February 20,2024

Academic Senate

Plenary Meeting Minutes

Tuesday 20 February 2024

Hybrid – Seven Hills & Zoom

2:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN FLOOR PERIOD:  2:00 - 2:05 PM

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.

 

Chair Goldman explained the procedure for the Open Floor Period, then introduced Russell Kilday-Hicks, Facilities Services, Emeritus.

 

Mr. Kilday-Hicks: described his long career at SF State, his retirement, and the explained two organizations of which he is a part: the SF State Retirement Association and the California State Retirees. He emphasized the benefits that members of these organizations receive, with support for accessing pensions being a particular focus. He invited SF State employees and retirees to join these organizations. 

 

CALL TO ORDER: 2:10 PM

1. Approval of the Agenda for 20 February 2024

Agenda were approved as read at 2:17pm.

 

2. Approval of the Minutes for 6 February 2024

Minutes were approved as read at 2:17pm.

 

3. Announcements from the Floor

Chair Goldman explained the procedure for making announcements from the senate floor.

 

Sen. Hellman noted the death of Russian lawyer turned imprisoned political dissident Alexei Navalny. Sen. Hellman gave notice that the SF State Library is providing access to a documentary about Navalny (HERE or https://docuseek2-com.jpllnet.sfsu.edu/cart/product/4485).

 

Sen. Brewer announced the next gathering of Noche de Estrellas, a bilingual astronomy event hosted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy. The next event will be held on February 29, 2024, and will feature student presentations. More information can be found at: https://physics.sfsu.edu/event/noche-de-estrellas-7.

 

4. Reports
   1. Chair’s Report 

Chair Goldman noted the unfortunate passing of two members of the SF State family: Dr. Catrióna Rueda Esquibel, Associate Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies and Dr. Marilyn P. Verhey, Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development. Chair Goldman then invited the senate to observe a moment of silence in their remembrance. He then moved to note the Senate Friday Report, underscoring information therein about the many headwinds facing SF State and higher education in the U.S. He invited the Senate and guests to consider and propose ways in which we may create a vision of SF State’s future as well as that of higher education.

 

 

1. 2. President’s Report

President Mahoney gave notice that she was in Sacramento, joined by two student leaders (from Associated Students) launching CSU Advocacy. She summarized the ongoing enrollment difficulties facing the CSU system, emphasizing the shrinking of the college-aged population in the U.S. President Mahoney then referred to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about a population that is growing in the U.S.: adults with some college or no college degree. She then summarized one of the article’s points: this is a challenging population to reach. In order for SF State to do so, the campus must reconfigure its approaches. She then moved to summarize the deferral of the governor’s compact. The Legislative Budget Analyst cast doubt on the state’s ability to deliver on the promised compact and indicated that if the CSU doesn’t meet enrollment targets, further funding cuts may come. Existing cuts have also resulted in deferred facilities maintenance.  President Mahoney then gave notice that she would be sending a campus-wide message announcing that Jason Porth, VP of University Enterprises, will be leaving the campus. Future plans for the position will be discussed with Chair Goldman.

 

1. 3. Provost’s Report

Provost Sueyoshi celebrated the progress made on the spring 2024 course schedule. She indicated that there was at one time 10k seats left unfilled in courses and this has been reduced to 7k. This was the result of considerable effort and was an improvement on similar efforts made in spring 2023. Provost Sueyoshi then encouraged members of all colleges and departments to attend the coming UBC meeting. Difficult but necessary information would be presented at that meeting. She applauded students who will be graduating this spring semester. Provost Sueyoshi then gave notice of the Provost’s Arts and Lecture Series, being held on Thursday, February 29. This is sponsored by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.  

 

1. 4. Standing Committee Reports
      1. Academic Policies Committee

Sen. Chou gave notice that APC has two items to present first reading. These include a Revision to S14-236 Academic Program Review Policy (in first reading) and a Revision to S23-257 Course Syllabus Policy (in first reading). Note that time allowed for the introduction of the first item, the Revision to S14-236.

 

1. 1. 2. Campus Curriculum Committee

Sen. D’Alois gave notice that CCC will bring numerous things to the floor, two of which will be in first reading. These will include a reduction in units for the BA in Liberal Studies ITEP (Integrated teacher Preparation) and a recommended name change for the Minor in Health Education. The remaining with be concentrations in the Department of Music, and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching (GCT) English to Speakers of Other Languages, each in second reading. CCC also had a meeting with APC that will be introduced at next Plenary.

 

1. 1. 3. Faculty Affairs Committee

Sen. Holschuh gave notice that FAC brings two items in first reading. These are a Revision to F22-241 Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Policy and a Revision to S20-145 Department Chairs and Equivalent Unit Directors Policy.

 

1. 1. 4. Strategic Issues Committee

Sen. Trousdale gave notice that SIC has no new business to bring to the floor. He explained that the committee continues to work on issues of budget transparency and will consult with sister CSU campuses on system-wide budgetary challenges.

 

1. 1. 5. Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Olsher gave notice that SAC has two items in first reading. These include an Anti-Doxxing Resolution and a Resolution in Appreciation of Exceptional Efforts by the Enrollment Management During the Rollout of the Revised FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
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.

         No Informational Items

 

CONSENT ITEMS

A consent item is one deemed by the Chair to be non-controversial, requiring no debate. Any Senator may call the item to the floor, in which case it is considered as new business in first reading. If no Senator calls it to the floor, it is considered approved. It may be read into the record, or we may move directly to the next agenda items.

         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.

 

Recommendations from the Campus Curriculum Committee on program change requests return in second reading (time approximate 2:30 PM):

 

5. BMus Conc. in Composition
6. BMus Conc. in Vocal Performance
7. BMus Conc. in Music Education
8. BMus Conc. in Jazz/Ethnomusicology
9. BMus Conc. in Instrumental Performance
10. BA in Music Production
11. BA in Biology
12. Graduate Certificate in Teaching (GCT) English to Speakers of Other Languages
    https://nextbulletin.sfsu.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/programadmin/487/index.html&step=showfullrecord

 

Sen. D’Alois briefly summarized the items. She then yielded the remainder of her time to anyone wishing to speak on the items.

 

Sen. Olsher spoke in favor of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching. He emphasized the student desire for this certificate and that it requires no new resources or courses.  

 

The floor was opened for comments.

 

The item was brought to a vote.

 

Yes: 38

No: 0

Abstained: 2

 

The motion passed.

 

Sen. D’Alois proceeded to the BA in General Biology. She offered that it is a great model for how to create interdisciplinary programming and to involve other departments.

 

The item was brought to a vote.

 

Yes: 36

No: 0

Abstained: 3

 

The motion passed.

 

Sen. D’Alois moved to summeraize the numerous changes to the BMus items. She noted that all consultations on these have been completed, and she thanked Sen. Grutzik for her input as well as everyone who looked at these proposals. Sen. D’Alois emphasized the positivity these changes would bring to the department of Music.

 

The floor was opened for comments.

 

Chair Goldman recommended that we to batch items 5-9.

 

The bundled items were brought to a singular vote.

 

Yes: 35

No: 0

Abstained: 5

 

The motion passed.

Chair Goldman offered congratulations to the Department of Music, CCC and Sen. D’Alois.

 

Chair Goldman moved to the BA in Music production (item 10).

 

Sen. D’Alois urged everyone’s favorable vote.

 

The item was brought to a vote.

 

Yes: 40

No: 0

Abstained: 1

 

 

 

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.

 

13. Recommendation from the Executive Committee: Supporting Academic Senate of the California State University Resolution on AB 928, and Campus Autonomy in General Education Requirements, in first reading.

Chair Goldman noted that the remainder of this title has been deleted. Its full title is listed on the resolution itself.

 

Sen. Collins moved the resolution to the floor. He provided a summary of the resolution, indicating that it seeks to insure that CSU SF State students have access to a variety of GE pathways before they come to SF State.

 

Chair Goldman offered thanks to Rob and noted that he is a member of ASCSU, where this recommendation is intended to have an impact.

The floor was opened for comments.

Sen. Wilson asked for an explanation of the top-down imposition of the Cal- GETC GE transfer pathway how it compares to its analog in the UC system.  

 

Sen. Collins offered a history of the Cal-GETC GE transfer pathway. The pathway was developed for admission to both CSU and UC campuses. Standardizing the pathway meant that CSU campuses must have made difficult concessions.  This resulted in resistance. Discussions were then had at the ASCSU level to preserve the option of a non- Cal-GETC transfer pathway (preserving the pedagogical breadth that CSU prides itself on). This will then require changes to Title 5 graduation requirements. This resolution seeks to prompt internal discussion.

 

Chair Goldman proposed that this be moved to second reading. As the trustees will discuss this in March, voting on this now will bring it to them sooner.

 

Sen. Olsher  moved to bring the item second reading. Sen. Hellman seconded the motion.

 

The movement to second reading was brought to a vote.

Yes: 36

No: 0

Abstained: 2

 

The motion passed. The item was brought to second reading.

 

Chair Goldman gave notice that the item is now in second reading. He then opened the floor for comments for or against, or requests for amendments.

 

Sen. Collins acknowledged the contributions made to the discussion by Claude Bartholomew, Director of Strategic Initiatives & University Curriculum Coordinator, and Lori Beth Way, VP of Academic Planning and the Dean of Undergraduate Education.  Rob invited interested parties to view the conversation on GE in greater detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjHalqTM8Gw&t=3090s

Chair Goldman moved to bring the item to a vote.

Yes: 33

No: 0

Abstained: 7

 

The motion passed. The recommendation was adopted. Chair Goldman complimented everyone for voting so promptly.

 

14. Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee: Anti-Doxxing Resolution, in first reading.

Sen. Olsher introduced Assistant Professor and Senator Ellen Christensen. Sen. Christensen spoke on the item.

Sen. Christensen gave notice that the item is co-sponsored by the executive board of the Associated Students. She then offered a statement about why this resolution is necessary. In part, female gender non-binary LGBTQ IA + and BIPOC students are primary targets for harassment (where their identities and ideas are attacked). She introduced Sen. Wesley Ueunten to offer comments on the item.

Sen. Wesley Ueunten: the parties that offered guidance on this item and offered that it be a model for other CSU campuses. 

The floor was opened for comments.

Sen. Collins offered appreciation to SAC and the senators who worked on this it. He then asked if this were to be brought to the state-level senate, are there additional areas that should be included. 

 

Sen. Olsher indicated he would be happy include recommendations for additional items for re-introduction during second reading.

 

15. Recommendation from the Academic Policies Committee: Revision to S14-236 Academic Program Review Policy, in first reading.

Sen. Chou brought the item to the floor and noted that this is a revision and renaming of S14-236. These changes reflect WASC review requirements. This version was approved by Academic Program Review Committee (A.P.R.C.) before moving to APC, and now the senate.

 

16. Recommendation from the Faculty Affairs Committee: Revision to F22-241 Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Policy, in first reading.

Sen. Holschuh brings item to the floor and summarized its changes. This included a clause removal from line 75, thus deleting a restriction on faculty who serve as chairs while they are associate professors. The current restriction prevents them from. Performing a chair-level review in the RTP process. She noted that this does preserve restrictions on any conflicts of interest that might arise. She noted that streamlining this process was a motivation.

Senator Trogu: spoke in opposition this revision.

Sen. Collins wondered if were there barriers to the RTP process that were found in cases with smaller departments, where there are fewer faculty on hand to perform the evaluations.

Discussion was then had about evaluations performed at the chair level and the RTP level.

 

17. Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading: BA in Liberal Studies ITEP (Integrated teacher Preparation), to reduce units https://nextbulletin.sfsu.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/programadmin/326/index.html&step=tcadiff

Sen. D’Alois brought the item to the floor and explained that this change is about reducing units, matching similar changes to K-5 grade teacher preparation. It reflects changes made prior by AB 130.

Sen. Grutzik offered her support for this (on behalf of GCOE). Lowering the units allows students to blend this with other degrees.

Sen. Collins spoke in favor and offered to committee.

Sen. Erickson spoke in favor of the item and urged support.

Chair Goldman notes that further comments can be sent to Sen. D’Alois. He then moves to close votes for this meeting. The senate will pick up items 18-21 next time.

 

18. Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading: Minor in Health Education, name change https://nextbulletin.sfsu.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/programadmin/192/index.html&step=tcadiff
19. Recommendation from the Academic Policies Committee: Revision to S23-257 Course Syllabus Policy, in first reading.
20. Recommendation from the Faculty Affairs Committee: Revision to S20-145 Department Chairs and Equivalent Unit Directors Policy, in first reading.
21. Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee: Resolution in Appreciation of Exceptional Efforts by the Enrollment Management During the Rollout of the Revised FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), in first reading.

 

 

PRESENTATION(s)

 

22. Carleen Mandolfo, Associate Provost of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development, “Faculty Affairs Update.” (Time approximate 3:15 PM.)

AP for Faculty Affairs Mandolfo opened the presentation and offered thanks the faculty affairs team. She covered sabbatical and leave with pay policies, CBA, senate policy, administration, workshops, sabbatical and DIP eligibility, leaves with pay awards for AY 2023-2024 eligibility, application and awards. She then presented statistics on sabbatical applications filed in 2022-2023 and then those awarded in 2023-2024. She then covered tenure density by year, and then by college and gender, and then by college and ethnic background. She then covered associate professors and librarians eligible for promotion to full review in fall 2022 and the actual promotion in fall 2023.

 

Discussion was had about the data presented. This included an observation that demographic data for lecture faculty was omitted. This information will be gathered and shared as soon as able. It was also recommended that more attention be paid to the Tenure Density Task force.

 

23. Jeff Greensite, Professor Physics and Astronomy and chair of Academic Freedom Committee, “Academic Freedom Committee Update” (Time approximate 3:35 PM.)

Prof. Greensite introduced committee members and his co-presenters, Associate Professor Maziar Behrooz, Professor and Chair of the IBUS department Bruce Heiman, Professor Persis Karim, Associate Professor Esther Kim. The committee then outlined recent attacks on academic freedom in the US, what the committee is doing to fight such attacks and preserve academic voices in contemporary discourse, and invited parties who believe in the preservation of academic freedom to connect with the committee, as well as participate in a survey.

 

 

 

Sen. Kavuri-Bauer added the following link to the chat: https://www.chronicle.com/article/harvard-last-in-free-speech-dont-trust-fires-rankings

 

Discussion was then had about this timely issue.

 

 

24. John Kim, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Resources, “Budget Update” (Time approximate 3:45 PM.)

 

Interim VP for Academic Resources Kim: provided a budget update for 2024-25.

 

Return to main agenda after time approximate presentations.

 

Adjournment: Time definite 4:54pm.

 

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.