February 18, 2025

 

 

 February 18, 2025

 

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.

 

Guest Nicole Lange Guest announced the upcoming 2025 graduation commencement and called for faculty volunteers to participate. Faculty members were encouraged to register via the provided links for both Ambassador and Faculty Marshal roles: Ambassador Registration and Faculty Marshal Registration.

 

2:05 PM: Call to Order

 

 

1. Approval of agenda 

 

The February 18,2025 agenda was approved at 2:05pm.

 

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary 

 

The February 5, 2025, minutes were approved at 12:10pm with an amendment to change SIC to SAC. 

 

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.

 

Sen. Colins announced the awarding of a Mellon Foundation Grant. 

 

Chair Wilson announced the CSU United to Defend Public Education Conference this weekend, 2/22. Conference Registration Link. 

 

Sen. Segovia-McGahan introduced in the chat an upcoming exhibit on campus: Objects of Inquiry: The Office for the Study of the Ordinary, running 2/22-4/5 with an opening reception on Saturday, 2/22, 1-3 pm. 

Event Link: Objects of Inquiry: The Office for the Study of the Ordinary   

 

 

1. Reports

 

1. Senate chair's report

 

Chair Wilson announced that a university-wide town hall meeting will take place on February 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with access available via the following Zoom link: Town Hall Zoom 2.27.25. Additionally, Chair Wilson provided an overview of the Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning's (CEETL) approach to artificial intelligence, addressing the ongoing discourse surrounding California State University's $17 million AI initiative, which has faced both criticism and defense. Beleaguered Cal State University’s $17 million artificial intelligence initiative defended, attacked

 

1. University president's report

 

Pres. Mahoney acknowledged the prevailing sense of anxiety within the community, emphasizing that the spread of rumors has contributed to heightened concerns. She encouraged individuals to seek clarification from credible sources to ensure an accurate understanding of the situation. Additionally, she addressed ongoing budgetary challenges, including the discontinuation of certain athletic programs. Furthermore, Pres. Mahoney referenced a recently issued letter, though she did not provide additional details at this time.

 

4.3. University provost's report

 

Prov. Sueyoshi underscored the importance of the recently awarded Mellon Grant and its potential impact. Additionally, an upcoming alumni event, Alumni Event: Wine & Señor Sisig Gator Gourmet Night, will feature a curated pairing of gourmet offerings from Señor Sisig with wines from Ceja Vineyards. Furthermore, updates were provided regarding ticket availability for SFSU Athletics events.

 

4. Associated Students President's report

 

Sen. Foley summarized that the second cohort of Governing Gators commenced this past week, with a student successfully confirmed to the Student Affairs Committee. Additionally, Gator Groceries has reached $40,000 in funding and is approaching its overall goal. Associated Students (AS) has also announced its official endorsement of the upcoming California State University (CSU) conference taking place this Saturday.

 

4. Standing committee reports

 

 

 

1. Campus Curriculum Committee

 

Sen. Harvey gave notice that the committee brought several items for consideration, including a number of consent agenda items, items for second reading, and a proposal moving into its first reading.

 

1. Faculty Affairs Committee

 

Sen. Brown reported ongoing work on the chair policy, emeritus policy, and ongoing reviews of the bylaws.

 

1. Strategic Issues Committee

 

Sen. Trousdale gave notice that SIC has no new items for the day’s agenda but continues to work on matters related to the budget, the academic freedom policy, and the associated charge.

 

1. Student Affairs Committee

 

Sen. Christensen noted that SAC has nothing to bring to the floor, but SAC is continuing to look at SETE response rates and streamlining student employment on campus.

 

5. Academic Policies Committee

 

Sen. Islami indicated that there are no new items to present but APC is actively working on the course cancellation policy and the online distance learning policy. Additionally, the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) is scheduled to meet next on February 25 to continue discussions on bachelor’s degree policies.

 

 

Informational Items: An informational item is a statement announcing the completion of a p41rocess, carried out in accordance with Senate policy, and requiring formal notification of the Senate at its conclusion. 

 

            No informational items.

 

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

4. Reduction in units, MN-PRSN : Minor in Persian Studies

 

Sen. Harvey explained that this item is part of the consent agenda and is considered non-controversial. Chair Wilson noted that there was no request to debate and the item is accepted by general consent, and moves to second reading.

 

4. Distance Education Authorization

6.1 BA-HIST : Bachelor of Arts in History

6.2 CT-TSD : Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Innovation

 

Sen. Harvey shared that the two items under consideration are non-controversial. Chair Wilson called for debate, but no debate was forthcoming, and the items were accepted 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 the 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. 

 

Campus Curriculum Committee

 

4. Name change: BS-HTM : Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism, & Event Management

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this item is in second reading and is a name change and must go to the Chancellor’s office with full support to bring this to the body as a whole.

 

Yes: 44

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 2

 

 

 

4. Degree type change: BM-MUSMP: Bachelor of Music: Concentration in Music Production

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this item is in second reading and is a degree type change and must go to the Chancellor’s office with full support to bring this to the body as a whole.

 

Yes: 50

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 1

 

4. New Certificate proposal: IRGPP-SELF: International Relations Graduate Pathway Program

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this item is in second reading and is a new certificate proposal to allow students to stay in the United States and must go to the Chancellor’s office with full support to bring this to the body as a whole.

 

Sen. Sinha raised concerns about Visa complications in terms of whether this issue would raise problems surrounding student visas and the ability to stay in San Francisco three years beyond their graduation date.

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this was a part of the larger framework to address the pathway for international students.

 

Sen. Ellis noted, speaking in favor, that this enables these students to take IR courses while they are improving their English to provide language competency for these students with F1 visas and is attached to the existing Master’s program.

 

Sen. Harvey noted, speaking in favor, that this is an additional support to recruit students along this pathway in addition to our existing programs.

 

Sen. Collins speaks in favor of this proposal by furthering international collaboration for SFSU. 

 

Yes: 45

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 2

 

4. New minor proposal: Minor in Business Analytics

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this item is in second reading and is a minor proposal.

 

Sen. Collins shared that they are in favor of this proposal.

 

Yes: 49

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 1  

 

 

4. Change designation, change core classes, MS-ACCT : Master of Science in Accountancy

 

Sen. Harvey noted that the item under consideration is in its second reading and involves a change in designation. Specifically, this designation would allow individuals to remain in the U.S. beyond their graduation date to continue their internships.

 

Yes: 49

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 2

 

4. Concentrations, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies

12.1  Concentration in PK-3 Integrated Teacher Education Program

12.2. Concentration in Special Education Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)

12.3. Concentration in Care and Education

12.4. Concentration in Pre-K to 3rd Grade

 

Sen. Harvey noted that these four items, 13.1-13.4, can be spoken on one at a time, but the committee encourages the body to consider all four.

 

Sen. Zavala speaks in favor of all four, particularly 13.4, working with CAD and the new credential to have our students have a clear pathway and to help California meet the demand for TK. This would help students meet these pre-requisites. 

 

Sen. Wolf speaks in favor of all and particularly 13.2, as early intervention in special education starts in early childhood.

 

Sen. Sinha speaks in favor of these concentrations.

 

Yes: 46

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 2

 

 

 

Senator Foley

4. Policy on Program Sustainability, Continuance, and Discontinuance, #F24-177

13.1 Senator Foley

Sen. Foley emphasized the importance of this amendment, noting that including student representation is crucial for maintaining shared governance.

 

Sen. Anderson, speaking in opposition, represented the IRC committee, which had voted on this matter. Senator Anderson pointed out that the committee is already quite large and expressed concerns about further expansion.

 

Sen. Myers also contributed to the discussion, raising the issue of elected versus appointed representatives across the six colleges.

 

13.2 Senator Sohler

Sen. Sohler proposed an amendment to Sen. Foley’s proposal to replace “three students appointed by SF State Associated Students” with “the President of the SF State Associated Students”

 

Chair Wilson asked if the amendment could include a designee.

 

Sen. Sohler accepted the friendly amendment. 

 

Sen. Ellis proposed a change to Sen. Sohler’s proposal to include the student representative as a non-voting member with the language “The President of SF State Associated Students or designee (as a non-voting member).” 

 

Sen. Sohler approved the friendly amendment to the proposal. 

 

Sen. Collins speaks in favor of the amendment to include student participation in the capacity as a non-voting member, as students embody the curriculum that we bring to them.

 

Yes: 32

 

No: 6

 

Abstain: 13

 

13.3 Senator Anderson

Sen. Anderson proposes amending the IRC Policy to replace all instances of “discontinuance” with “sustainability, continuance, and discontinuance.” 

 

Sen. Zavala asked a clarifying question if this will change the labor for the committee and Sen. Anderson noted that this will not change the labor involved or the charge to the committee members.

 

Sen. Collins speaks in favor of this amendment as it focuses on sustainability.

 

Yes: 40

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 10

 

13.4 Senator Islami

Sen. Islami proposed an amendment to clarify and define the terminology of teaching out in the Policy #F24-177 under section “g”. The language would include “Teaching out is the process of providing students admitted to any academic program (minor, major, graduate program, certificate or credential) reasonable time and opportunity to complete their program.  This includes making reasonable course substitutions of similar courses taught SFSU or other accessible campuses, including CSU Fully Online.  Students who opt for being taught out, must create a plan to complete their program with an advisor within the semester following discontinuance of that program or they will be considered as not pursuing that program. The teach-out period will be determined based on a normative time-to-completion metrics for each specific program, ensuring students have an organized plan and opportunity to fulfill all requirements while maintaining academic quality and accreditation standards”

 

Sen. Islami ceded time to Guest Jane DeWitt to explain the teaching out at SSU. 

 

Sen. Hellman asked a parliamentary question on if these amendments are out of order.

 

Vice Chair Holschuh noted that this practice might be confusing even when we are trying to be efficient.

 

Sen. Collins shared a point of order on the process of amendments that this could go forward.

 

Chair Wilson noted that in most cases, this would not be ideal but will allow for this to go forward in a matter of timeliness. 

 

Sen. Trousdale speaks in support of the amendment to define teaching out.

 

Yes: 42

 

No: 0

 

Abstain: 8

 

13.5 Vote for all:

 

Yes: 37

 

No: 3

 

Abstain: 10

 

Break (Time approximate 3:48-3:53PM)

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. 

Campus Curriculum Committee

15. New Certificate, TESOLGPP-SELF : Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Graduate Pathway Program

 

Sen. Harvey ceded time to Guest Ryan Gurney.

 

Guest Ryan Gurney explained that the proposed certificate program would enable international students to enroll at SFSU and begin taking undergraduate courses. This initiative aims to expand the university’s student population while also supporting English language development.

 

This item was accepted by general consent and moves to second reading.

 

Executive Committee

16. Vote for Executive Committee At-Large Member

 

Chair Wilson announced the election for ExComm’s At-Large member to replace the vacant seat left by Brad Erickson would be going forward. 

 

Vice Chair Holschuh shared the Nomination Link for Current Senators to nominate or self-nominate for the open seat. Vice Chair Holschuh facilitated the nomination process by confirming whether the nominated individuals wished to formally run for the open seat.

 

Senators Frederick Green and Brandon Foley accepted the nominations to run for the At-Large position. 

 

The voting process commenced, resulting in the election of Senator Green as the new At-Large representative for the Executive Committee (ExComm).

 

 

 

 

Presentation(s)

 

17. GE 2025: Nancy Gerber, Baccalaureate Requirements Committee Chair & Kent Lorenz, GE Faculty Director (Time approximate 3:53-4:13PM)
18. Presentation
19. Brochure

Guests Nancy Gerber and Kent Lorenz provided an overview of recent changes to the CSU General Education (GE) structure. They highlighted that Area E has been removed from the General Education requirements, and the third course in the Arts and Humanities category will no longer be required. They also introduced new designations that align with those of the University of California (UC) and California Community Colleges (CCC). Beginning in Fall 2025, the Cal-GETC transfer pathway will be implemented. In addition, they discussed new graduation requirements, including U.S. History, SF State Studies (with updated learning outcomes), and the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Kent Lorenz also explained the process for recertifying courses that meet baccalaureate requirements. It was noted that current students will remain on their respective bulletin.

 

Questions/Comments

 

Sen. Ellis ceded time to Guest Margo Landy, who indicated that SF State would be gathering data on these changes after the census, but prior to Summer/Fall registration. 

Sen. Ellis inquired whether there would be any Area E offerings in the Fall, to which Nancy Gerber responded that this decision would be up to individual departments; however, students would no longer be required to take Area E courses.

 

17. ASCSU Update: Rob Collins & Dipendra Sinha, ASCSU Senators (Time approximate 4:13-4:PM)

 

Sen. Collins shared that he and Sen. Sinha attended the ASCSU meeting, which was held remotely due to the LA fires. He noted that the meeting commenced with a plenary session in which Chancellor Garcia addressed the budget and the importance of effective communication with the Senate.

Sen. Collins highlighted ongoing discussions aimed at clarifying several issues and focused on federal developments from Washington, D.C., particularly regarding how to further engage in equity and inclusion as guiding principles in curriculum matters. Senator Collins also mentioned a meeting with student trustee Jazmin Guajardo on fostering greater dialogue to break down institutional silos. He met with Schwartzkopf to discuss advancements in Title IX and had discussions with Greg Saks and Mandara Savage regarding AI. Senator Collins encouraged individuals to send any AI-related questions or concerns to him and Senator Sinha, who would share them in relevant discussions. Additionally, he communicated with ERFSA, an organization representing retired faculty, and encouraged current faculty members to join.

Sen. Collins introduced Resolution AS-3721-24/FA, from the Academic Senate of the California State University, which calls for CSU-Wide Budget Transparency.

He also noted the following resolutions that went into second reading at the CSU Academic Senate:

• AS-3725-24/APEP: CSU GE vs. Cal-GETC in CSU Policy
• AS-3718-24/APEP: Financial Aid Processes Are Under-Resourced: Need for Support
• AS-3730-24/APEP: Addressing the Exclusion of the Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers Course(s) from Cal-GETC

Additionally, the following resolutions entered their first reading:

• AS-3728-25/APEP: Support for Articulation System Stimulating Inter-Institutional Student Transfer (Assist)
• AS-3731-25/APEP/JEDI: Support for the University of California Proposal to Create Area H – Ethnic Studies within High School Admissions Criteria.

 

Adjournment: Time Definite 4:48PM

 

Alesha Sohler

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.