Minutes of the Academic Senate Meeting
of October 23, 2001
Chair Vaughn called the Academic Senate to order at 2:10 p.m.
Senate Members Present:
| Alvarez, Alvin Avila, Guadalupe Bartscher, Patricia Boyle, Andrea Collier, James Colvin, Caran Concolino, Christopher Consoli, Andres Daniels, Robert Duke, Jerry Edwards, James |
Fung, Robert Garcia, Oswaldo Garcia, Velia Gillotte, Helen Gerson, Deborah Gregory, Jan Harnly, Caroline Henry, Margaret Hom, Marlon Houlberg, Rick Hubler, Barbara Jerris, Scott |
Kassiola, Joel Langbort, Carol Levine, Josh Luft, Sandra McKeon, Midori Moallem, Minoo Oñate, Abdiel Raggio, Marcia Sayeed, Lutfus Scoble, Don Shrivastava, Vinay Smith, Miriam |
Steier, Saul Su, Yuli Terrell, Dawn Vaughn, Pamela Warren, Mary Anne Warren, Penelope Yip, Yewmun Bishop, Anna Newt-Scott, Ronda Wolf, Bruce |
| Senate Members Absent: President Corrigan (exc.), Rob Strong (exc.); Thomas LaBelle (exc.); Karima Adisa-Thomas (abs); Marv Friedman (abs); Eunice Aaron (exc.); Bob Cherny (exc.); Vijay Ganji (abs.); Susan Higgins (abs.) Amy Nichols (exc.); Mitch Turitz (exc.) |
| Guests: Gail Whitaker, William Sievert, Kara Hearn, Shelly Smith, Nicole Sumner, Jesse Drew, Lise Swensen, Lisa Jordan, Jason Velo, Aimée Z. Barnes, Horace Montgomery, Susan Connell, Michael Gregory, Jesse Drew, Nancy McDermid, Ken Monteiro, Arlene Campbell, Dominic Yu, Liza Mulvenne, Laura Brun, Praat P. Chatterjee |
Emotions are running high at this time, due in no small part to September 11, but also due to budget concerns and the impasse in bargaining – again. The Senate and the CFA have different roles to play in the lives of CSU Faculty, but we share our concern for faculty welfare and for the preservation of faculty rights, faculty hiring and review, appointment and review of academic administrators, business and fiscal matters, campus development, academic and professional standards, and the mission and goals of the University. Efforts to strengthen faculty rights ought to be commended, and so I would like to compliment the SFSU, CFA, and its president, Mitch Turitz, for the excellent TeachCSU on October 16 – well done!
In addition, I would like to commend the fine letter of Professor Henry Reichman, Chair of the History Department at CSU Hayward, and of our own Professor Jonathan Middlebrook, English Department (published in Saturday’s SF Chronicle). Each takes to task the CSU’s publicist Colleen Bentley-Adler for her “lies, damn lies, and statistics” to quote Reichman, quoting Mark Twain. Professor Middlebrook’s comment about bloat in the CSU central administration is worth reading for you– “every dollar disproportionately allocated toward administrative bloat means students and taxpayers are being cheated out of the teaching they assume they’ve paid for. The 30 percent increase in administrative employment did not teach a single student. Administrative bloat, by the way, hires directors of Public Affairs, like Bentley-Adler, who then mislead the public on the important matter of who gets paid what. Faculty and staff have no such hired guns. We write our own letters, on our own time.”
So, well done, CFA, and well done, Professors Reichman and Middlebrook. We all need to make our voices heard, each in her or his-own way.
The agenda was accepted with the change M/S/P (Colvin, Gregory) to limit debate under agenda item #8 to two minutes each
Agenda Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for October 9, 2001
The minutes for October 9, 2001 will be presented at the next Senate meeting November 6, 2001.
Agenda Item # 3 – Resolution Honoring Judith Ott
Chair Vaughn asked that the Senate approve a resolution in Honor of Judith Anne Ott.
WHEREAS, Judith Anne Ott has served San Francisco State University loyally and unstintingly since 1964; and Whereas, during that time she has seen this campus grow from San Francisco State College (15,600 students) to San Francisco State University (27,700 students), an increase of 78 percent; and WHEREAS, during that time she has also seen the Bulletin grow from three slim volumes to its current impressive and shelf-bending size, to its cyber-version, and beyond; and WHEREAS, she retains in her incomparable memory everything about every major or minor program ever offered at this University, including all prerequisites for now-defunct programs; and
WHEREAS, she demonstrates extraordinary efficiency in all she undertakes; and WHEREAS, the Curriculum Review and Approval Committee of the Academic Senate would have long since lost its bearings without her unerring sense of direction and purpose; and WHEREAS, she has decided to retire from San Francisco State University after thirty-seven years of distinguished service; and WHEREAS, her retirement will leave a void on this campus which cannot easily be filled; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Judith Anne Ott receive, on behalf of generations of faculty, the thanks of the entire Academic Senate and of all who have served, are serving, and will serve in the Senate and on its Curriculum Review and Approval Committee; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Judith Anne Ott be enrolled among the legendary figures of San Francisco State University and be memorialized in its tales of remarkable feats; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Academic Senate urge the Office of Academic Affairs to retire her nameplate and have it enshrined in a place of honor in Academic Affairs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Judith Anne Ott be made an honorary member of the Academic Senate in perpetuum and be awarded the title domina curriculorum emerita.
The resolution was adopted by acclamation.
Agenda Item #4 – Proposed Changes to Existing Segment II Policy
These policy changes are the product of deliberations among faculty on the Segment II Area Committees and the GE Council over the past year. Minor changes have been made in response to APC concerns. The revision and renewal of Segment II will begin this year.
Chair Marlon Hom reported that both the Senate Executive Committee and the Academic Policy Committee have reviewed the recommendations by the General Education Council for minor changes to GE Segment II. The three minor changes are: (1) the addition of a fifth category –Category E: Language other than English; (2) minor language changes in the summary section of the policy; and (3) a revision of the guidelines for submission courses upon review by college deans.
Bruce Wolf asked if this is an addition to Segment II requirement or just another category for students to choose from? Jerry Combs responded that it adds another option but it does not change the number of units required.
Voting on the item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 – Proposed Revisions to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism
The Department of Journalism seeks to formalize as a sequence a group of existing courses many majors have already taken in preparation for careers in Online News. The Department further seeks to add a requirement that all majors take at least one course in visual journalism. These changes respond to a profession in transition, with the aim of keeping graduates competitive. The proposed revisions also include the reduction in the number of units required for graduation to 120, in keeping with recent CSU adjustments. There is no change to the Journalism minor. The Department of Journalism foresees no likely shifts in FTE or resources in consequence of the proposed changes.
Andrea Boyle (speaking for Amy Nichols, chair of CRAC) reported that the Department of Journalism is seeking to formalize a sequence of courses that prepares students for online journalism news. The proposed revision also includes a reduction in the number of units required to 120 for the degree. No new resources are necessary. Gail Whitacker reminded the Senate that a formalized sequence of courses is not the equivalent of a program. A sequence of courses is used for advising.
Rick Houlberg advised that the department of Broadcast, Electronic and Communication Arts had worked with the department of Journalism and were in full support of their request.
Voting on the item, passed unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 – Proposed Revisions to the Minor in Ethical Issues in Science and Technology
Andrea Boyle reported that during the 1998-99 academic year; the NEXA Program began an evaluation of the minor, which it offers jointly with the Department of Philosophy. Student interest and inquiries to NEXA and to faculty have increased. In addition to documenting the continuing availability of listed courses, the intentions were to investigate and perhaps add new courses, especially those covering the recent discoveries and research in science and technology. NEXA 440, “Ethical Issues in Science and Technology,” has been taught since spring 1999; it is particularly appropriate as an addition to the core. The proposed changes to the program requirements are necessary for updating, continued relevance and category coherence.
In summary, changes are in four categories: course deletion, course title modification, course addition, and category modification.
M/S/P (Gregory, Houlberg) move to second reading.
Agenda Item #7 – Proposed Calendar for Summer 2002
Marlin Hom, Chair of the Academic Policy Committee, recommended to the Senate changes to the Summer Session Calendar recommended by the Summer Semester Review and Assessment Committee. The proposed change will create two five-week sessions and one ten-week session. The written proposal with rationale was provided to all senators. Rick Houlberg asked how was the short five-week session derived and were any faculty polled. Hom and Gail Whitaker, Vice President Academic Affair, responded that the five and ten-week came from the Senate’s Summer Session Committee and from a polling of department chairs and deans. Pamela Vaughn added that the Academic Senate sent out a survey to all units on campus including faculty to assess satisfaction with the new summers session. The department chairs were asked to poll their faculty and to pass that information on to the Summer Semester Review and Assessment Committee. Jan Gregory indicated that students taking composition and writing courses during the summer might find it very difficulty to learn new skills and to integrate them and bring about a genuine change in writing ability. Hom reminded the Senate that the new summer session includes an eight-week session that could be used for writing composition classes. Vaughn reminded senators that the proposed calendar is for Summer 2002 only.
Agenda Item #8 – Proposed Discontinuance o the Master of Arts Degree in Creative Arts: Concentration in Interdisciplinary Arts and Concentration in Creativity and Arts Education
The Academic Senate first reviewed this item in Spring 2001 during the May 8, 2001 and May 15, 2001 meetings. The proposal returns in first reading, for further consideration. The College of Creative Arts submits for consideration a formal recommendation for discontinuance of the academic programs of the InterArts Center (IAC), through a phase-out process over two years. The primary reason for discontinuance is to consolidate programs in the College and to save money. The IAC academic programs to be discontinued are the two graduate programs, and some of the undergraduate courses.
Chair Vaughn reminded everybody that since so many want to speak on this issue that the senate has approved to limit each speaker to 2 minutes.
William Sievent, speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, focused his concern on procedural problems in the recommendation and the value of these programs. IAC mission has always been about criticizing what is going on in society. The loss of these programs will diminish the opportunities for students and especially working class people to experience the activeness nature of the program. Kara Hearn, IAC Student speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, argued that the closing of the program to new admission this fall has dramatically reduced student enrollment and limited the offering of IAC classes. In her own case one of her IAC classes was change to an independent study class due to the fact that she was the only student. Shelly Smith, IAC student speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, noted that the IAC program has graduated 20 masters student a year. The students are making an invaluable contribution to the arts community for very little academic cost to the university. Nicole Sumner, IAC Alumni speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. As a former teacher in the public school found IAC programs invaluable in integrating community theory and practice. Like to see the university working together, working to support common programs. Bruce Wolf, speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs raised the concerned that a full discussion, that included student, did not take place. There have been many questions about procedures not being followed. Questions the procedure of tacking resources from one program (IAC) to feed another. The loss of IAC will diminish the cope of our academic programs and reduce the image of SFSU. Anna Bishop, speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs, noted that the Associated Students strongly supports the programs remaining.
M/S/P (Duke, Houlberg) move to second reading.
Rene Garcia, IAC student speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. IAC is a low cost high-level education. IAC develops skills for the art community that allows the students to go out into the world to make a difference. Jesse Drew, IAC Faculty and Associate Dean of the SF Art Institute and speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. IAC programs are profoundly important for the art community. He is extremely grateful to IAC and SFSU for his academic and teaching skills. He is strongly against the discontinuance of IAC programs. Chris Novak, IAC Alumni, speaking against the discontinuance of IAC programs, completed his undergraduate work at the Art Institute and found the graduate program of IAC invaluable. Bruce Wolf, speaking against the discontinuance of IAC programs, asserted that we must be careful how we mediate our programs. Keith Morrison, Dean Creative Art, speaking in favor of the discontinuance of the IAC programs, noted that before coming to SF state he was the dean of the SF Art Institute. Came to SFSU because it is a better place, appreciate that IAC was here and tried to keep it. However, IAC enrolls about 20 new students while other departments in the college have much greater demand. The College offers many interdisciplinary arts courses and 40% of the IAC curriculum will be maintained. We have an interarts certificate program. Mary Ann Warren, Ask for a clear picture on what will happen if we vote against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. Keith Morrison stated that if the Senate votes against the discontinuance then the recommendation would have to go to the Provost since there is no money in the College to support IAC. Money would have come from some place else. Dore Bowen, speaking against the IAC program discontinuance. Believes that IAC has been mismanaged and to say that there is no money is not accurate. Ronda Newt-Scott, Associate Students President, speaking against the discontinuance of IAC programs, reminded the senators that students and faculty must work together and the programs in IAC are something that the students want to keep. He warned faculty not to forget that you might need help from the student body during this time of contract negotiation. Dawn Terrell indicated that the argument being made are very impressive, however, how can plans be realistic to continue a programs given the lack of funds. The reality is funds are not available to continue the program. One important questions is how do the important teaching IAC has offered continue? Marcia Raggio, pointed out that the document provided indicate that Dean Morrison assures the Senate that the nature of the IAC teaching can be pursued in the Art department. Lisa Swenson, IAC Faculty, speaking against the IAC program discontinuance. Asked the Senate to vote against the discontinuance and in good faith we will go back to our community to find the resources needed to maintain IAC’s programs. Nicole Sumner, IAC Alumni speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs. Stated that in the past IAC was fully funded. Over the years funds have been cut and lecturer faculty have replaced permanent faculty. The programs were eroded from the inside by mismanagement. Jan Gregory, asked if it is true that the recommendation from the Senate will go to the Provost? Chair Vaughn responded by reading from senate policy that did not address the action that would take place after a vote by the Senate. Marlon Hom, in clarification outlined that the discontinuance of IAC’s programs were approved by EPC, (consisting of APC and CRAC), and the Graduate Council. At each level of the review guests were invited to speak to both sides of the issue. IAC programs as presently constituted without tenure track faculty does not meet the requirement of the California Education Code in that graduate education must be in the hands of the tenured and tenure track faculty. Chris Novak, IAC Alumni speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs pointed to the disregard for procedure by the individuals who put the discontinuance request together. That closing enrollment to IAC this prior to action by the Senate is a violation of proper procedure. Requested that the Senate to give us a chance to put the programs back together, to overcome the mismanagement and to find the funding. Chair Vaughn pointed out that the university often suspends enrollments when department or programs are in crises and that is has been a practice for a number of years. Kara Hearn, IAC Student speaking against the discontinuance of the IAC programs pointed out the money was found to paint the art building doors and plan a new color scheme for the building so why can’t it be found for IAC programs?
Bruce Wolf requested an answer to Gregory question concerning what
happens if senate rejects the discontinuance of the IAC masters programs.
Bartscher indicated that a vote on discontinuance is similar to the
creation of a program. The Senate vote will go to Provost/Vice President for
Academic Affairs and the President.
Adjourn at 3:49 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Edwards
Secretary to the Faculty