September 17, 2024

Academic Senate

Plenary Meeting Agenda

Tuesday 17 September 2024

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 no more than three minutes per topic. Senators may make announcements under Item 3 below.

 

Sen. Chaudhuri gave notice that CEETL will host a special discussion circle event, How to manage difficult conversations during the election season, online on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 02:00 p.m. - 03:30 p.m. PT. Interested community members may find more information HERE. 

 

Student Guest Gabriel Singer gave notice that Project Rebound will hold its 7th Annual Mural Celebration on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The event will include a speaker’s panel and art exhibit. Community members may find more information HERE and RSVP HERE. offers information about a speaker series related to Project Rebound. 

 

Guest Nancy Ganner, Assistant Director of Operations, Human Resources, gave notice that the University Budget Committee invites the campus committee to attend their first meeting on Thursday, September 19th from 10am - 12pm via zoom. RSVP to ubc@sfsu.edu.

 

Associate Professor John Brewer gave notice that the Department of Physics & Astronomy will host its next installment of Noche de Estrellas on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Thornton Hall 429. He invited the campus community to find more information HERE.

 

 

2:05 PM: Call to Order

 

1. Approval of agenda 

Sen. Harvey proposed to move the day’s CCC items from the consent agenda and into first reading (opening them to discussion). 

The motion was seconded by Sen. Hellman. The amendment to the agenda was then put to a vote.

 

Yes: 43

No: 1

Abstain: 1

 

The motion was passed, and the agenda amended. Chair Wilson called for other amendments to the day’s agenda. None were offered. 

 

1. Approval of minutes from previous plenary 

 

Chair Wilson explained the process for making major and minor changes to the minutes. 

 

The minutes were then approved at 2:12pm. 

 

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. Pasion gave notice that Pacific Islander Poetics and Climate Justice will host poetry and talk story with Climate Justice Activist Craig Santos Perez on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at 4:00 - 5:30pm in Fine Arts (FA) 193.

 

Sen. Lynch announced that Discover SF State, hosted by Future Students, will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Community members may find more information HERE and sign up to volunteer HERE.

 

Sen. Green announced Farewells and Homecomings: An Afternoon with Celebrated Translator Howard Goldblatt held Saturday, September 28 2 – 4 p.m. in Humanities 133. He invited community members to RSVP HERE. 

 

4. Reports

4.1. Senate chair's report

Chair Wilson outlined senatorial Zoom protocol. He then encouraged all to speak and contribute to this and all senate plenary meetings (includes engaging with at least one item per meeting). He then applauded University Advancement for changes made to the university’s investment strategy (this also garnered a positive mention in the newsletter of American Friends Service Committee). He moved to offer appreciation to VP of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Jamillah Moore and ECEC for their work in response to the planned closure of Children’s Campus. It was hoped that city funds will be available to support ongoing Children’s Campus operations.  Moreover, that the ECC would serve the faculty and staff families that will be impacted if the Children’s Campus is closed. Chair Wilson then noted the day’s two presentations and offered remarks in support of UCORP, outgoing Executive Director Jason Porth, Interim Executive Director Tammie Ridgell, and noted the success of campus coffee shops and the new Sephora kiosk in the student center.   

 

4.2. University president's report

President Mahoney noted that as with University Advancement’s work with environmental, social and governance-centered investment strategies (ESG), 3 faculty worked throughout the summer in support of students, associate professor Rama Ali Kased, CEETL Senior Director Anoshua Chaudhuri, and Professor Sheldon Gen (as well as the Foundation Board, UCORP, and Tammie Ridgell). She then went on to note a successful start to the fall semester. She then encouraged everyone to attend the week’s UBC meeting. She then summarized the Governor’s CSU compact. The 5% increase was provided, and is being put to good use, but the state budget for campuses will be reduced by 8%, essentially reducing that 5% increase to a 2% increase over 2 years. This will be dire for the campus. She called on all CSU community members to make their voices heard on this issue, including contacting their state representatives. She then noted a positive ranking for SF State in Money Magazine (best colleges in the West List ). 

 

4.3. University provost's report

Provost Sueyoshi gave thanks to the students attending the day’s meeting and for their engagement with the senate. She then gave notice that Christy Stevens will assume the role Interim University Librarian on October 1. She then applauded Deborah Masters for her 29 years of impactful service to SF State. Provost Sueyoshi then listed new faculty joining SF State this semester. These faculty include Assistant Professor Nancy Carmona, Assistant Professor Kev Choice, Assistant Professor Michelle Gomez Parra, Assistant Professor Joshua Reason, and Visiting Scholar Niny Arcila-Maya. 

 

4.4. Associated Students President's report

President Brandon Foley gave notice that the Shared Governance Internship, coordinated by Associated Students, went through its final approval process. They are hoping for 18 to 24 interns. He then reported on Gator Groceries, noting that conversations around food insecurity are very important (they expect to serve 800 students per week this semester). President Foley then reiterated Project Rebound’s 7th Annual Mural Celebration from October 10 to November 1, 2024. 

 

4.5. Standing committee reports

4.5.1. Academic Policies Committee

Sen. Takagi (speaking on behalf of Sen. Islami) gave notice that APC has no new items. The committee is working on revisions to the academic integrity and grade appeals policies. They will also be working on a resolution regarding course cancelations. 

 

4.5.2. Campus Curriculum Committee

Sen. Harvey gave notice that CCC brings 5 items to the day’s plenary: 3 minors and 2 certificates. ExComm discussed the traditional use of consent process. As such, these items were moved from consent to first reading.

 

4.5.3. Faculty Affairs Committee

Sen. Brown gave notice that FAC has been working on review of departmental bylaw submissions, the bylaws policy, as well as the hiring policy and the creation of a new assigned time policy for temporary faculty. 

 

4.5.4. Strategic Issues Committee

Sen. Trousdale gave notice that SIC has no new items today and noted that they are working with the Academic Freedom committee. Their meeting with Academic Freedom resulted in additional material for the existing policy. They will continue to discuss these. He then encouraged all to attend the UBC meeting this week. 

 

 

4.5.5. Student Affairs Committee

Sen. Christensen gave notice that SAC has no new items to bring to the plenary. The committee continues to work on the updates to the resolution on a preferred names policy. SAC is working to increase student engagement with the committee and is discussing student success on the campus. She gave thanks to their Associated Students representative for their hard work.  

 

• 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. 
• 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.

5. Minor in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language

 

Sen. Harvey introduced the item and explained the noncontroversial nature of this and the below items. In respect of the consent agenda procedure, these items have been moved to first reading so they may be available to comment and discussion. He noted that CCC is joined by guest Amber Friesen, Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Special Education, to answer questions about item 5. Sen. Harvey then explained the topic categories discussed during committee meetings. These include program efficiency, equipment and supplies necessary for student enrollment, program integrity (amid cuts and scale backs), and in general, evaluating how any proposed program changes ‘Build a Better Gator.’

 

 

6. Minor in Philosophy and Religion

 

Sen. Harvey noted that items 6 and 7 are from the same program. 

 

7. Minor in Religious Studies

 

 

8. Certificate in Digital Marketing

 

Sen. Harvey Introduced the item and explained that it coordinated by the College of Professional & Global Education. He explained that it was enthusiastically discussed during committee meetings. 

 

9. Certificate in International Risk Analysis

 

Sen. Harvey noted that lively conversation around this item was had with Middle East and Islamic Studies Chair Burcu Ellis. 

 

• 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. 
• 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. 
• Break: Wellness and networking break (Time Certain 3:00-3:05)
• Presentation(s)

10. Request to endorse renaming of university gym: VP Jeff Jackanicz (Time Certain 3:05-3:20PM) 

Draft version of an endorsement letter similar to past Academic Senate endorsements.

Letter of intent

San Francisco Federal Credit Union description

Letter of support from Athletics

 

VP Jackanicz offered context around the initiative to rename the university gym. He explained the campus’s new partnership with San Francisco Federal Credit Union, noting the 5-year duration of the partnership, and that SF State can expect financial literacy workshops for staff, faculty, and students, and to receive $1 to $2 million in that period. The funds will be put toward scholarship support for student athletes, and scholarship programs coordinated by Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. He explained that the gym will be renamed the San Francisco Federal Credit Union Gymnasium at San Francisco State University (though this wording may be refined). Discussions are being had with UCORP about whether to place ATMs on campus.

 

 

Discussion was had about the nature of the partnership, the understanding that renovations of the gym are not expected, and the mixed feelings around partnering the campus with a corporation. Overall, agreement was expressed that the deal is beneficial for the campus. 

 

 

The partnership between San Francisco Federal Credit Union and SF State was put to a vote. 

 

Yes: 43

 

No: 1

 

Abstain: 4

 

The item passed and the partnership approved. 

 

 

11. University Marketing Strategy Update.: AVP Guisselle Nunez (Time Approximate 3:20PM)

Latest market research, logo modernization, and next marketing campaign 

 

AVP Nunez presented updates on SF State’s marketing campaigns, including a push to redesign the university’s logo. She related that the “My Story” campaign has been effective, though more work is being down to ask, “how are we differentiating ourselves?” She noted that surveys indicate that Cost and Location were top concerns for people, and that people get most of the information about SF State from the university website. Marketing’s goal is to evaluate how this survey data can be translated into storytelling images that promote student success and the benefits of our location and campus culture. She then explained the modernization of the campus logo, noting that this is being done to make sure that it is suitable for contemporary media and platforms (old logo was designed for print media and letterhead, for example). She then provided examples of the redesigned logo. She reported that they are seeking volunteers to test marketing concepts. The results of feedback from these volunteers will be reported back to the senate ion November. 

 

 

Discussion was then had about other ways in which SF State can be visible and promote itself. Questions were raised about the nature of the survey and the data gathered. AVP Nunez offered to get more information about this and share after the plenary meeting. 

 

Discussion then turned to the public and visible nature of the senate’s votes via Zoom. Questions were raised about the pros and cons of visible (not anonymous) voting. It was argued that when meeting in person, votes are traditionally visible and that doing so in this manner helps to foster trust among senate and campus community.

 

 

12. Robert's Rules

• Adjournment: Time definite 3:55PM
• 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. 

 

Ryan Gurney

Secretary

 

Attendance

 

 

 

Absent

 

 

 

Guests