May 5, 2006

Columbia University Senate

Structure and Operations Committee Annual Report (2005-2006)

We had a lot of items on our agenda this year, and we are looking forward to continuing our work in the next year.

• Include the 450 Post-Baccalaureate medical students currently within the School of General Studies under the current Senate seat allocated to the School of General Studies.
• Include the 1000+ SEAS graduate students under the current Senate seats allocated to SEAS. Formally these seats were only open to the undergraduate body.
• Review of the reapportionment of Student seats, as well as the confirmation that the current apportionment is correct. Complete the reapportionment of tenured faculty seats to ensure that the seats that each Faculty receives within the Senate are representative of their respective population. Last done in 2001, it was important to update these prior to the elections this year.
• Review attendance policies, including the implementation of a posted plenary attendance policy. We will continue to review this in the following year.
• Formalize policy on Senate terms. We have decided that all Senators shall be elected to a full two-year term and that those unable to complete their full term will be replaced in a midterm election by a new Senator who will in turn fill a two-year term. This will not only make the process of elections simpler but also will ensure that all Senators have equal opportunity to serve in the Senate body.
• Begin a complete review of Student election procedures. We are in the process of continuing the review to ensure all University Senate elections from the student body follow University Statute as well as Senate By-laws.
• Look at the possible change occurring between Online Learning and the Libraries Committee, including if it would be necessary to restructure them in conjunction with their internal discussions.
• Review the confidentiality of internal Senate documents.

We have many items to come in the next year, and are looking forward to tackling new challenges as they present themselves.

Christopher Riano (GS ’07)

Chairman, Structure and Operations Committee