Academic Senate Minutes October 21, 2003

Chair MacConnie called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2003, in Nelson Hall East, Room 102 (Goodwin Forum).

Members Present: Butler, Cheyne, Coffey, Dalsant, Dixon, Dunk, Fonseca, Fulgham, Kinney, Klein, Knox, Kornreich, MacConnie, Marshall, Meiggs, Mortazavi, Moyer, Mullery, Oliver, O'Rourke-Andrews, Paselk (4-5 p.m.), Paynton, Richmond, Sanford, Schwab, Shellhase, Snyder, Sonntag, Varkey, Vrem, Wieand, Yarnall

Members Absent: Derden, Zendejas

Proxies: Snyder for Green; Platin for Kiesling; Varkey for Paselk (5-6 p.m.); Snyder for Thobaben

Guests: S. Higgins, College of Professional Studies; K. Munoz, Faculty Athletic Representative; L. Phillips, Office of the Registrar; S. Smith, College of Natural Resources & Sciences; C. Terry, Budget Office

1. Approval of Minutes

It was moved and seconded (Meiggs/Varkey) to approve the submitted minutes of October 07, 2003. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.

2. Announcements and Communications

Chair MacConnie announced:

Congratulations are in order to Gretchen Kinney who was married October 11.

Strategic Planning Update - Many of the focus groups have been meeting. Senators were encouraged to visit the website for descriptions of the focus groups to determine which ones might be of interest. Chair MacConnie is the liaison for the University Decision Making focus group, which will be reviewing shared governance, communication and organizational structure. Senator Mullery is the convener of this group.

Master Plan Update - Campus community forums are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and the architects will present slides showing the implications of various enrollment ceilings. The November 4 senate meeting will address the enrollment ceiling portion of the master plan. Further information is available at the web site.

Wang Family Excellence Award - A call for nominations will be issued for the Wang Family Excellence Award. As stated in the announcement, the award is designed to recognize those CSU faculty members who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements in their academic disciplines, and are having a discernable effect on students. . . . Successful nominees should go well beyond what is expected for their job responsibilities and performance. The four faculty members and one administrator will be awarded $20,000 each. An award will be granted for a faculty member from each of the following disciplines: visual and performing arts and letters; natural sciences, mathematical and computer sciences and engineering; social and behavioral sciences and public services; and education and professional applied science fields.

A handout providing an overview of SB 41, which was approved by Governor Davis and corrects some of the unintended consequences of SB 1467, was distributed. SB 1467 limited the ability of CSU employees to contract with any state agency.

Located in the senate office for your review is a copy of KEEPING the PROMISE, which reports on the current state of affairs in the California public higher education system, how it deviates from the initial promise outlined in the Master Plan, and how the state currently has no plan for dealing with the impact of Tidal Wave II. It is a call for action with two primary goals: (1) to conduct a sustained and effective public information campaign about the nature and consequences of Tidal Wave II and the necessity of sustaining the Master Plan; and (2) to develop an agreement about the steps to be taken to address Tidal Wave II.

A request for proposals has been received from the CSU Commission on the Extended University. The Commission seeks projects that will advance the CSU's principal extended education objectives as set forth in the planning document, Extended Education in the California State University, A Framework for Action. The deadline is March 26, 2004. Approximately $400,000 will be available to campuses. The Commission anticipates making awards up to $50,000 per project. This document may be reviewed in the senate office.

3. Committee and State Senate Reports

Associated Students - Senator Platin reported that CSSA agrees with the message that was developed by the Chancellor's Office and will be taken to the legislature. Work continues on setting the criteria for shared governance, and there is an abundance of material on this issue from many campuses. Since many of the retention and outreach services have been cut because of the budget, the annual retention clinic will be changed to a shared governance clinic this year. CSSA has made a tentative plan to work with Senator Deborah Ortiz to help high school seniors with their Cal Grant applications. The Intersegmental Coordinating Committee was an inspiration to Senator Platin; the Committee looked at the complete range of education from pre-school on and how to ensure that those in pre-school now will find their way into higher education.

Associated Students passed a resolution opposing the infrastructure change occurring in the Art Complex. The students seek to halt this change and encourage exploration of other options on where the telecommunication hub could be placed. The infrastructure project has caused a lot of frustration with different spaces being taken up by a telecommunication house. AS also was successful in getting over 690 signatures of students who oppose the infrastructure change and has collected a multitude of letters of concern from students, staff and faculty.

OAA - Academic Affairs is undergoing a new budgeting process. A call has gone out to the different units asking that budget requests be submitted to the Provost by December 15. The goal is to make the budget process as open and transparent as possible.

President's Office - Mr. Steve Weiner, one of the organizers of the statewide initiative on the campaign for educational opportunity, pointed out that over the next decade California will face educating another 1.8 million students in higher education and the cost of this education will be $15 to $20 billion. There has been little effort at the statewide level to plan how the state will accommodate this number of students. Mr. Weiner and his colleagues have begun an effort to convince political leaders that this is very important. Senators were encouraged to pay attention to this issue.

President Richmond expressed his appreciation to the senate for its resolution on the budget process and for the hard work that has been done on the strategic planning process. During a meeting with the business partners, Mr. Michael Boreing who is also a community representative on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, praised Humboldt's strategic planning process. President Richmond stated that many of the senators deserve a lot of credit for their hard work on the process and ongoing efforts. If we are having half the effect on community people that we are having on Mr. Boreing, then we are doing a great job with the strategic planning process.

There is nothing new to report on the budget; it still does not look good for next year. The best thing to do at this point is take a wait and see approach. When anything definite is known, President Richmond will forward such information to the senate.

Educational Policies Committee - The Committee is working on the repeat policy, distance learning, and on-line course evaluations. Comments on any of these issues are welcome.

Administrative Affairs - Three design proposals on the BSS Building have been received from contractors, and the cost proposals are due Friday. It is hoped that the final outcome will be known by Friday evening.

UCC - The strategic planning focus group on nonmajor requirements, which includes general education, will meet Thursday evening. If anyone is interested, please attend the meeting. The web page is available for comment if people are not able to attend.

Senate Finance Committee - The budget committee continues to meet and hopes to have a budget policy soon. Linked with the Provost's request for budget information from the deans, the Committee is hoping that similar information will be provided by the offices of the vice presidents and the president.

5. Resolution on Campus Consultation with Faculty Before Establishing Enrollment Targets and Enrollment Management Policies for an Admissions Cycle (#06-03/04-EX)

The resolution was on the floor at the last senate meeting when discussion was interrupted to accommodate a time certain item. The resolution reads:

WHEREAS: Section 3561(b) of the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) recognizes that joint decision making and consultation between the administration and the faculty are central to the mission of the California State University (CSU); and

WHEREAS: It has long been the policy of the CSU that faculty have primary responsibility for curriculum; and

WHEREAS: Admissions and enrollment management are so closely connected to curriculum and the academic programs of the university that the policy should recognize the role of faculty in these areas; and

WHEREAS: The Academic Senate CSU unanimously approved the attached resolution AS-2569-02/AA Campus Consultation with Faculty before Establishing Enrollment Targets and Enrollment Management Policies for an Admissions Cycle ; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the president consult with the Academic Senate before developing enrollment targets and enrollment management practices that have implications for each admissions cycle.

Chair MacConnie provided a recap of the October 7 senate discussion on this issue stating that concern was expressed regarding the lack of clarity in the resolved clause related to the enrollment management practices that have implications for each admissions cycle. Senator Snyder drafted language to provide clarification; a copy of the new language was distributed.

It was accepted as a friendly amendment to replace the resolved clause in the resolution with the two resolved clauses distributed today.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Platin) to vote immediately. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.

Voting on the amended resolution occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The revised resolution reads:

WHEREAS: Section 3561(b) of the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) recognizes that joint decision making and consultation between the administration and the faculty are central to the mission of the California State University (CSU); and

WHEREAS: It has long been the policy of the CSU that faculty have primary responsibility for curriculum; and

WHEREAS: Admissions and enrollment management are so closely connected to curriculum and the academic programs of the university that the policy should recognize the role of faculty in these areas; and

WHEREAS: The Academic Senate CSU unanimously approved the attached resolution AS-2569-02/AA Campus Consultation with Faculty before Establishing Enrollment Targets and Enrollment Management Policies for an Admissions Cycle ; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the President consult with and receive the recommendation of the Academic Senate before negotiating an enrollment target with the Chancellor; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the Academic Senate be consulted on enrollment management policies that affect the number or mix of students for an admission's cycle.

4. Update: Faculty Athletic Representative -[K. Munoz]

Kathy Munoz, Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), clarified that in a resolution passed by the Senate the FAR was asked to report to the senate once each term. There was general agreement that this is acceptable.

Update of First Year - During the last year Professor Munoz has been familiarizing herself with the NCAA Bylaws; has attended a number of conferences and conventions; has continued to learn the aspects of the job as FAR; has worked with Linda Phillips in the Registrar's Office and signed the list verifying the eligibility of student athletes; has participated in several hardship waivers; has participated in the search for the new Athletic Director and the new Associate Athletic Director; and hopes to participate in the search for the women's basketball coach.

Student Success and Progress Report - Humboldt student athletes had an overall 2.81 GPA for fall term, and student athletes are to be commended for their good work. The GPA of student athletes has been calculated by hand by Professor Munoz. The NCAA requires that the GPA of student athletes be checked annually in August; the Great Northwest Academic Conference (GNAC) has approved this also. Humboldt does not check GPAs every term, but it could. A discussion on this topic would be helpful. The GPA requirement of GNAC is 2.0; this is a cumulative GPA that includes only Humboldt courses. Students must meet satisfactory progress, which means they must pass 24 units in a year in order to be academically eligible. Student athletes must maintain a minimum of 12 academic units each term; most student athletes carry between 17 and 22 units each term. Student athletes, either as transfer students or as first-year students, must declare a major by their junior year after which time progress reports toward a degree are started. The graduation information for last year has not been received yet. GNAC received a grant to purchase for each school computers/laptops that an athlete could check out to take on trips; Humboldt is scheduled to receive one laptop. Professor Munoz did not have the data on either the number of student athletes who are close to or just below a 2.0 GPA or the data on how Humboldt's GPA compares to other CSU campuses, although the GPA of student athletes at Humboldt is higher than the average GPA of other Humboldt students. If GPAs were checked each term, then student athletes would be able to receive more assistance, and discussion on this practice is needed.

Practice Schedule - There are only a few practice facilities on campus, and it is difficult for some of the teams to practice, especially given that the athletes also must attend classes. Concern was expressed about students who must miss practice to attend a class, although only a few students have a conflict with their practice schedule.

Travel Policy - There is some confusion on the policy regarding travel for students. The impression is that at Humboldt if students are traveling on Humboldt business, then their absence from class would be excused. According to the catalog there is a statement that says each instructor establishes regulations regarding attendance requirements and it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to make up that work. Athletics is included in this group.

Clarification is needed as to whether there is a travel policy for students, how it is enforced and what can be done to help student athletes in this regard. It was suggested that the Educational Policies Committee review this issue and develop a standard policy that can be used and incorporated into the Faculty Handbook. If there is an inconsistency between the catalog and the Handbook, then a resolution approved by the senate to resolve such an inconsistency is needed. The catalog contains the following language, "It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements regarding class work in those cases where the student's absence is because of participation in intercollegiate athletics, forensics, drama festivals, music tours, and the like." Wide consultation on this topic was encouraged since there are academic aspects and fairness issues to be considered.

Safety Issues - Professor Munoz has not yet followed up on this issue but she will do so. One issue is that the 15-member vans are still being used, and such vans have been determined unsafe. According to a national report published two years ago, the 15-member vans were compared to full-size buses. It was determined that the full-size buses are less likely to be involved in an accident, and students are less likely to be injured in the bus should an accident occur. Copies of this report may be obtained from Senator Knox. The data also show that if the vehicles are used for less than the stated capacity and there are no materials stacked on top of the vehicle, the safety issue may not be the same. At one CSU campus the rear seats were removed and people were prohibited from carrying anything on top of the vans. If people are having to sign waivers before using such vehicles, this issue should be revisited.

Exit Interview - The NCAA requires that an exit interview be conducted of all student athletes who have completed their eligibility. Professor Munoz has compiled several exit interviews into one, which has been reviewed by the coaches and the Athletic Advisory Committee. Senators were asked to consider volunteering to help with such in-person exit interviews in January. This would give faculty an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the athletes. Senators interested in volunteering to conduct such interviews may email Professor Munoz at kdm1@humboldt.edu.

Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Committee (IAAC) - The role of the IAAC is the primary question. A survey conducted last spring found a consistent theme in that last year's committee members were frustrated with the functioning of that committee. Professor Munoz asked what the senators believe to be the duties of the IAAC. The duties are described as advise the university administration, through the Vice President for Student Affairs, on athletic policies and practices, equity compliance, annual budget and balance of sports that constitute the program. The previous duties of the Committee included developing policies to help ensure equal treatment of male and female athletes.

Professor Munoz asked for confirmation that the duties and compositions were accepted by this body. It was agreed that the Student Affairs Committee review the process and the descriptions to determine the relationship of the senate to this committee and to the Athletic Compliance Committee, and then bring such information to the senate floor for discussion.

The issue is the role of faculty in the governance of Athletics on this campus. The NCAA does not recommend that we have this committee, but it does recommend that if we do, that there be a specific composition. A copy of this could be included in the next packet. The Principles and Guidelines, a set of papers published by the statewide senate on positions taken by the statewide senate, and the AAUP are additional references which may be reviewed. It appears as though the committee members do not believe they are being consulted and the question is should they be consulted or just informed.

Resolutions from Fall 2001 and Current Practice - Professor Munoz revisited the resolutions approved by the senate in 2001. Some of the resolutions need to be addressed. In resolution #04-01/02-EX, the fourth resolved clause calls for an audit of the 2000/01 budget to be conduced and the results made available. Professor Munoz believes that an outside audit has not been conducted.

According to Vice President Butler an audit for specific years was requested and the history does not exist to complete such an audit. However, the state portion is audited by the state side, the Foundation portion is audited by an independent auditor, and the University Center side is audited by an independent auditor so all components are audited. The requested data are not available because there was no director, no associate director and no business manager at that time, and since the program had been in deficit, Student Affairs was unable to determine the budget. For the last two years all the components of Athletics have been audited by outside auditors, and these audits are public information. [The student representative to the IAAC, commented that when he asked about that specific audit, he was told that the audit does not exist.]

According to Professor Munoz, there are some programs that are being tiered if one looks at the amount of money being spent on them and if that is the definition of tiering. [Clarification on the definition of tiering was requested since there was some confusion on this matter. Some people believe tiering is occurring and others do not.] [According to Professor Munoz, tiering is providing dollars and a larger budget to different sports depending on the needs of the university and because some sports are more expensive than other sports.] [There is a definition of tiering that speaks to an organization strategy in which equity comparisons within groups of sports are reviewed. If there is a tiered program, then an equal participation of men and women in each tiered program is needed, a distribution of sports in each tier of the program is needed, and resources can be allocated differentially . In this case, resources are not just dollars; resources also include coaching support, staff time, etc.] [It was noted that comments were heard indicating that Humboldt is tiered.] [Is Humboldt tiered in any way regarding instruction or travel or equipment?] [According to Vice President Butler, we are not tiered by gender. The audit by the Office of Civil Rights found Humboldt to be out of compliance in several areas, but we are now in compliance. The area where Humboldt is tiered, and this was based on requests from the coaches, is in the area of scholarships. Not all sports get equal amounts of scholarship dollars. We may have been tiered in the past.]

The field portion of track and field has been suspended; the distance events are still continuing. The only suspension process Professor Munoz is aware of is the process that occurred through the Athletic Advisory Committee. If Dick Stepp hadn't called the meeting in May the committee members would not have known that the field portion of track and field was being suspended until after the fact. There was no process similar to the one used when an academic program is under consideration for elimination. Since the field portion was suspended, if money becomes available, then it could be reinstated.

Vice President Butler provided a chronology of events: (1) on February 25 the Senate had presentations that included the potential cuts to all the various campus components, including the possibility of the elimination of an athletic sport; (2) on March 13, the Senate, the Executive Committee and the URPBC met, had the same discussion and the same presentation and, again, the possibility of eliminating a sport was included; (3) on April 7 the President's presentation indicated that Athletics probably would see a cut in staff and the elimination of a sport; and (4) URPBC received that recommendation mid-June, and the decision was made to use the money elsewhere and make those cuts to Athletics. In addition to that process, there were additional conversations with the various Student Affairs' components that included students and committees to talk about such reductions. No specific dialogue occurred wherein the specific sport to be cut as named; however, some of this was limited by the contract language that precludes one from discussing personnel matters. Timing also was an issue since a decision was needed by July 1. Not knowing what the budget would be made it more difficult to have such conversations. [It was noted that presenting the possibility of eliminating a sport is different than consulting on the elimination of a particular sport. The problem is on the process used when eliminating a program. In the early 90's, Humboldt eliminated programs, but there was a clear process about how such a decision was made.] [Senators were reminded that the Senate passed a resolution, and it was approved by the President, on the suspension, elimination and termination policy but that applies specifically to degree programs only and would not be applicable in this particular case.]

Clarification was requested on how the CBA disallows conversation regarding the possible elimination of a sport. [Vice President Butler stated that the CBA indicates that the Union must be notified of layoff. Since most of the money is in personnel, it would be difficult to cut a sport and not lay off an employee. Although such discussions were hypothetical, the belief was that the contract did not allow such discussions to occur before notice was provided to the Union.] [Given that in the past during layoff activity, the contract did not disallow such conversation, surprise was expressed at this interpretation of the language. It would be helpful to get some clarity on this issue.] [This might be a future conversation for the Senate, especially given what we may be facing this year with the budget.]

Concern was expressed by Professor Munoz regarding the Senior Woman Administrative (SWA) position and the fact that Humboldt's current SWA is a part-time compliance clerk. Given the importance of gender equity, that position should be filled by one who meets the definition. The position will be open in December and Professor Munoz will follow up on this. In the gender equity report that was done for CalNOW, it was recommended that we establish a gender equity monitoring committee to review budgets, policy and procedures and make recommendations on gender equity to the athletic director. With the budgetary outlook for the future and the past practice on this campus regarding gender equity, perhaps this is an issue the Senate would like to pursue. It appears that from participation numbers we are within the 5 percent of student body demographics.

Senators were reminded to email Professor Munoz if they are willing to participate in the exit interview.

Chair MacConnie expressed her appreciation to Professor Munoz for her report.

6. Resolution on Protecting Academic Programs at Humboldt Sate University (#08-03/04-SF)

It was moved and seconded (Mortazavi/Klein) to place the resolution on the floor.

WHEREAS, Cal Poly Humboldt is facing both a fiscal and an academic crisis as a result of the budget reductions for Academic Year 2003-2004; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Finance has directed all state agencies, including the California State University, to plan for a 20 percent reduction for the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, CFA and the CSU recently reached an agreement in the form of Supplemental Report Language that captures the legislature's intent that the CSU prioritize funding for "core classroom instructional needs, student services, and libraries"; and

WHEREAS, The Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt passed a resolution on Humboldt budget reduction criteria that required differential reductions to protect Cal Poly Humboldt's academic quality; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt fully endorse the Supplemental Report Language; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the President use the Supplemental Report Language priorities in all matters that require budget reduction at Humboldt.

Senator Mortazavi stated that the resolution is in support of the resolution approved by the CFA in support of academic programs under the current budget situation. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Varkey) to make this an emergency item for immediate transmittal to the President. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Meiggs) to adjourn the meeting.

Meeting adjourned 5:25 p.m.