Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud announced two upcoming reviews of university policies and provided updates on other issues in his address to the University Senate on Wednesday.

Here are the highlights of Syverud’s report:

Harassment policies

In light of various sexual harassment and assault claims that have been made against public figures in recent weeks, Syverud said the university is currently re-examining its programs and policies to ensure that it is doing its best to “prevent and respond to this.”

Syverud said he’s heard from faculty members who think the faculty manual should be reviewed.

Currently, the manual does not forbid faculty relationships with undergraduate students unless a faculty member is pursuing a sexual relationship with an undergraduate student they teach, advise or supervise, Syverud said.

“I think we should reevaluate that part of the faculty manual,” he said.

Disability services

SU will soon evaluate its disability services and related policies, including issues such as medical leaves, service animals, academic accommodations and student housing. The evaluation will identify areas SU can improve.

Syverud added that the evaluation will need to be an inclusive process that seeks the opinions of SU community members with disabilities.

“This has to be a transparent process,” he said.

Ombuds Office

The university will be establishing an Ombuds Office sometime in the spring semester, Syverud said. The office will provide a confidential setting for students, faculty and staff to address issues, conflicts or concerns.

Syrverud said Provost and Vice Chancellor Michele Wheatly, who was not present at Wednesday’s meeting, will provide a further update on the office at the next Senate meeting in January.

Faculty Salary Review Committee report

The Faculty Salary Review Committee report will be released to the university community next week, Syverud said. The report is expected to detail issues of gender pay inequity across several of SU’s schools and colleges.

Tax reform

Syverud reiterated his concerns regarding Republican tax reform, saying that he has “grave concerns” regarding the House and Senate bills as a whole and how they would affect higher education.

Syverud said he’s been working full-time with a large team of SU officials to advocate for changes to the legislation.

“We have repeatedly shared our concerns about provisions, particularly in the House bill, that would negatively affect our students, faculty, staff and the university, including communications and letters — multiple sent just today,” he said. “We continue to work intensely on this.”

Published on December 6, 2017 at 10:27 pm

Contact Michael: mdburk01@syr.edu