Senate Standing Committees

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC PLAN

It shall be the charge of the Academic Plan Committee to assist in the intermediate and long-range planning of the overall academic functioning of Buffalo State. The Committee shall study the important matters affecting the academic development of Buffalo State and recommend changes and/or new proposals. The Committee shall seek the cooperation of faculty, students, administration, professional staff, and off-campus consultants. Some of its relevant areas of concern include:

  • Mission of Buffalo State
  • Buffalo State’s Strategic and Academic plans
  • Buffalo State’s international, national, state, and regional partnerships
  • Buffalo State’s enrollment and retention initiatives
  • The recommendations of Buffalo State’s accrediting agencies
  • Buffalo State-wide degree requirements, including Buffalo State’s general education program

Chair - Jason Grinnell

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND STAFF ALLOCATIONS

The Budget and Staff Allocations Committee shall gather and analyze all data and policies needed to determine budget and staff allocations and recommend criteria for all phases of these allocations; transmit data to other appropriate Senate Committees; generate student and faculty input at all policy levels prior to decisions, and recommend to the Senate appropriate action on budget and staff allocations.

Chair - Scott Goodman

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON BYLAWS AND ELECTIONS

The Bylaws and Elections Committee has the responsibility of considering and recommending changes in the College Faculty Bylaws designed to facilitate the democratic governance of Buffalo State University, consistent with the policies of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York and other binding legal agreements. In addition, the Bylaws and Elections Committee shall conduct the necessary elections provided for in the Bylaws.  The rules for conducting these elections and other germane considerations related to elections shall be recommended to the College Senate by the Bylaws and Elections Committee.

Chair - Julian Cole

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

Curricular Charges.  The College Senate Curriculum Committee shall:

  • Review every curriculum program on a regular, periodic basis to ensure its visibility, educational need and adherence to Buffalo State policy.
    • Recommend to the faculty, or appropriate instructional unit concerned, the need for updating or major revision of a program.
    • Recommend to the Senate the need for phase-out of any programs which are of questionable need or value to the overall goals of Buffalo State.
  • Recommend to the College Senate each year the priorities for new programs. These priorities are to be consistent with the academic plan of Buffalo State as well as with budgetary restrictions placed upon new programs.
  • Develop, with the College Senate approval, appropriate structures and procedures for curriculum development and review.
  • Develop structures, guidelines and procedures whereby the faculty may recommend revision of existing programs or propose new programs in conformity with Buffalo State policy.
  • Receive and review all proposals for revisions of existing programs or creation of new programs; and make recommendations concerning these to the College Senate in a manner consistent with Buffalo State and College Senate policies and procedures.
  • Review and recommend approval or non-approval of all courses offered by Buffalo State.

General Charge.  The College Senate Curriculum Committee shall:

  • Carry out all mandates directed to the Committee from the College Senate.
  • Work cooperatively with any and all Standing Committees of the College Senate on matters which are the concern of this committee as well as that of another committee or other committees.
  • Work cooperatively within the developing Western New York Regional SUNY structure in reviewing and recommending joint programs sponsored by Buffalo State and other campuses within the region.

Chair - Dianne McCarthy

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FACULTY/STAFF WELFARE

The College Senate Committee on Faculty/Staff Welfare shall be responsible for all matters concerning faculty and professional welfare; it shall function in conformity with:

  • The current contract negotiated by the bargaining agent for the State University of New York;
  • The current policies of the Board of Trustees; and
  • The College Faculty Bylaws of Buffalo State University.

Chair - Wynne Barron Osiadlo

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH

The Committee on Instruction and Research shall concern itself with those aspects of policy that relate to:

  • The improvement of instruction and the development of services and resources necessary to carry out or enhance this function;
  • The use of time and resources (e.g., scheduling, registration, and the college calendar);
  • Evaluation of student progress and teaching effectiveness;
  • Grading, withdrawal from courses, experimental and special instructional methods, innovative practices and maintenance of quality education; and,
  • The stimulation and support of research, scholarship, and creativity.

Chair - Chris Weber

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

In support of Buffalo State University’s vision, mission, and core values, the Committee on Standards for Students shall review and recommend policies dealing with:

  • The admission and readmission of all students.
  • The retention of all students in regard to academic policies, student conduct, and institutional programs and initiatives.
  • The graduation of all students.

Chair - Leasa Rochester-Mills

Current Roster

CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON STUDENT WELFARE

The Student Welfare Committee will examine matters and recommend policy concerning student life. Such matters include all aspects of Buffalo State as a total learning and living environment as it may be affected by the students’ intellectual/academic, cultural, social, psychological, and physical well-being--including academic matters, university and student services, and faculty-student-administration relations.

Vice Chair - Matthew Baran 

Current Roster