University Senate Meeting Minutes


October 6, 2025, 3:30-5:00 PM (Hybrid Meeting - Wang Theater & Zoom Meeting)

Meeting called to order by Dr. Brenda Anderson, the University Senate President, at 3:30 PM. A motion to approve the agenda and the minutes from August 25, 2025 carried.

Greetings from Brenda Anderson, University Senate President

-       Welcomed everyone to the University Senate meeting.

-       Mentioned a successful visit from SUNY Faculty Senate President Bruce Simon, who gained a deeper understanding of Stony Brook's achievements and challenges.

-       Thanked retiring former Senate Secretary and current Statewide Senator Pamela Wolfskill for her exceptional service.

-       Discussed new digital accessibility rules taking effect in April 2026 and encouraged attendees to sign up for an upcoming accessibility workshop.

 

Report from President, Andrea Goldsmith

-       Full written report can be viewed here.

 

Report from VP HSC, William Wertheim

-       Full written report can be viewed here.

 

Report from Provost, Carl Lejuez

-       Full written report can be viewed here.

 

Questions and Answers

 

-       When asked about low morale on campus, the President is interested in identifying mechanisms that will yield the full range of concerns, promising to engage with Senate leadership to gather feedback and develop solutions.

-       In the President s ABC vision, B is for build. Growth requires accommodation of that growth, including more faculty and classrooms. There will be impact over time.

-       At this time there are no plans to incorporate SUNY in our name, however, by aligning better with SUNY we benefit from alignment with New York State, and as a partner with SUNY.

-       Concerns were raised about lessons learned from other universities' experiences, particularly regarding NIH funding. There is uncertainty in federal funding landscape. The grants lost are those out of alignment with the current administration. There is relatively uniform support in the houses of congress for NIH funding.

 

Reports from UUP

-       B. Kube - East campus President

-       Brenda Anderson read the report.

-       Full written report can be viewed here.

-       L. Melious - West Campus UUP President

-       Brenda Anderson read the report.

-       Full written report can be viewed here.

 

Old Business:

  1. Consideration of Resolution in Defense of our Values, Democracy, and Higher Education: Amended resolution was presented by Dr. Brenda Anderson and passed by majority of votes.

 

New Business:

  1. Report on Senate Structure: Richard Stein, Senate Secretary/Treasurer, gave a presentation on the University Senate's structure, explaining its functions, voting members, and major governance units.

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.

Senate President: Brenda Anderson
Senate Secretary: Richard Stein