Minutes: October 23rd, 2001

Minutes of the Academic

Senate Meeting

of October 23, 2001

Chair Vaughn called the Academic

Senate to order at 2:10 p.m.

Senate Members Present:

Alvarez,

Alvin

Avila, Guadalupe

Bartscher, Patricia

Blomberg, Judith

Boyle, Andrea

Collier, James

Colvin, Caran

Concolino, Christopher

Consoli, Andres

Daniels, Robert

Duke, Jerry

Edwards, James

Fung,

Robert

Garcia, Oswaldo

Garcia, Velia

Gillotte, Helen

Gerson, Deborah

Gregory, Jan

Harnly, Caroline

Henry, Margaret

Hom, Marlon

Houlberg, Rick

Hubler, Barbara

Jerris, Scott

Kassiola,

Joel

Langbort, Carol

Levine, Josh

Luft, Sandra

McKeon, Midori

Moallem, Minoo

Oñate, Abdiel

Raggio, Marcia

Sayeed, Lutfus

Scoble, Don

Shrivastava, Vinay

Smith, Miriam

Steier,

Saul

Su, Yuli

Terrell, Dawn

Vaughn, Pamela

Warren, Mary Anne

Warren, Penelope

Yip, Yewmun

Bishop, Anna

Newt-Scott, Ronda

Wolf, Bruce

Senate

Members Absent:

President Corrigan

(exc.), Rob Strong (exc.); Thomas LaBelle (exc.); Karima Adisa-Thomas

(abs); Marv Friedman (abs); Eunice Aaron (exc.); Bob Cherny (exc.);

Vijay Ganji (abs.); Susan Higgins (abs.) Amy Nichols (exc.); Mitch Turitz

(exc.)

Guests: Gail Whitaker, William Sievert, Kara Hearn, Shelly Smith,

Nicole Sumner, Jesse Drew, Lise Swensen, Lisa Jordan, Jason Velo, Aimée

Z. Barnes, Horace Montgomery, Susan Connell, Michael Gregory, Jesse

Drew, Nancy McDermid, Ken Monteiro, Arlene Campbell, Dominic Yu, Liza

Mulvenne, Laura Brun, Praat P. Chatterjee

Announcements and Reports

·

Chair’s Report

Emotions are running high at

this time, due in no small part to September 11, but also due to budget concerns

and the impasse in bargaining - again. The Senate and the CFA have different

roles to play in the lives of CSU Faculty, but we share our concern for faculty

welfare and for the preservation of faculty rights, faculty hiring and review,

appointment and review of academic administrators, business and fiscal matters,

campus development, academic and professional standards, and the mission and

goals of the University. Efforts to strengthen faculty rights ought to be

commended, and so I would like to compliment the SFSU, CFA, and its president,

Mitch Turitz, for the excellent TeachCSU on October 16 - well done!

In addition, I would like to

commend the fine letter of Professor Henry Reichman, Chair of the History

Department at CSU Hayward, and of our own Professor Jonathan Middlebrook,

English Department (published in Saturday’s SF Chronicle). Each takes to task

the CSU’s publicist Colleen Bentley-Adler for her “lies, damn lies, and statistics”

to quote Reichman, quoting Mark Twain. Professor Middlebrook’s comment about

bloat in the CSU central administration is worth reading for you- “every dollar

disproportionately allocated toward administrative bloat means students and

taxpayers are being cheated out of the teaching they assume they’ve paid for.

The 30 percent increase in administrative employment did not teach a single

student. Administrative bloat, by the way, hires directors of Public Affairs,

like Bentley-Adler, who then mislead the public on the important matter of

who gets paid what. Faculty and staff have no such hired guns. We write our

own letters, on our own time.”

So, well done, CFA, and well

done, Professors Reichman and Middlebrook. We all need to make our voices

heard, each in her or his-own way.

Agenda Item #1 - Approval of the Agenda

for October 23, 2001

The agenda was accepted with

the change M/S/P (Colvin, Gregory) to limit debate under agenda item

#8 to two minutes each

Agenda Item

#2 - Approval of Minutes for October 9, 2001

The minutes for October 9, 2001

will be presented at the next Senate meeting November 6, 2001.

Agenda Item # 3 - Resolution Honoring Judith Ott

Chair Vaughn asked that the Senate

approve a resolution in Honor of Judith Anne Ott.

WHEREAS, Judith Anne Ott

has served San Francisco State University loyally and unstintingly since 1964;

and Whereas, during that time she has seen this campus grow from San Francisco

State College (15,600 students) to San Francisco State University (27,700

students), an increase of 78 percent; and WHEREAS, during that time she has

also seen the Bulletin grow from three slim volumes to its current

impressive and shelf-bending size, to its cyber-version, and beyond; and WHEREAS,

she retains in her incomparable memory everything about every major or minor

program ever offered at this University, including all prerequisites for now-defunct

programs; and

WHEREAS, she demonstrates extraordinary

efficiency in all she undertakes; and WHEREAS, the Curriculum Review and Approval

Committee of the Academic Senate would have long since lost its bearings without

her unerring sense of direction and purpose; and WHEREAS, she has decided

to retire from San Francisco State University after thirty-seven years of

distinguished service; and WHEREAS, her retirement will leave a void on this

campus which cannot easily be filled; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that

Judith Anne Ott receive, on behalf of generations of faculty, the thanks of

the entire Academic Senate and of all who have served, are serving, and will

serve in the Senate and on its Curriculum Review and Approval Committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Judith Anne Ott be enrolled among the legendary

figures of San Francisco State University and be memorialized in its tales

of remarkable feats; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Academic Senate

urge the Office of Academic Affairs to retire her nameplate and have it enshrined

in a place of honor in Academic Affairs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that

Judith Anne Ott be made an honorary member of the Academic Senate in perpetuum

and be awarded the title domina curriculorum emerita.

The resolution was adopted by acclamation.

Agenda Item #4 - Proposed Changes to Existing Segment II

Policy

These policy changes are the

product of deliberations among faculty on the Segment II Area Committees and

the GE Council over the past year.  Minor changes have been made in response

to APC concerns.  The revision and renewal of Segment II will begin this year.

Chair Marlon Hom

reported that both the Senate Executive Committee and the Academic Policy

Committee have reviewed the recommendations by the General Education Council

for minor changes to GE Segment II. The three minor changes are: (1) the addition

of a fifth category -Category E: Language other than English; (2) minor language

changes in the summary section of the policy; and (3) a revision of the guidelines

for submission courses upon review by college deans.

M/S/P (Duke, Wolf) moved to

second reading

Bruce Wolf asked if this is an addition to Segment

II requirement or just another category for students to choose from? Jerry

Combs responded that it adds another option but it does not change the

number of units required.

M/S/P (Duke, Houlberg) to close

debate

Voting on the item passed unanimously.

Agenda Item #5 - Proposed Revisions to the Bachelor of Arts

Degree in Journalism

The Department of Journalism

seeks to formalize as a sequence a group of existing courses many majors have

already taken in preparation for careers in Online News.  The Department further

seeks to add a requirement that all majors take at least one course in visual

journalism.  These changes respond to a profession in transition, with the

aim of keeping graduates competitive.  The proposed revisions also include

the reduction in the number of units required for graduation to 120, in keeping

with recent CSU adjustments.  There is no change to the Journalism minor. 

The Department of Journalism foresees no likely shifts in FTE or resources

in consequence of the proposed changes.

Andrea Boyle (speaking for Amy Nichols, chair of CRAC)

reported that the Department of Journalism is seeking to formalize a sequence

of courses that prepares students for online journalism news. The proposed

revision also includes a reduction in the number of units required to 120

for the degree. No new resources are necessary. Gail Whitacker reminded

the Senate that a formalized sequence of courses is not the equivalent of

a program. A sequence of courses is used for advising.

M/S/P (Houlberg, Gillotte)

to second reading

Rick Houlberg advised

that the department of Broadcast, Electronic and Communication Arts had worked

with the department of Journalism and were in full support of their request.

M/S/P (Terrell, Steier) to

close debate

Voting on the item, passed unanimously.

Agenda Item #6 - Proposed Revisions to the Minor in Ethical

Issues in Science and Technology

Andrea Boyle reported that during the 1998-99 academic

year; the NEXA Program began an evaluation of the minor, which it offers jointly

with the Department of Philosophy.  Student interest and inquiries to NEXA

and to faculty have increased.  In addition to documenting the continuing

availability of listed courses, the intentions were to investigate and perhaps

add new courses, especially those covering the recent discoveries and research

in science and technology.  NEXA 440, “Ethical Issues in Science and Technology,”

has been taught since spring 1999; it is particularly appropriate as an addition

to the core. The proposed changes to the program requirements are necessary

for updating, continued relevance and category coherence.

 In summary, changes are in four

categories: course deletion, course title modification, course addition, and

category modification.

M/S/P (Gregory, Houlberg) move to second reading.

M/S/P (Steier, Gregory) to

close debate

Voting on the item, passed

unanimously

Agenda Item #7 - Proposed Calendar for Summer 2002

Marlin Hom, Chair of the Academic Policy Committee,

recommended to the Senate changes to the Summer Session Calendar recommended

by the Summer Semester Review and Assessment Committee. The proposed change

will create two five-week sessions and one ten-week session. The written proposal

with rationale was provided to all senators. Rick Houlberg asked how

was the short five-week session derived and were any faculty polled. Hom

and Gail Whitaker, Vice President Academic Affair, responded that the

five and ten-week came from the Senate’s Summer Session Committee and from

a polling of department chairs and deans.  Pamela Vaughn added that

the Academic Senate sent out a survey to all units on campus including faculty

to assess satisfaction with the new summers session. The department chairs

were asked to poll their faculty and to pass that information on to the Summer

Semester Review and Assessment Committee. Jan Gregory indicated that

students taking composition and writing courses during the summer might find

it very difficulty to learn new skills and to integrate them and bring about

a genuine change in writing ability. Hom reminded the Senate that the

new summer session includes an eight-week session that could be used for writing

composition classes. Vaughn reminded senators that the proposed calendar

is for Summer 2002 only.

M/S/P (Terrell, Shrivastava)

to second reading

M/S/P (Duke, Shrivastava) to

close debate

Voting on the item, passed

unanimously

Agenda Item

#8 - Proposed Discontinuance o the Master of Arts Degree in Creative Arts:

Concentration in Interdisciplinary Arts and Concentration in Creativity and

Arts Education

The Academic Senate first

reviewed this item in Spring 2001 during the May 8, 2001 and May 15, 2001

meetings.  The proposal returns in first reading, for further consideration.

The College of Creative Arts submits for consideration a formal recommendation

for discontinuance of the academic programs of the InterArts Center (IAC),

through a phase-out process over two years.  The primary reason for discontinuance

is to consolidate programs in the College and to save money.  The IAC academic

programs to be discontinued are the two graduate programs, and some of the

undergraduate courses.

Chair Vaughn reminded everybody that since so many want

to speak on this issue that the senate has approved to limit each speaker

to 2 minutes.

William Sievent,

speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, focused his concern

on procedural problems in the recommendation and the value of these programs.

IAC mission has always been about criticizing what is going on in society.

The loss of these programs will diminish the opportunities for students and

especially working class people to experience the activeness nature of the

program.  Kara Hearn, IAC Student speaking against the discontinuance

of the IAC programs, argued that the closing of the program to new admission

this fall has dramatically reduced student enrollment and limited the offering

of IAC classes. In her own case one of her IAC classes was change to an independent

study class due to the fact that she was the only student.  Shelly Smith,

IAC student speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, noted

that the IAC program has graduated 20 masters student a year. The students

are making an invaluable contribution to the arts community for very little

academic cost to the university.  Nicole Sumner, IAC Alumni speaking

against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. As a former teacher in the

public school found IAC programs invaluable in integrating community theory

and practice.  Like to see the university working together, working to support

common programs. Bruce Wolf, speaking against the discontinuance of

the IAC programs raised the concerned that a full discussion, that included

student, did not take place. There have been many questions about procedures

not being followed. Questions the procedure of tacking resources from one

program (IAC) to feed another. The loss of IAC will diminish the cope of our

academic programs and reduce the image of SFSU.  Anna Bishop, speaking

against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, noted that the Associated

Students strongly supports the programs remaining.

M/S/P (Duke, Houlberg) move to second reading.

Rene Garcia, IAC student speaking against the discontinuance

of the IAC programs. IAC is a low cost high-level education. IAC develops

skills for the art community that allows the students to go out into the world

to make a difference. Jesse Drew, IAC Faculty and Associate Dean of

the SF Art Institute and speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs.

IAC programs are profoundly important for the art community. He is extremely

grateful to IAC and SFSU for his academic and teaching skills. He is strongly

against the discontinuance of IAC programs.  Chris Novak, IAC Alumni,

speaking against the discontinuance of IAC programs, completed his undergraduate

work at the Art Institute and found the graduate program of IAC invaluable.

Bruce Wolf, speaking against the discontinuance of IAC programs, asserted

that we must be careful how we mediate our programs. Keith Morrison,

Dean Creative Art, speaking in favor of the discontinuance of the IAC programs,

noted that before coming to SF state he was the dean of the SF Art Institute.

Came to SFSU because it is a better place, appreciate that IAC was here and

tried to keep it. However, IAC enrolls about 20 new students while other departments

in the college have much greater demand. The College offers many interdisciplinary

arts courses and 40% of the IAC curriculum will be maintained. We have an

interarts certificate program.  Mary Ann Warren, Ask for a clear picture

on what will happen if we vote against the discontinuance of the IAC programs.

Keith Morrison stated that if the Senate votes against the discontinuance

then the recommendation would have to go to the Provost since there is no

money in the College to support IAC. Money would have come from some place

else. Dore Bowen, speaking against the IAC program discontinuance.

Believes that IAC has been mismanaged and to say that there is no money is

not accurate. Ronda Newt-Scott, Associate Students President, speaking

against the discontinuance of IAC programs, reminded the senators that students

and faculty must work together and the programs in IAC are something that

the students want to keep. He warned faculty not to forget that you might

need help from the student body during this time of contract negotiation.

Dawn Terrell indicated that the argument being made are very impressive,

however, how can plans be realistic to continue a programs given the lack

of funds. The reality is funds are not available to continue the program.

One important questions is how do the important teaching IAC has offered continue? 

Marcia Raggio, pointed out that the document provided indicate that

Dean Morrison assures the Senate that the nature of the IAC teaching can be

pursued in the Art department. Lisa Swenson, IAC Faculty, speaking

against the IAC program discontinuance. Asked the Senate to vote against the

discontinuance and in good faith we will go back to our community to find

the resources needed to maintain IAC’s programs. Nicole Sumner, IAC

Alumni speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. Stated that

in the past IAC was fully funded. Over the years funds have been cut and lecturer

faculty have replaced permanent faculty. The programs were eroded from the

inside by mismanagement. Jan Gregory, asked if it is true that the

recommendation from the Senate will go to the Provost? Chair Vaughn

responded by reading from senate policy that did not address the action that

would take place after a vote by the Senate. Marlon Hom, in clarification

outlined that the discontinuance of IAC’s programs were approved by EPC, (consisting

of APC and CRAC), and the Graduate Council. At each level of the review guests

were invited to speak to both sides of the issue. IAC programs as presently

constituted without tenure track faculty does not meet the requirement of

the California Education Code in that graduate education must be in the hands

of the tenured and tenure track faculty. Chris Novak, IAC Alumni speaking

against the discontinuance of the IAC programs pointed to the disregard for

procedure by the individuals who put the discontinuance request together.

That closing enrollment to IAC this prior to action by the Senate is a violation

of proper procedure. Requested that the Senate to give us a chance to put

the programs back together, to overcome the mismanagement and to find the

funding. Chair Vaughn pointed out that the university often suspends

enrollments when department or programs are in crises and that is has been

a practice for a number of years. Kara Hearn, IAC Student speaking

against the discontinuance of the IAC programs pointed out the money was found

to paint the art building doors and plan a new color scheme for the building

so why can’t it be found for IAC programs? 

M/S/P (Bartscher, Terrell)

to close debate

Bruce Wolf requested an answer to Gregory question concerning what

happens if senate rejects the discontinuance of the IAC masters programs.

Bartscher indicated that a vote on discontinuance is similar to the

creation of a program. The Senate vote will go to Provost/Vice President for

Academic Affairs and the President. 

Voting, 29 to 21 in favor of

discontinuance

Adjourn at 3:49 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Edwards

Secretary to the Faculty

Meeting Date (Archive)