Two slates campaign for University Senate

By  David Janes | Published by May 11, 2019

Two opposing slates of professors and administrators are running this spring for control of the University Senate, the deliberative body that discusses major issues affecting students and faculty

Although the two slates are low-key and courteous to each other, they do differ in philosophy.

In general, one slate wants to continue Kean’s current direction. The other slate was endorsed by the Kean Federation of Teachers, which represents full-time faculty and professional staff in labor negotiations and is urging for change.

According to Kean’s website, the Senate formulates policies and makes recommendations on “faculty affairs, curriculum, instruction, student affairs, finances and other matters relevant to the welfare of Kean University.”

Ten professors are competing on each slate for ten, three-year seats.  Voting by private electronic ballot began April 8 and ends April 29.

Sucheta Ahlawat, Tom Connors, Dr. Emily Filardo, Dr. Matthew Halper, Julie Harris,  Dr. Connie Hassett-Walker, Walter Mack, Pablo Pintado-Casas, Maria del Carmen Rodriguez and Dr. Lyn E. Schraer-Joiner have the support of the KFT.

Dr. Gilda Del Risco, Jennifer Gardner, Dr. Rafael Inoa, Patrick J. Ippolito, Craig Konyk, Dr. J. Jenny Li, Holly Logue, Dr. Claire M. Mulry, Maximina Rivera, and Bridget White represent the opposing slate.

The KFT-endorsed group is campaigning on the need to restore dignity to the university community, as well as academic integrity, good governance, and a student-centered university.  This slate is promoting:

shared governance, working for greater collegiality and morale on campus,

re-establishing the Senate’s primary role in the curriculum process and

opposing current efforts to bypass the faculty and Senate in curriculum matters. According to its flier, the other slate is running: “to provide broader representation, sincere, respectful and fair deliberation to work collaboratively to meet the needs of our students and Kean University.”

“We believe reasoned debate, and thoughtful consideration of facts before rushing to judgment, decision or action is the best way to create sound policies and a just, thriving community,” said Senate Chairperson Mulry.

Dr. Mulry said she doesn’t believe members of the Senate need to take sides. They plan to handle issues of importance with discussion, debate, and innovative solutions and provide a voice for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“This group, if elected will create a forum for the discussion of important issues, seek information and facts to inform, advise on University policies, uphold curricular standards and collaborate with all parties and constituencies to meet the needs of all,” she said.
The KFT-supported slate contends that the administration has curtailed open dialogue, reasoned debate and discussion by making changes via edict.

“The Kean Administration has made extraordinary efforts to control the Senate and undermine the balance of power that is essential to any deliberative body,” said Dr. Halper. “Class size, course scheduling and room allocation, course cancelation policy, parking difficulty, a timely passage from class to class, student support, and program support. These are recurring themes we hear from our students, and many of these issues can be impacted by the Senate.”

Dr. Hassett-Walker said their Senate slate has been talking with lots of people on campus and they see low morale, fear, and discouragement among faculty. The non-reappointments of 13 lecturers and three professional staff without giving any reason has outraged many, she said.

“I’ve been at the university for twelve years and I’ve actually never seen [lower] morale where it is now,” she said.

At press time, the results were not available.

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