Members: Karen Davis, Elizabeth Doherty, Margaret Klawunn, Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar, Bill Twaddell, James Baird, Chi-Ming Hai, Timothy Herbert, Brittaney Check, Clay Wertheimer, Heather Lee, Paul Magliocco, Katherine Perry, Daniel Harrop, Charlie Kroll, Ken McDaniel, and Damon Rarick were in attendance. President Simmons, Provost Kertzer, Corey Brettschneider, Anthony Cokes, Evelyn Hu-Dehart, Lynne Joyrich, Cynthia Loncar, Kiri Miller, Corey Walker, Chaney Harrison, Subha Subramanian, Yelen Chihombori Quao, Eva Glieberman, Ryan Hartigan, Esther Dorzin, Patrick Worth, Catharine Beattie, Gillian Bell, Yolanda Castillo-Appollonio, and Merle Krueger were unable to attend.
Margaret Klawunn, Vice President for Campus Life and Student Services, chaired the meeting in President Simmons’ absence.
The minutes of the March 16, 2010 meeting were approved.
Marisa Quinn, Vice President for Public Affairs and University Relations and Russell Carey, Senior Vice President for Corporation Affairs and Governance, reported on the effects of the flood on Rhode Island and gave an update on the Brown’s recovery efforts. The effects of the flood include: the unemployment of 3,100; closing of bridges and roads, including parts of route 95; submission of 20,000 FEMA applications; and closing of 70 stores. The University is offering a number of support services and programs to employees affected by the flood. In addition, the University is providing donations to local relief efforts, and members from the Brown Community are organizing fundraisers and volunteering for projects to assist local residents.
Elizabeth Doherty, Senior Associate Dean of the Faculty, gave an overview of the work of the Ad hoc Committee on Tenure and Faculty Development, and reviewed tenure standards, the significance of tenure decisions, and tenure review process. The Ad hoc Committee made recommendations regarding the length of the probationary period, tenure review process, and Tenure, Promotions and Appointments Committee procedures.
Chris Powell, Director of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Initiatives, introduced Jason Harris ’10 who reviewed the goals of the Beyond the Bottle (BTB) Campaign, accomplishments to date, and future actions required. A 65% reduction of Brown’s purchased water by end of year FY’11, and 80% reduction by end of year FY’12 is being recommended, with the ultimate goal being 100% elimination. The accomplishments of the Campaign include: changes to catering water menus, sales of reusable water bottles at campus eateries, and outreach events. In the future there will be continued education of students, faculty, and staff and the development of catering solutions for big events.
Gretchen Willis, Director of Dining Services, introduced Emily Viggiano ’12 and Kyle Lemle ’11 who spoke about the Real Food Initiative at Brown. The Initiative to increase sustainable food in the dining halls is in the first of three phases of a two-year pilot program. Phase one focuses on a baseline assessment, institutional changes, and community engagement. Comprehensive planning, supply-chain development, and cost-savings are components of phase two and will be followed by implementation and evaluation in phase three.
Members of the Student Labor Alliance spoke during community time about their interest in getting a resolution passed that would prevent off-campus university events from being held at venues under boycott.
The next meeting of the Brown University Community Council will be held on September 14, 2010 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Brown Hillel, 80 Brown Street.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Pincince, Secretary of the Brown University Community Council