Last week in Senate: Faculty senate and AI

By Andrew Nowel and Jase May, Editor-In-Chief and Sports Editor

Last Friday, Oct. 30, the United Students Association (USA) met for its weekly senate meeting in the Golisano Center for Student Success. Welcoming Dr. Stephen Chanderbahn, the chair of faculty senate, members of USA listened to him about the role of faculty senate followed by him answering questions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its current role at Canisius.

Dr. Chanderbahn opened his section of the meeting by explaining the role of faculty senate and the three primary committees that affect students. The Faculty Welfare Committee, the Budget Committee and the Core Curriculum Committee all have important roles. While the Faculty Welfare Committee doesn’t impact students as much as the Core Curriculum Committee does, each committee is a way to help Canisius and, in turn, its students. The main focus when questions began for Dr. Chanderbahn was about AI in the classroom.

Prior to Dr. Chanderbahn answering questions about AI, he explained that the Core Curriculum Committee is working to find the right solution for “where we are as a university,” according to Dr. Chanderbahn, when it comes to AI. The next hour of the meeting opened into a discussion of student questions about AI at Canisius. The main concern brought up by students was the rise in the use of AI in teaching. Dr. Chanderbahn responded with thoughts that included what Professor Tanya Loughead is doing in her classes. Loughead is having oral exams, which limits the amount of AI because she is able to tell when a student doesn’t know the material.

After a long discussion of AI, a senator raised a concern about the amount of asynchronous or online classes that Canisius offers within major requirements. According to the senator, “it is detrimental to our education.” Dr. Chanderbahn responded by noting that most of the classes that are offered as asynchronous or online are taught by adjunct professors. These professors are not full time employees of the university, meaning they have jobs outside of teaching plus they are not located necessarily in western New York. 

Following this, Dr. Chanderbahn explained that asynchronous and online classes are better in terms of “broadening the appeal for non–traditional students.” Non–traditional students are people that aren’t normal college–aged students. For example, people in their late 20s and beyond are non–traditional students. Dr. Chanderbahn continued to say that it is not his opinion, but the reality that higher education is living in.

Prior to Dr. Chanderbahn’s section of the meeting, few issues were raised in general student concerns. The main issue was the fly problem in club row, which has been getting worse and is spreading throughout the tunnels. Executive Vice President (EVP) Paige Apps suggested that students continue to submit work orders. Facilities Liaison Abby Joy seconded Apps while also stating that she will talk to Matt Wylucky, the Director of Facilities Management.

Only President Leyla Akil and Advisor Jason Francey had anything to report during executive reports. President Akil stated that Caroline King, the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, and Fr. Fred Betti, the university chaplain, will join Senate in their next meeting. Advisor Francey noted that there will be three constitutions of clubs to be voted on next week as well.

After starting at 2:31 p.m., the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m after no structured or open discussion due to time constraints. USA will meet next on Friday, Nov. 6, and will welcome King and Betti to discuss a multi–faith student council.