University Senate                                                         

Proposed: February 27, 2009

Adopted: by voice vote without dissent

RESOLUTION TO CHANGE THE NAME OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (P&S)

WHEREAS,     the Education Committee has favorably reviewed a proposal from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons to change the name of the Department of Microbiology to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and

WHEREAS,     the clinical department chairs approved this name change at their July 16 meeting, without dissent, and

WHEREAS,     the new department chair plans to broaden the scientific emphasis on immunology, and

WHEREAS,     the name microbiology fails to convey the full breadth of research pursued in that department, which encompasses cancer biology, infectious diseases, auto-immune diseases and multiple other biological systems, and

WHEREAS,     the department has in recent years lost its leadership in the area of immunology, and

WHEREAS,     the name change will help Columbia’s efforts to develop immunology and attract outstanding candidates with an interest in this branch of science, and

WHEREAS,     the Faculty Council has concurred with the proposal,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED      that the Department of Microbiology shall henceforth be known as the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED            that the Senate respectfully request the Trustees to amend the statutes accordingly.

                                                                        Proponent:

                                                                        Committee on Education