March 4, 2025

 March 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.

 

Guest Anoushua Chaudhuri shared two events JEDI Workshop: Harnessing SF  State’s basic needs and parenting resources to improve student equity gaps and  WE Wednesday: Library Collections & Archive

 

Sen. Segovia-McGahan shared Screening of "Keeper of the Fire" featuring Emeritus Professor (LTNS) Alejandro Murgui on Monday, 3/17 from 3:00pm-5:00pm.

 

Sen. Harvey shared the Mindful Movement Meditation activity in HSS306 on Wednesdays from 12-1 pm. Are you stressed and exhausted? Do you experience neck and shoulder pain? Does your mind ever stop? Attend the noon Holistic Health workshop series to learn skills to enhance health.

 

 

2:05 PM: Call to Order

 

 

1. Approval of agenda 

 

Sen. Brown moved to remove agenda item eight to go back to FAC for further consideration of additional information. 

 

Sen. Ernie Joaquin seconded this motion.

 

Vice Chair Holschuh held a vote to approve this agenda modification.

 

Yes: 34

 

No: 0

 

Abstain:0 

 

Chair Wilson noted that the agenda was modified and the revised March 4, 2025 agenda was approved at 2:07pm.

 

 

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary

 

The February 25, 2025, minutes were approved at 2:07pm 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. Islami shared that the Philosophy Department would be hosting Otávio Bueno Department Talk: "Dispensing with the Grounds of Logical Necessity" on Wednesday, 3/12 from 12:30pm-2:30pm.  

 

1. Reports

 

1. Senate chair's report

 

Chair Wilson emphasized the urgency of the remaining schedule, highlighting that only three plenary sessions remain to accomplish the necessary tasks.

 

1. University president's report

 

Pres. Mahoney acknowledged that the UBC presented a series of budget scenarios last week, none of which were ideal given the current financial constraints. She noted that fall enrollment declined, impacting the university’s financial outlook. However, the Chancellor’s Office has agreed to reduce its planned budget cut from 5% to 3%, providing some relief. In two weeks, Pres. Mahoney will accompany students to the Governor’s Office to advocate for the university’s needs. Additionally, the athletics presentation confirmed that budget reductions will be implemented. These cuts will be formally announced after the president has had the opportunity to communicate with coaches and other relevant stakeholders. The president also addressed the February 14, 2025, Dear Colleague letter issued by the federal administration, affirming that SFSU remains in full compliance with both local and federal laws, as well as Proposition 209. She emphasized that the university will review its website to ensure that all language aligns with these legal standards without ambiguity. Lastly, she noted that the CSU system is currently providing support for 90 active lawsuits.

 

Questions/Comments

 

Sen. Hellman inquired about the local representatives and requested a list of elected officials who have signed the letter. In response, President Mahoney stated that she would provide Chair Wilson with a link to the letter for further reference.

 

Sen. Collins asked whether there were any specific talking points that should be shared with the Statewide Academic Senate. President Mahoney emphasized the importance of directly communicating the potential consequences of budget cuts, particularly the loss of staffing and course sections, to ensure a clear understanding of the university’s financial challenges.

 

4.3. University provost's report

 

Provost Sueyoshi announced that the Climate Justice requirement has been officially approved and implemented.

 

Sen. Sinha emphasized the importance of increasing the university’s societal relevance. He stressed the need for clear communication regarding these efforts, asserting that greater transparency and outreach would enhance their overall impact.

 

 

4. Associated Students President's report

 

Sen. Foley expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the CSU conference. They are seeking support from Associated Students to endorse and participate in the Day of Action and Red Week initiatives. Additionally, Sen. Foley reported that $42,000 has been raised for Gator Groceries, contributing to food security efforts on campus. Furthermore, they announced that April 2nd will mark San Francisco State University’s first annual Giving Day, aimed at fostering philanthropic support for the university community.

 

 

4. Standing committee reports

 

 

 

1. Faculty Affairs Committee

 

 

Sen. Brown noted that FAC is currently reviewing emeritus status applications and considering a resolution to support equitable service opportunities for lecturers.

 

 

1. Strategic Issues Committee

 

Sen. Trousdale shared that SIC does not have anything to bring to plenary today. Current efforts are focused on budget planning, the IRC, the academic freedom policy, and the charge on all university international programs. Additionally, the committee is exploring ways to support legislative advocacy initiatives.

 

 

1. Student Affairs Committee

 

 

Sen. Christenson shared that SAC does not have any items for plenary today, but they continue to investigate SETE’s and career initiatives across campus.

 

 

1. Academic Policies Committee

 

Sen. Islami shared that APC has no items scheduled for the plenary session. Continued work is underway on the policy for restricting academic units. The EPC will present two discontinuance items at the upcoming plenary session and will bring additional discontinuance items to future plenary meetings.

 

5. Campus Curriculum Committee

 

Sen. Harvey noted that CCC has brought one item to plenary today.

 

 

 

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.

 

Executive Committee

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

 

 

Chair Wilson noted that this item is non-controversial but was reintroduced as a consent item due to minor revisions. It was accepted by general consent.

 

 

4. Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Students, #F24-309 

 

Chair Wilson noted that this item is non-controversial but was reintroduced as a consent item due to minor revisions. 

 

Sen. Islami indicated that the changes primarily concern formatting issues and invited Guest Jane DeWitt to provide further context.

 

Ceding time to Guest, Jane DeWitt, she explained that the strikethrough text consisted of formatting corrections and redundant content.

 

The item was accepted by general consent and advanced to its first reading.

 

 

 

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

 

Sen. Harvey explained that this initiative enables post-baccalaureate students to enroll in courses at SFSU to teach English to speakers of other languages, with sections available through Open University or other means.

Chair Wilson noted that this is a new certificate program, initially introduced at the last plenary session, and is now in its second reading. Up to three speakers may speak in favor, and three may speak in opposition.

Chair Wilson called for a vote, facilitated by Vice Chair Holschuh.

 

Yes: 45

 

No: 0 

 

Abstain: 2

 

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. 

Faculty Affairs Committee

8. Department Chairs and Equivalent Unit Directors, #S24-145 (PDF)

 

This item was stricken from the agenda.

 

Educational Policies Committee

4. Discontinuation: Certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration

 

Sen. Islami noted a decline in enrollment for this certificate program, with no known students currently pursuing it. Additionally, the department voted unanimously in favor of discontinuation.

 

The item will proceed to its second reading.

 

4.  Discontinuation: Master of Sciences in Interdisciplinary Marine and Estuarine Science

 

Sen. Islami noted that the cost of offering this Master of Science program outweighs its benefits. While there are still students enrolled, the department has determined that the program is financially unsustainable and plans to phase it out using substitute courses within the RTC.

 

Sen. Sinha inquired about potential ways to preserve the program. In response, Prov. Sueyoshi suggested that it might be restructured as a concentration and assured that students listed in the bulletin are being provided with appropriate course substitutions.

 

Prov. Sueyoshi then ceded time to Guest Sophie Clavier, who clarified that while the full master's program will be discontinued, the discipline itself will remain.

 

The item will proceed to second reading.

 

Presentation(s)

 

10. Title IX Update: Anna Titus, Assistant Vice President for Title IX and DHR (Time approximate 2:55-3:16PM)

 

1. Presentation Link

 

Guest Anna Titus presented on Title IX updates, including that the university's implementation plan has been published.

 

Questions/Comments

 

Sen. Sinha inquired about the number of cases processed through Title IX. Guest Anna Titus noted that a report detailing reported cases from the past academic year is available through the link provided 2023-2024 Title IX & DHR Annual Report.

 

Sen. Harvey asked how committees can help communicate the work of the Title IX office. Guest Titus emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone is aware of their rights and protections.

 

Guest Titus also shared a link to information on recent changes to sexual harassment policies, available here.

 

10. SFSU Computing Updates: Andrew Roderick, Assistant Vice President of Academic Technology (Time approximate 3:17-3:50PM)

 

1. Presentation Link

 

Guest Andrew Roderick explained that budget constraints limit the ability to upgrade computers. However, within the next six months, half of the computers in Academic Affairs will no longer be able to support an operating system.

To address these challenges, the following measures are being considered:

• Establishing a seven-year policy requiring computers to be replaced or approved as exceptions.
• Reducing capital costs, mitigating risks, and optimizing utilization to enable more impactful investments.
• Decreasing computer density by reducing the number of computer labs.

 

Questions/Comments

Sen. Segovia-McGahan inquired about the faculty computer refresh process and how department staff can support it. Guest Roderick noted that the five-year refresh cycle has recently begun.

 

Sen. Trousdale asked about the procurement of new computer equipment and whether the university negotiates pricing at a campus-wide rate. Guest Roderick explained that bulk pricing is pursued whenever possible, though the discount depends on the order size and the vendor.

 

Sen. Harvey inquired about the potential benefits of taking inventory or refurbishing older machines.

 

Sen. Segovia-McGahan also asked about the proper process for handling e-waste. Guest Roderick advised that departments should contact AT, which will arrange for pickup.

 

Additionally, Prov. Sueyoshi noted that the university is transitioning away from traditional phones, except in critical areas.     

 

Adjournment: Time Definite 4:30PM

 

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.