Committees

Standing Committees (5) - Compliance Committees (3)

AUC All University Committee* Contractual MSCA

The All University Committee is the primary deliberative body at the university, and as such all standing, special, and ad hoc committees report to it. The AUC receives all correspondence or proposals for consideration by governance. Faculty and librarians must run for an annual election to serve.

3 Administrators

  • Franca Barricelli (Assoc. Vice President for Academic Affairs)
  • Laura Bayless (Vice President for Student Affairs) 
  • Patricia Marshall (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs)

8 MSCA

  • Peter Staab (Mathematics)
  • Steven Fiedler (Chemistry)
  • Mark Williams (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Laura Garofoli (Psychological Science)
  • Mathangi Krishnamurthy for Jonathan Harvey (Humanities)
  • Patricia Arend (Sociology)
  • Kisha Tracy (English)
  • Paul Weizer (EHPSP

AUC Curriculum Committee* Contractual MSCA

The Curriculum Committee, after consultation with appropriate department(s), evaluates and makes recommendations to the AUC concerning all deletions from, additions to, or changes in the inventory of courses. The committee also treats the major and general educational requirements, or changes thereto, and any proposals for new major programs of study.

3 Administrators

  • Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
  • Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
  • Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Sciences)

16 MSCA, one for each department preferred

  • Yang Liu (Business Administration)
  • Rachelle A Dermer (Communications Media)
  • Christine Dee (EHPS)
  • Laura Baker (EHPS)
  • Hong Yu (Engineering Tech)
  • Monica Maldari (EXSS)
  • Jessica Oehrlein for Sarah Wright (Math)
  • Natasha Kourtonina (Computer Science)
  • Charles Roberts (Communications Media)
  • Elizabeth Gordon (Earth and Geographic Sciences)
  • Erin Rehrig (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Heather Urbanski (English Studies)
  • David Svolba (Humanities)
  • Olivia Rossetti (Library)
  • Christine Devine (Nursing)
  • William Cortezia (Education)

AUC Policies Committee* Contractual MSCA

The Academic Policies Committee deliberates on and makes recommendations to the AUC concerning such matters as the academic calendar, academic standards, admissions standards, policies governing selective retention, and library services.

3 Administrators/Staff

  • Tim St. John (Dean of Students)
  • Mojdeh Bayat (Dean of Education)
  • Pamela McCafferty (Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning)

16 MSCA, one for each department preferred

  • Eileen Kirk (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Ozge Ozay (EHPS)
  • Soumitra Basu (Engineering Tech)
  • Collin Syfert (English Studies)
  • Andrea Olmstead (Humanities)
  • Connie Strittmatter (Library)
  • Lori Leonard (Math)
  • Lena Fico (Psychological Sciences)
  • Aisling O'Connor (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Daniel Welsh (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Samuel Tobin (Communications Media)
  • Lynn D'Agostino (Education)
  • Jane Huang (EXSS)
  • Amy Kendrick (Nursing)
  • Daneen Deptula (Psychological Science)
  • Beverly Hollingsworth (Business Administration)

AUC Student Affairs Committee* Contractual APA

The Student Affairs Committee prepares and transmits to the Dean recommendations on student activities, the needs of the students, and student participation in the cultural and social activities associated with the university. The committee also studies other universities’ practices, policies, and student life.

Administrators/Staff

  • Robert Hynes (Director, Counseling Services)
  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean of the Library)
  • Matt Lechter (Executive Director of Housing and Residential Services)
  • Jason Smith (Assistant Dean for Student Success)
  • Vacant

5 MSCA

  • Soumitra Basu (Engineering Tech)
  • Nellipher Lewis Mchenga (Nursing)
  • Jane Fiske (Humanities)
  • Petri Flint (Humanities)
  • Elizabeth Kilpatrick (Biology/Chemistry)

Graduate Council* (Contractual MSCA)

The Graduate Education Council makes reports and recommendations concerning changes to course requirements within the existing graduate curriculum, the addition of new courses and the deletion of existing courses, and the criteria applied in the designation of graduate faculty.

Administrators/Staff

  • Mojdeh Bayat (Dean of School of Education)
  • Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education)
  • Barbara Cormier (Registrar)

10 MSCA

  • David Weiss (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Renee Scapparone (BSAD)
  • Kyle Moody (Comm Media)
  • Ricky Sethi (Computer Science)
  • Daniel Sarefield (EHPS)
  • Christine Dee (EHPS)
  • Nirajan Mani (Engineering Tech)
  • Yang Liu (Business Administration)
  • Denise Sargent (Education)
  • Deborah Stone (Nursing)

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee* Compliance (IACUC)

The Animal Care Committee reviews protocols for animals (with vertebrae) being used in research projects in order to ensure they are treated in a humane manner. This committee meets as needed.

Administrators/Staff

  • Marco Bangrazi (EHS/Risk Manager)
  • Jannette McMenamy (Interim Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes

5 seats (at least 3 faculty scientists, 1 faculty/ librarian with non-scientific background, no more than 3 from same department) 

  • Daniel Welsh (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
  • John Ludlam (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
  • Aisling O'Connor (Scientist-Biology/Chemistry)
  • Vacant (2)

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

In compliance with Federal Laws and Regulations, Fitchburg State University has established this committee for the review and oversight of research protocols and teaching activities involving the use of recombinant DMA (rDNA), microbes, biological toxins, and human and non-human primate materials. Members of the committee need to have a background that includes the use of biohazards.

  • Melissa Legare (Laboratory Technician II)
  • Marco Bangrazi (EHS/Risk Manager)
  • Jannette McMenamy (Interim Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes

3 seats (at least 2 faculty scientist with background that includes use of biohazards) 

  • Mathangi Krishnamurthy (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
  • Billy Samulak (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
  • Lindsay Parisi (EXSS)

Institutional Review Board* Compliance (4:1x1-year position; 3x3-year) (IRB)

The Human Subjects Committee protects participants in research at the university. A researcher requesting to conduct a study involving human participants is required to submit a proposal to the committee, which is charged with ensuring that potential discomfort and harm to participants is minimized or eliminated. The committee may also gauge the extent to which the scientific merit of the project is balanced by the cost to the study’s participants. This committee meets as needed. A non-voting outside member may be called to participate in deliberations.

Administrators/Staff

  • Jannette McMenamy (Interim Dean of Health and Natural Science - ex-officio/Convenes
  • Robert Hynes (Assistant Dean/Director of Counseling Services)

6 seats

  • Vacant
  • Robert Shapiro (Education)
  • Collin Syfert (English)
  • Jessica Alsup (EXSS)
  • Billy Samulak (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Karen Keenan (EXSS)

MSCA Contractual Committees (4)

MSCA Executive Committee

2024 Elected Positions

  • Linda LeBlanc, President (Library) 2023 - Present
  • Audrey Pereira, Vice President (Business Administration) 2023 - Present 
  • Michael Stassen, Treasurer (Mathematics) 2021-Present
  • Vacant - Secretary 2024-Present

Executive Committee 

  • Zak Lee (Communications Media)
  • Rala Diakite (Humanities)
  • Yang Liu (Business Administration)
  • Kate Jewell (EHPS)
  • Lena Fico (Psychological Science)

MSCA Professional Development and Retraining

The Professional Development and Retraining Committee meets and confers with the Vice President regarding criteria for awarding programs of professional development, reviews requests for professional development, and makes recommendations regarding approval and allocation of professional development funds.

Administrators/Staff

  • Franca Barricelli (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs) Convenes
  • Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education)

3 MSCA

  • Meg Hoey (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Kyle Moody (Communications Media)
  • Vacant

Promotions Committee    

  • Danielle Wigmore (EXSS)
  • J.J. Sylvia (Media)
  • Christa Marr (Political Science)
  • Jane Fiske (Humanities)
  • Gerry Higdon (Mathematics)
  • Sherry Packard (Library)
  • Randall Grometstein ( Behavioral Science)

Tenure Committee

  • DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (English)
  • Amy Wehe (Mathematics)
  • Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
  • Lindsay Parisi (EXSS)

AFSCME Contractual Committees

AFSCME Labor Management Committee* Contractual

  • Angela Marini (Administrative Assistant II) Unit I
  • Rhonda Burgess (Administrative Assistant II) Unit I
  • Ann Larsen (Administrative Assistant II) Unit I
  • Brian Hayes (Institutional Maintenance Foreman) Unit II
  • JD Head (Associate Vice President, Capital Planning and Maintenance)
  • Vacant (Staff Associate, EHS and Risk Management)
  • Kimberly Page (Director of Human Resources and Payroll Services) Convene

APA Contractual Committees

APA Management Association Committee on Employee Relations* Contractual (4 members)

  • Gretchen Mayhew (Senior Associate Director for Undergraduate Recruitment)
  • Vacant APA
  • Rebecca Shersnow/Gretchen Mayhew (APA Union Leadership)
  • Kimberly Page (Director of Human Resources and Payroll Services) Convene

Parking Committee* Contractual APA

The Parking Committee meets once a month and makes recommendations on lot distribution and parking rules and regulations.

  • Lisa Mirasolo (Administrative Assistant II) AFSCME
  • Matt Lechter (Executive Director of Housing and Residential Services) Convene
  • Lt. Phil Karampatsos, University Police)
  • Hildy Schilling (Psychological Science)
  • Michael McCutcheon (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Vacant (2)

Contractual Committee Combined 

Safety Committee/ 4 AFSCME Safety Committee* Contractual Combined

The Safety Committee will deliberate and make policy recommendations to provide a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment at Fitchburg State. Academic chairs are encouraged to apply.

  • Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes
  • Marco Bangrazi (EHS/Risk Manager)
  • Philip Karampatsos (Staff Assistant/ Police Lieutenant) Police
  • Ian Murray (Laboratory Technician II)
  • Karen Kowlzan (Laboratory Technician II)
  • Sean Rollins (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Vacant (5)

University Wide Advisory Committees (15)    

International Advisory

The International Advisory Committee offers advice and makes policy recommendations to the ACC and Academic Affairs concerning the development and promotion of internationally related materials, events, activities, and programs.

Administrators/Staff

  • Franca Barricelli  (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs)    
  • Nelly Wadsworth (Director of International Education) - Convenes  

4 MSCA  

  • Hefei Qiu (Computer Science)
  • Felicia Farron-Davis (Education)
  • Nirajan Mani (Engineering Technology)
  • Aruna Krishnamurthy (English)

Center for Teaching and Learning

The members of the CTL Council actively advise and consult with the director(s) and other board members of the center on its program of events, funding opportunities, and current and future directions; promote the teaching and learning activities of the center; facilitate center events throughout the year; and initiate new and/or support existing center programs and services.

Administrators/Staff

  • Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
  • Franca Barricelli  (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs)

9 MSCA

  • Kori Ryan (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Denise Simion (Business Administration)
  • Kisha Tracy (English)
  • Renée Fratantonio (Library)
  • Jessie Oehrlein (Mathematics)
  • Lynn D'Agostino (Education)
  • Katy Covino (English Studies)
  • Nermin Bayazit (Mathematics)
  • Melissa Dunn (Nursing)

Common Community Read

The committee will solicit suggestions for books through emails to students, staff, and the community. Based on the books chosen, members of the committee will seek input to provide suggestions and feedback about events.  It will include co-curricular talks, panel discussions, cultural events and a keynote presentation as well as group talks and some film screenings in the community and on campus.

Administrators/Staff

  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean of the Library) - Convene 

4 MSCA

  • Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
  • Jessica Robey (Humanities)
  • Vacant (2)

Crocker Center Advisory Board

Administrators/Staff

  • Lisa Moison (Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education)
  • Cate Kaluzny (Director of Assessment)

5 MSCA

  • Karen DeAngelis (Education)
  • Deborah Benes (Nursing)
  • Soumitra Basu (Engineering Technology)
  • Vacant (2)

Emeritus

Emeritus rank is recommended by the appropriate departments or divisions of the University. The committee, along with the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs recommends candidates to the President for approval.

Administrators/Staff

  • Patricia Marshall (Provost and Executive Vice President)- ex-officio

2 MSCA

  • Randy Howe (Communications Media)
  • Ronald Krieser (Biology/Chemistry)

Center for Faculty Scholarship Advisory Board

Administrators/Staff

  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean of the Library)
  • Drew Goodwin (Director, Grants and Sponsored Programs)

8 MSCA

  • Dennis Awasabisah (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Benjamin Lieberman (EHPS)
  • Connie Strittmatter (Library)
  • Vacant (5)

Harrod Lecture

The Harrod Lecture Committee meets in April to review abstracts and make recommendations to the President. The person(s) selected as speakers will be awarded a $500 stipend and the work will be published by the University Press.

Administrators/Staff

  • Jeffrey Wolfman (Vice President for Institutional Advancement)

4 MSCA

  • Randy Howe (Communications Media)
  • Peter Staab (Mathematics)
  • Jonathan Amakawa (Communications Media)
  • Vacant

Honorary Degree

  • Daniel Welsh (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Guy Karlebach (Computer Science)

Honors Program Advisory

Administrators/Staff

  • Franca Barricelli  (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs)
  • Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
  • Richard Toomey (Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management)

5 MSCA

  • Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
  • Emma Downs (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Elizabeth Kilpatrick (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Sean Goodlett (EHPS)
  • Lori Steckervetz (Library)

Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 

Fitchburg State university-level diversity, equity, and inclusion team.                       

  • Laura Bayless (Vice President of Student Affairs) 
  • Patricia Marshall (Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs)
  • Pamela McCafferty (Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning), Chair
  • Kimberly Page (Director of Human Resources and Payroll Services)

3 members from each union

APA 

  • Kat McLellan
  • Vacant (2)

AFSCME

  • Vacant (3)

5 MSCA

  • Olivia Rossetti (Library
  • Laura Garofoli
  • Justin Casinghino
  • Jescah Apamo-Gannon (Education)
  • Vacant

Library Advisory

The Library Advisory Committee meets two or three times a year and solicits input from faculty, students, and staff on library-related matters.

  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean of the Library) Convenes

7 MSCA

  • Christine Dee (EHPS)
  • DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (English Studies)
  • Monica Maldari (EXSS)
  • Vacant (4)

Open and Affordable Education (OER)

  1. Examine national trends regarding OER resources and make recommendations regarding best practices of their use, including textbook adoption.
  2. Examine current use of OER across FSU and make recommendations to increase their use while respecting faculty rights and responsibilities.
  3. Propose curricular support for faculty interested in exploring the use of low-cost materials including library resources or OER in their courses.
  4. Identify and suggest approaches to remedy any impediments to OER and other affordable course materials adoption at Fitchburg State.

Administrators/Staff

  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean of the Library) Convenes
  • Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
  • Jason Smith (Assistant Dean for Student Success)
  • Academic Dean - Vacant

6 MSCA

  • Kisha Tracy, SGOCE
  • Connie Strittmatter (Library)
  • Denise Simion (Business Administration/School of Business and Technology)
  • Vacancy, Education
  • Michael Hove (Psychological Science/School of Health and Natural Sciences)
  • Viera Lorencova (Communications Media/School of Arts and Sciences)   

Student Success Task Force    

Members of the Student Success Task Force collaborate to review institutional policies and procedures that affect our students' success. By analyzing institutional data and national trends in student success, the task force proposes modifications to Fitchburg State's practices in order to promote equitable educational access and student outcomes.

Administrators/Staff

  • Amanda Sapienza (Assistant Director, Counseling Services)
  • Lindsay Carpenter Connors (Director of Career Services and Advising Center)
  • Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
  • Ralph Fasano  (Director of Digital Learning, SGOCE)
  • Michelle Cota (Associate Director, Student Accounts)
  • Kat McLellan (Director of the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center)
  • Joseph Flanagan (Case Manager, Student Affairs)
  • Bettiann Peura (Assistant Director/SWA/Athletics)
  • Jacalyn Kremer (Dean Library)

AFSCME

  • Jason Smith (Assistant Dean for Student Success) - ex-officio/Convenes

3 MSCA

  • Mary Baker (Communications Media)
  • Amy Wehe (Mathematics)
  • Vacant

Sustainability

The Sustainability Advisory Committee deliberates on and makes policy recommendations regarding campus-wide sustainability efforts.

Administrators/Staff

  • Jannette McMenamy (Interim Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) Convenes
  • JD Head (Associate Vice President for Capital Planning and Maintenance)

4 MSCA

  • Chris Picone (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Michael Hove (Psychological Science)
  • Reid Parsons (EGS)
  • Vacant 

Technology

The Technology Advisory Committee brings forth, reviews, and recommends advancements in technology on campus.

Administrators/Staff

  • Stefan Dodd  (Chief Information Officer and Assistant Vice President) Convenes
  • Allison Bunnell (Staff Associate, Technology Training and Academic Project Administrator)  
  • Meagan Martin (Staff Associate, Instructional Technologist)

6 MSCA

  • Jeff Warmouth (Communications Media)
  • Jiang Yu (Earth, Geographic, and Public Health Science)
  • Lori Leonard (Mathematics)
  • Vacant (3)

University Assessment and Research

  • Cate Kaluzny (Director of Assessment)
  • Pamela McCafferty (Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning) Convenes
  • Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education)
  • CTL Coordinator - Megan Krell (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Vacant (Business Administration)
  • Vacant (Computer Science)
  • Vacant (Library)
  • Vacant (Earth, Geographic and Public Health Sciences)
  • Vacant (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Soumitra Basu (Engineering Technology)
  • Vacant (English Studies)
  • Eric Williams (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Vacant (EXSS)
  • Vacant (Humanities)
  • Vacant (Education)
  • Vacant (Nursing)
  • Vacant (Psychological Science)
  • Randy Howe (Communications Media) 

Undergraduate Conference Committee

The Undergraduate Conference Committee organizes an annual research and creativity conference. The committee is tasked with finding space on campus, making a call to the campus for abstracts, scheduling all of the events, and other advertising. The conference occurs each April on the Fitchburg State campus.

Administrators/Staff

  • Franca Barricelli (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs)
  • Nathan Corbett (Events Manager)

5 MSCA

  • Jared Vanasse (EGS)
  • Lena Ficco (Psychological Science)
  • Nirajan Mani (Engineering Technology)
  • Min Li (Behavioral Sciences)
  • Lori Steckervetz (Library)

Special (Temporary) Committees

Mission/Vision Committee

4 Administrators

  • Chair - Pam McCafferty (Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning)
  • Pat Marshall (Vice President/Provost Academic Affairs)
  • Laura Bayles (Vice President/ Student Affairs)
  • Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of SGOCE)

AFSME

  • Carolyn Hughes (Administrative Assistant II/Education)

APA

  • Vacant

Board of Trustee Member

  • Vacant 

MSCA

  • Vacant (4)