The University Senate’s last meeting of the year included a big win for fossil fuel divestment, a heated discussion about promotions and a response to campus hate crime.

The Senate’s final meeting convened in Maxwell Auditorium at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The room was almost full of attendees, including Chancellor Kent Syverud and Vice Chancellor Eric Spina, and lasted about two hours.

One of the more notable successes of the afternoon came at the end of the meeting, when USen passed a motion in support of fossil fuel divestment. Divest SU, the student group responsible for urging Syracuse University to cut ties with companies that use fossil fuel, has been campaigning the cause for months.

Paul Hagenloh, a history professor, presented the formal resolution. At the end of the meeting, several student members embraced one another.

Emma Edwards, a junior geography and policy studies major, said she’s been with Divest SU since it began its campaign in October 2012. Last year, the group’s resolution passed in the Student Association, she said.

“Now that the students have done their part, it’s so encouraging to see the faculty also take this issues seriously and voice their support for the students,” she said after the meeting.

However, the final decision to divest has to be made by Syverud and the Board of Trustees, said Ben Kuebrich, a graduate student studying composition and cultural rhetoric. Thankfully, they already have a majority of university support, he said.

Another serious topic addressed was the LGBT Concerns Committee about a campus incident last semester, when several educational signs about the trans* community were desecrated between the Schine Student Center and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

The committee proposed a resolution, stating: “The Syracuse University Senate condemns all acts of physical or symbolic violence against those protected explicitly in the University’s non-discrimination policy, whether targeted toward any individual or group of students, faculty, staff or community members.” It unanimously passed.

To start the meeting, Syverud made a few remarks. The recently inaugurated chancellor said he wanted to pay particular attention to the budget report on enrollment and athletics, and the agenda report on promotions.

The meeting began with a few unanimous decisions regarding commencement, promotions, emeritus status and curricula changes. Steve Brechin, professor of sociology and Nancy Cantor’s husband, was granted emeritus, meaning he will retire after this academic year.

In addition to several new classes being added to each college, a new minor and programs were introduced. The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics now has a minor in mindfulness and contemplative studies, and a certificate of advanced study in intercollegiate athletic advising and support. The College of Visual and Performing Arts now has a five-year bachelor’s of music in music industry.

A tense discussion followed the introduction of a proposal to pursue creating a faculty-driven committee for promotions and tenure, sponsored by the Academic Affairs Committee and Committee on Appointment and Promotions. After a couple of amendments to the wording of the proposal, it passed. The issue will be brought up again next fall.

Before presenting his monthly report on the university’s budget, Craig Dudczak announced he would not be returning as chair. He went on to discuss three important points: adjusting support services for incoming students, simplifying the budget model of the university and determining the position of SU Athletics within the university.

“There probably is no single issue on this campus that divides a faculty as ‘What is the role of athletics in the university firmament?’” Dudczak said, before stating the committee needs more information in order for it to make an official recommendation.

Co-chairs Steven Fantigrossi and Rosemary Kelly, of the Committee on Student Life, discussed several meetings they conducted throughout the year. These included a conference with Student Association President Boris Gresely about restructuring SA and student involvement on campus. The committee also met with Patricia Burak of the Slutzker Center for International Services to discuss the challenges of providing for international students.

USen will resume its meetings next fall for the new academic year.

Published on April 17, 2014 at 2:17 am

Contact Maddy: mjberner@syr.edu