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College Senate. Buffalo State College September, 2007 Chair’s Remarks. What is the public perception of the College Senate?. Consider the view of the College Senate as a window, covered partially by reflecting rather than transparent glass:. Public view of the College Senate.
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College Senate Buffalo State College September, 2007 Chair’s Remarks
Consider the view of the College Senate as a window, covered partially by reflecting rather than transparent glass:
Public view of the College Senate • Limited access and awareness • Curriculum activitiesas per the College Bulletin • Controversy as per The Record • Topic-specific forums and communications • New presidential awards
What do people who have been involved in the Senate think the Senate could become? • Integrating Inquiry and Action • Summer 2007 Inquiry process Discussions with: • Past Senate Chairs • Current chairs of Standing Committees • Others (former and current Senators, administrators, University Faculty Senators)
Four principles to guide the Transparency of the College Senate • Pro-active: Connected to broader issues (e.g., advisement) • Accessible: Easy access to Senators, Committee members, information • Connected: Coordination with issues and practices of all constituencies and administration • Visible: Maximizing understanding of (and interest in) governance
Transparency within the College Senate • 2007 Orientation of new senators (thanks to John DeNisco ) for the 2nd time • Ease of access • Senate office open 5 days per week • Updating College Senate web site www.buffalostate.edu/collegesenate • College Senate e-mail address collegesenate@buffalostate.edu • Two new Senate staff members • Vince Masci, Senate secretary • Suki Roy, College Senate work study
Transparency within the College Senate • Clearer understanding of the workings and issues of the University Faculty Senate • Connecting key campus priorities and the Senate: working with By-Laws and Elections to consider realignment of Senate Committees • Avoid micromanaging campus operations
Plan for 2007-8 • Engage with important topics that have broad impact (e.g., Advisement) • Work through Standing Committees, establishing Ad Hocs as needed • Specific goals for Fall 2007 emerging:
Ending thought from James Madison: • “A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the knowledge the power gives.”