December 3, 2024

Academic Senate

Plenary Meeting Agenda

Tuesday 3 December 2024

Zoom

2:00 PM

December 3, 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.

Dr. Kai Burrus presented information about Climate HQ. This included an assessment of the intertwined relationship between climate change and social justice, an explanation of the gap between climate initiatives and representation of marginalized and BIPOC communities.  Dr. Burrus outlined ways in which Climate HQ works to close this gap. The organization’s initiatives include student empowerment (fellowships, job fairs, etc.), faculty development, and CSU-wide expansion. Dr. Burrus then outlined the numerous successes of Climate HQ since 2022. The team concluded by encouraging the campus community outreach out and join their efforts. The team includes Co-Director Kai Burrus, Co-Director Aritree Samanta, Co-Director Autumn Thoyre, Program & Communications Specialist Alcides Fuentes, and Budget Specialist Lisa Galli. The full presentation is HERE and the Annual Report is HERE.

2:07 PM: Call to Order

1. Approval of agenda 

Sen. Sohler moved to amend the agenda to introduce an amendment to the academic discontinuance policy (item 17). The amendment would include staff in the policy.

Sen. Foley seconded the motion. The floor was then opened for discussion. 

Discussion was had about the timing of this request as well as whether to add this as an item calling for a separate election. It was explained that this would be preferrable because elections for the IRC are currently underway. Thus, it would be best to hold a separate election specifically for staff. Sen. Solher then offered amended language:

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.

The amendment is called to a vote. Will we add this item and put it in first reading?

Yes: 42

No: 0

Abstain: 2

The item passes.

This becomes item 17

The agenda was approved as amended at 2:18pm.

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary.

The minutes were approved as read at 2:19pm. 

1. Senator announcements: Any senator can speak 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 reminded the senate that the Campus Retreat will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. She invited all to attend.

Sen. Erickson gave notice that the CFA recently held a town hall where over 70 faculty attended. He explained that the CFA is advocating for public education in California and the creation of task forces charged with supporting lecturer faculty. Sen. Erickson then announced that the CFA will host a union social at El Rio in San Francisco on Thursday, December 5, from 6pm to 8pm.  Sen. Erickson then gave notice that the faculty of the College of Liberal and Creative Arts have organized a march honoring departing lecturer faculty. This will take place on Wednesday, December 11^th. 

Immediate Past Chair Goldman provided information in the chat about an upcoming Program Discontinuance Discussion. This will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, 12/4/24, 3-4PM. All members of the campus community are welcome. 

1. Reports
2. Senate chair's report

Chair Wilson reiterated the importance of Immediate Past Chair Goldman’s announcement of the Program Discontinuance Discussion.  He then noted that the December 10^th committee day will shift to Plenary. He explained that this is in part because the senate must vote on changes to the graduation requirements policy. Doing such will allow for the policy to be introduced in first reading today, and then return in second reading on December 10. This will allow sufficient time for recommendations for edits and amendments to be considered.  He then noted the departure of Sen. Gurney from the senate, commended Sen. Gurney for his service, and the need for a new secretary following Sen. Gurney’s departure. The election will be held on December 10. 

1. University president's report

President Mahoney: explained the recent announcement of the institutional fiscal exigency, noting that the use of this phrase is different in our university than it is the typical corporate setting. In our university context, we have a shared governance policy that requires a faculty-driven review process. President Mahoney then gave notice that she will send the senate chair a memo defining what this means. She then explained that SF State’s declining enrollments are part of a national trend of lower college enrollments, noting that enrollments for first-time freshmen went down 3.6% across the state and down 6% nationally. She then described optimistic comments made Education Secretary Cardona. She then outlined some tasks that SF State must do to rebound. These include demonstrating post college outcomes (i.e. describing specific job prospects that a degree will help students prepare for). She then stressed the importance of rebuilding student confidence in SF State.

Discussion was then had about the importance of emphasizing positivity, the need to communicate to students the job and internship pipelines that await them upon graduation, increased support for advisors, and the value of alumni as ambassadors to the local community. 

Sen. Way noted that students who come to advising can be helped, but some have received the message that they won’t be able to get classes and, in some cases, appear to be opting out. Sen. Way then noted that SF State has 6,665 continuing students (here now and not graduating) who have not registered for any Spring classes.

1. University provost's report

Provost Sueyoshi gave notice that the LFCoB started a competitive TikTok campaign. The competition closes on December 5^th and winners will be announced Dec. 18^th. There are 7 videos that have generated 22,525 views. Some of these can be found HERE. 

1. Associated Students president's report

Sen Foley gave notice that Project Connect will hold a book donation drive until the end of the semester. He then explained that Associated Students is accepting applications for scholarships awarding $1,500. He then gave notice that the Governing Gators program is ready to wrap-up for the semester. He noted that Gator Groceries received a $5,000 donation from Don Endo, Vice Chair, SF State Foundation Board of Directors.

1. Standing committee reports
2. Academic Policies Committee

Sen. Islami gave notice that EPC/APC will present Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Students. She then noted that APC will present the Academic Calendar Policy, explaining that the committee continues to work on revisions to the policy on restructuring academic units.

1. Campus Curriculum Committee

Sen. Harvey gave notice that CCC will present two consent agenda items. These include a Reduction in Units for the Minor in International Business, and a Distance Educational Authorization for the BS-RN in Nursing (AND-BSN). CCC also will present three certificates, which include Multilingual and International Tourism Competencies, Multilingual and International Business Competencies, and Global Health. CCC will also present one name change in first reading: Master of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies.

1. Faculty Affairs Committee

Sen. Brown gave notice that FAC has two items for the day’s meeting. These are a Resolution to Prioritize Academic Instruction and Support During Times of Budget Cuts, and a Hiring Policy for Tenure-Track Faculty. She then noted that the committee continues to work on the RTP policy. 

1. Strategic Issues Committee

Sen. Trousdale: gave notice that SIC brings no new items, but explained that the committee continues to communicate with other CSUs about their approaches to the budget problem (e.g. CSU East Bay and Sonoma State University recently presented their approaches to the committee). 

1. Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Christensen gave notice that SAC has no items on the meeting agenda. SAC continues to gather information about faculty mentorship initiatives across the university. The committee plans to bring a resolution back to the plenary in the spring semester.

• 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. ASCSU November 2024 Resolution Packet

Chair Wilson noted that Sen. Sinha and Sen. Collins will present on this at the next meeting but it is provided here for reference.

1. Board of Trustees Meeting Handouts

Chair Wilson summarized the above.

• 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.

Campus Curriculum Committee

1. Reduction in Units: Minor in International Business

Chair Wilson opened the floor for debate. No debate was requested. Chair Wilson noted that the item was then closed and adopted by general consent. 

1. Distance Educational Authorization: BS-RN in Nursing (AND-BSN)

Chair Wilson opened the floor for debate. No debate was requested. Chair Wilson noted that the item was then closed and adopted by general consent.

• 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

Faculty Affairs Committee

1. Resolution to Prioritize Academic Instruction and Support During Times of Budget Cuts (MS Word, PDF)

Sen. Brown invited FAC member, Sen. Saskia van Kampen, to speak to this item.

Sen. Van Kampen explained that there is a desire for a more strategic approach to this issue, as well as a focus on existing resources on direct service. She then explained that since the first reading, FAC has considered community feedback. 

The committee has revised the resolution to more accurately reflect intentions of FAC and to bring to light an issue that is affecting campus more broadly. 

Sen. Collins offered his support and called for the rest of the senate to do the same. 

The resolution was called to a vote. 

Yes:  43

No:  0

Abstain: 2

1. Hiring Policy for Tenure-Track Faculty (MS Word, PDF)
   
   12. Academic Calendar Policy (PDF)

Sen. Brown moved the item to the floor. 

Sen. Sohler summarized the revisions, noting that it includes cohort hiring criteria (as the preferential basis for all hires), as well as clear indications that the hiring letter would include the impact of service credit on RTP reviews. Overall, the policy reflects more accurately the hiring process at SFSU. 

Sen. Erickson noted that faculty have recently raised the possibility of extending long serving lecturers to become tenure-line faculty. He wondered if these revisions preempt those efforts.

Sen. Brown indicated her support for this effort and explained that nothing in the policy would prevent that.

Sen. Collins spoke in strong favor of this item. 

The item was brought to a vote.

Yes:  41

No:  1

Abstain:  6

• 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. 

First Reading

Educational Policies Council

11. Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Students (PDF)

Reference: CSU GE Comparison (F25 vs. Previous)

Chair Wilson explained the links above. 

Sen. Islami brought the item to the floor and provided context for the document. She then ceded time to Dr. Nancy Gerber.

Dr. Gerber provided background about how this document was brought to EPC for consideration. This included discussion and drafts made in collaboration with Kent Lorenz, Faculty Director of General Education. She then summarized revisions made to the drafts. This included the removal of Area E (the first-year experience and second semester writing course), as well as the removal of one course from Area C (in the arts and humanities area), and then changes were made to the lab requirements for the physical and biological sciences. Other changes included making student learning outcomes more accessible. 

Sen. Way yielded time to Jane Dewitt.

Dr. De Witt: offered a few amendments in the meeting chat that are intended to be introduced during the second reading of the item during the December 10 plenary. These amendments included:

Lines 25-26 footnote be moved to the body of the text. Question for the body - please bring the requirement that freshmen admits complete USH in GE-4 to colleagues to see if this is supported or not. Would mean that students would take only one Lower division social sciences course.

Lines 33-38: add that course expectations will be used for the course certification and recertification process.

Lines 809-813 will be changed to: 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). Departments may choose to further restrict or prohibit the completion of a major and a minor in the same department. Such prohibitions or restrictions must be clearly stated in the University Bulletin.

Chair Wilson noted that this will come back in second reading on Dec. 10.

Academic Policies Committee

Sen. Islami brought the item to the floor and invited Sen. Takagi to introduce it.

Sen. Takagi noted that only the next year’s academic calendar needs approval, but they would like to approve two years’ worth. This will make for more consistency for the next two years. 

Discussion was then had about the decision to approve only two years and not three. Sen. Takagi explained that this was proposed, but that people felt that three years would be too long. They will seek approval for two years, see how it goes, and then extend to three if deemed appropriate. 

Campus Curriculum Committee

13. New Certificate: Multilingual and International Tourism Competencies

Sen. Harvey explained the above item, noting that items 13 and 14 both deal with the infusion of internationalism. 

Sen. Collins offered support for this item and the importance for multilingual communication. 

13. New Certificate: Multilingual and International Business Competencies

Sen. Harvey echoed Sen. Collins’s rationale and statements about the importance of multilingual communication. 

Sen. Ellis offered support for the item.

Discussion was then had about the wider impact of these certificates and their international and multilingual scope. Conversations were had about extending the usefulness of multilingual communication to disciplines outside of business. The present items are not related to RS24-467, the Resolution on SF State's Renewed Commitment to Multilingualism and Internationalization. CCC felt that the discipline specificity of the present items may enhance student success on the job market (as employers feel that multilingualism is a professional asset). CCC would like to incentivize the speaking of other languages.    

13. New Certificate: Certificate in Global Health

Sen. Harvey noted the steps and procedures that CCC engages to make suggestions to programs to improve learning outcomes. He invited Sen. Ellis to speak about the item further.

Sen. Ellis noted CCC’s excitement about this new certificate. It brings together about seven or eight departments from different colleges that have been working on health issues (e.g. nursing and anthropology or women and gender studies and public health). She noted that International Relations brings to our campus a global perspective and global reach and prepares students for the global workforce. 

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

Sen. Harvey explained that a name change is the type of item that needs to be brought to the plenary in first reading (and cannot go into consent items). 

13. 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.

Chair Wilson Invited Sen. Sohler to speak to the item.

Sen. Sohler: explained that as someone who manages a budget that does not come from the state of California, she is sensitive to the input of both faculty and staff.

Discussion was had about the constitution of the Institutional Review Committee and the ongoing election for its members. Concern was raised about the lack of visibility of the voting process. It was clarified that information about the election was relayed in Senate Friday Reports and that voting for faculty representatives runs from Nov 25 to Dec 13. Support was then offered for the proposal to include staff on the IRC. Discussion was then had about the policy’s requirement that “the President, or other member of the Administration, then provides a dollar target of the amount needed to be cut from academic programs to the Academic Senate.” It was observed that no dollar target has been provided. Chair Wilson read aloud policy section, “the Process-Conditions of Fiscal Emergency,” noting that this determination is sequential in nature.

Sen. Kim explained that one reason a dollar target has not yet provided is that such a figure will depend on Governor’s January proposed budget (and that won’t be finalized until May). He then reiterated that the reduction needed by the university and academic affairs would be catastrophic (it includes the 7.95% state reduction - this is not enrollment based – this would amount to $21million). The other issue is the loss of revenue resulting lower enrollment.  He then provided clarifying information about the size of the reduction for Academic Affairs salary cuts (about $17.2 million). He explained that significant reductions have been made so far: salary reductions of about $18mllion since July 2023. It is doubtful that there is a college that can sustain the same amount of reduction that they've sustained over the last year and a half.

Discussion was had about the need for communication and visibility for an issue of such importance, as well as the importance of moving ahead with the IRC vote (with the inclusion of staff).

Sen. Sohler noted that staff work during winter break, so staff elections may be held at that time. 

Discussion was had about the practicality of holding such a vote and when. Further comments were made about how closely we follow the policy as it is written and the pros and cons of moving ahead or slowing down with the application of the policy. Sen. Kim noted that we will not know what the campus’s budget will be until May. If we must have a dollar target now, he suggested stating a catastrophic figure (as that would not be unrealistic).

Note: for time purposes, this conversation was continued during the post plenary floor period.

• Presentation(s)

18. Next Marketing Campaign: AVP Guisselle Nunez (Time Certain 3:30-3:45PM)

AVP Nunez presented PowerPoint slides summarizing her marketing updates. She indicated that her department has built out concepts for their next campaign. She cautioned that what she showed the senate is still in draft form (and not finalized). She shared insights gleaned from testing their drafted concepts (e.g. keep it simple, location matters, focus on doing, come for opportunity and stay for community). “Brighter Here” is a hopeful concept they would like to run with. She then shared drafts of assets and college-specific templates built around that concept (where the new logo/marketing loop is forefront). Community surveys suggest that people use “SFSU” to refer to the campus. We will begin to do this is our marketing, but we will continue to use “SF State” internally. AVP Nunez noted that next steps will include brand guidelines and training, and extension of the creative expression and strategy into academic units and alumni relations.

Discussion was had about the presented concepts, including a caution about the marketing loop around student heads (may suggest religious connotations) and whether discussions about intersectionality (many students are double majors) arose. 

19. Immediate Access: Sara Meeks, Follett Market Leader; Amie Mellinger-Watts, Follett Regional Sales & Operations Manager  (Time Approximate 3:45-4:00PM) 

Sara Meeks explained that our partnership with Follett can lower costs and enable preparedness for students. She shared a PowerPoint that covered topics such as success factors to reduce the cost of course materials, a snapshot of current trends for course adoption of Follett materials (currently missing 4,431 spring 2025 sections), a summary of the adoption renewal process, access program options, the benefits of immediate access, a summary of Equitable & Inclusive Access programs, a comparison of Follett adoption across CSU campuses, faculty and student experiences with the immediate program access, immediate access growth potential and savings. She concluded by indicating next steps. 

Discussion was had about the importance of the university library as a resource for course materials (including databases and e-books). Further conversation was had about the average material/textbook expense for a student per class: $67. There was then a summary about how material price points are set (e.g. the publisher determines the fee. Publisher costs continue to go up on a regular basis. This means that student fees go up too).

Sen. Hellman welcomes collaboration with OER resources. He then directs everyone to the following link: https://library.sfsu.edu/news/ebook-textbooks-fall-2024

• Adjournment: Time definite 5:07PM

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. 

Vice Chair Holschuh assumed the role of Acting Chair. Continued discussion was had about the Academic Program Discontinuance Policy, #S24-177. It was noted that whether or not a dollar target is determined, the work of the senate and the IRC will need to continue. Sen. Trousdale noted that a dollar target may be proposed now and revised later (once the actual number is determined). The policy as written does not say we cannot do this. Sen Kim supported this idea. There was widespread support for moving forward as waiting too long will have dire consequences. 

The post-plenary period was concluded at 5:16pm. 

Ryan Gurney

Secretary