ridinger-Dotterman – Campus Environment Committee
. Laurette Lizak - Planning Committee
. Mark Moritz – Academic Affairs Committee
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- Chair-elect: Chairperson Buck announced that Mary Reese is the Congress Chair-elect.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Buck called for a motion to approve the February 27, 2007 Congress meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Prof. Rogers, and the motion was seconded by Prof. Brenner. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Academic Affairs Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution to Convert Special Topics Course, Fraud Examination (AC45) to a Permanent Course Offering, (AC46) on the East Campus: Professional Assistant Anderson made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. McCall. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Planning Committee
Prof McCall stated that the committee did not meet due to several conflicts. At the last meeting it was reported that she discussed the egress onto CR 51 with Dr. Christensen. The committee prepared the following resolution to be considered by Congress:
Proposed Resolution Concerning Planning Study for an Additional Egress from the Eastern Campus: Prof. Rogers made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Brenner. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Campus Environment Committee
Mr. Palumbo reported the following items:
- On March 23, 2007, several representatives of administration, Student Government and LIPA met to discuss wind generation on campus and LIPA’s support of the feasibility study.
- On May 9th there will be a ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the Fitness Trail in honor of Prof. Charles Wood. There will be a sale of seed packets in the Cafeteria, and the money will be donated towards the Fitness Trail. Prof. Haff reported that PTK members are putting together the seed packets and they will be available in her office on Monday.
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COLLEGE-WIDE COMMITTEE REPORTS
College Curriculum Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution Adopting OS25 College Success Seminar New Course Proposal: Prof. McConnell reported that OS25 would replace OS43. Prof. Koukounas made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Miller. This course is designed for students who are going through the College Success Program. The course does not replace OS15; however, it does replace OS20. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Proposed Resolution Regarding EG73 Environmental Literature Course Adoption Proposal: Prof. McConnell reported that the course is an English elective, and it speaks to man and nature. Prof. Brenner made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Smith. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Proposed Resolution Adopting Photographic Imaging Curriculum Revision Proposal:
Prof. Lourenso made a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Russo. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Academic Standards Committee
Chairperson Buck announced that there was a correction to the agenda and asked the
members to cross out the resolution regarding the Absences and Attendance Policy.
Prof. Czura reported the following items:
- The Eastern Campus was the third campus to approve the Absence and Attendance Policy. The online catalog has been changed back to the old version of the policy.
- The committee met on March 8, 2007 and the meeting was devoted to FERPA.
- The SUNY aspects of FERPA are on the homepage. The members were encouraged to review the summary.
- Prof. Bealle reported that there will be an Academic Integrity Roundtable discussion on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., in the three Distance Education classrooms on each campus. The discussion will give faculty the opportunity to talk to the three Campus Deans. The members were asked for their input regarding their thoughts and concerns.
Distance Education Committee
Prof. Villanti reported the following items:
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- There is no official decision on Blackboard/Angel.
- The committee is hopeful that the decision will be to go with Blackboard.
- A discussion ensued on the campus pack software.
- Prof. Villanti can train people in Blackboard. She asked the members to contact her if they are interested in being trained in the summer.
- There were some issues with summer classes being canceled. A few classes were reinstated.
- The members were asked to view the class size caps in the contract on the Faculty Association web site if they feel there are too many students in their summer classes.
Development Studies Committee
Prof. McConnell reported the following items:
- The committee discussed the repeat of unsatisfactory grades of developmental
studies students.
- The placement of developmental students in courses that they do not have prerequisites for is being evaluated.
- The committee is researching the success rate of students who have not taken RE10 and who are going into social science courses.
- Prof. Good spoke to the group regarding the opportunity to help train members of the Developmental Studies Committee on how to assess developmental studies courses.
College Seminar Committee
Prof. Johnston was not present for the meeting; however, it was noted that the committee plans to meet next week.
Computer Use Committee
Specialist Ryder reported that the College is researching the legal limitations of outside groups using college computers.
FACULTY COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES (FCCC)
Prof. Lundahl gave a brief overview of the Faculty Council of Community Colleges.
- There are 14,000 community college faculty in New York State.
- The FCCC represents 30 community colleges.
- Each community college has a FCCC representative. Prof. Lundahl is the FCCC representative for Suffolk County Community College.
- FCCC meets twice a year
- Resolutions are forwarded to the Chancellor
Items addressed:
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. Strengthened Campus-Based Assessment
. Academic Bill of Rights
. President of Organization on the SUNY Board of Trustees
- Group is working with new political structure
. New Governor
. New SUNY BOT
. Chancellor Ryan is leaving – assumed a new position
. Chairman of SUNY BOT is stepping down
. New Provost
. New Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs
- CUNY Faculty Senate – met with them
- Mission and Vision Statements – codes are being revised
- There are four standing committees
. Academic Affairs Committee – Twig Project – use of innovative technology in
classroom to reduce costs
. Governance Committee – engaged in lobbying efforts
. Community College Relations Committee – addresses Chancellor’s Award and
Distinguished Faculty Rank Awards
. Student Life Committee – Student textbook laws – reducing costs.
- FCCC web site address: www.fccc.suny.edu
Prof. Russo questioned if a decision was made on the logo competition. Prof. Lundahl reported that the FCCC was trying to change their logo. Four students from the SCCC Graphic Design program entered the competition, but they did not win.
SUNSHINE FUND
There was no report for the Sunshine Fund. Chairperson Buck asked the members to forward their donations for the fund if they have not done so already.
CAMPUS REPORT
Dr. Christensen addressed the Congress with the following items:
- FCCC: Dr. Christensen commended Prof. Lundahl for being the FCCC
representative for SCCC.
- Eastern Long Island Executives (ELIE) Meeting: Dr. Christensen and Dean
Shearer attended an ELIE meeting on April 9, 2007. Prof. McHeffey gave a
presentation on Sticky Personnel Issues. The presentation was well received.
- Update on Current Searches:
. Mathematics: Prof. Koukounas reported that the committee concluded the
search and an offer was made to Jean Nicolas Pestieau from Stony Brook
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University. Mr. Pestieau is planning to do his presentation at the end of the
month. Dr. Christensen sent a follow up letter regarding the offer; however,
the official approval comes from the Office of the President.
. English Search: The English search is in progress. Prof. Villanti reported that
the committee is in the process of conducting interviews.
. Criminal Justice Search: Prof. Lourenso reported that the search will be
completed within the next few weeks.
. Culinary Arts Instructor and PA: Dr. Christensen and Prof. Freilich met and
and discussed the searches for the Culinary Arts Instructor and PA. The
committee has been formed. Announcements will be posted in the next day
or two. The process is moving forward.
- Campus Retention and Priority Registration: Dr. Christensen reported that
priority registration will begin next Monday. He stated that our role in priority
registration is to research the students’ interests and needs. The members also
have to be actively involved as mentors and advisors. Prof. Green reported that
there are not enough advisors in Liberal Arts. Dr. Christensen strongly urged
the members to get involved.
- Long Island University at Riverhead: Dr. Christensen reviewed a draft Memo of Understanding (MOU) from Long Island University (LIU) at Riverhead and they are moving forward, with State Education Department approval, for a 2+2, 2+3 program in Child Study. Students with an Associates Degree in Child Study will have the opportunity to move seamlessly to a bachelors and even a master’s degree from this campus. Tuition assistance incentives are being included in the agreement.
- Meeting with Louisa Hargrave: Dr. Christensen met with Louisa Hargrave, Director of the Center for Wine, Food and Culture at Stony Brook University, to discuss various ways this campus can articulate with new initiatives at Southampton.
- Capital Projects: On Friday, April 6, 2007, the County Executive gave a presentation and signed off on several capital projects including the Library/Learning Resource Center. Dr. Pippins, Dr. Christensen and others participated in the event. Dr. Christensen reviewed a draft copy of the RFP for the Library Learning Resource Center, which will be sent out to architect designers. It has been determined by the Steering Committee that the RFP will be a design competition.
- Charles Wood Dedication/Luncheon: The dedication of the Fitness Trail in honor of Prof. Wood will take place on Wednesday, May 9th. The end-of-semester luncheon will take place after the dedication.
- William Welsh’s Retirement Party: Dr. Christensen reported that Prof. Welsh is retiring and will be taking a job with the Town of Riverhead, as Executive Assistant to the Supervisor. Prof. Welsh will be missed on campus. Dean
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Shearer reported that the day of the party may be changed. She will coordinate the plans for the party and will apprise the members of the new date.
Prof. Rogers questioned where the Culinary positions are going to be advertised. Dr. Christensen reported that the Culinary Instructor position will be advertised in the Chronicle. The web page listing will be posted this week. Prof. Freilich reported that the committee is researching publications in the industry for advertising purposes.