They meet once a month en masse. Broken up into smaller groups, they discuss such things as how the SAC might be improved or whether distance learning credits should be limited. Debate is conducted on subjects ranging from the renovation of campus facilities to how alumni contributions might be increased. They also review academic graduate and undergraduate policies.
Who are these people? The overwhelming majority of students informally polled last week had no idea what the University Senate is or what it does. To that majority, a hearty “welcome to the club” is extended.
A visit to the Senate website supplies basic information. A closer look at the by-laws and constitution reveals a purpose: the rules and policies approved by the Senate shall “govern the academic functions of the University consistent with the policies of the Board of Trustees.”
What this means is that the Senate, broken up into 13 committees, is authorized to investigate and evaluate various aspects of faculty and student life. The committees report back to the Senate Officers, which includes faculty from all colleges, one undergraduate student and one graduate student. After consideration by these officers, recommendations are made to University administrators.
In the not-too-distant past, the Senate has advocated the preservation of forest tracts on University property in order to maintain the wooded nature of the Stony Brook campus and suggested the installation of lockers at the main library to give students a place to secure their belongings while using library services. Lockers in the commuter lounge at the library are available for a $15 yearly fee, and daily lockers are now located in the basement of the SAC.
But what about recommendations that might not be consistent with the policies of the Board of Trustees? Professor W. Brent Lindquist, the new President of the Senate, revealed the scope of Senate authority when he explained, “The Senate sets academic policy. Even if policy is suggested by the administration, the Senate is called upon to review policy proposals and give them our blessing.”
Policies that might be inconsistent with what SUNY Trustees have outlined are rare, and those issues are explored thoroughly before such a battle is taken on, Lindquist said.
Along with the Undergraduate Council, Senate committees include Student Life, Library Services, Campus Environment, Academic Planning and Resource Allocation, Computing & Communications, and the Graduate Council (for a complete list, visit the Senate website). Almost all committees are in need of student representatives, and have been for quite some time. Student Amanda Sammut has been a member of the Undergraduate Council for 18 months. Sammut confirms that few students are involved in committees despite the fact that notice has been sent to several student organizations about the vacancies.
“It is important for students to be involved in the Senate and Undergraduate Council because these governing bodies influence our education and campus life, Sammut” said. “Our votes and voices count.”
President of the interim student government, Akelia Lawrence, also encouraged greater student involvement.
“Just let me know of people interested,” she said.
The Senate is also accessible to students who have legitimate concerns to explore. Students can contact their appropriate student government organization, or may approach a Senate faculty member about presenting an issue to the relevant committee.
Undergraduates interested in participating in Senate committee activities can contact Lawrence at [email protected]
Graduate students interested in participating can contact the Graduate Student Organization at [email protected]
