First College Senate meeting of fall semester in the books
By Michael Canfield
On September 19, 2012
The College Senate held its first meeting of the semester Friday, providing several updates relating to
on-going programs and confirmation of committee rosters taking precedence.
Recent issues discussed in the senate included the smoking ban and the abolishment of BSC 101. Once
a decision is made on an issue, a recommendation is presented to President Aaron Podolefsky and
the administration. If the recommendation is not approved by the President or administration, their
decision to not approve it is brought before the senate.
In his opening remarks as chair of the College Senate on Friday, Howard Reid stated that diversity is the
senate's strength.
"Why does this diversity matter?" he said. "I would answer that each of us comes with a unique
background and each of us provides a unique perspective. Thus, every member has the potential to
make a significant contribution."
Podolefsky opened the meeting with remarks on several on-going programs, including the Year of the
City initiative. Mark Severson, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, provided an overview
of what the school is doing based around the Year of the City theme.
"Every year is the Year of the City at Buffalo State, just like every year is the Year of the Arts," he said,
referencing last year's theme. "Our goal with this is to celebrate what we do. We have a lot of different
ways in which we connect to the community. We want to publicize that."
Several upcoming events are planned around the theme, including the inaugural Year of the City lecture
by Gary Welborn, chair of the Sociology Department, titled "Buffalo State's West Side Initiative: What Is
It and Where Did It Come From?" during Bengal Pause on Thursday in Rockwell Hall.
Severson said the school would also like to expand what it's already doing in the community and bring
the community on to campus.
A ballot election was also held to elect the chair of the Student Welfare Committee. Andrew Fournier,
who held the position last year, was challenged by Trivet Jarmond, who is currently the United Students
Government associate vice president for campus affairs and government relations. Both students made
their case before the senate.
"I want to look at the smoking policy and get more information on how students are reacting to it," said
Fournier, who brought up holding the post last year. Referencing the shooting of a Buffalo State student,
he stated, "I'd like to look at the safety issue, with what happened around Labor Day weekend."
Jarmond, who stood while delivering his remarks, introduced himself to the senate, and said it was
important to have a chair of the committee who understood student concerns.
"As a member of USG, I don't really have to explain that I'm already advocating for students," he said. "I
do believe that the rights of students are very important...if I am elected chair of the Student Welfare
Committee, I really am going to get involved."
Fournier retained his position from last year after the ballots were counted, defeating Jarmond by a slim
19 to 18 count.
All of the senate committee rosters were approved.
The College Senate brings together all factions of the campus, and provides an opportunity for them to
discuss issues impacting the campus. Students, staff, faculty and the administration are all represented.
The senate meets on the second Friday of every month during the semester in the E.H. Butler Library.
Friday's meeting was held in the Bulger Communication Building, but will return to the library for next
month's meeting.
The next College Senate meeting will be held on October 12 at 3 p.m. in room 210 of the E.H. Butler
Library.
Michael Canfield can be reached by email at canfield.record@live.com.
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