IN ATTENDANCE
Elected Members: Mariah Barnes, Julie Christensen, Scott Counts, Natoshia Cunningham, Theresa Estiphan, Charla Jackson, Thomas Kelbel, Cheryl Rockwell, Robey Shah, Nabil Sibai, Nicole Talge, Maximiliano Tamae-Kakazu, Jose Teixeira, Daniel Vogt, Richard Zarbo, Jordan Knepper (sub for Darci Foote), Samantha Tam (sub for Steven Chang)
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Jamie Alan, Jim Anthony, David Barondess, Kathleen Gallo, Jean Kerver, Kathleen Oberst
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Ariel Cascio, Ryan Doyle, Dave Schneider
Standing Guests: Brad Kline, Adesuwa Olomu, Narayanan Parameswaran, Carol Parker, Andrea Wendling
Staff: Amy Nienhouse, Allison Tilma
ABSENT:
Elected Members: Farha Abbasi, Ellen Air, Lee (Carles) Cox, Morteza Mahmoudi, Benjamin Movsas, David Ozog, Robert Quinn, Craig Rogers, Brian Schutte, no rep from Orthopedics given, Graduate Student TBD
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Ana Vasquez, Erika Williams, UCAG Rep
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Joseph Junewick, Adam Lamm
Standing Guests: Wanda Lipscomb, Aron Sousa, CHM Staff Rep (TBD)
I. Call to order
- The meeting was called to order at 1:05pm
- Quorum was met with 20 of 22 attending.
II. Approval of agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda and was seconded. No objections were raised.
- Approval of the agenda passed by majority consent.
III. Approval of minutes
- May 12, 2025; Attachment A
- No objections raised, motioned to approve.
- The May minutes were approved as presented.
-
IV. Introductions and orientation to CAC
- Robert’s Rules; Attachment B
- CAC uses these rules as framework for meetings
- Roles of steering committee Attachment C
- Chairperson: Represents CAC in Faculty Senate, facilitates meetings, reviews bylaws and amendments, oversees faculty meetings
- Vice Chairperson: Fills in for Chair, serves as liaison to Awards Committee, reviews minutes for distribution.
- Secretary: Expanded role to assist with quorum verification
- CAC Members were encouraged to consider self-nomination or nomination of peers
- Show Teams channel for materials. (Allison shared screen)
- Allison Tilma demonstrated the Microsoft Teams CAC channel, containing meeting materials, rosters, and reporting templates.
- Members reminded to share key CAC updates with their home departments
V. Remarks/updates
- Administrative Update – Carol Parker
- Department Chair Searches: Six new departments (Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery, Dermatology, Pathology, Urology, and one pending) are completing permanent chair hires by late September.
- Flint expansion opening the week of August 26.
- Secchia Center celebration scheduled for September 24, 2025.
- Research Update – Nara Parameswaran
- NIH Grant Submissions: PIs limited to six proposals per year.
- Open Access Policy: Federally funded research must be published in PubMed Central without embargo.
- Foreign Collaboration Compliance: All international collaborations must be disclosed.
- Policy and Legal Updates: Executive order adds political oversight to grant processes; IDC protections remain in Senate bill.
- LCME Update – Andrea Wendling
- LCME draft report (August 2025): Of 19 elements, 15 improved to satisfactory/satisfactory with monitoring.
- Four unsatisfactory areas: suspension policy, time-allocation policy, non-involvement in student decisions, and career advising.
- Final determination expected October 2025.
- Finance – Brad Kline
- Budget Reduction: 6% in FY25 and 3% in FY26 (9% total).
- CHM Impact: $3.5M FY25 reduction and $1.7M expected FY26.
- MERP (Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan): Significant delays (two quarters, ~$18M/quarter). Medicaid rate structure changing.
- Personnel: Most reductions via attrition; transparency emphasized.
- Action: Share updates with departments; contact Dean Sousa or CFO Kline with questions.
- One Team One Health – (Drs. Wendling, Parameswaran, Alan, and Parker)
- https://www.healthsciences.msu.edu/one-team-one-health
- Objective from the MSU President to explore integration of Colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine.
- Led by Dean of Veterinary Medicine and EVP of Health Sciences.
- Proposed timeline for the committee: Draft report due August 22; final report August 29, 2025.
- Faculty Concerns: Need for transparency and faculty inclusion.
- Action: Submit feedback via the One Team, One Health online form (anonymous).
VI. Election of new Steering Committee members
- Chair
- Scott Counts nominated Natoshia Cunningham for CAC Chair. Dr. Cunningham accepted the nomination but shared with the council that she will be on a leave of absence/sabbatical to Spain from January 2026 – May 2026. No other nominations were made. The nomination was seconded. The formal motion was made to elect Dr. Cunningham as Chair, seconded. No further discussion was held. Motion carried unanimously to elect Dr. Cunningham as Chair.
- Vice-Chair
- Dr. Cunningham opens the floor for nominations for the vice-chair position.
- Dr. Jamie Alan nominated Dr. Julie Christensen to serve as vice chair, the nomination is seconded. No other nominations were made. Dr. Cunningham made a motion to elect Dr. Christensen as vice-chair, it was seconded. No further discussion was held. The motion carries unanimously to elect Dr. Christensen as vice-chair.
- Secretary
- Dr. Wendling suggested Dr. Roby Shah consider serving as secretary and Dr. Shah agreed
- No other nominations were made. Dr. Cunningham motioned to elect Dr. Shah as secretary, it was seconded. No further discussion was held. The motion carried unanimously to elect Dr. Shah as secretary.
VII. Approval of ex-officio division members to serve on CAC and non-voting faculty members to serve on CHM committees; Attachment D.
- There is a brief discussion on the divisions represented. Cheryl Rockwell motions to approve all the names listed on attachment D. The motion is seconded. The motion carries unanimously.
VII. Approval of adjustments on appointment criteria; Attachment E – Carol Parker
- Carol reviewed the attachment that provides the guidelines and procedures set forth as a standard to be utilized in the consideration of academic appointment by those departments of the college having clinical and/or adjunct faculty.
- Brief questions were clarified, and no further discussion was held. Julie Christensen motioned to approve the adjustments listed in attachment D. The motion was seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
IX. As the meeting was approaching the time limit, Chair Cunningham motions to postpone the rest of the agenda for the September meeting. The motion is seconded. The motion is carried unanimously.
- The below items will be tabled for a future meeting.
- New/Upcoming business for the year
- CHM Bylaws review & Update
- Recognizing CHM Honorifics Committee in bylaws as an official sub-committee
- Some department bylaws need to be reviewed and updated as well
- In bylaws address term limits and continuity of service
- How will Henry Ford departments be represented on CAC?
- Adding members to the sub-committee for bylaws review
- Budget Concerns
- Faculty Meetings
- One Team One Health
X. Comments on the floor
- Allison made a reminder to the council that if voting members are unable to attend a meeting, they need to send a fellow department member (with college level voting rights) in their place. There needs to be at least fourteen (14) voting members present at each meeting to meet quorum.
XI. Adjournment
- Chair Cunningham made a motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded and approved unanimously. The meeting ended at 3:00pm.
Future meetings
September 15, 2025
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
IN ATTENDANCE
Elected Members: Brian Schutte, Cheryl Rockwell, Daniel Vogt, Jordan Knepper (sub for Darci Foote), Ron Chandler (sub for Jose Teixeira), Julie Christensen, Mariah Barnes, Max Tamae Kakazu, Morteza Mahmoudi, Nabil Sibai, Natoshia Cunningham, Nicole Talge, Rob Quinn, Robey Shah, Caryl Sortwell (sub for Scott Counts), Theresa Estiphan
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Jamie Alan, David Barondess, Kathleen Gallo, Kelly Hodges, Kathleen Oberst, Ana Vasquez
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Ariel Cascio, Ryan Doyle, Dave Schneider
Standing Guests: Aron Sousa, Andrea Wendling, Nara Parameswaran, Carol Parker, Ade Olomu, Wanda Lipscomb, Brad Kline, Supratik Rayamajhi
Staff: Amy Nienhouse, Allison Tilma
ABSENT:
Elected Members: Benjamin Movsas, Charla Jackson, Craig Rogers, David Ozog, Ellen Air, Farha Abbasi, Lee Cox, Richard Zarbo, Steven Chang, Thomas Kelbel, Grad Student Rep, Orthopedic Rep.
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Rep for UCAG, Erika Williams, Jean Kerver
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Academic Specialist Rep, Joseph Junewick, Adam Lamm
Standing Guests: CHM Staff Rep (TBD)
I. Call to order
- The meeting was called to order at 1:10pm
- Quorum was met with 14 of 27 voting members were present
II. Approval of agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda and was seconded. No objections were raised.
- Approval of the agenda passed by majority consent.
III. Approval of minutes
- The August 18, 2025, minutes were not finalized. Requesting they be tabled and approved at the October meeting.
- A motion was made to approve the August minutes at the October meeting and was seconded. No objections were raised.
- Approval to review and approve the August minutes at the next meeting was passed by majority consent.
IV. News from Aron
- Dean Sousa announced his retirement from CHM and new appointment as President and CEO of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. He thanked CAC members for their engagement and emphasized faculty governance. Members expressed deep appreciation for his leadership and accessibility. On October 1, 2025, Dr. Supratik Rayamajhi will serve as Interim Dean following Dr. Sousa’s departure.
V. CHM Faculty Survey; Attachment B
- A CAC-led survey gathered faculty feedback on transparency and communication related to the One Team, One Health initiative. Over 500 CHM faculty participated. The survey was later shared externally, prompting media attention. Concerns were raised about potential bias, but CAC leadership reaffirmed that it was developed collaboratively by qualified researchers. Reports of intimidation and retaliation surfaced, prompting emphasis on faculty advocacy and safety. The President’s Office plans a special meeting with CHM faculty to address survey results and concerns. CAC will consider drafting a resolution, possibly in collaboration with COM.
VI. Recommendation for new departments to be joint with COM
- The CAC approved the creation of the new departments over the past couple years. Now it is being considered, and input is being asked about making those new departments joint with COM. There has been some interest from COM about joint departments but the CACs for both colleges would need to connect. Joint departments can sometimes be more difficult to run, but COM has funds that would better match with the new departments.
VII. Remarks/updates
- Dean’s Update
- Info from the state is that the federal government is putting forward the Medicaid Expense Reimbursement Uplift funds. This is 13% of our operating budget and worth $6 million so it’s important to get it moving again.
- The university is working on a new budget model that is not RCM based.
- Secchia Lectures are Sept. 24 and 25 and the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Secchia Center will follow the lectures.
- Ribbon cutting for the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health new building in Flint went well and was enjoyed by all.
- Research Update – Nara
- The last few weeks in the Federal Grant world have been thankfully uneventful. NIH spending seems to be on track.
- Curriculum Update – Andrea
- The white coat ceremony was held in GR and 190 new CHM students received their white coats in front of friends and family. This is the first class that will be fully educated in the SDC 2.0 curriculum.
-
VIII. New/Upcoming business for the year
- Forming CHM Bylaws review committee
- Julie Christensen, Jamie Alan, Kelly Hodges volunteered to serve on the review committee.
- Members on the CHM Bylaws Review Committee don’t necessarily need to be on CAC, but should still be voting members in CHM
- Drs. Wanda Lipscomb and Carol Parker emphasized faculty ownership of this process.
- Dr. Wendling recognized the success and power this CAC has had, especially regarding the recent faculty survey that was sent out regarding one team one health.
- The goal is to get the committee finalized and meeting scheduled before the thanksgiving holiday. CAC members are encouraged to share this in their departments and bring other names of faculty who are willing to serve on this committee.
- Faculty Meetings
- Meetings typically held in November/December.
- Motion made to have the faculty meeting as a hybrid meeting this year. Seconded, no objections. Motion passed.
- The Radiology Atrium was suggested for the space and Allison will investigate dates to hold as options. Also, it was requested if there will be a budget for refreshments.
- Suggested agenda topics to include One Team, One Health updates, budget review, and governance engagement.
- One Team One Health
- The President’s office wants to address CHM’s concerns with one team one health.
- CAC supports hosting an open CHM faculty meeting with the President’s Office
- Faculty should be allowed to submit anonymous questions. CAC requests a discussion-based format rather than a presentation.
IX. Comments from the floor
- No comments were provided.
X. Adjournment
- Chair Cunningham made a motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded and approved unanimously. The meeting ended at 3:00pm.
Future meetings
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 15, 2025
- Call to order
- The meeting was called to order at 1:07pm
- Quorum was met with 19 of 26 voting members were present.
- Approval of agenda
- No objections raised, motioned to approve.
- Agenda approved passed by majority consent
- Approval of minutes
- The August and September minutes are still being finalized. Allison has asked for a motion to send them via email to the committee as soon as they are done and ready to be approved
- A motion was made to approve the minutes via email as soon as they are completed. The motion was seconded and passed by majority consent.
- Remarks/updates
- Administrative Update – Dr. Carol Parker
-
- Chair Retreat: Department chairs presented their top accomplishments and goals for the year. Provost McIntyre attended and shared her vision for the university and college.
- Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception was held on October 15, 2023.
- 38 faculty were honored for promotions.
- Four Exceptional Support Staff Awards were given to Dana Appleby, Lisa Pasberg, Amy Fowler, and Brandy Spies.
- Twelve faculty received awards, including Dr. Natoshia Cunningham (Teacher-Scholar) and Jerry Kooiman (Distinguished Service Award).
- LCME Reaccreditation: The site visit was completed, and formal notification is expected by November 16. Preliminary signs are positive.
- Budget and Finances: The college completed a 6% budget cut for FY25 and anticipates a further 3% cut for FY26. Budget model redesign committees are forming, though CHM currently lacks representation.
- One Team, One Health (OTOH): Task forces are meeting, and feedback is/has being provided by faculty from surveys. Reports are due to the President by November 26, with university action anticipated in January 2026.
- Research update - Dr. Nara Parameswaran
- The government shutdown has delayed NIH study section meetings, impacting approximately 35 CHM faculty.
- The college is monitoring potential issues regarding H-1B visa policy changes and associated fees.
- Faculty encouraged to look out for upcoming university-level bridge funding (Jenison funds).
- Curriculum Update – Robin DeMuth
- SDC 2.0 Implementation: The new first-year curriculum is underway, with positive collaboration among faculty and staff.
- Second-Year Transition: Future changes include an earlier start date (May) and flexible two- or three-semester paths.
- Clerkships: Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Family Medicine will expand to six-week clerkships; Surgery will consolidate into one six-week course.
- Wellness and Advising: Increased participation in wellness initiatives; new “Wellness Pulse” newsletter launched.
- CAC chair update – Dr. Natoshia Cunningham
- CHM’s representation in university-level budget model redesign committees.
- Updates from Faculty Senate meetings included:
- Presentation of the university-wide survey on OTOH integration.
- Passage of resolutions on academic freedom and faculty due process.
- Adjustments to DEI-related language in promotion and tenure materials.
- One Team One Health
- CHM OTOH Townhall
- University-wide OTOH Survey Results
- Upcoming presentation of OTOH survey results to the MSU Board of Trustees scheduled for October 30.
- New/Upcoming business for the year
- Bylaws – Emergent Needs
- Academic Affairs (Dr. Robin DeMuth)
- Student Performance and Competence Committees:
- Student Performance Committee will transition to focus on student status and promotions, with student members removed due to confidentiality concerns.
- Grade Appeals will move to direct course-level handling per university policy.
- DEI bylaws (Drs. Jamie Alan and Wanda Lipscomb)
- College bylaws updated to replace “diversity, equity, and inclusion” with “climate and culture” and “access, opportunity, advancement, and excellence for all.”
- Changes align CHM terminology with university and land-grant mission values.
- A motion was made to approve all bylaw changes presented. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
- The next step will be to send this to CHM voting faculty for vote and approval
- 5-year bylaw review committee
- Work is moving along to get the committee together and invite others in the college not on CAC. It will be helpful if the bylaws review could be done and ready for faculty approval at the end of the spring semester.
- Faculty Meetings
- Possible dates: 12/1 (Monday), 12/2 (Tuesday), 12/3 (Wednesday), 12/8 (Monday), 12/10 (Wednesday)
- Conflicts were shared with 12/2 and 12/8
- Meeting will be 3-5pm
- Do we still want a hybrid of in-person & Zoom?
- Allison will check on room availability, but if it’s not available, the council is willing to do zoom only for the fall meeting and reconsider a hybrid version for the spring faculty meeting.
- Comments from the floor
- Confirmed the December meeting will be held on Dec. 15 even though Hanukah begins that day at sundown. If anyone asks for it to be moved, the CAC is willing to accommodate the request.
- Continued emphasis on faculty advocacy and transparency regarding administrative processes.
- Discussion on improving communication around One Team, One Health and ensuring CHM faculty voices are represented.
- No further topics were addressed
- Adjournment
- A motion was made to end the meeting and was seconded.
- The motion passed and the meeting ended at 2:42pm
Future meetings
November 17, 2025
December 15, 2025
IN ATTENDANCE
Elected Members: Farha Abbasi, Ellen Air, Mariah Barnes, Julie Christensen, Scott Counts, Natoshia Cunningham, Theresa Estiphan, Darci Foote, Thomas Kelbel, Benjamin Movsas, Rob Quinn, Cheryl Rockwell, Robey Shah, Nabil Sibai, Max Tamae Kakazu, Jose Teixeira, Daniel Vogt, Richard Zarbo
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Jamie Alan, Kathleen Gallo, Kelly Hodges, Kathleen Oberst
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Ariel Cascio, Ryan Doyle
Standing Guests: Brad Kline, Ade Olomu, Wanda Lipscomb, Nara Parameswaran, Carol Parker
Staff: Amy Nienhouse, Allison Tilma
Guests: Robin DeMuth
ABSENT
Elected Members: Steven Chang, Charla Jackson, Craig Rogers, David Ozog, Lee Cox, Morteza Mahmoudi, Brian Schutte, Grad Student Rep, Orthopedic Rep
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Rep for UCAG, David Barondess, Ana Vasquez, Erika Williams, Jean Kerver
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Academic Specialist Rep, Dave Schneider, Joseph Junewick, Adam Lamm
Standing Guests: Andrea Wendling, Supratik Rayamajhi CHM Staff Rep (TBD)
- Call to order
- The meeting was started at 1:06pm.
- Interim Dean Rayamajhi gave his update while the council waited to reach quorum.
- Quorum was reached at 1:10pm with 16 of 26 members attending.
- The meeting was officially called to order at 1:15pm
- Approval of agenda
- Chair Cunningham proposed to move item IV – The presentation from Stacia Moroski-Rigney up to item III, before the approval of minutes.
- The motion was seconded, and there was no conversation or dissent.
- The agenda was approved with the above-mentioned change.
- Accreditation – Stacia Moroski-Rigney
- Stacia attended as a guest to address questions related to accreditation and One Team One Health.
- Accreditation Task Force Charge & Work
- The President’s One Health Steering Committee (in May) tasked Stacia with chairing the Accreditation Task Force (4 members).
- The team examined:
- Whether a one-college model could meet LCME and COCA requirements.
- Alignment of standards across LCME, COCA, ARC-PA, and accreditors for the proposed College of Health Sciences/Nursing.
- Six Accreditation “Hard Lines” (Non-Negotiables)
- These areas cannot be merged or shared across MD/DO programs:
- Distinct Deans with Independent Authority for MD and DO programs.
- Separate Learning Environments prioritized for each program.
- Program-Specific Budget Control and clear financial accountability.
- Autonomous Curriculum Governance (separate committees, no undue cross-program influence).
- Distinct Faculty Lines & Reporting Structures (faculty must report to their dean).
- Separate Admissions Structures for MD and DO.
- These requirements were communicated to the OTOH Council since May.
- Current Status of Organizational Models
- Several organizational charts were proposed.
- Substantive Change Requirements
- Any major structural, governance, or curricular change requires formal substantive change submissions to:
- LCME
- COCA
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC – university accreditor)
- All relevant programmatic accreditors for Health Sciences/Nursing
- Review timelines range 3–16 months.
- No public announcements can be made before accreditor approval.
- Timeline
- Steering Committees aim to deliver recommendations to the President by November 26. The President will then deliberate; a decision may or may not support change.
- Only after a decision will accreditation submissions begin.
- Implementation cannot begin until accreditor approval is received.
- Budget and Research Requirements
- Deans must have authority over the full program budget, though this operates within MSU’s central budget allocations.
- COCA requires an osteopathic research portfolio, adequate research support, and protected time for faculty research—similar to requirements in other accredited fields.
- Faculty Reporting & Shared Departments
- Faculty must report to their program dean, typically via chairs.
- MSU’s existing shared department model is acceptable to accreditors and may serve as a template.
- Any change where faculty/clinical units report to an Executive Dean would require special approval from LCME/COCA.
- Faculty Input & Survey Data
- The Accreditation Task Force received survey results from CHM Faculty Senate and University Senate.
- Because of timeline delays, the Task Force did not complete its second charge (evaluating proposals) but reinforced its six hard lines to the Steering Committee.
- Concerns Raised by Faculty
- Risk of jeopardizing the recent LCME reaccreditation.
- Lack of clarity about:
- Number of administrative/staff positions in the new structure.
- How faculty affairs or clinical departments would report under the proposed middle-box model.
- Desire for transparency regarding resource implications.
- In summary:
- Stacia emphasized: No decisions have been made; structures continue to evolve.
- Accreditors’ interpretations guide decisions; MSU will not pursue any structure that threatens accreditation.
- Further questions can be collected and brought back to the Steering Committee.
- Approval of minutes
- August 18, 2025, minutes; Attachment A
- A motion was made to approve the August minutes as presented.
- No objections raised, the motioned to approve was seconded.
- The August minutes were approved by majority consent as presented.
- September 15, 2025, minutes; Attachment B
- A motion was made to approve the September minutes as presented.
- No objections raised, the motioned to approve was seconded.
- The September minutes were approved by majority consent as presented.
- October 20, 2025, minutes; Attachment C
- It was noted that final revision and accepting changes still needed to be completed.
- Pending final revisions, the motion was made to approve the October minutes.
- The motioned was seconded and no objections were raised
- The October minutes were approved by majority consent with accepting the changes for the final revision.
- Review and approval for bylaws from the Center for Bioethics and Social Justice; Attachment G
- Comments on inconsistencies in bylaw language were raised.
- Further discussion focused on clarity for faculty expectations.
- Additional editorial modifications were reviewed live with the group.
- A motion was made to finish reviewing the document outside of the meeting and email the final version to the voting members for approval. The motion was seconded and passed by majority consent.
- Remarks/updates
- Dean’s update – Supratik Rayamajhi
- Leadership Transition & Activities
- Serving as interim dean since October 1.
- Visited CHM sites across the state, including Marquette and Grand Rapids.
- President’s visit to Marquette campus received positively; faculty and staff highlighted CHM strengths.
- Provost Visit
- The provost conducted a “learning and listening tour” of Grand Rapids facilities.
- She was impressed by the statewide distribution, educational depth, and research footprint of CHM.
- Henry Ford Health Partnership
- Ongoing review of the MSU–Henry Ford 30-year affiliation agreement.
- Funding breakdown includes 80% for research and 20% for clinical activities.
- Discussions continue regarding cancer center development and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- One Team One Health (OTOH) Council
- Four task forces have submitted their work.
- Full report to the President expected by Thanksgiving.
- Supratik acknowledged and thanked CHM representatives for their participation.
- Administrative update – Carol Parker
- Guidance for the college’s annual Fall Plan has been received; the document is due end of January.
- The Fall Plan serves as:
- A showcase of major accomplishments and initiatives in the college.
- An opportunity to request additional funding.
- Additional initiative funding has been limited in recent years.
- Last year, the college highlighted hiring needs under the Global Impact Initiative; Nara successfully applied for several positions later in the year.
- The Fall Plan is also used to request funds for TLE (technology purchases) and A&I (alterations and improvements).
- This process provides a key opportunity to present college priorities to the provost and president.
- Research update – Nara Parameswaran
- Federal Agency & Grant Updates
- Federal government has reopened; NIH and other federal grant agencies are now operational.
- NIH study sections that were canceled during the closure will be rescheduled.
- Council meetings will likely also be rescheduled due to proximity to the newly rescheduled study sections.
- NIH issued a notice Friday with preliminary updates, more details forthcoming.
- Indirect Cost (IDC) rate updates uncertain:
- OMB may propose an 18% IDC (up from 15%).
- FAIR model (proposed by joint association groups) remains under consideration; beneficial for IDC recovery but creates administrative burden for post-award staff.
- VPRI (Vice President for Research and Innovation) Search
- VPRI search process is on schedule with Zoom interviews planned in the next few weeks. On-campus visits are anticipated in December.
- Timeline for transition depends on whether the selected candidate is internal (quick transition) or external (longer timeline).
- Budget Redesign Committee
- Brad Kline added to the working group—CHM representation successful.
- A new ad hoc committee for sponsored research has been formed.
- Nara and others from the CORD (Council of Research Deans) group invited to serve; more info to come.
- Grant Submission Concerns
- Increasing issue: students submitting grants without routing through the pre-award office.
- Recent examples:
- One proposal could not be submitted due to late notification requiring institutional signature.
- Another was acceptable only because no institutional signature was required.
- Faculty should ensure students are guided properly through the grant submission process.
- Foundation grant submissions have dramatically increased—one quarter exceeded the entire previous year.
- Foundation Relations staff are experiencing heavy workload; careful routing is essential.
- COI/COC Policy Updates
- Nara serves as CHM liaison for COI/COC policy changes.
- University merging COI (previously under OSP) and COC (previously under HR) into one unified policy, creating complexity.
- Initial proposal required disclosure of each peer review activity; CHM advocated against this, and the requirement was revised.
- Updated website and guidance table outline:
- Required disclosures
- Exceptions
- Activities needing prior approval
- Submissions must now be routed through Kuali.
- Applies only to paid faculty; no-pay faculty follow the COI policy and do not fall under COC.
- Colleges were asked to create individualized disclosure lists; CHM and others pushed back due to compliance concerns and the need for consistent university-wide policies.
- Harmonization efforts are ongoing.
- Additional Notes
- UCFA previously discussed COI/COC updates; appeals process delayed due to new union recognition and restrictions on direct dealing.
- Multi-college departments (e.g., Pharmacology & Toxicology, Physiology) complicate differing college-level policies—reinforces need for unified standards.
- Resources and updated materials available on the COI/COC website.
- https://cdm.msu.edu/resources/reference-guide.html
- https://cdm.msu.edu/resources/reference-guide/download
- Academic Affairs/Curriculum update – Andrea Wendling
- LCME accreditation letter was received, and CHM’s indeterminate status has been lifted.
- The college has been granted full accreditation for six years.
- Letter includes a 25-page list of follow-up items the college must address and report on by August 2027.
- Although work remains, the college will complete it under full accreditation with a long interval before the next site visit. Overall, this represents excellent news for the college.
- MPH Program Update – Robey Shah
- The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is fully online and primarily enrolls working professionals across Michigan. The program is fully accredited and currently undergoing reaccreditation review.
- New concentrations were developed in response to feedback from students, alumni, and statewide stakeholders. Three available concentrations:
- Generalist
- Rural Public Health (new)
- Public Health Data Management & Analytics (new)
- Current enrollment: 160 students; (26 in Data Management & Analytics and 11 in Rural Health)
- Admissions review is underway for next year; strong interest noted in the Data Management concentration.
- Data Management focus includes training in data access, management, analysis, and reporting, with hands-on experience.
- Additional curriculum updates will be shared in future meetings.
- Faculty Affairs update – Ade Olomu
- A presentation was shared about programs offered by the Faculty Affairs & Development Office to support faculty development, leadership, and retention.
- The presentation slides will be circulated for departmental use.
- The goal of these programs is to encourage faculty development and leadership skills, support retention by providing resources for promotion and career growth and ensure accessibility and equity through recorded sessions and campus outreach.
- CAC Chair update – Natoshia Cunningham; Attachment D
- University Council (Oct. 28):
- Loss of Title VI funding has reduced participation in the migrant educational program from ~50–60 students to ~30; additional funding support is needed.
- PhD programs: 11 programs have suspended new student admissions for next year, and 9 others are on hold due to federal funding issues, impacting fixed-term faculty teaching in those programs.
- Board of Trustees (Oct. 30):
- Natoshia presented One Team, One Health Faculty Survey results to the trustees
- Majority of faculty in CHM, COM, and Nursing do not support mergers; opinions are divided in Osteopathic Medicine.
- High faculty mistrust of the Office of Health Sciences noted; BOT requested copies of survey reports.
- Faculty Survey Resolution:
- A resolution summarizing survey concerns and proposed actions is being presented at the Faculty Senate meeting on November 18, 2025, at 3:15pm.
- The resolution reflects major faculty concerns about potential mergers and representation; it is primarily being submitted by Natoshia Cunningham.
- Feedback can still be submitted during the Senate meeting. The administration may or may not act on the resolution; its purpose is to formally communicate faculty priorities and concerns.
- Overall Notes:
- Survey intended to give meaningful representation outside existing One Team, One Health surveys and that faculty engagement and input remain a priority.
- New/Upcoming business for the year
- Fall Faculty Meeting
- Confirming date & time: Monday, December 1, 2025, from 3-5pm via Zoom
- Proposed agenda items for faculty meeting; Attachment E
- Dean’s Update; Dr. Supratik Rayamajhi
- CAC Chair Update; Dr. Natoshia Cunningham
- Congratulations award recipients and newly promoted faculty; Dr. Ade Olomu
- Research updates; Dr. Nara Parameswaran
- LCME Update; Dr. Andrea Wendling
- Strategic Plan Update; Dr. Carol Parker
- Bylaws Updates; Dr. Jamie Allen
- New business/comments from the floor
- One Team One Health update – CHM members on OTOH task forces
- Media training (again)
- NIH Public Access Policy, Scholarly Communications and Collections from MSY Library. https://lib.msu.edu/collections/scholcomm/NIH
- Call for CAC members:
- Awards Committee
- Bylaws Review Committee
- Academic Specialist Rep (vote needed)
- University Level positions
- CHM member for University Council on Academic Governance – vote needed
- Academic Governance open vacancies – deadline of Dec 10; Attachment F
- Comments from the floor
- The meeting ran past the allotted time. The items below will be emailed out for further discussion and voting if necessary:
- Fall Faculty Meeting Agenda – send to “deanlets” for feedback then send to voting members for approval.
- Send an email to the CAC voting members that the CAC has the opportunity to share a livestream link for regular meetings, but then it will be publicly available like academic governance meetings. Are voting members in favor of this or oppose it?
- Allison Tilma will follow up on open seats for representatives on CAC for the Academic Governance Council and for a CAC rep from the academic specialist group.
- Adjournment
- The meeting adjourned without dissent at 3:02pm.
IN ATTENDANCE
Elected Members: Ellen Air, Mariah Barnes, Julie Christensen, Scott Counts, Natoshia Cunningham, Theresa Estiphan, Ashraf Hassaballa, Charla Jackson, Rob Quinn, Cheryl Rockwell, Robey Shah, Nabil Sibai, Nicole Talge, Max Tamae Kakazu, Hua Xiao (sub for Lee Cox), Richard Zarbo
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Jamie Alan, Kelly Hodges
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Ariel Cascio, Ryan Doyle, Dave Schneider
Standing Guests: Brad Kline, Ade Olomu, Wanda Lipscomb, Nara Parameswaran, Carol Parker, Andrea Wendling, Supratik Rayamajhi
Staff: Amy Nienhouse, Allison Tilma
Guests: Stacia Moroski-Rigney
ABSENT:
Elected Members: Farha Abbasi, Steven Chang, Darci Foote, Thomas Kelbel, Morteza Mahmoudi, Benjamin Movsas, Craig Rogers, David Ozog, Jose Teixeira, Daniel Vogt, Grad Student Rep, Orthopedic Rep
Ex-Officio Representatives (per bylaws): Rep for UCAG, Kathleen Gallo, Kathleen Oberst, David Barondess, Ana Vasquez, Erika Williams, Jean Kerver
Ex-Officio Division Representatives (approved per vote): Academic Specialist Rep, Joseph Junewick, Adam Lamm
Standing Guests: CHM Staff Rep (TBD)
Staff: