Steering Committee Formed to Lead Disability Services Audit

Syracuse University today announced a 16-member steering committee comprised of faculty, staff and students to oversee a comprehensive audit of disability services across campus. The steering committee will be responsible for identifying a national consultant to conduct the audit, and working with the consultant to make recommendations to improve the campus experience for members of the community who are disabled.

The new committee, formed at the request of Chancellor Kent Syverud, will be co-chaired by Joanna Masingila, dean of the School of Education, and Michael Schwartz, associate professor of law.

Masingila and Schwartz will work with the committee to define its goals, scope and responsibilities. The committee will also soon begin its search for a national expert in disabilities-related work to conduct the audit of University policies. The audit will include evaluating Syracuse University’s processes and policies on student housing, academic and non-academic accommodations, medical leaves and other disability-related policies.

The steering committee also includes the following members of the University community:

• Joe Alfieri, director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC);
• Portia Altman, counselor, Disability Services;
• Jenny Gluck associate chief information officer for academic services;
• Rob Hradsky, senior associate vice president of the student experience and dean of students;
• Diana (Dee) Katovitch, assistant director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education;
• Stephen Kuusisto, University Professor in the School of Education;
• William Myhill, interim Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator;
• Priya Penner, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences;
• Paula Possenti-Perez, director of the Office of Disability Services;
• Scott Taylor, director of transfer and veterans admissions;
• Kevin Treadway, a freshman, in the College of Arts and Sciences;
• Diane Wiener, director of the Disability Cultural Center;
• Edward (Eddie) Zaremba, a first-year student in the College of Law; and
• A University Senator, to be selected in consultation with the Senate Agenda Committee.

Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost; Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience; and Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, led the effort to identify and select committee members. The group issued an open call for nominations in March.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.