Einstein Senate

Senate Meeting: Wednesday, September 4, 2024

  • Dr. Tomer gave the Dean's Report. He provided an update on the implementation of the strategic plan, which is being carried out by a team led by Dr. Elizabeth Kitsis. Working groups are being set up as part of that effort and members of the Senate may be asked to join. Dr. Tomer then discussed the new Interim Chair of the Department of Oncology and the ongoing searches for several other chair positions and for Associate Dean for MSTP.
  • Dr. Matthew Gamble provided the Speaker's Report in place of Dr. Arnsten. He indicated that the Senate Council had met twice and had primarily discussed the two items coming up to the Senate at this meeting, which it generally supported approving. The Council also met with Dr. Yoon Kang, the new Vice Dean for Education.
  • Dr. Sophie Molholm presented the proposal of the Tenure and Compensation Policy Committee. The goal of the revision was to clarify the percentages expected of faculty on the Investigator track. The committee recommended removing a footnote that said these percentages were expectations, not requirements. Since the August Senate meeting, when this change was initially considered, the policy was tweaked to incorporate the intention of the footnote into the text.
    • After discussion of the proposal, it was put up for a vote via Poll Everywhere and passed.
  • Drs. Holden and Correa gave a report on the activities of the DEI office, including the arrival of a new Program Manager, Marcia Jackson, and the searches in progress for an Assistant Dean for Diversity Enhancement and an Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the graduate school. They also spoke about the upcoming first annual Empowerment Retreat for MD, PhD, and MSTP students, the selection of a winner for the Nilda Soto Inaugural Scholarship, and the opening of the interfaith space on September 26th.
  • Dr. Elizabeth Kitsis presented proposed revisions to the system of appointments policy, which centered on replacing the Associate track with a Staff Scientist track and an Educator track, as well as making the Instructor rank independent of the tracks. There was discussion about both changes, which resulted in minor edits to the wording.
    • This proposal was also submitted to the Senate for an online vote and passed.
  • There was no additional old or new business at this meeting.