Dr. Peter Nickerson, chair of the Faculty Senate, announced Wednesday that Professor Risa Palm was appointed to the position of SUNY Provost and will join the UB faculty under the geography department. Nickerson also gave an update on the progress of the FSEC computer services committee.
A recent assessment of the IT infrastructure showed that UB's tech equipment could use an update, he said. With 1,000 servers, more than 12,000 users, and 72 terabytes of capacity used for storage space, the committee is looking to improve service by consolidating servers.
Despite advertising in computer labs during the fall semester, the new version of UB Mail is reported as still in beta testing and a faculty survey is being developed. A faculty member noted the difficulties his office faced as a result of the new e-mail system.
"We really are dependent on information," Nickerson said.
Randy Borst, director of disability services, also gave a report on updates in services provided by his office. UB provides a wide range of assistance to the over 500 disabled individuals on campus.
"It's an expensive proposition but can result in an educated person. I just want folks to know we're here to help," Borst said.
During discussions, he noted the incorrect stereotype of disability as a person in a wheelchair. Of the 500 plus, mental disabilities and learning impairments are the group most on the rise, and comprise about half of the populous.
"The important thing for the faculty and staff to understand is the necessity for being able to comply legally and morally with helping students who have disabilities," Nickerson said.
The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) at UB will be working with disability services on this summer's retrofitting of the campus to accommodate disabled individuals.
Dr. Gary Scott Danford, IDEA project director and associate professor of architecture, described the process as "putting band-aids on buildings."
Also discussed was the new university employment program UB Jobs, and aims to update advertising requirements and the recruitment process.
"The issue related to central advertising is rather important for recruitment and the question is how do people know about UB jobs or that there are jobs at UB," Nickerson said. "You are competing with a lot of other people around the nation."
Nickerson also announced that the Senate's Affirmative Action Committee is currently in the final stages of compiling its Recruitment and Retention handbook.
"It's been a real commitment to trying to do a good job. It'll be a good guide," said SUNY Senator Henry Durand.
