December 10, 2024

Academic Senate

Plenary Meeting Agenda

Tuesday 10 December 2024

Zoom

2:00 PM

December 10, 2024

2:00-2:05 PM: Open Floor Period: The Open Floor Period provides an informal opportunity for campus community members to raise questions or make comments directed to Senators, Senate officers or to university administrators. Please arrive promptly at 2:00 PM. Please limit comments to not more than three minutes per topic. Senators may make announcements under Item 3 below.

Sen. Wolf announced two conferences coming in 2025, both coordinated by the College of Graduate Education.  These include Bridge to Belonging: CA CEC's Inclusive Education Conference, taking place on February 26-27, 2025 at CSU Northridge, and SF State's 11th Annual Meaningful Collaboration in Early Childhood Conference, taking place on March 8, 2025 via Zoom. 

2:05 PM: Call to Order

1. Approval of agenda 

Sen. Collins moved to include a Resolution in Support of Darlene Yee-Melichar’s Nomination for CSU Faculty Trustee. This item was entered into the chat.  

Sen. Harvey seconded the amendment to the agenda.

Sen. Collins explained Dr. Yee-Melichar’s role the Board of Trustees and noted that she is coming to the end of her first term. The document outlines her work, her contribution, and affirms the campus’s support of her. Work on the Board of Trustees. 

Sen. Hellman spoke in support and affirmed that he would like to have this document approved.

Sen. Segovia-McGhan wondered that, if amended, would the resolution would be placed as item 14 on the plenary agenda? 

The amendment was held to a vote.

42 yes

0 no

0 abstention

The agenda is approved as amended.

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary

The December 3 minutes were still in process at this time and were not available for approval. They were submitted January 2025. 

1. Senator announcements: Any senator can speak to no more than 3 minutes per topic.  This is a good time for senators who are college representatives to share announcements from their respective colleges.

Vice Chair Holschuh provided information about the January 22 Campus Retreat. She invited all to RSVP and invited interested parties to submit proposals for faculty and staff roundtables and RSCA affinity groups. 

1. Reports
2. Senate chair's report

Chair Wilson explained that the day’s meeting was originally scheduled as a standing committee meeting, and so the president and provost will not be giving reports. He offered thanks to all who joined last Wednesday’s meeting about academic program discontinuance. Chair Wilson noted that elections for the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) are underway. 

No University president's report

No University provost's report

1. Associated Students President's report

Sen. Foley extended thanks to all who participated in the book drive. He summarized where people may take their books. Sen. Foley then moved to note that the Governing Gators program has wrapped up well with a celebratory lunch. He is looking forward to next semester. 

1. Standing committee reports
2. Academic Policies Committee

Sen. Islami noted that the Educational Policies Council (E.P.C.) brought the Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Students back for second reading. She noted that EPC received helpful feedback. Furthermore, APC brought revisions to the academic calendar policy in second reading. 

1. Campus Curriculum Committee

Sen. Harvey gave notice that the committee brought three new certificates and a name change to plenary. 

1. Faculty Affairs Committee

Sen. Brown gave notice that FAC has no new items for the day’s plenary. They continue to work on items laid out last plenary.

1. Strategic Issues Committee

Sen. Trousdale gave notice that SIC has no new items for the day’s agenda. They continue to work on items laid out last plenary. 

1. Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Christensen gave notice that SAC has no new items the day’s agenda. 

Informational Items: An informational item is a statement announcing the completion of a process, carried out in accordance with Senate policy, and requiring formal notification of the Senate at its conclusion. 

1. Presidential memo regarding financial emergency to initiate Institutional Review Committee

Chair Wilson summarized this issue

Consent Items:  A consent item is one deemed by the initiating committee and the Executive Committee to be non-controversial, requiring no debate. Any Senator may request to debate the item, in which case it is considered as new business in first reading.  If there is no request to debate, the Chair will declare debate closed and the motion adopted by “General Consent.”  It may be read into the record, or we may move directly to the next agenda items.

There were no consent items.

Continuing Business: Continuing (once called Old) Business involves items returning to the Senate, usually in Second Reading, but occasionally still in First Reading. Items in Second Reading belong to the Senate as a whole rather than to an individual or committee. Comments on Second Reading items should be confined to those for or against or proposing specific amendments. We ordinarily limit each speaker to three minutes. Senators may yield their time to non-Senators if needed. Amendments and the final document are passed or not passed by majority vote. 

Second Reading

Educational Policies Council

1. Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Students (PDF)

Sen. Islami brought the item to the floor in second reading. It was additionally noted that two committees, LDCC and UDCC, will go away and replaced by BRC, BRCC, and BRAC. 

Sen. Way: added an amendment to the chat:

Table between lines 24 and 25, remove footnote 1 on Area 4. Lines 25-26 is converted from a footnote and included in the body of the proposal to read (added text highlighted in yellow):

The three courses taken in Area 4 (upper (see below) and lower division) must be taken in at least two different disciplines. US History is one of the required courses in lower division Area 4 for First-Time Freshmen (FTF).

Sen. Harvey seconded this amendment and spoke in favor, noting that it is clear, concise, and useful to moving the policy forward. 

Sen. Christensen moved to amend further for clarity, noting that:

The three courses taken in Area 4 (upper division general education (see below)…

Vice Chair Holschuh combined these both and inserted it into the document. 

The amendment was then held to a vote.

Yes: 44

No: 0

Abstain:   4

The amendment was passed.

Sen. Way added another amendment:

The SLOs and course expectations will be used to certify and periodically assess and recertify courses for inclusion

as graduation requirements. and Instructors should… (lines 35-38).

Sen. Harvey seconded the amendment.

Sen. Way explained the context of the amendment, noting that here has been a need to make sure that SLOs and course expectations are included. 

The amendment was put to a vote:

Yes:  42

No: 0

Abstain:  7

The amendment was passed.

Sen. Way added another amendment:

Lines 809 and 810 change to (added text highlighted in yellow): Students may not complete a major and minor in the same discipline, as defined by the department. (i.e. within the same HEGIS or CIP code).

Sen. Harvey seconded the amendment.

Sen. Way provided context, noting that this gives departments more authority to decide.

The amendment was held to a vote.

Yes:  45

No: 0

Abstain:  0

The amendment was passed. Chair Wilson offered congratulations to all.

The entire policy (as amended) was then held to a vote.

Yes:  40

No: 2

Abstain:  4

The item was passed.

Academic Policies Committee

1. Academic Calendar Policy (PDF)

Sen. Islami moved it to the floor. She handed over to Sen. Takagi

Sen. Takagi gave notice that this proposed revision is the same as the one presented for first reading last week. The revision is to change the academic year calendar to be approved for the next two academic years instead of one so that the transition between the academic years becomes more seamless.

It was then held to a vote.

Yes:  45

No:  0

Abstain:  1

The policy was passed.

Campus Curriculum Committee

1. New Certificate: Multilingual and International Tourism Competencies

Sen. Harvey noted that there were no concerns about the next two certificates.

Sen. Collins spoke in favor, noting that this prepares students for the 21^st century. 

It was then held to a vote.

Yes:  42

No:  0

Abstain:  3

The certificate was passed.

1. New Certificate: Multilingual and International Business Competencies

Sen. Harvey again noted that there was nothing deemed controversial about this certificate.

It is now held to a vote.

Yes:  40

No:  0

Abstain:  3

The certificate was passed. 

1. New Certificate: Certificate in Global Health

Sen. Harvey noted that during the last plenary meeting,  some conversation was had about this certificate and how it will achieve student outcomes. The issue was addressed by Sen. Ellis. CCC moved it to second reading. 

Sen. Collins spoke in strong favor, highlighting the intellectual breadth it embodies. 

It was held to a vote.

Yes:  42

No: 0

Abstain:  1

The certificate was passed. 

1. Name Change: Master of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies

Sen. Harvey explained that the name change is a straightforward process. He offered thanks to the committee for their work on this issue. 

It was then held to a vote.

Yes:  43

No:  0

Abstain: 1

The name change was approved. 

Senator Sohler

12. Academic Program Discontinuance Policy, #S24-177

Once the reviews are completed, an Institutional Review Committee (composed of two faculty elected by and from the voting members of the faculty of each college, one staff person elected by and from the voting members of the staff of each college, the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning (DUEAP) and the Graduate Dean) will review all programs, including any department-generated statements that have been submitted.

Sen. Sohler introduced the item. 

Sen. Harvey spoke in favor of the item and offered an amendment:

Policy on Program Sustainability, Continuance, and Discontinuance, S24-177

Sen. Landy: seconded the amendment.

Sen. Harvey explained the reason for his proposed amendment to the title, noting the triggering nature of the word “Discontinuance.” The proposed new title more accurately notes what the mission going forward will be. 

Vice Chair Holschuh noted that the item is in PolicyStat and we cannot change the title.

Sen. David Landy: noted that he is in favor of having staff involvement on the committee. As this concerns curriculum, this is the domain of the faculty. He puts a supportive note in the chat:

AAUP Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities

The faculty has primary responsibility for such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction, research, faculty status, and those aspects of student life which relate to the educational process.               

Chair Wilson noted that Sen. Landy’s revision will need to wait until the sitting amendment is voted on.

The amended title was put to a vote.

Yes:  21

No: 9

Abstain:  9

Sen. Landy returned to offer his amendment:

Once the reviews are completed, an Institutional Review Committee (composed of two faculty elected by and from the voting members of the faculty of each college, the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning (DUEAP) and the Graduate Dean) will review all programs, including any department-generated statements that have been submitted. Additionally, one staff person elected by and from the voting members of the staff of each college, shall serve as a non-voting member of the committee.

Sen. De Barros seconded the amendment.

Sen. Sohler voiced disagreement with this amendment, explaining that this policy is about discontinuing programs. To put staff in a position to vote on curriculum is problematic. 

Sen. Zavala also disagreed with the amendment, suggesting that people on the committee must be able to speak knowledgably about curriculum. Also, staff on the committee will be outnumbered by faculty. 

Sen. Trousdale spoke against the proposed amendment. He also stresses the importance of diversity of thought on this committee. He wants staff to have a full vote. 

Sen. Hellman also spoke against the amendment, noting that we talk a lot about equity. This is an opportunity for us to walk the walk. This will be a faculty committee but there must be staff voices present.

The amendment was held to a vote.

Yes:  7

No:  25

Abstain:  5

The amendment dis not pass. The senate then returned to the main motion. The entire item was then held to a vote. 

Yes:  28

No:  3

Abstain:  7

The policy was approved.

New Business: New Business items are brought by a committee or individual to the Senate in First Reading, during which open discussion and debate may occur. We ordinarily limit each speaker to three minutes. Senators may yield their time to non-Senators if needed. The item is then returned to  the Committee for further revision, to be brought back as Continuing Business in Second Reading. 

Executive Committee

13. Vote for Academic Senate Secretary

Sen. Gurney will be leaving his seat on the senate and his post as Senate Secretary at the end of the fall semester. Two members of the campus community self-nominated to complete Sen. Gurney’s role as secretary: Sen. Sohler and CPaGE Instructional Designer Ash Klein.

Both candidates gave brief statements about their educational and professional experience and offered arguments about their suitability for the role.

This was held to a vote:

Sen. Sohler: 20/39 (51%)

Guest Klein: 18/39 (46%)

13. Resolution in Support of Darlene Yee-Melichar’s Nomination for CSU Faculty Trustee

Sen. Hellman moved to bring the item to the floor. Sen. Foley seconded. 

Sen. Harvey offered his support. 

Sen. Hellman supports this and would like to move this to second reading.

Sen. Chou also offered her strong support. 

Sen. Hellman moved to bring this to second. Sen. Foley seconded. 

This was then held to a vote. 

Yes:  38

No:  0

Abstain:  2

The motion was passed and was reintroduced in second reading.

Sen. Harvey spoke in support and offered enthusiasm for approving the resolution. 

The resolution was held to a vote

Yes:  37

No:  0

Abstain:  2

The resolution was passed.

Presentation(s)

13. ASCSU Update: Rob Collins & Dipendra Sinha, ASCSU Senators. (Time approximate 3:00-3:15PM)

Sen. Collins offered a summary of topics discussed at ASCSU. For example, he noted that now that Cal-GETC has moved forward, how will this impact everyone in the CSU? Time, Place, and Manner was also discussed at ASCSU (with Al Liddicoat, for example). Faculty are becoming more involved in leadership and in their careers. Provost Sueyoshi offered guidance on how to scale oneself up. Also, The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) is creating their policy agenda for the year. It was suggested that we think of ways to collaborate, especially in legislative advocacy. Giving students academic credit for participating in shared governance will be important.

Sen. Sinha offered additional items, explaining the ASCSU standing committees (Academic Affairs, Academic Preparation & Education Programs, Faculty Affairs, Fiscal & Governmental Affairs, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion). He then noted the importance of the new First Year Experience course, explaining that Engineering and Business departments will add this to their curricula. He finds this problematic because it will add 3 units to programs. He invited comments about this. He then summarized the CSSA liaison presentation. 

Sen. Collins returned to note a few of resolutions to pay attention to. This included a resolution on the interim time, place, and manner policy. The other is a revision to the faculty trustee nomination and selection criterion process. He then noted that AS-3722-24, Commendation for State Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions and Requests to CSU and State for Related Resource Allocations, is presented for public comment. He wants to hear back about this one, as well as all others. He invites all to reach out to them both for comments or questions. 

Adjournment: Time Definite 4:07PM

 

Ryan Gurney

Secretary

 

Attendance

 

 

 

 

Absent

 

 

Guests

 

 

Post-Plenary Floor Period: This is ordinarily an informal opportunity for senators and guests to meet, exchange information, or follow up on items or questions emerging from the meeting. It will ordinarily run for thirty minutes from the end of formal business, but not beyond 5:00 PM, if people remain online or in the room.