CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
ACADEMIC SENATE

MINUTES FROM MEETING 2
SEPTEMBER 27, 2007

1.	CALL TO ORDER
Chair Soni called the meeting to order in the Towner Auditorium at 2:10 p.m. All voting members were present except: COE: H. Rahai; CLA: W. Pedersen; S. Young; STUDENTS: L. Montano; DEANS: J. Houck; M. Khan; R. Kochan; G. Riposa; A. Taylor. Excused absences: CED: S. Leonard-Giesin; CHHS: M. Costa; CLA: K. Curtis; A. Jaffe; L. Vollendorf; STD SVCS: D. Hayashino; STAFF: F. Neely; C. Rice; EX OFFICIO: W. Griffith; D. Para.
2.	APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The Academic Senate Agenda for September 27, 2007 was approved.

3.	APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the September 13, 2007 were approved as amended.

4.	REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS

4.1	Executive Committee—Chair Soni
Academic Senate Chair, Praveen Soni, updated the Senators on the Executive Committee dialogue concerning the motion made at the last meeting of September 13, 2007 to streamline the Academic Senate meetings. He relayed some of the following suggestions:  Use a “silent” role call to move directly to the procedural portion of the agenda; increase usage of the Consent Calendar; forward topics of concern to President Alexander ahead of time for pertinent conversation; post open discussion topics on the Academic Senate website; move the “open discussion” portion of the meeting closer to the President’s report; and limit announcements by making many of them available with the agenda packets.
4.11	Announcements
4.12	 CFA Report—L. Sondhi
CSULB, California Faculty Association President, Lydia Sondhi, shared what faculty can look forward to after the settlement of the CFA/CSU contract dispute last spring. The focus for this year is to enforce the contract; find solutions to issues that remain unresolved by the settlement; and begin to take on the issues that are at the ROOT of our problems. Nationwide, funding for Public Higher Education fell eight percent between 2002 and 2004 and a shift developed from “state-funded” to “state-assisted” institutions. In California the percentage of state General Funds allocated to the CSU dropped 34% over the past 20 years. Adjusting for inflation, the CSU received $383 million LESS from the state in 2006/07 than it did in 2002/03 when the budget crisis began. The results of the “de-funding” are: Disappearing tenure lines because of growth in temporary faculty; larger class sizes from 2000 to 2005 and fewer class offerings; and fewer staff and less student access to full-time faculty.
CFA President Sondhi concluded her presentation by defining the goals of the CFA for the new academic year:  improve working conditions, student learning conditions and the quality of education we provide; make the CSU affordable for working students; increase the CSU budget; engage higher education issues at the state and national level; enforce the contract and engage on local campus issues; achieve majority status as a union; and tackle the complex issues of workload.

4.2	Nominating Committee
4.21	Approval of Faculty Representatives for Search Committees for AVP positions in Academic Affairs

Nominating Committee member, Senator Dan O’Connor, read the list of tenured track faculty nominees proposed by the Committee after first thanking them for their willingness to serve. 

Search Committee for Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Studies
David Huckaby, (Biological Sciences/CNSM)
Stephanie Eatmon, (Health Science/CHHS)
Dan O’Connor, (Liberal Studies/CED)
Matthew Simms, (Art/COTA)
Reza Toossi, (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering/COE)
Chair Soni called for nominations from the floor, hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the slate as read; Senator Albie Burke (CLA) made the motion to accept the slate and Senator Shireen Pavri (CED) seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

Search Committee for AVP for Academic Technology 
Beth Eldon, (Biological Sciences/CNSM)
Lesley Farmer, (Educational Psychology, Administration, and Counseling/CED)
Tracy Maples, (Computer Engineering and Computer Science/COE)
John Ostrowski, (Public Policy & Administration/CHHS)
Tiffani Travis, (Library & Academic Technology Services)
Chair Soni called for nominations from the floor, hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the slate as read; Senator Laura Forrest (CED) made the motion to accept the slate and Staff Representative Senator Marilee Samuelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

Search Committee for Assistant VP for International Education and Global Engagement
Elaine Haglund, (Educational Psychology, Administration, and Counseling/CED)
Jayne Howell, (Anthropology/CLA)
ChuHee Kwon, (Physics and Astronomy/CNSM)
Nilufer Medora, (Family and Consumer Sciences/CHHS)
Paul Ratanasiripong, (Counseling and Psychological Services/Student Services)
Chair Soni called for nominations from the floor, hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the slate as read; Senator Forrest made the motion to accept the slate and Senator Pavri seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

Search Committee for AVP of Academic Personnel
Tim Caron, (English/Linquistics/CLA)
Margaret Costa, (Kinesiology/CHHS)
Laura Forrest, (Educational Psychology, Administration, and Counseling/CED)
Tulin Mangir, (Electrical Engineering/COE)
Chris Miles, (Art/COTA)
Chair Soni called for nominations from the floor, hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the slate as read; Student Services Representative Senator Paul Ratanasiripong made the motion to accept the slate and Senator Samuelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

Search Committee for AVP for Research and External Support
Mary Caputi, (Political Science/CLA)
Stan Finney, (Geological Sciences/CNSM)
Robert Friis, (Health Science/CHHS)
Ron Loewe, (Anthropology/CLA)
Jalal Torabzadeh, (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering/COE)

Chair Soni called for nominations from the floor, hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the slate as read; Senator Luis Arroyo (CLA) made the motion to accept the slate and Senator Pavri seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 

5.	REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES—None 
6.	SPECIAL ORDERS
6.1	Report of the President—F. King Alexander
President Alexander opened his report with a comment concerning the topic posed by faculty about what environmental steps the University is taking in a proactive effort to establish a more sustainable campus. He touched upon solar power panels, collaborate work with ASI, recycling and new buildings. He stated that he plans to focus on details at a future meeting.
He then went on to make a brief announcement about Vice President William Griffith’s replacement in the Division of Administration and Finance. The search committee worked throughout the summer and met with seven candidates this past weekend from a pool of roughly 165 applicants; by Monday, the search narrowed to three well-qualified candidates who will visit the campus. 
The Science building construction begins in spring. Cost escalation is under control because of other factors such as the current housing market; the University should be breaking ground on new Wellness Center intended to meet student needs here on campus; and the last construction update concerns the Out Post and the need for the contract to go out to bid again because of unsatisfactory estimates. 
The President mentioned that there is good news concerning financial aid for students: Pell Grants are $4,100; student loan rates are 4.8%; CSULB students’ debt at graduation is nearly $12,000 less than the national average, with current funding and low rates it is currently better to be a full time student than working full while attending school; and there are Teach Grants available for those choosing to enter into public school teaching in high demand areas which can accumulate at a rate of $4,000 a year for four years. Senator Olson asked if there would be information available concerning grants to help students make decisions. The President assured her that would be the case as information is released and that students should be encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available.
During a question and answer session Senator Alan Colburn (CNSM) asked the President about the accuracy of a newspaper  report concerning our Journalism Department. President Alexander responded that there were issues that needed to be addressed in the department. The newspaper went to a self-funding format, however, the operation of the Daily 49er was not able to support itself. The University is looking at the best interests of the students without assessing student fees to keep the paper alive. The newspaper will remain in both an on line and paper format. 
6.2	Report of the CSU Faculty Trustee – Craig Smith

CSU Faculty Trustee Craig Smith was recently re-elected for two more years. He focused his report on three issues: Each campus should have the freedom to pursue its own unique excellence; workload reallocation can be put into place; and evaluating the graduation rates, course preparation and GPAs needed by K-14 students to identify those who will be able to be successful, and take the necessary courses for access, in the CSU. 
In conclusion, he stated that budget issues are very serious, particularly the California Community Colleges issue which affects the budget. (The official name given is “PROP 92: Community College Governance, Funding Stabilization, and Student Fee Reduction Act.”) It will seriously handicap the CSU because presently the State of California budget discretionary funds are dire. Senator Smith urged the members of the Senate to continue to educate people about the truth behind this action that could affect Pell Grants and create serious enrollment issues. 

7.	UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND MATTERS POSTPONED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
7.1	Senate Liaison to Campus Climate Committee
The Chair opened the floor to nominations. Senator Kathleen Lacey (CBA) made a motion to nominate Senator Peter Ammermann (CBA) as the Senate Liaison to the Campus Climate Committee; and Senator Forrest seconded the motion. No other nominations were made. Senator Ammermann was elected unanimously. 
7.2	GE Policy—SECOND READING (AS-716-07/GEGC/CEPC)
Senator Keith Freesemann (CHHS) made a motion to amend GE Policy Section 5.8.1 as drafted concerning Capstone requirements for transfer students from other CSU campuses; Senator Samuelson seconded the motion. Senator David Huckaby (CNSM) considered the motion unfriendly. Before discussion fully began, Senator Tim Caron (CLA) indicated that he also had an amendment to the section that he was making on behalf of Senator Lisa Vollendorf (CLA). She had an editorial change to the last sentence to strike. After some clarification, the suggestion was withdrawn, and discussion continued. 
Senator David Jacques (COTA) asked a question concerning the criteria for developing a Capstone course. Senator Freesemann responded that each campus develops its own but honor the framework outlined by Executive Order 595.
A few other questions concerning approval, accountability, and flexibility were addressed before Senator Lacey asked what percentage of transfer students are affected by this section of the policy. Senator Samuelson replied that in the last 18 months 71 students requested approval for substitution of other courses; constituting a very small number.
Discussion stopped and a vote called. The motion was passed.
The next motion made by Senator Freesemann, an amendment to GE Policy Section 6.1.1 as drafted, concerning returning students who began GE course work under earlier requirements and break continued attendance. Senator Samuelson seconded the motion. Senator Huckaby suggested splitting the motion into two sections since he considered part of the motion unfriendly. 
Discussion ensued concerning the definition of “continuous” attendance, if the motion helped or hindered graduation and the breadth of the GE requirements, and the number of students who fall under this section. Since the number of GE courses required for these returning students was amended from one to three by Senator Freesemann’s motion, Senator Brenda Vogel (CHHS) suggested that the amendment is actually intended to help returning students to transition smoothly to graduation while meeting GE’s intention. Senator Eileen Klink (CLA) concurred and stated that the proposed amendment be voted on in its entirety. A vote as called; there were 31 ayes; 11 nays; and the motion passed. 
Senator Karen Clippinger (COTA) placed the next motion on the floor to amend GE Policy Section 7.8.1 as drafted, adding the phrase that includes film and design in the category, and a reference to “aesthetic” context. Senator Burke seconded the motion. Senator Huckaby considered the motion friendly and the motion passed.
Senator Kirstyn Chun from Student Services stated she wished to replace her original proposed amendment to GE Policy Section 10 with a newly drafted one.  Senator William Johnson (CLA) made the motion to accept the replacement of the re-drafted section; and Senator Vince Del Casino seconded. Since the discussion which ensued did not leave time to debate the motion fully, no vote was called and the Section 10 will be on the agenda for next time.

8.	NEW BUSINESS
8.1	Policy (on the Timely Accessibility to All Instructional Materials)—FIRST READING (AS-722-07/EC)
Before the introduction of the policy, Vice President for Student Services, Douglas Robinson, was asked to give some back ground on the need to include accessibility into the policy. He stated that one in every five classes taught might contain a student with a visual impairment. A mandate came from the Chancellor’s office stating that all teaching materials used in a classroom must be accessible to every student. It is the intention of the University to assist faculty and minimize cost. Senator Arroyo made a motion for the first reading of the revision of the current text book policy, PS 79-08, expanding and including accessibility issues and aptly renamed: TEXT BOOKS AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL SELECTION, ACCESSIBILITY AND FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY. Senator Pavri seconded the motion. 
Discussion followed concerning the following topics: What is the definition of a “Course Reader?” Which Senator Pavri defined as any packet containing supplemental or instructor created reading materials. Senator Johnson wanted to know who would make the decision as to whether or not materials are “accessible?” Disabled Students Services can provide guidance in meeting mandated requirements. Emeritus Senator Doris Nelson’s question concerned problematic issues with identifying students within the wide range of disabilities that fall under the need for alternative media, specifically those students who do not inform the instructor ahead of time. Disabled Student Services Director David Sanfillipo responded that a process for informing faculty will be in place ahead of time; giving the instructor the earliest possible notification for having materials adapted into alternative forms. He conceded that confidentially issues may impede the process sometimes. 
Many other questions arose concerning time frames, responsibility, bookstore cooperation and enforcement. Additional information will be available at the next reading to address faculty and staff concerns.
8.2	Implementation of B.A. in Engineering Systems—FIRST READING (AS-723-07/CEPC/URC)
Senator Huckaby made the motion for the first reading and Senator Torabzedah seconded.

8.3	Charge To The International Education Committee—FIRST READING (AS-725-07/CEPC)
Senator Caron made a motion for the first reading and Senator Del Casino seconded.
8.4	Revised Charge to General Education Governing Committee—FIRST READING (AS-718-07/CEPC)
8.5	Revised Charge to Academic Appeals Committee—FIRST READING (AS-717-07/CEPC)
8.6	Policy on Study Week—FIRST READING (AS-724-07/CEPC)
Because of the time, Senator Caron made a motion for the first reading of 8.4,8.5 and 8.6; Senator Del Casino seconded the joint motion. 
 
9.	ADJOURNMENT
    The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
 
Submitted by								Approved by

Beth Smith, Recording Secretary					Keith Freesemann, Secretary of the Senate
					 
Signatures on File