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Office of the Provost
HomeAbout CommunicationsSeptember 2024 Senate Report

September 30, 2024: University Senate Report

Office of the Provost

Initiatives and Updates

AI Innovation Institute: 

Earlier this month, Provost Lejuez announced the launch of the AI Innovation Institute (AI3), which will expand the Institute for AI-driven Discovery and Innovation established in 2018 from a department-level institute within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences to the university-wide AI3, reporting to the provost. Last spring, the Office of the Provost led a group of more than 30 faculty, staff, and administrators to consider how to expand and leverage SBU’s strengths in AI research and discovery. The resulting recommendation was to launch AI3, which follows recent investments by New York State and SUNY with initiatives like Empire AI, SUNY STRIVE for AI, and the SUNY IBM Alliance. Key updates:

  • A national search has been launched to identify the inaugural director. The search will be co-chaired by Steve Skiena, distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Science and director of the Institute for AI-driven Discovery and Innovation, and Robert Harrison, professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics and director of the Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS). 
  • While the national search for a director proceeds, Skiena will also serve as the interim director of the university-wide institute. 
  • An AI Seed Grant opportunity has also been announced, designed to support collaborative AI projects across three tracks: Collaboratory Research in AI, Technical Support for Discipline-Centric Research, and Seed Grants for AI Education and Service. 
  • An AI Town Hall was held Wednesday, September 11, from 1 pm to 2 pm in New Computer Science, Room 120, and via Zoom. 

Center for Behavioral Political Economy: 

Formerly operating as a Provost-level center, this research program led by Reuben Kline, Associate Professor in Political Science, will now be an individually led research effort, rather than a Provost-level center. This decision was made in full consultation with Professor Kline, the Department of Political Science, and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogy: 

This program is continuing into the fall semester with an additional series of workshops offered to the inaugural cohort from the spring semester. Tracey Walters, Associate Professor of English, is leading these sessions alongside Crystal Fleming, Professor of Sociology. 

Academic Programs

Recently approved programs:

  • Data Science MS, SUNY Korea (09/2024)

Faculty Development

Navigating Stony Brook University 

This program offers various activities during the academic year to new faculty to our institution as well as early career faculty. A session on Promotion and Tenure was hosted at University Libraries on September 6th and CELT presented Teaching at SBU on September 20th. Upcoming events include a mentoring social. 

Emerging Leaders 

This program provides development opportunities for the next generation of higher education leaders in research, education, and administration. The first event focused on Career Opportunities with a presentation by Universum, took place on September 13. Upcoming events include a session on Leadership Styles. 

Excellence in Teaching Program

This program features a series of workshops and hands-on activities centered on teaching and learning. The first sessions for the two new cohorts focused on AI in the Classroom and took place on September 11 and September 13, respectively. The past cohort of Excellence in Teaching faculty will attend advanced modules this academic year and participated in a session on Transforming Teaching Through Active Learning on September 23.

Best Practices on Faculty Recruitment for Academic Units

Departmental Chairs and other unit representatives from units undergoing faculty searches this semester participated in conversation sessions on Best Practices on Faculty Recruitment. The first two sessions took place on September 12 and September 17.

Provostial Chairs Meeting and Networking

An all-Chairs and Center/Institute Directors meeting will take place on October 8. The Provost will share updates on initiatives for academic units.

Provost Spotlight Talk

This semester's Provost Spotlight Talk will feature Prof. Stephanie Dinkins from the Art Department. She will be presenting on AI's impact on society – addressing long-standing human rights issues and prejudices. The talk will take place in the Wang Theater on October 22nd from 3:30-4:30 pm. A reception hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences will follow in the Wang Theater Lobby and will honor new and promoted faculty from the college. 

Provost Lecture Series

The first lecture of this academic year will take place in the Wang Center on November 12 from 3:30-5:00 pm and will feature SUNY Distinguished Professor Anissa Abi-Dargham from Psychiatry and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor J. Peter Gergen from Biochemistry and Cell Biology. A reception will follow. 

Endowed Chairs Ceremony

The investiture ceremony of eleven endowed faculty will take place at the Wang Theater on October 25th starting at 11 am. A reception will follow. SBU community members are invited to attend and celebrate our endowed faculty. Please RSVP here.

 

Academic Affairs

  • We continue to meet with Colleges/Schools and departments about promotion and tenure processes and improvements. We have suggested particular edits to the A&S and CEAS Promotion and Tenure Guidelines document to bring them into alignment with the Provost’s Guidelines for Academic Review. 
  • In collaboration with UG Council, DUE, GEAC, and EM, we are gathering feedback from the campus community on proposed changes to Core Competencies from SUNY and creating proposals for how we might comply. 
  • Faculty who were rewarded Project EDGE funds are all on track to submit new and revised syllabi for high-needs Gen Ed courses. 
  • Join CELT for upcoming eventsonGenerative AI, assessment, inclusive teaching, and more! 
  • Save the Date! The Learning and Teaching Symposium: Learning and Teaching to Support Neurodiversity is on Friday, April 11, 2025! Consider submitting a proposal to present at the symposium - all topics are welcome! Add your name to the Symposium Email List and we will notify you when registration is open. 

 

Enrollment Management 

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Services

The FAFSA is expected to be released in December, with some technical issues still pending resolution. Fall aid has been disbursed as planned, and 73% of returning students have already submitted their FAFSA. 

Office of the Registrar

Fall 2024 key dates

Friday, Oct. 11 - 4:00 pm

  • Drop Down: Last day to submit an approved adjustment form for selected AMS, MAT, MAP and PHY courses to the Office of Registrar.

Monday, Oct. 14 to Tuesday, Oct. 15

  • Fall Break: No Classes in Session

Friday, Oct. 25 - 4:00 pm

  • Section/Credit Change Form: Last day to submit a Section/Credit Change Form to the Office of the Registrar. Changes must be processed by 4:00 PM. After this date petition is required and “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.
  • GPNC: Last day students can select Grade/Pass/No Credit (GPNC). Non-petionable.
  • Course Withdrawal: Last day students can process a withdrawal from individual courses(es) via SOLAR. “;W”  (withdrawal) will be recorded on the transcript.

Monday, Oct. 28

  • Major/Minor Changes Begin: Students can begin to submit major/minor changes effective Spring Semester.

Winter and Spring 2025:

  • Publish Class Schedule - October 28th
  • Enrollment Begins - November 4th

 

Undergraduate Admissions

Fall 2025 recruitment is under way with staff engaging with prospective students at high

schools and college fairs. New staff members are in place that will allow us to expand our efforts in New York, California, Georgia and the greater southeast region, and Illinois and the greater Midwest region.  We have updated our Early Action application deadline to November 1 (from October 15 last year) to better align us with peer institutions.

Our fall recruitment events ‘Seawolf Preview’ kicked off on September 21; additional dates include October 5, October 14, and October 25.

Undergraduate Education

  • Fall 2024 Student Progress Reports launched September 18 and will run through October 16. Faculty feedback through progress reports is important for activating a network of support for students. Thank you for your efforts in providing this information.
  • All faculty are invited to teach SBU 102 in Spring 2025. Each spring, every first-year student is required to take a one-credit seminar with our dynamic faculty. These faculty engage with students in a small setting once a week on a topic of their choice. Classes are scheduled for either 80 minutes/week for 10 weeks or 55 minutes/week for 14 weeks. Compensation for SBU 102 has been increased to $3000 per one-credit section starting Spring 2025, and the seminar can be a great way to engage first-year students within the major. If you are interested, please fill out the form here. For questions, contact: ugc_seminars@stonybrook.edu

 

Graduate School

  • The Graduate School has collaborated with the campus Writing Center to offer additional tutoring appointments to graduate students seeking assistance with their writing. Whether students are working on class assignments or fellowship or job applications, please encourage them to reach out to the Writing Center for in person or virtual tutoring. Graduate students from all East and West programs are welcome!
  • Graduate students are invited to attend “Planning Your Path to a Satisfying Career,” a virtual session on Wednesday, October 16 from 3-5pm. Participants will learn strategies for exploring a range of careers; identify interests and skills relevant to their career goals; develop an action plan for strengthening skills and pursuing their ideal career; and leave with a draft or expansion of their Individual Development Plan (IDP). Interested students should RSVP here.

 

Global Affairs

  • The Office of Global Affairs has coordinated several international delegations, in coordination with the Office of the Provost, engaging faculty and student service areas in these engagements.
  • The SUNY Study Abroad Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25.  This is an opportunity for students to learn more about the 80+ international program opportunities supported by SBU. 
  • The Freshman Launch Year program launched this fall in Florence, Shanghai, and Seoul with 37 newly admitted SBU students.  
  • The Intensive English Center welcomed over 70 students this fall for language training.  This is the largest cohort since Covid-19. 
  • The International Student Success office coordinated mid-autumn festival activities for our international students to celebrate the holiday. 

Institutional and Educational Effectiveness

Rankings

Numerous institutional and programmatic rankings have been released in the past month. While no single number can capture the quality of an institution and the accomplishments of its students, faculty, and staff, we are always gratified when their great work is recognized.

  • US News & World Report again ranked Stony Brook #58 among national universities, #26 among public universities, and the #1 public university in New York. The consistency with last year's ranking reflects both consistency in methodology and university performance. Selected additional rankings in the top 100 appear below. Many of these place Stony Brook in the top 3 institutions in New York.
  • #15 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
  • #34 in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #50 in Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
  • #53 in Most Innovative Schools
  • #53 in Undergraduate Psychology Programs
  • #66 in Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Doctorate)
  • #74 in Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs

Other recently released prominent national rankings

  • #84 Forbes (#30 public)
  • #135 Washington Monthly (#87 public)
  • #265 Wall Street Journal (#110 public)

Selected international rankings

  • #194 Round University Rankings (#59 U.S.; #25 U.S. public)
  • #206 Center for World University Rankings (#70 U.S.; #40 U.S. public)
  • #227 US News Global Rankings (#67 U.S.; #40 U.S. public)
  • #301-350 TImes Higher Education World Rankings (#78 U.S.; #44 U.S. public)
  • #301-400 Academic Rankings of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings) (#98 U.S.; #62 U.S. public)
  • #460 QS World Rankings (#68 U.S.; #36 U.S. public)

Educational Effectiveness

3rd Annual Assessment Symposium 2024

The Office of Educational Effectiveness invites you to the 3rd Annual Assessment Symposium on October 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the SBU Student Union Ballroom. This year’s theme, “Taking the Fright Out of Assessment,” includes a keynote by Dr. Zach Justus on AI in assessment and an industry perspectives panel moderated by Dr. Marianna Savoca. Open to faculty, staff, post-docs, and community members, the event is free with breakfast and lunch provided. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Learn more and register by October 23, 2024:  https://forms.gle/VYHZKyQPQWJdKfXFA

Workshops & Newsletter

The Office of Educational Effectiveness will be offering a range of workshops this semester. 

Assessment Council

Congratulations to the newly appointed Assessment Council members, appointed by the Provost:

  • David Black (SOMAS, Marine Sciences)
  • David McKinnon (CAS, Neurobiology & Behavior)
  • David Rubenstein (CEAS, Biomedical Engineering)
  • Leah Holbrook (RSOM, Family, Population & Preventive Medicine)
  • Mashal Salehi (RSOM, Infectious Diseases/Internal Medicine)
  • Ross Nehm (CAS, Ecology & Evolution)
  • Stefan Judex (CEAS, Biomedical Engineering

General Education Assessment

Following a vote by the Assessment Council, the General Education Assessment will adopt a staggered assessment of 4-5 SBC categories per year, in line with MSCHE’s sustainable practices. We will continue using a mixed-methods, ‘guided conversations’ approach. Assessment will be retroactive, and instructors will meet briefly with an assessment consultant during Spring 2025 to discuss Fall 2024 data. The subset of SBC categories are: SBS: Understand, Observe, and Analyze Human Behavior and Societal Constructs; QPS: Master Quantitative Problem Solving; ESI: Evaluate and Synthesize Researched Information; SPK: Speak Effectively before an Audience; and HFA+: Humanities and Fine Arts.

Communication Timeline for General Education Assessment:

  • Assessment Coordinators will be contacted during the week of 9/23/24.
  • Selected faculty will be contacted starting the week of 10/1/24.

Academic Program Assessment Report (APAR) Cycle
Degree and certificate programs without specialized accreditation submit annual assessment plans and reports, including student learning objective assessments, benchmarks, results, and program improvements. The APAR submission date has shifted to September 30, 2025, covering the 2024-25 academic year. No report is due in September 2024 or February 2025.

Program Review
All non-accredited programs participate in cyclical self-study and external evaluations. 2024-25 cohort programs include: Coaching, Psychology, Ecology & Evolution, Technological Systems Management, Higher Education Administration, Undergraduate Biology, and Music.

Continuing, Professional, and Executive Education

  • The inaugural summer ‘24 SBU Pre-College Summer program partnered with colleagues from a number of SBU schools, colleges, and institutes to engage more than 175 rising high school juniors and senior participants from July 8-26 in multiple academic areas. This first year provided an opportunity to validate proof of concept and build out a centrally supported approach that can support scaled growth. We are looking to double the size of the program in summer ‘25 which will run over four weeks from July 7 - Aug 1st. Faculty and Department Chairs who have an interest in offering academic program areas are encouraged to reach out to tayyiba.qureshi@stonybrook.edu to learn more. Marketing for program offerings for summer ‘25 will begin in early December ‘24. 
  • Teacher Education: For the seventh time in nine years, Stony Brook University has been recognized by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) as a member of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) 5+ Club for its outstanding work in graduating physics teachers. According to the APS and AAPT, our annual production of physics teachers places SBU in the 99th percentile of all US colleges and universities who graduate physics teachers. With a shortage of qualified physics teachers in the United States, SBU’s unique collaborative approach between the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Institute for STEM education (I-STEM) and SPD’s facilitated Master of Arts in Teaching program serves as a model to remedy the shortage.

 

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Initiatives

We have four main AHSS initiatives underway for SBU in 2024-2025:

  • Building a stronger platform of internal funding support for the existing collaborative ethos that characterizes our faculty, to ensure that we maximize larger-scale scholarly and creative opportunities in the arts, humanities, and social sciences fields;
  • Integrating the arts, humanities, and social sciences more fully into SBU’s macro convergence research initiativesdesigned to address large-scale human dilemmas, including climate change, AI, and the future of health, across both the East and the West campuses;
  • Coordinating the pursuit of highly prestigious honorifics and awardsfor SBU artists, humanists, and social scientists, to ensure that national and international recognition matches our faculty excellence;
  • Partnering with more communities on the local, regional, national, and international levels in our creative and humanistic endeavors, to help SBU become a more widely recognized public hub for the arts, humanities, and social sciences.