Tuesday, the Faculty Senate met to discuss two topics: how to boost attendance at meetings and UB's preparation for next month's meeting with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as part of an accreditation review.
Fifty senators attended - four more than the number needed to reach quorum. Tuesday marked the second time this year that the Senate has met quorum.
Senate Chairman Ezra Zubrow began the meeting by asking senators how attendance at meetings can increase.
Some senators suggested moving the meetings to the Spine, which could allow senators to use technology, like Skype, to 'attend.' Others recommended offering a catered breakfast, lunch or dinner to accompany the meeting. One senator said moving the meeting from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. could increase attendance.
The Senate took a "straw vote" and decided to move the time of future meetings. Zubrow said he will find out if, logistically, the change would be possible. He said if it is, it would not be effective until next semester.
In addition, Provost Charles Zukoski gave a presentation about UB's upcoming accreditation review. MSCHE is coming to UB from March 30 to April 2.
Every 10 years, MSCHE reviews colleges in its region to make sure they are maintaining the standards of an accredited institution. MSCHE "instills public confidence in institutional mission, goals, performance, and resources," according to its website.
Zukoski spent the meeting explaining what UB has done in preparation for MSCHE. He said he has been working with deans, professors and administrators in developing a "self-study," which UB submitted to MSCHE last month.
Points made in the self-study include: UB 2020; increased faculty hiring; increased international student presence; increased enrollment; the expanding campus; expanding budgets and increasing their efficiency; and improved facilities.
Zukoski is confident that UB will be successful during the accreditation review.
The Senate also voted unanimously to make minor changes to UB's grading policy - which will clear up the language about academic dishonesty and change the dates for when an "incomplete" grade is due to Dec. 31, May 31 and Aug. 31. The changes are effective next academic year.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
