FSEC discusses women's studies

By MARA McGINNIS
Reporter Assistant Editor

The possibility of creating a women's studies department within the College of Arts and Sciences was the basis of an interim report given by the Faculty Senate Academic Planning Committee (APC) to the senate's Executive Committee Feb. 2.

Kerry Grant, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, had proposed last November that the program in women's studies be transformed into a full-fledged department, asserting that the change "is already a functional reality and has been for some time." The program had been part of the Department of American Studies in CAS and when the department was dissolved last year, women's studies fell under the auspices of the dean's office.

Claude E. Welch, Jr., chair of the APC and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Political Science, reported that after considering Grant's proposal, the committee "did not feel at this point that it should formally recommend the proposed change in status."

He explained that the committee is "deeply concerned about ensuring a necessary and appropriate academic basis for success for women's studies, as for other departments at the university," and that committee members would like to receive additional information before they make a final decision.

The committee's primary concern relates to the small number of faculty currently associated with the women's studies program, which includes one full professor, two assistant professors and a chair who is tenured in the Law School. He did note that steps are under way to expand dramatically the number of associate or adjunct faculty.

Louis Swartz, associate professor of law, said he was "puzzled" about the recommendation by Grant, since "on one hand we have been told by former Provost Headrick and (President Greiner) that we need to reduce the number of distinct programs, units and essentially Ph.D. degrees" and said he was concerned that "we are going in the opposite direction."

Welch recognized that while reducing the number of programs may be a significant university effort, the consideration of women's studies "has to be put in the context of what are the emerging major academic needs and directions.

"I think it is fair to say that within CAS, that women's studies is identified as an important area for development," he added.

In other business, representatives from the Faculty-Student Association (FSA) updated senators on the progress of the university's non-profit food-service cooperation, including recent dining-facility renovations and new offerings.

Michael Easley, clinical associate professor of oral biology, complained that there is no dining service available on the South Campus late in the evening and during the summer.

Mitch Green, executive director of FSA, explained that the facilities in Harriman Hall don't make enough money as it is when they are open, and that it would be unwise financially to try to keep those facilities open during the summer.

Cliff Wilson, associate vice president for student affairs, said part of the problem is the pending rehabilitation of Harriman Hall. Wilson said there are plans for FSA to create some kind of cafe-type setup that could be contracted out to a food vendor.