May 14th, 2024

Academic Senate

Plenary Meeting Agenda

Tuesday 14 May 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.

 

No announcements were made.

 

 

2023-2024 Senate, Final Plenary

2:05-2:55 (time approximate)

 

 

CALL TO ORDER: 2:05 PM

Chair Goldman has called the meeting to order and thanks everyone for their participation this year. He offers remarks about the value of the 2023-24 senate and the value of shared governance. He noted that we need more people active in the senate.

 

1. Approval of the Agenda for 14 May 2024

Chair Goldman moved to amend the agenda to include a report from President Mahoney, and then the addition of an item 8, a revised version of item 7. The amendment to the agenda must be voted on.

 

 

Chair Goldman made a motion to vote to amend the agenda to now include the additional items.

 

Sen. Segovia-McGahan seconded.

 

Discussion was had about items 7 and 8 (both being iterative versions of a resolution declaring the senate’s disagreement with the Chancellor’s handling of CSU General Education changes). This discussion included the lifespan of both versions, and why there are two before us as distinct documents. Some disagreement was had about the fact that there are two versions of the document (as opposed to one doc having gone through progressive revisions arriving at a singular terminus). It was summarized that the original and its revisions became quite different. Chair Goldman also received many requests from people to allow others to evaluate the two versions. The original was a strongly worded rebuke to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees’ handling of Title V. The second version tries to address the source of the some of the issues related to Title 5 (albeit less strongly). The second version was introduced between first and second readings. Discussion had made evident that people want to view and discuss both versions. Chair Goldman would like to poll the body of the senate to ask, “would you like to discuss the original version, the new version, or both versions?” Or you may abstain.

 

However, Chair Goldman recommended that the senate first vote for the motion on the table: whether amend the agenda so we are discussing the original item and the new version separately.

 

It was held to a vote:

 

Yes: 25

 

No: 12

 

Abstain: 10

 

The motion carried. The agenda was amended to allow us to discuss both items.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Approval of the Minutes for 7 May 2024

Chair Goldman gave notice that the minutes are behind schedule so these will be posted to iLearn and circulated for approval later.

 

Note: the minutes were distributed to the senate via email on May 17. They were then added to the senate iLearn. No motion of disapproval was made.      

 

 

3. Announcements from the Floor

 

No announcements were made.

 

 

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. Written Report from CSU Faculty Trustee Darlene Yee-Melichar, Report No. 5, written only.

 

 

 

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.

5. From the Executive Committee: Commendation in Honor and Recognition of Outgoing Members of the Academic Senate, consent item. To be read into the record. Documentation follows meeting.

 

Chair Goldman explained that the first portion of the commendation thanks those senators who will be leaving or have left the senate He then offered special thanks to ACSU senators, Santhi Kavuri-Bauer, Robert Collins, and Jackson Wilson. He then thanked at-large senators, Brad ESen. Harveyson and David Hellman. He thanked each of the chairs of the standing committees, David Olsher, Alaric Trousdale, Roberta A D'Alois, Fang-yu Chou, and Carrie Holschuh. He then thanked Vice Chair, Richard Harvey and Secretary, Ryan Gurney.  Very special appreciation was extended to Mirna Vasquez for her tireless work and knowledge on behalf of the senate year in and year out. 

 

Chair Goldman then moved to adjourn the 2023-24 Senate. He gave notice that ExComm and the new senate will stay for the election of the new ExComm. Chair Goldman noted that the new senate will step in on June 1. The current ExComm will continue to act during the summer if necessary.

 

 

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.

 

6. Recommendation from Executive Committee: Resolution for Positive Action and Collaboration in Recognition of Significant and Unusual Financial Challenges, in second reading.

 

 

Sen. Hellman asserted his support for this resolution and noted that it is a good example of how a good resolution evolves over time. Furthermore, it is an example of why participation in shared governance is worthwhile.

 

The item was then voted on.

 

Yes: 31

 

No: 4

 

Abstain: 7

 

 

The resolution was passed. Thanks to ExComm for working it through.

 

 

7. Recommendation from the Executive Committee: Resolution Calling for the Revision of Title V to Restrict CSU Curricular Changes to Faculty Determination, resolution revision of the Loss of Confidence in the California State University Chancellor and Board of Trustees Ability to Effectively Consult with Faculty On Changes in CSU Curricula, in second reading.

 

Chair Goldman noted that this will be the ORIGINAL version of the resolution.

 

Sen. Grutzik noted support for the just-voted resolution for Positive Action and Collaboration. She feels that this one in particular needs more time for consideration by the senate community. She moved to table this resolution until the fall semester.

 

Sen. Way seconded the move. This was then held to a vote. The question at hand: Shall we table and return it in fall 2024?

 

Yes: 23

 

No: 14

 

Abstain: 8

 

This has been tabled for next fall. The Senate then proceeded to item 8.

 

 

8. Resolution Calling for the Revision of Title V to Restrict CSU Curricular Changes to Faculty Determination

 

Chair Goldman gave notice that this is the REVISION of the above. It is open for discussion.

 

Sen. Way explained that she offered these suggestions in the spirit of hearing that faculty want control over curricular decisions.

 

Sen. Wilson spoke in support of this resolution. In particular, he noted the boldness of the second resolve clause:

 

“[…] that the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University implore that within the next year (2024-25) the Title V of the California Education Code be revised to explicitly state that the curriculum of the CSU is solely determined by the faculty through the Academic Senate of the CSU and its 23 campus-based Academic Senates.”

 

Sen. Collins offered a point of information, noting that Title V is the purview of the Board of Trustees. He feels it important to consider language that urges the CSU Board of Trustees to consider faculty decisions in their revision of Title V.

 

 

Chair Goldman moved to vote on the item.

 

Yes: 29

 

No: 1

 

Abstain: 11

 

 

The motion was carried. Chair Goldman offered appreciation for everyone’s hard work.

 

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.

        No new business has been scheduled for this meeting.

 

 

PRESENTATION(s)

9. Presentation from the Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award Committee, “Awarding Recipients of Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards,” (time approximate 2:15). Documentation follows meeting.

Chair Goldman opens for Sen. Chou to present.

 

Sen. Chou presented the 2024 recipients of the SF State Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards. awardees. She began with a statement about recognizing those contribute meaningfully to the campus. She then summarized the different categories and noted that teachers will receive $4k. They will also receive a commemorative plaque.

The award committee includes Fang-yu Chou, Tonya M. Foster, Michael Goldman, Todd Roehrman, Tamara Spencer, Phonita Yuen.

Award Recipients

Excellence in Teaching (Tenured Faculty): Nick Sousanis, School of Liberal Studies

 

Excellence in Teaching (Lecturer Faculty): Duc Ta, Department of Computer Science

 

Excellence in Professional Achievement (Tenured Faculty): David Peña-Guzmán, Department of Humanities and Comparative World Literature

Excellence in Service (Tenured Faculty): Falu Bakrania, Race & Resistance Studies

 

Excellence in Service (Staff): Darleen Franklin, Department of Biology

 

 

The President’s Report

Chair Goldman introduced President Mahoney.

 

President Mahoney remarked on the social activism taking place on campuses all around the country as well as our own campus. She noted that social activism is part of SF State’s history and identity. She then offered congratulations to the Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards winners. In other news, she has been having meetings with the leaders of the student encampment. SF State always welcomes students’ voices in the revision of campus policies. Campus administration welcomes a conversation about how we can call out human rights as a positive investment strategy in the ESG (environmental, social, and governance). She then noted that her attention has also been called to Senate Bill 1287 (Public postsecondary education: Equity in Higher Education Act: prohibition on violence, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination), which she thinks could inhibit academic freedom, freedom of expression and student activism. She is hopeful that this will reach a peaceful resolution soon.

 

Chair Goldman opened for questions.

 

Sen. Wilson offered thanks to the President and the administration for the peaceful negotiations with student activists.

 

President Mahoney offered thanks to the staff of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and to the folks associated with Free Speech & Time, Place & Manner (TPM), and in our Office of Emergency Services (EOC).

 

 

Adjournment of the 2023-2024 Senate: Time approximate 2:55 PM

Our 14 May meeting will include continuing, outgoing and incoming (2024-2025) Senators. New and remaining Senators will elect the new Executive Committee and standing committee chairs. The meeting will be followed by a reception, co-sponsored by the Office of the President, beginning as soon as departing Senators (2023-2024) are dismissed.

2023-2024 Senate appointments end on the last day of May, and 2024-2025 appointments begin on the first day of June. The Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Senate during the summer.

 

2024-2025 Senate, Opening Plenary

3:00-3:55 (time approximate)

 

CALL TO ORDER: 3:00 PM

1. Approval of the Agenda for 14 May 2024

 

The agenda was approved as read.

 

2. Welcome from 2023-2024 Senate Chair

Chair Goldman offered remarks about the importance of shared governance and its goal of service and advice for the purpose of improved support of students. 

 

3. Election of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, At-Large Representative to ExComm, and Standing Committee Chairs for 2024-2025

 

Chair Goldman explained that Sen. Collins and Dipendra Sinha, as newly-elected ASCSU senators, do not need to be elected. They are the first two members of the new ExComm. Chair Goldman then explained that any senator is free to run for any open position. The new senate only may vote on the new ExComm (this excludes Chair Goldman and Sen. Olsher as outgoing senators). He pauses for questions. Note that Nominations are listed HERE.

 

Chair nominations:

Sen. Wilson accepted

Sen. Holschuh declined

Sen. Brown declined

Sen. Harvey declined

 

Sen. Wilson was elected as chair.

 

Vice chair nominations:

Sen. Holschuh accepted

Sen. Harvey accepted

Sen. Chou accepted

 

All senators gave statements about their experience and qualifications for the positions for which they are running.

 

Sen. Holschuh was elected as vice-chair.

 

Secretary nominations:

Sen. Gurney accepted

Sen. Musselman declined

 

Sen. Gurney was elected as Secretary.

 

First At-Large nominations:

Sen. Chou accepted

Sen. Pasion declined

Sen. Harvey accepted

Sen. Platas declined

Brad accepted

Sen. Musselman declined

Sen. Brown declined

Sen. Shaw declined

Sen. Pogrow declined

 

Brad was elected as the first at-large senator.

 

Second At-Large nominations:

Sen. Harvey accepted

Sen. Musselman accepted

Sen. Chou accepted

Sen. Islami declined

 

Sen. Chou was elected as the second at-large senator.

 

Sub Committees

SAC - Ellen Christensen

FAC – Liz Brown

CCC – Rick Harvey

SIC – Alaric Trousdale

APC – postponed (Fang-yu as interim)

 

 

 

 

Adjournment.

 

Ryan Gurney

Secretary

 

Attendance

 

 

Absent

 

 

Guests

 

 

 

Reception Continues.