Six months after University Senate members first stated concern about administrators not following a procedural process regarding promotions, the roles of faculty versus administration are back in discussion.

The senate held its November meeting at 4 p.m. in Maxwell Auditorium on Wednesday. Lasting more than an hour, the senate addressed a number of topics at the meeting, including the search for a new chancellor following Nancy Cantor’s decision to depart Syracuse University when her contract expires in 2014.

The Committee on Appointments and Promotions introduced a motion about reaffirming senate and university principles concerning the handling of promotions cases.

The motion comes after the Board of Trustees stepped in to approve eight College of Law candidates for promotion during its May 12 meeting after the Committee on Appointments and Promotions declined to endorse the candidates.

Faculty and USen members have said this was an affront to one of the few decision-making powers faculty hold. The committee declined to endorse the candidates because the college changed its policies without going through the proper channels.

The motion the committee presented stated that a school or college must follow the policies in the faculty manual to change its procedures for considering promotion cases. All school and college procedures must conform to those in the faculty manual, and for a promotion decision of a school or college to gain final approval, it must be recommended by the senate following the procedures specified in the faculty manual.

Doug Anderson, a professor emeritus of mathematics, spoke to the senate regarding what happened between the law school and the committee, calling it a “very straightforward procedural matter.”

But discussion of the matter revealed that many in the senate remain confused about procedures relating to appointment and promotions.

After discussing changing the wording of the third item in the motion, a number of senators expressed they were still uncomfortable with the motion and how it could affect other senate rules. The motion was tabled, although the committee may make a new presentation regarding appointments and promotions at a future senate meeting.

Paula Johnson, a senator and professor in the College of Law, spoke up during the meeting, offering her perspective as a member of the law school.

“We don’t see ourselves as not a part of this academic community, but we do have different considerations in our college and as it relates to promotions and tenure,” Johnson said.

Eric Spina, vice chancellor and provost, said the College of Law has pulled back the new promotion procedures it used last year and has submitted revised bylaws to the committee for the next academic year.

Spina said the university is also continuing efforts to form a task force for the senate and SU faculty at large, which will review the SU promotion process relative to peer institutions and with respect to what can help SU improve as an institution.

Cantor, who was also in attendance, echoed Spina’s remarks.

Former vice chancellor honored

The senate honored John Prucha, former vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at SU, who died on Oct. 22 at 88. Prucha served SU for more than 20 years in several positions, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and twice as chair of the earth sciences department.

Cathryn Newton, senator and dean emerita of the College of Arts and Sciences, eulogized Prucha during the senate’s meeting.

“Directness, integrity, kindness and honesty were John’s hallmarks. His lightning wit could strike at any moment. He had an intellectual toughness and rigor that elevated any conversation about science or academic leadership,” Newton said.

She also spoke about his wife, Mary, who she said joined Prucha in supporting the university and mentoring SU students. Mary died Tuesday evening.

Newton’s address was followed by a moment of silence for Prucha and his wife.

Published on November 8, 2012 at 1:19 am

Contact Dara: dkmcbrid@syr.edu | @daramcbride