Committees

The All University Committee is the primary deliberative body at the university, and as such all standing, special, and ad hoc committees report to it. The AUC receives all correspondence or proposals for consideration by governance. Faculty and librarians must run for an annual election to serve.

3 Administrators

• Franca Barricelli (Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs - 12/8/25)
• Janette McMenamy (Interim Associate Provost and Dean of Health and Natural Sciences - 12/8/25)
• Pam McCafferty (Vice President for Enrollment Management and Success)
• Patricia Marshall (Provost and Executive Vice President)

8 MSCA

• Peter Staab (Mathematics)
• Steven Fiedler (Chemistry)
• Mark Williams (Behavioral Sciences)
• Paul Weizer (EHPS)
• Laura Garofoli (Psychological Science)
• Jonathan Harvey (Humanities)
• Mathangi Krishnamurthy for Jonathan Harvey (Humanities)
• Kisha Tracy (English)

The Curriculum Committee, after consultation with appropriate department(s), evaluates and makes recommendations to the AUC concerning all deletions from, additions to, or changes in the inventory of courses. The committee also treats the major and general educational requirements, or changes thereto, and any proposals for new major programs of study.

3 Administrators

• Barbara Cormier (University Registrar)
• Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
• Mahmoud Al-Odeh (Dean of Business and Technology - 12/17/25)

16 MSCA, one for each department preferred

• Yang Liu (Business Administration)
• Mary Ann Barbato (Mathematics)
• Christine Dee (EHPS)
• William Cortezia (Education)
• Hong Yu (Engineering Tech)
• Hildy Schilling (Psychological Science)
• Sarah Wright (Mathematics)
• Natasha Kourtonina (Computer Science)
• Min Li (Behavioral Sciences)
• Elizabeth Gordon (Earth, Geographic, and Public Health)
• Erin Rehrig (Biology/Chemistry)
• Dustin Halterman (Education)
• Heather Urbanski (English Studies)
• Olivia Rossetti (Library)
• Christine Devine (Nursing)
• Karina Bautista (Humanities)

The Academic Policies Committee deliberates on and makes recommendations to the AUC concerning such matters as the academic calendar, academic standards, admissions standards, policies governing selective retention, and library services.

3 Administrators/Staff

• Matt Burke (Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Services)
• Robert Hynes (Assistant Dean of Student Support Services/Director of Counseling)
• Tim St. John (Dean of Students)

16 MSCA, one for each department preferred

• Eileen Kirk (Behavioral Sciences)
• Ozge Ozay (EHPS)
• Soumitra Basu (Engineering Tech)
• Collin Syfert (English Studies)
• Andrea Olmstead (Humanities)
• Connie Strittmatter (Library)
• Lori Leonard (Mathematics)
• Lena Fico (Psychological Sciences)
• Aisling O'Connor (Biology/Chemistry)
• Daniel Welsh (Biology/Chemistry)
• Mathangi Krishnamurthy (Biology/Chemistry)
• Samuel Tobin (Communications Media)
• Lynn D'Agostino (Education)
• Lindsay Parisi (EXSS)
• Amy Kendrick (Nursing)
• Xuzhou Chen (Computer Science)
• Guy Karlebach (Computer Science)

The Student Affairs Committee prepares and transmits to the Dean recommendations on student activities, the needs of the students, and student participation in the cultural and social activities associated with the university. The committee also studies other universities’ practices, policies, and student life.

Administrators/Staff

• Andrea Johnston (Associate Director of Financial Aid)
• Summer Fetterroll (Director of Student Accounts
• Ben Kadamus (Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Campus Center)
• Beth Swartz (Executive Director of Grant Funded Success Programs)

5 MSCA, one for each department preferred

• Soumitra Basu (Engineering Technology)
• Nellipher Lewis Mchenga (Nursing)
• Elizabeth Kilpatrick (Biology/Chemistry)
• Kim Bennett (Education)
• Justin Casinghino (Humanities)

The Graduate Education Council makes reports and recommendations concerning changes to course requirements within the existing graduate curriculum, the addition of new courses and the deletion of existing courses, and the criteria applied in the designation of graduate faculty.

Administrators/Staff

• Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
• Mojdeh Bayat (Dean of School of Education)
• Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education)

10 MSCA

• David Weiss (Behavioral Sciences)
• Renee Scapparone (Business Administration)
• Kyle Moody (Communications Media)
• Ricky Sethi (Computer Science)
• Daniel Sarefield (EHPS)
• Christine Dee (EHPS)
• Nirajan Mani (Engineering Tech)
• Robert Shapiro (Education)
• Jane Fiske (Humanities)
• Deborah Stone (Nursing)

The Animal Care Committee reviews protocols for animals (with vertebrae) being used in research projects in order to ensure they are treated in a humane manner. This committee meets as needed.

Administrators/Staff

• Michah Blondeau (Environmental Health and Safety/Compliance Manager)
• Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes

5 seats 

(at least 3 faculty scientists, 1 faculty/ librarian with non-scientific background, no more than 3 from same department) 

• Vacant
• Robert Shapiro (Education)
• Daniel Welsh (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
• John Ludlam (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
• Aisling O'Connor (Scientist-Biology/Chemistry)

In compliance with Federal Laws and Regulations, Fitchburg State University has established this committee for the review and oversight of research protocols and teaching activities involving the use of recombinant DMA (rDNA), microbes, biological toxins, and human and non-human primate materials. Members of the committee need to have a background that includes the use of biohazards.

• Melissa Legare (Laboratory Technician II)
• Michah Blondeau (Environmental Health and Safety/Compliance Manager)
• Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes

3 seats

(at least 2 faculty scientist with background that includes use of biohazards) 

• Mathangi Krishnamurthy (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
• Billy Samulak (Scientist - Biology/Chemistry)
• Eric Williams (Biology/Chemistry)

The Human Subjects Committee protects participants in research at the university. A researcher requesting to conduct a study involving human participants is required to submit a proposal to the committee, which is charged with ensuring that potential discomfort and harm to participants is minimized or eliminated. The committee may also gauge the extent to which the scientific merit of the project is balanced by the cost to the study’s participants. This committee meets as needed. A non-voting outside member may be called to participate in deliberations.

Administrators/Staff

• Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Science) - ex-officio/Convenes
• Robert Hynes (Assistant Dean/Director of Counseling Services)

6 seats, 3-year staggered terms

• Robert Shapiro (Education)
• Jessica Alsup (EXSS)
• Billy Samulak (Biology/Chemistry)
• Collin Syfert (English)
• Thomas Schilling (Psychological Science)
• Yang Liu (Business Administration)

2024 Elected Positions

• Linda LeBlanc, President (Library) 2023 - Present
• Audrey Pereira, Vice President (Business Administration) 2023 - Present 
• Michael Stassen, Treasurer (Mathematics) 2021-Present
• Rala Diakite- Secretary (Humanities) 2025-Present

Executive Committee 

• Vacant
• Lena Fico (Psychological Science)
• Zak Lee (Communications Media)
• Yang Liu (Business Administration)
• Aruna Krishnamurthy (English Studies)

The Professional Development and Retraining Committee meets and confers with the Vice President regarding criteria for awarding programs of professional development, reviews requests for professional development, and makes recommendations regarding approval and allocation of professional development funds.

Administrators/Staff

• Franca Barricelli (Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs - 12/8/25) Convenes
• Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education)

3 MSCA

• Kyle Moody (Communications Media)
• Vacant
• Vacant

•  Danielle Wigmore (EXSS)
• J.J. Sylvia (Communications Media)
• Yang Liu (Business Administration)
• Dennis Awasabisah (Biology/Chemistry)
• Jane Fiske (Humanities)
• Ozge Ozay (EHPS)
• Diego Ubiera (English Studies)

• DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (English)
• Amy Wehe (Mathematics)
• Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
• Billy Samulak (Biology/Chemistry)

• Angela Marini (Administrative Assistant II) Unit I
• Kathryn Campbell (Accountant III) Unit I
• Ann Larsen (Administrative Assistant II) Unit I
• Brian Hayes (Institutional Maintenance Foreman) Unit II
• Matt Lechter (Associate Vice President, Capital Planning and Maintenance)
• Kimberly Page (Executive Director for Personnel Services) Convene
• Stacey Luster (VP for Personnel Services/General Counsel)

• Rebecca Shersnow/Gretchen Mayhew (APA Union Leadership)
• Gretchen Mayhew (Senior Associate Director for Undergraduate Recruitment)
• Stefanie Aiken (Associate Director Admissions)
• Nate Obin (Director of Upward Bound Math and Science)
• Kimberly Page (Executive Director for Personnel Services) Convene
• Stacey Luster (VP for Personnel Services/General Counsel)
• 2 APA appt by President of University and 2 appt by Chapter President

The Parking Committee meets once a month and makes recommendations on lot distribution and parking rules and regulations.

• Lisa Mirasolo (Administrative Assistant II) AFSCME
• Matt Lechter (Associate Vice President of Capital Planning and Maintenance) Convene
• Lt. Phil Karampatsos, University Police)
• Hildy Schilling (Psychological Science)
• Michael McCutcheon (Behavioral Sciences)
• Vacant (2)

The Safety Committee will deliberate and make policy recommendations to provide a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment at Fitchburg State. Academic chairs are encouraged to apply.

• Jannette McMenamy (Dean of Health and Natural Sciences) - ex-officio/Convenes
• Bruno Fraga (EHS/Risk Manager)
• Philip Karampatsos (Staff Assistant/ Police Lieutenant) Police
• Ian Murray (Laboratory Technician II)
• Karen Kowlzan (Laboratory Technician II)
• Sean Rollins (Biology/Chemistry)
• Vacant (5)

The International Advisory Committee offers advice and makes policy recommendations to the ACC and Academic Affairs concerning the development and promotion of internationally related materials, events, activities, and programs.

Administrators/Staff

• Franca Barricelli (Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs - 12/8/25)  
• Nelly Wadsworth (Executive Director of International Education) - Convenes  

4 MSCA  

• Rob Carr (Communications Media)
• Eric Budd (EHPS)
• Felicia Farron-Davis (Education)
• Aruna Krishnamurthy (English)

The members of the CTL Council actively advise and consult with the director(s) and other board members of the center on its program of events, funding opportunities, and current and future directions; promote the teaching and learning activities of the center; facilitate center events throughout the year; and initiate new and/or support existing center programs and services.

Administrators/Staff

• Franca Barricelli (Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs - 12/8/25)
• Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
• Megan Krell (Professor Behavioral Sciences - Coordinator CTL) - Convenes

7 MSCA

• Christa Marr (EHPS)
• Denise Simion (Business Administration)
• Katherine Covino (English Studies)
• Kisha Tracy (English)
• Renée Fratantonio (Library)
• Nermin Bayazit (Mathematics)
• Lynn D'Agostino (Education)
• Melissa Dunn (Nursing)

The committee will solicit suggestions for books through emails to students, staff, and the community. Based on the books chosen, members of the committee will seek input to provide suggestions and feedback about events.  It will include co-curricular talks, panel discussions, cultural events and a keynote presentation as well as group talks and some film screenings in the community and on campus.

Administrators/Staff

4 MSCA

• Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
• Meghan Kelly (Library)
• Emma Downs (Biology/Chemistry)
• Wafa Unus (English Studies)

Administrators/Staff

• Lisa Moison (Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education) - Convenes

1 MSCA

• Hildur Schilling (Psychological Science)

• Daniel Welsh (Biology/Chemistry)
• Guy Karlebach (Computer Science)

The Library Advisory Committee meets two or three times a year and solicits input from faculty, students, and staff on library-related matters.

5 MSCA

• Amy McGlothlin (Humanities)
• Renee Fratantonio (Library)
• Mark Williams (Behavioral Science)
• Christine Dee (EHPS)
• Sam Tobin (Communications Media)

Members of the Student Success Task Force collaborate to review institutional policies and procedures that affect our students' success. By analyzing institutional data and national trends in student success, the task force proposes modifications to Fitchburg State's practices in order to promote equitable educational access and student outcomes.

Administrators/Staff

• Amanda Sapienza (Assistant Director, Counseling Services)
• Lindsay Carpenter Connors (Director of Career Services and Advising Center)
• Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
• Ralph Fasano  (Director of Digital Learning, SGOCE)
• Michelle Cota (Associate Director, Student Accounts)
• Kat McLellan (Director of the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center)
• Joseph Flanagan (Case Manager, Student Affairs)
• Bettiann Peura (Assistant Director/SWA/Athletics)

AFSCME

• TBD

3 MSCA

• Mary Baker (Communications Media)
• Amy Wehe (Mathematics)
• Vacant

The Sustainability Advisory Committee deliberates on and makes policy recommendations regarding campus-wide sustainability efforts.

Administrators/Staff

• Mahmoud Al-Odeh (Dean of Business and Technology - 12/17/25) - Convenes
• Matt Lechter (Associate Vice President of Capital Planning and Maintenance)

4 MSCA

• Chris Picone (Biology/Chemistry)
• Michael Hove (Psychological Science)
• Reid Parsons (EGS)
• Jessica Robey (Humanities)

The Technology Advisory Committee brings forth, reviews, and recommends advancements in technology on campus.

Administrators/Staff

• Stefan Dodd  (Chief Information Officer and Assistant Vice President) Convenes
• Allison Bunnell (Staff Associate, Technology Training and Academic Project Administrator)  
• Meagan Martin (Staff Associate, Instructional Technologist)

4 MSCA

• Megan Krell (Behavioral Sciences)
• Kyle Hull (EHPS)
• Lori Leonard (Mathematics)
• Vacant

• Pamela McCafferty (Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success) - Convenes
• Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education)
• CTL Coordinator - Megan Krell (Behavioral Sciences)
• Vacant (Business Administration)
• Vacant (Computer Science)
• Vacant (Library)
• Vacant (Earth, Geographic and Public Health Sciences)
• Vacant (Behavioral Sciences)
• Soumitra Basu (Engineering Technology)
• Vacant (English Studies)
• Eric Williams (Biology/Chemistry)
• Vacant (EXSS)
• Vacant (Humanities)
• Vacant (Education)
• Vacant (Nursing)
• Vacant (Psychological Science)
• Randy Howe (Communications Media) 

The Undergraduate Conference Committee organizes an annual research and creativity conference. The committee is tasked with finding space on campus, making a call to the campus for abstracts, scheduling all of the events, and other advertising. The conference occurs each April on the Fitchburg State campus.

Administrators/Staff

• Franca Barricelli (Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs - 12/8/25)
• Nathan Corbett (Grounds and Events Operation Manager)
• Min Li (Assistant Professor Behavioral Sciences - co-chair) - Convenes
• Jessica Alsup (Associate Professor Exercise and Sports Science - co-chair)

5 MSCA

• Elyse Clark (Environmental, Geographic and Public Health)
• Timothy Hillard (EXSS)
• Lena Ficco (Psychological Science)
• Hong Yu (Engineering Technology)
• Lindsey Parisi (EXSS)

• Carolyn Hughes (Administrative Assistant II/Education)

The AAC will be composed of seven (7) members: one (1) full-time university faculty member who has taught for ALFA, five (5) ALFA participants who are representative of the community, one (1) administrator, and the Dean of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education or designee, ex-officio. As with other special committees, the MSCA will appoint its representative through the MSCA committee-appointment process for two-year staggered terms.

Administrators/Faculty Member

• Lisa Moison
• Hildur Schilling
• Becky Copper-Glenz or designee (ex-officio)

Community Participants

• George J. Bourque II
• Eileen Kennedy
• Wendy Landry

Community Instructor

• Edward Cronin

Community Partner

• Alyssa White

• Vacant

• Vacant 

Administrators/Staff

• Patricia Marshall (Provost and Executive Vice President) - Convenes
• Drew Goodwin (Executive Director of Assessment, Grants, and Sponsored Programs)
• DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (Professor English Studies - Coordinator Faculty Scholarship) - Convenes

8 MSCA

• Benjamin Lieberman (EHPS)
• Connie Strittmatter (Library)
• Andrew Chan (Business Administration)
• Daneen Deptula (Psychological Science)
• Eileen Kirk (Behavioral Science)
• Yang Liu (Business Administration)
• Zachary Miner (Behavioral Science)
• Deb Benes (Nursing)
• Steven Edwards (English Studies)
• Guy Karlebach (Computer Science)
• Ronald Krieser (Biology/Chemistry)
• Vacant

The Crocker Center Advisory Board facilitates the partnership and collaboration between the University and its surrounding community, for the greater purpose of academic and community development. It increases student learning and success by engaging students in high-impact educational practices and learning opportunities through community-based internships, research, and civic learning projects while supporting and recognizing faculty, librarians, and staff who embed community outreach and engagement in the academic core. There are 5 faculty seats on this committee.

Administrators/Staff

• Matt Bruun (Chief of Staff)
• Drew Goodwin (Executive Director of Assessment, Grants, and Sponsored Programs)
• Renee Scapparone (Professor Business Administration - Coordinator Crocker Center) - Convenes

5 MSCA

• Soumitra Basu (Engineering Technology)
• Danette Day (Education)
• Kyle Hull (EHPS)
• Collin Syfert (English Studies)
• Deborah Santoro (Humanities)

The Emeritus Committee reviews nominations by appropriate departments or divisions for conferring emeritus status upon deserving individuals who have retired from the institution. It assesses each candidate’s qualifications based on contributions in the areas of academic excellence, exceptional service, and/or professional engagement, making recommendations for approval by the President. There are 2 faculty seats on this committee.

Administrators/Staff

• Patricia Marshall (Provost and Executive Vice President)- ex-officio

2 MSCA

• TBD

The Honors Advisory Board provides guidance and recommendations to the Honors Coordinator regarding the development, implementation, and oversight of the Commonwealth Honors Program at Fitchburg State. It advises on academic policies, curriculum, and program improvements by reviewing and recommending changes to honors program requirements. As an advisory group, the board reviews curriculum proposals, advises on student recruitment and retention, reads student application files, and collaborates on the overall direction and goals of the honors program, in accordance with the Commonwealth Honors Program guidelines.  There are 8 faculty seats on this committee.

Administrators/Staff

• Mojdeh Bayat (Dean of School of Education)
• Sara Levine (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
• Pam McCafferty (Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success)
• Emma Downs (Associate Professor Biology/Chemistry - co-chair Honors Program) - Convenes
• Catherine Buell (Professor of Mathematics - co-chair Honors Program) - Convenes

8 MSCA

• Kevin McCarthy (Communications Media)
• Catherine Buell (Mathematics)
• Marybeth Donlan (Education)
• Sean Goodlett (EHPS)
• Elizabeth Gordon (Earth, Geographic, and Public Health)
• Lori Steckervetz (Library)
• Jared Vanasse (Earth, Geographic, and Public Health)

4 Administrators

• Chair - Pam McCafferty (Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success)
• Patricia Marshall (Vice President/Provost Academic Affairs)
• Becky Copper-Glenz (Dean of SGOCE)

• Vacant (4)

1. Examine national trends regarding OER resources and make recommendations regarding best practices of their use, including textbook adoption.
2. Examine current use of OER across FSU and make recommendations to increase their use while respecting faculty rights and responsibilities.
3. Propose curricular support for faculty interested in exploring the use of low-cost materials including library resources or OER in their courses.
4. Identify and suggest approaches to remedy any impediments to OER and other affordable course materials adoption at FSU.
   
   There are 6 faculty seats on this committee.

Administrators/Staff

• Barbara Cormier (Registrar)
• Vacant (Student Success)
• Vacant (Academic Dean)

6 MSCA

• Kisha Tracy (English Studies)
• Connie Strittmatter (Library)
• Ana Mesquita-Emlinger (Engineering Technology)
• Marybeth Donlan (Education)
• Jessica Alsup (EXSS)
• Viera Lorencova (Communications Media)