|
-+ ACADEMIC SENATE MINUTES March
27, 2008 |
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11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. ACADEMIC
SENATE CHAMBERS
Members Present: Altar, Alva, Bhattacharya, Bullock,
Fidalgo, Fromson, Grewal, Guerin, Hewitt, Hickok, Jarvis, Kanel, Klassen,
Liverpool, McMahan, Mead, Oliver, Palmer, Pasternack, Rumberger, Shapiro,
Smith,
Absent:
I.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Guerin
called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.
II.
URGENT BUSINESS
None.
III. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Senator Rumberger reported that only 8%
of the student population has voted in the ASI elections. He asked that faculty members encourage
their students to vote.
On behalf of the planning committee for
the all-campus CSU budget meeting, Chair Guerin thanked everyone
who attended the meeting.
IV.
CONSENT CALENDAR
M/S/P [Pasternack/Fromson] to approve the
Consent Calendar as amended: [Approved unanimously]
4.1 Nominees to General Committees
Faculty Personnel Committee
Nominees: Ron Hughes (SOC SCI); Forthcoming Joanne Gass (HUM)
Continuing: Laurence Timm (ARTS); Mabel Kung (CBE);
Robert Gass (COMM);
Chandra Putcha (ECS); Andrea Guillaume (EDUC);
Debbie Rose (HHD);
Gerald Gannon (CNSM)
Professional Leaves Committee
Nominees: John Koegel (ARTS); Alfonso Agnew (CNSM); Nancy Fitch (SOC
SCI);
Forthcoming Sharon Perry (Library); Forthcoming Xiong
Wang (ECS);
Continuing: Gus Manoochehri (CBE), Anthony Fellow
(COMM); Kim Norman (EDUC); Leslie Grier (HHD); Reyes
Fidalgo (HUM)
Faculty Research Committee
Nominees: Robin Johnson (ARTS); Adrian Fleissig (CBE); Jason Teven
(COMM);
David
Cherin (HHD); Forthcoming Phil Armstrong (CNSM)
Continuing: David Cheng (ECS); Grace Cho (EDUC); Renae Bredin (HUM);
Julie Stokes (SOC SCI); Barbara Miller (Library)
V.
TIMES CERTAIN
Time Certain
11:45 a.m.
Subject: Continued
Discussion – Second Language Graduation Requirement Report (ASD 08-43)
Chair Guerin
reported the following in response to a question regarding a question about the
formation of the ad hoc committee
on the Second Language Graduation Requirement (taken from meeting minutes of the Executive Committee and Academic
Senate):
·
Executive Committee Meeting 4-25-06: Senators Bedell, Buck, Emry, Fidalgo, Gass,
Guerin, Hall, Hewitt, and
Pasternack were present and discussed the composition of the Second Language Graduation Requirement ad hoc study
group. There were 22 applicants and 15 spaces available.
·
Executive Committee Meeting 5-2-06: The
Executive Committee made recommendations in the
Chair’s Report and agreed to place Dean Rikli on the committee.
·
Executive Committee Meeting 6-20-06: The
Executive Committee approved the nominees to the
study group. Present were Senators Buck, Fromson, Guerin, Hewitt, and Taylor.
·
Academic Senate Meeting 8-24-06: Chair Guerin
announced in Chair’s Report that the committee
had been approved.
·
Executive Committee Meeting 2-13-07: Professor
Starr met with the Executive Committee and shared
an overview of the report that he and co-chair Bhattacharya would give to the
Academic Senate on February 15th.
Since the last meeting of the Academic
Senate, Chair Guerin was asked to remind the body of UPS 100.006 Commitment to Civility at CSUF which
calls for us to foster a climate wherein all members of the community are treated with dignity, respect, and care as
we exercise our freedom of speech and expression.
Chair Guerin requested that during this debate, those present focus on the
evidence presented in the report and its
treatment. Personal attacks, including
comments about the beliefs of those
who served in the SLGR ad hoc study group or the co-chairs are outside of the
bounds of what is considered civil
discourse. Chair Guerin stated that as Chair, she would do her best to protect
the rights of all sides of
debate.
Discussion of the ad hoc study group’s
report continued and Co-Chairs Bhattacharya and Starr addressed the following questions and comments:
From
the gallery
Dean
Unnikrishnan: Has the ad hoc study group considered what languages other
countries use as the global
language when communicating with other countries?
Bhattacharya: We did not get into discussion of what languages are
used in different disciplines.
Starr: We addressed the fact that there are different needs to
consider when preparing for the global arena that we’re in.
Different areas have different needs. Our recommendation is that we have a more flexible approach that allows those for whom
second language proficiency is important to be able to pursue those
options.
Professor
Wang: [Spoke in opposition of the
second language requirement] (1) English
has become the more popular (global)
language. For international students, English is their second language. If we impose this requirement, it may make
it difficult for international students to earn a degree from CSUF or they may not choose to complete
their degrees at CSUF (2) The fact that we have many international students on campus demonstrates globalization.
Professor
Peale: The committee was charged with addressing the wisdom of having a
program with major exemptions
from university requirements; It is
a wise step to take in the practical realities of the world in professional preparation and academic life. The
concerns raised are not new. Prior to 1978, less than 25% of 4-year colleges and universities in the United
States had foreign language graduation requirements.
In 1978, President Carter convened a task force on language resources in the
United States. In 1980, universities
across the country began to look at this issue very seriously. Now, between
73-74% of colleges and
universities in the United States have a second language graduation requirement.
The results of a survey taken late last
year in the State of California indicated that 53% of the population of California prefers to use a language
other than English in their homes.
The committee’s concerns were very
institutional within the Cal State system. However, in the report, there is no expression of awareness of
what the academic trend has been over the last 30 years.
The survey that was conducted at Wake
Forest University does not seem relevant to our experience at CSUF because Wake Forest is a private
university, owned and operated by the North Carolina Baptist Convention. Its student body is upper
and upper middle class. They do have a foreign language graduation requirement, and 50% of the students who need the
requirement complete a semester or more
abroad.
Starr: The committee examined the case against exemptions and the
case for exemptions. The Wake Forest study came out of a
consortium of business schools that also included others such as the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School of
Business. The study reported on the concerns of their recruiters. Our
findings showed that both cases were strong and proponents on this campus; these are irresolvable differences.
Therefore we (the study group) recommend that this is a prudent time for a
compromise. Rather than imposing on each other, both sides should
work out a compromise position that gives flexibility, but at the same time,
promotes the
second language graduation requirement.
Our charge was to look
at the impact of the requirement on our University specifically.
Professor
Stohs: [Read a anonymous statement
directed to the body]: “What we want a second language
graduation requirement to do for our students is to increase global understanding,
improve employment potential, sharpen
cognitive and life skills, increase appreciation of international literature, music, and film, make travel more feasible,
and increase understanding of oneself and others.” At least 25-30 courses on our campus would
satisfy these goals. A second language graduation requirement may not satisfy these desires uniquely. How much of
this was a consideration, if any, in forming your final recommendation? Also, it is not easy to become proficient in a
language [in a short period of time].
Starr: The ad hoc study group suggests an
international approach constructed in such a way that second language
proficiency is promoted and students are given incentives to pursue it. Some of
the other things mentioned might be more relevant to certain programs; this why
the committee recommends flexibility.
Bhattacharya: Some colleges,
like the college of Business, are heavily dependent on transfer students. In
that college, over 1,500 transfer students would need to fulfill the
requirement over two years. Even if 45% (self-reported number) passed the
speaking and listening test, 800 students would need to fulfill the requirement
over two years.
Professor Molodowitch: A member of
the Senate body mentioned that lack of proficiency in a second language could
create a barrier to admission into a graduate program. Has the committee
researched this?
Bhattacharya: We cover that
in the report in the section entitled “Obstacles Associated with a
No-Exemptions Policy”.
Professor Chakabati: A couple of
years ago, we reduced the amount of courses/units required. If we add the language requirement, it would
defeat the purpose of reducing the units. Student tuition will increase, adding
an additional burden to them to complete the requirement.
Starr: Our recommendation is to create a
flexible program that promotes second language proficiency without requiring
additional courses.
Professor Moini: Adding
additional units may cause an adverse affect on our degree program (mechanical
engineering). 18 of the required units are taken in other colleges. Shared
concern that students would choose other colleges or universities where there
are less units required.
Bhattacharya: A decrease in
enrollment will create a ripple effect that will be felt across the campus.
However, the study group did not discuss that. The report did mention that
there is a CSU-wide directive to facilitate graduation and indicate the
obstacles associated with removal of exemptions. The report presents good
arguments for both keeping exemptions and doing away with them, but suggests a
compromise where different departments and programs work together to avoid
increasing the amount of required units and still address the criteria that the
second language requirement should promote.
Professor
Shiva: Take into consideration that the instruments and technology we use
on a daily basis. Consider whether teaching them a second language is more
useful than teaching technology in this global society.
Senators
Senator
Fidalgo: It seems that the study group’s decision to move towards a global
competency requirement instead of a second language graduation requirement was
made much earlier than it received the final data about implementation. How did
the group form its decision?
Starr: The recommendation was not made until
last. There were four different areas that the group needed to consider.
Regarding exemptions, there were votes taken about different options and some
group members were interested in the global competency requirement from the
beginning. We had already received a substantial amount of data by that time. However,
no consensus had been reached. Our report had a majority-minority component on
exemptions since we could not agree. The members who supported the minority
presented text that was built in and augmented, in fact, to address the case of
full exemptions. The case against exemptions was presented in the majority
report. Towards the end, it was realized that we all thought the globalization
requirement would be a good compromise between two incompatible positions.
Senator Fromson: [Read
statements from chairs in the College of NSM]: “Yesterday, March 26th,
the CSUF Physics department unanimously voted, all members present, to
recommend the second language requirement be rescinded.”
“In a meeting
of the geology faculty on March 26th, the department voted
unanimously to endorse the findings of the study group. The department affirms
that the study of foreign languages is a hallmark for outstanding education, particularly
in today’s globalized economy. However, we feel strongly that any SLGR must be structured so that no units be added to
the existing general education requirements.”
To what extent
did we consult with the departments when formulating this report?
Bhattacharya: We had representatives from every
college except the College of Engineering. However, the College of Engineering
made its position known to us and Chair Guerin in an email message.
Chair Guerin
concluded this discussion with the acknowledgement of Co-Chairs Bhattacharya
and Starr for their work on this project. Dr. Starr read the following
statement in conclusion of the report (See ASD 08-77):
“Thank you for your
questions. We hope we have answered them.
Our committee worked
for over one and a half years to fulfill the task assigned to us in
ASD 06-67. It is worth repeating that during that time, no member of the
committee ever expressed views that were against the principle that cultivating
second language proficiency in our students is a centrally important goal.
The view expressed
earlier in this debate—that there were biases at the outset of this
committee—is true, but only as long as one adds that the biases were as diverse
as the members of the committee. This diversity of opinion is what made our
challenge as a committee so daunting. Had we agreed at the outset, how very
easy things would have been!
Nevertheless,
consensus emerged by the end of our work together, and, as we have indicated,
all committee members approved the submitted document. The committee is proud
of its work and of its report. We stand by its data, analysis, and
recommendations. They are sound.
In sum, the committee’s central conclusion and the
reasoning that led us to it are as follows:
1. First- As we have
shown, the case against exemptions is strong. It is incoherent to adopt a
graduation requirement and then exempt substantial numbers of students from it.
2. Second- The case
for exemptions is equally strong. As we have shown, there are multiple
compelling reasons of principle and consequence that have led every eligible
program to request and be granted exemptions.
3. Third- Whether
one agrees with one side or the other in this debate, the point is that there
is undeniably wide-spread disagreement among faculty from across the colleges.
This disagreement found strong expression on our own committee.
For this reason,
after one and a half years of discussion and debate, our committee concluded
that the prudent course of action in the face of this very real and very contentious
impasse is not to come down on one side or the other, but to construct a
compromise policy that rewards and promotes second language proficiency, and
that also allows flexibility for students and programs. We have suggested the
contours of such a policy, and we strongly recommend its adoption.
Whether our central
recommendations are adopted or not, however, we hope that our report, its
reasoning and data, and its analysis of issues related to other areas of
concern—areas such as University Board responsibilities and
double-counting—have been and will prove beneficial to the process of
developing a sound policy in this area.
We also hope that
the substantial and illuminating studies undertaken by the office of the
IR&AS (Institutional Research and Analytical Studies)—studies that were
commissioned by, but not reported independently to this body—will be examined
and used.
In closing: We stand
by the work of the ad hoc committee and its report. Our data, analysis, and
reasoning are sound, and we urge acceptance of our central recommendations.
We also thank you
for the time and attention you have spent on this important matter, as well as
on our report, and we hope we have answered your questions.
Thank you.”
Chair
Guerin added that this issue will have a time certain at the next Academic Senate
meeting on April 17th.
Time Certain
12:30 p.m.
Subject:
Willie Hagan, Vice
President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer
VP Hagan addressed
the following in accordance to BL 07-03:
Currently, we
are in a state of uncertainty; there is a proposed budget target reduction for
the CSU and the University, but everything is still in flux.
How bad could
the budget reduction be?
·
The State has reported a $14.5 - $16.5 billion
deficit and projected a $386.1 million reduction to the CSU. This works out to
be an $18.1 million reduction to CSUF.
·
CSUF has $5 million in unfunded mandates in
addition to its structural deficit, ongoing operational costs, and utility cost
increases (currently at $9 million per year, 10% increase projected over the
next few years).
·
VP Hagan emphasized that his report discusses
the fiscal state as it could be,
given the recent CSU budget memo and the current campus budget situation:
o
Remaining 2006-07 structural deficit
($2,264,514) + new 2007-08 structural deficit = ($3,678,570) = Total 2007-08
structural deficit of $5,943,084.
o
The cut in State allocation, additional
unfunded mandates, and compensation costs, and the projected increase in
2008-09 baseline expenditures combined with the total structural deficit
results in an estimated 2008-08 budget shortfall of $18,539,836. ($18.5 million
differs from $18.1 million because it takes into account additional revenue
from over enrollment, structural deficit, and other factors.
o
The PRBC is in the process of reviewing the
2008-09 baseline expenditures
o
If approved for expenditure, items funded with
non-recurring one-time/non-baseline resources in 2007-08 will further increase
the shortfall to approximately $20,303,799.
·
As a point of discussion, VP Hagan showed an
illustration of 2008-09 division reductions if prorated by percent of baseline.
(Page 9 of handout)
·
Examples of what a reduction of this magnitude
could mean for CSUF (not all inclusive):
o
Access denied to up to 1,000 fully eligible
upper division transfer students
o
Cutting over 1,200 course sections in the next
academic year
o
Fewer part-time faculty employed
o
Increase in student time to degree
o
Reduced expenditures on facilities maintenance
What will
happen to the 2007/08 carryforward?
·
2007-08 carryforward will not be swept to
University level. If your carryforward vanishes, notify division Vice
Presidents or Dean, not the CFO.
Should I spend
or save lottery funds?
·
If you can spend it, do so.
·
CSUF has $13.3 million in lottery funds. Our
reserve policies allow us to have $2.1 million; therefore, we are $11.2 million
over what the policy allows.
·
The Chancellor’s office constantly notifies us
that if we do not spend our lottery funds, they will be taken.
·
Because we exceed the permissible lottery fund
reserve, departments are encouraged to spend lottery funds.
·
2006-07 Lottery Fund Allocations approved by
President Gordon on March 13, 2007
($5.8 million
total):
o
$2 million distributed to academic departments
o
$2.1 million to Academic Affairs for
distribution by the VPAA
o
$500,000 distributed to the Library
o
$300,000 distributed to Information Technology
o
$900,000 distributed to Student Affairs
·
Lottery-Campus Allocation Plan: Our money has a
home; it is not sitting, unspent.
What is the
campus decision making process for budget reductions?
·
PRBC is reviewing and has been working with
division heads to focus on our priorities and strategies.
·
Each division is examining efficiencies in
their budgets and looking at areas in which budget reductions could be made
·
The CFO is examining strategies to increase
University revenue and reduce expenses. A report will be shared with PRBC.
·
PRBC also will receive and review updated
budget projections after the May revise.
·
PRBC will make final 2008-09 budget
recommendations to the President for his approval
What is our
projected 2008-09 enrollment and how does this compare to 2008-09 funded
(target) enrollment? What are the fiscal
implications of additional enrollment beyond our funded target?
·
Projected 2008-09 enrollment is 29,066 FTES
·
2008-09 funded enrollment target is 28,161 FTES
·
Amount over target (amount over funded level):
905 FTES
·
The University will not receive state support
for enrollment over target. If the University received state support for 905
FTES over target, it would equate to approximately $4.8 million.
·
The University does not receive revenue from
enrollment over target. However, 905 FTES generates $2.8 million in student fee
revenue.
·
Since, historically, the University has been
over-enrolled, much of the $2.8 million in student fee revenue generated by
over-enrolled FTES has already been accounted for in the overall University
budget.
Detailed
charts are on the Administration and Finance website: http://finance.fullerton.edu/Budget/BudgetReport/index.htm
Questions:
Senator Jarvis:
If fee increases were to happen, that it would impact Fullerton more than other
CSU campuses because of the over-enrollment.
VP Hagan: Yes, since we would bring in more
student fee revenue from those students.
Senator Hewitt:
Should we try to reduce utilities now (i.e., removing light bulbs, not running
computers all day, etc.)?
VP Hagan: Yes. Utility costs are increasing. Discussion
has taken place about computers not running 24/7.
I will ask about reducing lighting. We are currently upgrading heating and air
systems to make them more energy
efficient.
Senator Hewitt:
In light of the budget cuts, is PRBC looking at cutting non-essential items
like Concert Under the Stars?
VP Hagan: Since the cuts are going to be so
significant, I think PRBC intends to look at a number of things and their recommendations will go to
the President.
VP Smith: On
over enrollment, we do not have a set aside. 100% of the over-enrollment is
kept on the campus. Normally, if there is a fee increase, one-third is set
aside for state University grants.
Senator Williams:
Does 29,000 FTES include the summer session?
VP Smith: Of the 29,000 FTES, just under
1,400 would be in summer session, and about 1,200 would make up El Toro.
VP Hagan
offered to come back to the Senate to address additional questions, if needed.
He also stated that he and his staff are willing to meet with departments on
campus for more in-depth discussion. VP Hagan and his staff were thanked for
this report.
VI.
STATEWIDE ACADEMIC SENATE REPORT
Senator
Pasternack indicated that lobbying regarding the state budget will take place
in April.
VII.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Guerin
reminded the body that two open hearings on the proposal to change the degree
name of from Human Communications
to Human Communication Studies are scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th,
2:30-3:30 p.m. and Friday, April 11th,
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and will be facilitated by Hilla Israeli and Mike Loverude, chairs of the Curriculum
and Graduate Education Committees.
The announcement of these hearings was posted
to the University Portal. The Academic Senate has received the CFA Fullerton Chapter resolution on Academic
Quality opposing any increase in class size or
student/faculty ratio. The Executive Committee will discuss this resolution and
it to refer it to specific committees
for input. Faculty members should notify CFA President Nyaggah if they learn
that their classes have been increased
in size. This resolution will be sent to President Gordon, Vice President Smith, Deans, Department Chairs, the
Academic Senate, and faculty.
Faculty
members are encouraged to complete the online committee interest form. There
are approximately 56 vacancies on standing committees.
The ASCSU Senator
election will take place the week after Spring Break. Senator Pasternack is the
sole candidate.
VIII. UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
Item 8.1 was not discussed due to lack
of time.
8.1 ASD 07-183 Revised UPS 103.004 Computing
Facilities Use Policy [ITC]
IX. NEW BUSINESS
Items 9.1 to
9.5 were not discussed due to lack of time.
9.1 ASD 08-44 Revised UPS 106.100 The President’s Medallion [Senate
Executive Committee]
9.2 ASD 08-45 Revised UPS 410.103 Curriculum Guidelines and Procedures:
Programs [UCC]
9.3 ASD 08-56 Revised UPS 240.200 Policy on Amorous Relationships
Between Faculty, Staff, & Students [FAC]
9.4 ASD 08-60 Reviewed UPS 100.004 Student Participation in Department
Decision Making
[SALC & FAC]
9.5 ASD 08-61Reviewed UPS 411.600 Policy on Service Learning [CISL]
X.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.