YSU Academic Senate defers resolution of no confidence in leadership

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University’s Academic Senate tabled until February a resolution of no confidence in the administration’s campus leadership.

Helene Sinnreich, director of Judaic and Holocaust studies, said the resolution follows an “unprecedented disregard for shared governance.”

The resolution cites Martin Abraham’s appointment as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, though he “was not vetted as part of the search process despite the recommendations of a search committee.”

It also lists the contention “there was no meaningful consultation with students, faculty or staff before initiating major changes including significant reorganization of colleges and the honors program” as reasons of the proposed vote.

“We look forward to partnering with the Academic Senate and with everyone on campus and throughout the community to continue to work cooperatively on behalf of our students and their success,” Ron Cole, university spokesman, said tonight.

In the past, the Academic Senate, which includes 70 faculty members, 15 administrators and 15 students, has had “oversight over these types of activities” but was bypassed in these actions.

“Shared governance is not something that can be thrown away lightly,” Sinnreich said.

The idea of a no-confidence resolution had been brought up before but proponents were talked out of it, she said.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com