University Committees

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Board on Rank and Tenure 2024-2025

Charge: The function of the Board on Rank and Tenure is to recommend to the President that tenure and/or promotion in rank be given or denied to a particular member of the faculty.

Charge: the function of this committee is to advise the University Advancement Department in any issues related to our partnership with Follett Bookstore.

Dean's Conference

Charge:  The CAS Dean's Conference is the advisory, consultative group to the dean of the College

_____________________________________________________________________

Curriculum and Assessment Committee

Charge: The committee reviews and advises the CAS Dean's Conference on matters regarding proposals for curriculum changes.

______________________________________________________________________

 Individualized Major Committee (2-year-term-Spring 2025)

Charge: The committee will investigate the reasonableness of developing a "customized major" program of study and to develop a proposal for such a program if their investigation so warrants.

_____________________________________________________________________

 Pre-Law Advisory Committee

Computing Sciences Committees

Assessment

Colloquium Series

Graduate Program

Resources

Library

Outreach

Internships/Senior Projects

Introductory/Sequences

_______________________________________________________________________

History Program Assessment Committee

_______________________________________________________________________

International Studies Assessment Committee

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Department

BCMB Advisory Board

Committee not active at this time.

Charge: The CCC is responsible for implementation and oversight of the University General Education Program.

This Committee is presently inactive.

Charge: To lead the transformation to and sustainability of a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus culture characterized by respect and support for all members of the University community.  Th Council for Diversity and Inclusion examines the University's needs and makes recommendations regarding inclusive and diverse approaches, programs, practices, activities and any other goals the Council believes are necessary to create an inclusive University for students, faculty, and staff.

Charge: The charge of the Advisory Group is to be advisory to the Managers of the OSSS/CTE to ensure that the mandates of the department is achieved and maintained.

Members:

This committee is not active at this time

Not Active At This Time- 2024-2025

Charge: A temporary subcommittee of the University Planning Committee, the Diversity and  Inclusion Planning Group is charged with the development of a formal, comprehensive five‐year  plan for institutional diversity and inclusion.  This new plan will directly support the University’s  strategic plan and serve as a framework to coordinate and guide diversity and inclusion efforts  across University programs, departments, divisions, committees and taskforces.   To connect current efforts, the leadership and membership for this group will be conjointly  comprised of members of the University Planning Committee, the Council for Diversity and  Inclusion, and other members of the University Community involved or interested in Diversity  and Inclusion work.  The Group will conduct research and review assessment data, including  recommendations from the recent Middle States Self‐Study, Mission Priority Examen, and  Council for Diversity and Inclusion. As part of its work, the Group will recommend an appropriate  and sustainable path for the management of the plan moving forward.

Charge: To intake and review grant applications, and allocate funds to projects which promote and energize the commitment to diversity, increase and cultural awareness and sensitivity through educational programming, provide the opportunity for inter-cultural engagement as well as expand multicultural experiences for our community.

Charge and Membership
The Educational Assessment Advisory Committee (EAAC) serves as an advisory committee to the Co-Directors of the Office of Educational Assessment (OEA). The EAAC serves to develop and enrich effective assessment of the student learning experience at the University of Scranton. The committee collaborates with the Co-Directors, OEA and others to ensure ongoing processes for effective assessment, including development, implementation, and maintenance of the University’s Institutional Student Learning Assessment Plan. The committee reviews and recommends a variety of assessment support resources, including those for faculty development.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Vanessa Jensen and vice chaired by Dr. Satyajit Ghosh, the Co-Directors of the Office of Educational Assessment.  Staff members are appointed based on their job positions; faculty members are elected by the Faculty Senate.

2024-2025 AAC Membership:
Emily Carey, Student Government, Class of 2026
Maria Cutsinger, Division of Student Life Representative
Kristina Dorkoski, Physical Therapy, LCHS Representative
Mary Jane DiMattio, Nursing LCHS Representative
David Dzuric, CAS Dean's Office Representative
Rachel Frissell,  Physics, CAS Representative
Satyajit Ghosh, Economics/Finanance/International Business, KSOM Representative
Robert Giambatista, Management/Marketing/Entrepreneurship, KSOM Representative
Tara Hamilton-Fay, CTE Representative
Lisa LoBasso, Graduate School Representative
Vanessa Jensen,  Counseling and Human Services, LCHS Representative
David Marx, Provost's Office Representative
Rebecca Mikesell, Communication and Media, CAS Representative
Murli Rajan, KSOM Dean's Office Representative
Joseph Redington, Registrar's Office Representative
Raymond  Schwenk, LCHS Dean's Office Representative
Mary Tabit, Psychology, CAS Representative
Richard Walsh, Provost's Office Representative
Megan Whitbeck, Counseling and Human Services, LCHS Representative
Professor Donna Witek, Library Representative
Ms. Kathryn Yerkes, Provost's Office Representative

Charge: The Ellacuría Initiative, formerly known as Education for Justice, enables us to reflect on the meaning of justice; makes us aware of injustice in our society and throughout the world, and of efforts being made to remedy injustice; and introduces us to various methods of analysis, so that we may be able to respond.  The Ellacuría Initiative currently works in three areas – (1) our biennial theme, (2) issues of importance to Northeastern Pennsylvania, and (3) other justice-related programming that emerges because of opportunity or unfolding circumstances.

Charge: To represent the Faculty Affairs Council in its duty to improve the terms and conditions of employment of the full-time faculty through the process of collective bargaining.

Charge: To review and approve proposals for faculty members conducting research or curriculum development work in the summer and intersession terms.

Charge: Review the Faculty Handbook section of the Master Agreement

Charge:  Serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of Research on issues of research policy and procedures; review and approve applications for internal research funding; review and make recommendations concerning sabbatical proposals; and conduct investigations of scientific misconduct if warranted.

Officers:

____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Academic Policy Committe(APC):

______________________________________________________________________

General Education (GE) Review Committee*:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Faculty Senate Representatives to Board of Trustees Committees:

______________________________________________________________________

Faculty Senate Representatives to the University Governance Council (UGC)*

_______________________________________________________________________

 Technology Advisory Group (T.A.G.)

_______________________________________________________________________

Shared Governance and Leadership Committee

_________________________________________________________________________

Faculty Representatives to the Provost Committee on Academic Policies and Compliance (PCAPC)*

_______________________________________________________________________

Faculty Representatives to the Retention Committee

______________________________________________________________________

Conference Committee on the Curriculum (CCC)

___________________________________________________________________

Faculty Representatives tp the Educational Assessment Advisory Committee (EAAC)

 _______________________________________________________________________

Library Advisory Committee

_____________________________________________________________________________

Artificial Intelligence Monitoring Committee (Approved May 10, 2024)

________________________________________________________________________________

Council on Diversity and Inclusion (Two-year terms with possible reappointment)

*No ratification needed because membership is determined by position, elected by faculty, or previously ratified.

Charge:  To support faculty travel to professional meetings, workshops and professional development. 

Charge:  The charge of the Advisory Board is to be advisory to the Coordinator of the First Year Seminar on issues related to the FYS and the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture; faculty development in relation to the FYS and the Royal Read; and to recommend to the Provost's Office and President books for the Royal Read and speakers for the IVAL.

Membership for 2024-2025

College of Arts & Sciences
Matthew Meyer (2023-2026)

Kania School of Management
Pedro Monteiro, Finanace (2023-2026)

Library
Donna Witek, Information Literacy Coordinator (2023-2026)

Leahy College of Health Sciences
Joseph Pellegrino (2023-2026)

Business Area
Open Seat (2024-2026)

Health Sciences Area
Carol Coté, Occupational Therapy (2024-2026)

Theology/Religious Studies or Philosophy
Patrick Tully, Philosophy (2024-2026)
Will Coehn, Theology/Religious Studies (2023-2025)

Social Sciences Area
Brian Snee, Communication & Media (2024-2026)
Michael Allison, Political Science (2023-2025)

Humanities Area
Roy Domenico, History (2024-2026)
Billie Tadros, English & Theatre (2023-2025)

STEM Area 
Chi Hou Lei, Physics & Engineering (2024-2026)
Joseph Klobusicky, Mathematics (2023-2025)

Charge: The charge of the Advisory Group is to be advistory to the Manager of ISSS and the Manager of Study Abroad to ensure that the mandate of the Office of Global Education is achieved and maintained.

Members

                                                    Graduate Teaching Award Committee
                                                                        2024-2025

Graduate Teaching Excellence Award The Academic Support Committee recommends the establishment of an annual "Graduate Teaching Excellence" award for full-time faculty who are currently teaching graduate-level courses. The recipient of this award will be determined by a Teaching Excellence Selection Committee comprised of representatives from all colleges. Representation on the committee will determined by a vote and will include one faculty member from each college as well two members at-large. The winner of the previous year’s award will be asked to serve as one of the at-large members. Voting for the remaining four seats will take place annually. After the committee is elected, the members will select a chairperson. Committee members are not eligible for the award.

On or around February 1st the chairperson of the Teaching Excellence Selection Committee will call for nominations for this award. On or around March 1st all nominated faculty members will be contacted and asked to provide evidence teaching excellence. Such evidence can include, but is not limited to the following:

1. Personal statement
2. Student statements
3. Teaching evaluations
4. Peer evaluations
5. Department Chair or Program Director recommendation

During the month of April the committee will meet to determine the recipient of this award. Criteria for selection shall include, but not be limited to, the following.

1. Maintains the highest standards of academic excellence and fairness.
2. Inspires interest in the discipline through personal enthusiasm and dedication.
3. Is consistently effective in communication.
4. Is available outside the classroom.

The recipient will be announced on or around May 1st . Faculty members can receive this award once every 10 years. Their names will be recorded on a plaque to be displayed in an appropriate location on campus. An individual plaque will be provided by the University to each year's recipient.

 Members:

Charge: The Health Professions Evaluation Committee interviews applicants to doctoral-level health professions programs.  Committee members work in teams to interview applicants and, with the Director of Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professions Programs, prepare letters of evaluation for each applicant.

Charge: The University Honors Council serves as an advisory body  to the Director of the University Honors Program.  It must approve all major changes of policy and procedure.  The University Honors Coucil is also responsible for selecting students to participate  in the University Honors Program.  This entails meeting with applicants and evaluating them in committee.

Charge:  Establish, implement policies, review & approve all research involving animal subjects conducted at the University or under its sponsorship at another location.  Activities are conducted in accordance w/federal, state, & local regulations.

Charge:  Establish, implement policies, review and approve all research involving recombinant DNA and other biosafety issues as deemed appropriate related to research conducted at the University of Scranton or under its sponsorship at another location.  Activities are conducted in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Charge:  Establish, implement policies, review and approve all research involving human subjects conducted at the University of Scranton or under its sponsorship at another location.  Activities are conducted in accordance with federal state and local regulations concerning safeguarding of the rights and welfare of human participants in all research under its sponsorship.

Dean's Conference Management Committee

Charge: The role of the Dean's Conference Management Committee is to provide input and suggest revisions to the tactical parts of the strategic plan and review results; review and provide feedback on the work of other committees; make policy recommendations to the Dean; provide guidance to the Dean on curriculum and programmatic changes; provide guidance to the Dean with respect to KSOM policies; and provide guidance to the Dean with respect to university policies that impact KSOM. 

The following individuals will participate at the Dean's Conference Committee meeting at the start of the academic year and if  necessary at the beginning of the spring semester.

_____________________________________________________________________

AACSB Committee

Charge: The AACSB Committee will monitor and report on new development in AACSB standards and reporting; manage all data collections, analysis, and reporting for AACSB accreditation maintenance; write and distribute an annual report on accreditation maintenance progress; determine faculty development needs arising from AACSB changes; review strategic plan in compliance with AACSB standards.

_______________________________________________________________________

Assessment Committee

Charge: The Assessment Committee will help identify linkages between KSOM student learning goals and University of Scranton Goals;  propose student learning objectives that flow from student learning goals; suggest, help, develop, and promote a variety of assessment methods; identify academic classes and activities that may be potential assessment environments; review and/or revise rubrics used to assess student learning objectives; determine criteria for success for assessment methods; evaluate data accumulated from assessment activities, determine the degree to which specific student learning objectives are being achieved, and recommend actions that lead to program improvement; monitor the implementation of program improvements.  

________________________________________________________________________

 Teaching and Curriculum Committee

Charge: The role of this committee is: based on the results of the benchmarking review of the undergraduate core provide a report to the Dean by December 1st of the next steps; use assessment information to recommend changes to curriculum and programs; review academic policies including those affecting internships and study-abroad programs; organize a teaching seminar each semester; develop a statement outlining areas of impact and their measurement for Kania School faculty teaching. 

Strategic Planning Committee

Charge: The role of the Strategic Planning Groupis to provide input and suggest revisions to the strategic plan and review results; and determine the issues (e.g., housing, scheduling, etc.) facing international graduate students and how we can better assist and integrate into the fabric of KSOM.

____________________________________________________________________________

KSOM Award for Teaching and Research Excellence Committee

Charge: The role of the KSOM Faculty Awards for Excellence Committee is to select the recipient for the KSOM Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship for the year 5/1/24 to 4/30/25; and select the recipient for the KSOM FAculty Award for Excellence in Teaching for the year 5/1/24 to 4/30/25 .

_____________________________________________________________________________

KSOM Award for Staff Excellence Committee

Charge: The role of the KSOM Award for Staff Excellence Committee is to select the recipient for the KSOM Staff Excellence Award for the year 5/1/24 to 4/30/25.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Faculty Research Committee

Charge: The role of the Faculty Research Committee is to determine KSOM resource needs to support scholarship; provide appropriate and necessary resources to support the advancement of scholarship such as databases and facilities-specifically a database related to climate change; develop a statement outlining areas of impact and their measurement for Kania School faculty scholarship; organize scholarly seminars each semester; determine procedures for faculty awards in area of scholarship; and channel faculty concerns and make recommendations to Dean on continuously improving KSOM scholarship.

Latin American Studies Steering Committee Members:Charge: The Steering Committee serves as the day-to-day decision-making body in the Program, covering instruction, research, special events, outreach, development, and appointment processes for Associate, Affiliated, Adjunct, and Visiting Faculty.

Laudato Si’ Working Groups

 Cry of the Earth:

Members (Sustainability Committee)
Sarah Kenehan (co-coordinator)
Mark Murphy (co-coordinator)
Ozgur Isil
Patricia Wisniewski
Robert Smith
Nicholas Sizemore
Jessica Nolan
Joe Boyd
James Caffrey
Jessica Hughes
Mark Cruciani
Emma Warras
Emily Burgers
Connor Goranson
Emily Kane
Rebekah Thompson
Michaela Davidson
Danielle Morse

Cry of the Poor

Ecological Economics

Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles 

Ecological Education

Ecological Spirituality

Community Engagement

 LCHS Dean's Conference

Charge: Advistory group that addresses matters of curriculum and policy within LCHS.
Selection: All Chairs and Program Directos, LCHS Dean's Office Professional Staff.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LCHS First-Year TAPESTRY Advisory Committee

Charge: Advisory committee for four-year professional development program  TAPESTRY.
Selection: Faculty representatives chosen by home department. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LCHS Fieldwork Committee

Charge: Discuss issues concerning site-based partners and policies and procedures relevant to field placement and clinical sites, including legal issues, clearances, etc.  Develop collaborative initiatives. 
Selection: Faculty and staff fieldwork coordinators from each department. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LCHS Curriculum & Assessment Committee

Charge: Conduct careful and systematic evaluations of course proposals, degree programs, and course syllabi to ensure high quality, academically rigorous learning experiences for all LCHS students.
Selection: Faculty representatives chosen by home department, FSCC chooses their representative, OEA chooses their representative.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LCHS Awards Committee

Charge: To develop and implement the processes for the selection of college award winners for Rose Kelly, Frank O'Hara and Edward Leahy Awards.
Selection: Faculty self-nominate.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Board of Advisors Mission Statement Committee

Charge: The charge of the committee is to draft a mission statement for the newly formed Board of Advisors.
Selection: Faculty self-nominate themselves if they are interested in serving on this commitee.

Library Advisory Committee

Charge: The Library Advisory Committee is an advisory group to the Dean of the Library, and meets twice each semester to provide input and responses to the programs and activities of the Library.

This committee is not active at this time

Charge:  Oversees the curricular and programmatic development of the Neuroscience major.  Members are chosen based upon their interests in the program and willingness to serve.  New members are added through current committee consensus.

Charge: To assist the Provost in reviewing applicants and nominations for the Provost's Awards for Faculty Enhancement

Charge: Makes recommendations to the Provost on academic policies and programs.

Members:

Charge: The purpose of the Retention Committee shall be to examine current retention practices, identify the variables that impact retention at the University, and recommed appropriate strategies and tactics to the Strategic Enrollment Planning Team and the Provost's Council for action immediately and over time to improve retention.  To this end, the committee is responsible for:

• Compiling and analyzing comprehensive data concerning student enrollment, student progress and student retention;
• exploring factors affecting student academic persistence and recommending strategies for maximizing student success;
• examining existing and ongoing institutional research on student engagement and student satisfaction to determine areas of strength and concern that impact enrollment;
• assessing of the impact of policies relating to and affecting student registration and student  progress to degree;
• monitoring progress toward approved enrollment and retention goals.

Members:

This Committee is not active at this time.

The most up-to-date information can be found on the Staff Senate Website, hhtp://ww.scranton.edu/staff-senate/members.shtml or http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/committees.shtml

_____________________________________________________________________

This committee is presently inactive

Charge:  In May 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released regulations related to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 with a legal mandate that they be implemented by August 14, 2020. The Title IX Workgroup, which includes a cross section of faculty, staff and students at the University, is tasked to work with the Office of Equity and Diversity in updating the University’s Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy to comply with the regulation.

 The Title IX/SHSM Workgroup

• researches legal compliance standards and best practices
• offers recommendations for policies and reporting procedures
• coordinates resources to support students and employees on and off campus
• raises awareness of issues related to gender based harassment and violence through drafting printed materials and participating in special events

Membership 2024-2025

Charge: , The University Governance Council (the Council) plays an important role in governance at The University of Scranton.  Comprised of the leadership of each of the three representative senates, or their designates, the Council serves as a coordinating structure to review institutional policies, sending its recommendations to the President's Cabinet the chief policy and decision-making body of the University.  The UGC is convened by the Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Convener serves as the the UGC's administrative liasion** to the President's Cabinet, charged to carry the Council's feedback and recommendations to the Cabinet, and likewise conveying information from the Cabinet to the Council.  The Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness provides administrative support for governance and policy activities. 

In addition to institutional policy duties, the UGC also provides an important communication link between administration and representative governing bodies. It also provides a forum for the three governing bodies - Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Government - to have the opportunity to discuss other University issues and senate/constituent initiatives with one another. 

* indicates individual is president/chair of their respective senate

** Each senate has an administrative liasion to the Cabinet for non-policy issues.  For the Faculty Senate, this is the Provost/Senior VP for Academic Affairs; for Student Government, the Vice President for Student Life; for Staff Senate, the Vice President for Human Resources. 

Charge and Membership: 2024-2025

Charge: The University Planning Committee serves as an advisory committee to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Under the broader Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Model, the UPC provides leadership for the development of each University strategic plan and serves as a steering committeee for plan implementation.  In this capacity, the UPC recommends annual planning priorities and affirms related annual planning and institutional effectiveness assessment activities.  The UPC monitors progress of the plan's initiatives and advises on updates and adjustments to its supporting objectives.  In support of integrated planning, the UPC also considers, endorses, and makes recommendations related to other significant planning initiatives, including the links between planning and other administrative functions. 

UPC Membership:

Chair: Dr. Tracy Stewart, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Teresa Grettano, President, Faculty Senate

Brigid Carlin, Student Government

Dr. Daniel Cosacchi, Vice President for Mission and Ministry

Dr. Robert Davis, Vice President for University Advancement

Dr. Mary Jane DiMattio, LCHS Faculty Representative

Tim Doyle, Senior Vice President Finance and Administration

Elizabeth Garcia, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director, Equity and Diversity

Kristi Klien, Coordinator, PCPS Academic Affairs

Dr. Pedro Monteiro, KSOM Faculty Representative

Lauren Rivera, Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Maria Stephen, Vice President, Student Government

Patricia Tetreault, Vice President for Human Resources

Kate Yerkes, Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness

Dr. Gretchen Van Dyke, CAS Faculty Representative

Tracie Vennie, Staff Senate Representative

Gerry Zaboski, Senior Vice President for the Office of the President

Shannon Zottola, Vice President for Enrollment Management         

Charge:  The Student Veterans' Advocacy Committee is an advisory group comprised of faculty and staff who identify as veterans and/or who are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans at the University.  The group convenes as needed to share suggestions, ideas, and insight with the Advisor of the Student Veteran's Organization. 

Charge: The Steering Committee serves as the day-to-day decision-making body in the Program, covering instruction, research, special events, outreach, development, and appointment processess for Associate, Affiliated, Adjunct, and Visiting Faculty.