Karen M. Young, associate professor and chair of the Computerized Design and Manufacturing Department [1] of Alfred State College, has been elected chair of that body’s Faculty Senate. The chair is elected for a two-year term and may serve two consecutive terms.

As chair, Young’s responsibilities include presiding at all meetings of the Faculty Senate, all meetings of the Executive Committee, and all general Faculty meetings not called by the President of the College. She will also prepare and circulate to the faculty all agendas for meetings, represent the faculty at appropriate on-campus and off-campus College functions, and serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of all other Senate Standing Committees.

The Faculty Senate is the representative body through which ASC faculty participate in college affairs and shared governance, and serves as a forum for discussion of issues that are vital to the mission of Alfred State. Through committees and a democratically elected legislative body, the Senate endeavors to provide the faculty and professional staff with a voice in the governance of the college, and to represent the needs and interests of our college community to the administration.

The Senate considers, advises, and recommends policies and procedures in matters which concern the general welfare of the college community, including criteria for faculty promotion and tenure, academic regulations, curriculum development and review, student life, and budget and planning.

Young, a 1982 alumna of Alfred State College’s drafting program, returned to ASC as an instructor in 1993. She became chair of the department in 2005.

Young resides in Olean with her two children.