April 14, 2021

The Academic Senate Committee on Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Disability Issues met on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 Via Zoom, 12:30 pm-1:11 pm

Committee Members in Attendance:

 

M. Chantale Damas (Chair),

Noelia Diaz (Secretary),

Clara Wajngurt,

Janet Franzese,

Mohammad Javdan,

Christina Saindon, 

Andrew Muller (in lieu of Benami Frier).

Liaisons in Attendance:

William Faulkner

Mel Rodriguez

Business:

The meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM

                          1. The minutes from the previous meeting (February 7, 2021) were reviewed and approved with minor corrections.

1. 1.  

      2. The date for the election for next academic year Chair and Secretary and new members has been scheduled for May 12.

       

      3. William Faulkner updated the committee on the tentative plans for the Fall. At the moment an estimated 25% of students will be in person on campus or hybrid. Classes that require more in person activities (like labs) have already been scheduled. The Chairs of the Departments set up their sections effectively to allow for cleaning in between classrooms and travel from one location to another that accommodated for 6 feet distancing. At the moment the focus is on bringing support administrative offices back. Surveys conducted within CUNY determined that students would like to have access to psychological and financial aid counseling in person, as well as the library. CUNY consultants are evaluating ventilation throughout to make sure we open safely. CUNY will continue to follow 6 feet, not 3 feet distancing for the Fall. If necessary, the quarantine period is 10 days following CDC guidelines. By mid-June the revised opening plan must be submitted to CUNY.  Next Wednesday a vaccination site will open in the Gymnasium providing Pfizer vaccines. Faculty and staff will be given priority vaccination followed by students. The Hospital for Special Services (HSS)  Hospital for Special Services (HSS) interviewing QCC nursing students so they can assist with the vaccination. It will give the students the opportunity to fulfill clinical hours and perhaps be hired for pay.   

       

      4. Clara Wajngurt provided updates on the PSC work regarding opening plans. The PSC is evaluating the reopening standards to ensure a heathy environment that takes into account ventilation, disinfecting, contact tracing and testing. The PSC is also working on establishing a COVID vaccination and testing policy that ensures protections for employees that for health or religious reasons can’t vaccinate.

       

      5. EQLD guide update. Kelly Dugwon is stepping down so she will be unable to continue with this work. Since new updated and streamlined guidelines for committee guides will be available soon the committee will await until the new format is ready before proceeding with the updates.

       

      6. Chantale Damas is updating 2020-21 QCC Academic Senate Standing Committee Activities Form. It

                will reflect that Naja Hougaard has left QCC and is no longer part of the EQLD Committee.

       

      7. EQLD presence on QCC’s Committee website will be updated and the minutes from the meetings uploaded using Cascade by Chantale Damas.

    

    

    

            

Respectfully submitted,

Noelia Diaz
Committee on Committee on the Environment, Quality of Life, and Disability Issues, Secretary

Minutes typed on April 15th, 2021