Student Government (SG) invited RIT President Sanders for a presentation about the Building Operational Excellence Initiative and discussed the open letter regarding the proposed General Education revisions.
Building Operational Excellence Initiative
President Sanders presented on the Building Operational Excellence Initiative. The initiative aims to “strengthen how RIT organizes its work, uses its resources and supports its missions and goals.” To support these goals, RIT has hired the consulting firm Bain & Company.
Due to drops in enrollment, RIT’s projected revenue is flat for the third consecutive year, according to Sanders. However, he asserted that the initiative isn’t about balancing the budget but rather reducing the need for budget cuts.
Building Operational Excellence may lead to layoffs in the future.
“I can say pretty much with certainty the number of employees at RIT will be less a year from now than it is today,” Sanders said. “We need to cut costs and… about 80% of our costs are salaries.”
In the event of layoffs, Sanders added that RIT will try to help people find other employment opportunities.
Some programs and services may also be eliminated, although specifics are still unclear.
This initiative is currently in its first of three phases. During this phase, RIT is working with Bain & Company to assess performance. In phase two, RIT will make plans of action with their findings from phase one and input from the RIT community. Lastly, plans will be implemented.
More information about Building Operational Excellence can be found here. Sanders encourages students to email operationalexcellence@rit.edu or fill out this form with any input.
Open Letter
Ihab Mardini, a representative from Faculty Senate and an Associate Professor from the School of Design, opened a discussion regarding the open letter.
The letter urges administration to reconsider the proposed revisions to the General Education curriculum and criticizes RIT’s implementation of AI in academics.
One major concern outlined in the letter is that the addition of a required AI class will lead to classes being cut within the College of Liberal Arts (COLA). Jacob Brodeur, an SG representative on Faculty Senate’s General Education Committee clarified that courses will not be removed but course sections will be.
COLA Senator, Naomi Arias Rios added that some course sections were going to be cut regardless of General Education changes
Jennie Wiley, Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences Senator noted that although students in her college tend to be more optimistic about AI, she has “only observed support” of the open letter. She emphasized that students desire to choose if they would like to take a class about AI or not.
Lila Frazier, Computer Engineering Technology Senator expressed concern about RIT falling behind as an institution without AI courses. She added that as AI becomes more prevalent, students may struggle to find employment after graduation if they do not receive a well-rounded education in AI.
At the end of the discussion, Yasmine Ibrahim, SG President shared final thoughts. First, she explained that the proposed course would not replace the current General Education perspectives. Categories will be changed but courses will not be removed. The three professors hired to teach the course would train a group of professors who volunteer to teach the class.
“Right now, all branches of the university governance are actively working to produce guidelines to maintain personal autonomy while still preparing students for a world with AI,” Ibrahim added.
PawPrints
Jameson Baker, Director of Student Relations, presented the week’s PawPrints.
“RIT Dining: The Need for Extended Hours and Healthier Options” was charged to the Dining Committee.
“Transparency on Surveillance Cameras At RIT” was charged to Parking, Transportation, and Outdoor Spaces.
“No Exams on Career Fair Day” was charged to Academics & Co-ops.
“Give Gosnell Frogs Enrichment” was charged to Clubs, Policy, and Wellbeing.
The meeting adjourned after two hours.
