After the University Board of Trustees held a meeting on Friday, May 17, University students can expect to see changes in course offerings and the campus' appearance, as well as initiatives by new Board Chair Perry M. Traquina '78. The meeting, which was also Malcolm Sherman's final meeting as Board Chair, included several votes.

According to Provost Steve Goldstein's '78 statement on the strategic plan page of the University website, two weeks prior to the Board meeting, the University Advisory Council, which represents all the schools and academic divisions within the University, unanimously approved the final draft of the plan. The Advisory Council proceeded to recommend its presentation to the Board.

"This summer we are beginning our discussions on implementation.  This will be a community-wide effort, and once the school year begins anew in the fall, we will engage all members of the community on various implementation projects and really turn the powerful ideas encompassed in the plan into concrete actions," wrote Goldstein in an email to the Justice. 

"At this time, it would be premature to give specifics," Goldstein continued.

In regard to improvement in the sciences, Goldstein explained that "the new Science Curriculum committee has been working to re-think many different aspects of the science curriculum."  According to Goldstein, changes have already been made for the Biology major requirements.
 
"The committee has done an excellent job and I am very excited about these changes, that will keep Brandeis student out in front of their peers."

In regard to additional science classes for non-science majors, Goldstein explained that changes would also be made. "Teaching science to non-science majors is critically important as part of a liberal arts education and we expect to have on-going discussions about changes that will increase opportunities in this area," Goldstein wrote.

According to Senior Vice President of Communications Ellen de Graffenreid, the capital budget that was passed included items regarding deferred maintenance. These projects include updates to East Quad, and new locations for the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and the Lemberg Children's Center. The operational budget, however, was passed in March.

"Some of the investments will be very noticeable-like improvements in the dining halls and the grounds," wrote Traquina, who officially assumed his role following the commencement ceremony on May 19, as stated in the by-laws. "Other changes, like HVAC and infrastructure, are not as visible but are critically important aspects of maintaining the campus."

According to Traquina, the Board also voted to approve tenure, promotion and appointments for several faculty members. In addition, members voted to approve the award of degrees for graduating students and a new degree program-an Master of Science in Strategic Analytics-at the May 17 meeting.

According to Traquina, he is looking forward to his new role as chair. "Over the coming weeks and months I'll be working closely with President [Frederick] Lawrence and his team.  I'll also be reaching out to members of the Brandeis community-professors, students, staff and [alumni]," he wrote in an email to the Justice. "I want to learn about their experiences so I will have a full picture of our Brandeis from all perspectives."

Traquina explained that he would like to see more initiatives passed regarding affordability and financial aid.  "My wife and I have created two endowed scholarship funds to help students afford a Brandeis education.  We have been fortunate enough to meet many of those scholars, and it is very rewarding to see what they are able to do with the opportunities that Brandeis gives them," Traquina wrote.

Traquina is also interested in incorporating technology into the curriculum and the expansion of faculty diversity.  "At the end of the day, we need to create an academic experience that provides Brandeis students with an outstanding education," he wrote.

The next Board meeting will be held in October.