February 4, 2025

 February 4, 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.

 

Senator Klein announced that the All University Committee on International Programs (AUCIP) and the College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE) invite faculty, administrators, and staff to engage in discussions on international topics while enjoying light refreshments. This event, held twice each semester, aims to foster global engagement within the university community. The first Coffee Hour of the Spring semester will take place on Thursday, February 13, at 12:00 PM, hosted by CPaGE, which will provide coffee, snacks, and other refreshments. A flyer for the event has been shared in the chat, and attendees are encouraged to widely distribute it among colleagues with international interests. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance.

 

 

2:05 PM: Call to Order

 

 

1. Approval of agenda 

 

Senator Foley proposed an amendment to the agenda to incorporate a proposal for the inclusion of three students in the IRC. 

Sen. Hellman seconded the amendment to the agenda.

The amendment was held to a vote.

 

40 yes

 

0 no

 

0 abstention

 

The agenda is approved as amended, subsequently placing the item as number 14 on the agenda.

 

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary

 

The December 3, 2024 minutes were approved at 12:10pm.

The December 10, 2024, minutes were approved at 12:10pm. 

 

 

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. 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. Flyer pasted in the chat.

 

 

1. Reports

 

1. Senate chair's report

 

Chair Wilson shared the attendance and success of the University Retreat with 133 participants in attendance. Chair Wilson detailed that IRC met the previous Friday and the committee elected Nancy Gerber as the Chair for the committee of IRC. Chair Wilson noted that the linked Master Plan Report originates from the Governor’s office and might be of interest to the Academic Senate participants. Chair Wilson announced that CSU Faculty Trustee, Darlene Yee-Melichar, would be presenting that day and noted that the election for the Senate Executive Committee At-Large would begin next week. Chair Wilson announced the Spring Question of Interest Session moved to April 23, 2025, 1-2:30PM; Lib 121 to provide more opportunity. Spring elections were announced with the nominating period being open from March 10-28, 2025 and voting taking place between April 7-18, 2025. 

 

 

4.2. No University president's report

 

4.3. University provost's report

 

Prov. Sueyoshi announced the closure of the RTC and the transition of faculty and staff back to the main campus. In response to an inquiry from Sen. Helman regarding future plans for the property, Prov. Sueyoshi stated that no definitive plans have been made, but discussions are ongoing with the Chancellor’s Office as the phase-out process begins. Guest Frances Wilkerson inquired about the financial implications of the closure, to which Prov. Sueyoshi noted an anticipated cost savings of $1 million. Prov. Sueyoshi also encouraged attendees to participate in the upcoming University Budget Committee (UBC) meeting on February 27, where a presentation on the RTC will be given. Additionally, Guest Wilkerson raised concerns about the allocation of soft money, specifically the $10 million received, and questioned the short two-day notice regarding financial decisions. Sen. Segovia-McGavin ceded her time to Wilkerson to further discuss these concerns, and the Prov. Sueyoshi recommended attending the UBC meeting for further clarification and detailed information.

 

4. Associated Students President's report

 

Sen. Foley summarized Gator Groceries having received a $15,000 donation, bringing its total funding for the year to $20,000. Fundraising efforts, including scoreboard donations and matching contributions, are ongoing, with the goal of reaching $50,000. The next Governing Gators meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, and the program will have 10 to 12 interns participating during the spring semester. Efforts continue to engage in discussions with the administration to ensure student voices are included in decision-making processes with adequate notice. Sen. Harvey inquired about the long-term sustainability of fundraising efforts, to which Sen. Foley noted that existing grants will expire this year. Future funding will depend on administrative support and the efforts of the incoming Associated Students president.

 

4. Standing committee reports

 

 

1. Academic Policies Committee

 

Sen. Islami reported no new updates for the plenary session but noted that work is ongoing on policies related to the restructuring of academic units. A link to the policy on restructuring academic units was provided for reference: Policy on Restructuring Academic Units.

 

1. Campus Curriculum Committee

 

Sen. Harvey gave notice that the committee brought several policies that would be presented, with some proceeding to their first reading. Sen. Sinha inquired whether there would be a change to the 120-unit requirement for degree completion. In response, Sen. Harvey clarified that the overall degree unit requirement remains unchanged; however, adjustments are being made at the programmatic level to the number of units required within specific programs.

 

1. Faculty Affairs Committee

 

Sen. Brown gave notice that FAC has no new items for the day’s plenary. Sen. Brown reported ongoing work on the emeritus policy, equivalent faculty units, and bylaw reviews. In the chat, Sen. Segovia inquired whether the FAC is accepting questions or comments via email regarding the emeritus faculty policy. Additionally, Senator Segovia asked whether the FAC plans to distribute a survey to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the current emeritus faculty process and policy.

 

1. Strategic Issues Committee

 

Sen. Trousdale gave notice that SIC has no new items for the day’s agenda. They continue to work on the Academic Freedom Policy and charge to all university committees on international programs. 

 

1. Student Affairs Committee

 

Sen. Christensen gave notice that SAC has no new items on the day’s agenda. They shared that SIC is creating a campaign for student feedback, faculty mentorship & career initiatives as well as increasing SETE response rates.

 

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. 

 

 

4. Institutional Review Committee Dollar Target Memo

 

Chair Wilson summarized this issue and noted that the targeted dollar amount was a $15.5 million reduction over four years. These savings would not come immediately, largely due to the need to teach out remaining students in academic programs. Chair Wilson noted that the definition of teaching out needs to be redefined through policy due to what took place at SSU.

 

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, BA-REH : Bachelor of Arts in Race, Ethnicity, and Health

 

Sen. Harvey explained that this item is part of the consent agenda and is considered non-controversial. The item was adopted by general consent.

4. Distance Education Authorization

7.1 Master of Arts in Political Science

7.2 CT-ETHS : Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies

7.3 BA-SOC : Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

7.4 CT-BA : Certificate in Business Administration

Sen. Harvey explained that items 7.1–7.4 pertain to distance education authorizations, highlighting that these measures would allow students to take more than 50% of their courses online, ultimately providing greater flexibility and benefiting students. The items were 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 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. 

 

No continuing business

 

 

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

 

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

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this was a name change and is required to go to the CSU Chancellor’s office and is noncontroversial. 

 

 

 

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

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this is a degree-type change involving a specific designation for the Bachelor of Music, which requires submission to the Chancellor’s Office and is considered non-controversial. 

 

 

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

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this proposal, which aims to benefit international students through a graduate pathway program, requires submission to the Chancellor’s Office and is considered noncontroversial. 

 

 

4. New minor proposal: Minor in Business Analytics

 

Sen. Harvey noted that this is a proposal for a new minor program, which requires submission to the Chancellor’s Office and is considered noncontroversial. The proposal will proceed to the second reading.

Chair Wilson inquired whether there is any overlap between this proposed minor and existing programs on campus, particularly in relation to the IRC.

 

 

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

 

Senator Harvey noted that this proposal seeks to provide a STEM designation, which would allow international students to remain in the United States for an additional three years after completing the program. The proposal requires submission to the Chancellor’s Office and is considered noncontroversial.

 

 

4. Concentrations, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies

13.1  Concentration in PK-3 Integrated Teacher Education Program

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

13.3. Concentration in Care and Education

13.4. Concentration in Pre-K to 3rd Grade

 

Sen. Harvey noted that these four program proposals involve special concentrations designed to benefit teachers by providing teaching designations within these degree programs. These proposals require submission to the Chancellor’s Office and are considered noncontroversial. 

 

Senator Foley

4. Academic Program Discontinuance Policy, #S24-177

Senator Foley proposed adding three seats held by students to the Institutional Review Committee (IRC).

The proposed language for the composition of the IRC is as follows: "Once the reviews are completed, the Institutional Review Committee shall consist of two faculty members elected by and from the voting members of the faculty of each college, one staff member elected by and from the voting members of the staff of each college, three students appointed by ASI, the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning (DUEAP), and the Graduate Dean."

Sen. Hellman expressed concerns about the timing, suggesting that students could serve as liaisons to colleges and other relevant groups instead. 

Sen. Harvey inquired about the inclusion of graduate student representation in the committee. 

 

Presentation(s)

 

 

13. CSU Update: Darlene Yee-Melichar, CSU Faculty Trustee  (Time definite 3:07-3:38PM) 
    1. Presentation
    2. Report

Questions/Comments

 

Sen. Harvey inquired whether there were any additional concerns beyond what had been presented and asked how the campus community could effectively address these issues. He sought guidance on where to focus efforts and resources. In response, Faculty Trustee Yee-Melichar advised working with the President’s Office and governmental agencies, as they may have insights or strategies for addressing these concerns. She also emphasized the importance of preparing talking points in advance for those planning to engage with legislators in Sacramento.

In the chat, Prov. Sueyoshi noted that the Chancellor’s Office is in discussions with Oakland Unified School District regarding participation in a direct admissions program for the California State University (CSU) system.

Sen. Wolf raised a question, and Chair Wilson inquired about recent salary increases that were not funded and are now expected to be covered by the existing budget. Chair Wilson sought clarification on whether any discussions with legislatures to fund negotiated increases in employee compensation. In response, Trustee Yee-Melichar stated that, as a faculty trustee, she is not permitted to participate in conversations regarding employee compensation. However, she committed to bringing this question to the Board of Trustees for further consideration.

 

Adjournment: Time Definite 3:38PM

 

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.