HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
Academic Senate Minutes
September 26, 2000
Chair Cheyne called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2000, in Nelson Hall East, Room 102 (Goodwin Forum)
Members Present: Bicknell, Bockover, Burroughs, Cheyne, Christensen, Dixon, Fulgham, Giovannetti, Goodman, Kelvin, Kenyon, Knox, Larson, Little, MacConnie, Martin, Mayer, McFarland, Meiggs, Novotney, Smith, Thobaben, Thompson, Travis, Varkey, Wang, Wilson, Yarnall
Members Absent: McCrone, Pecot, Sheppard, Stokes
Proxies: Knox for Bockover (5-6 p.m.)
Guests: Randi Darnall Burke, Student Affairs; Ronald Fritzsche, Faculty Personnel Services; Carolyn Mueller, President's Office; Lindsay Ogden-Herrera, Associated Students; George Ringwald, North Coast Journal; Richard Vrem, Undergraduate Studies
Chair Cheyne requested that the agenda be revised by adding the election of the Secretary of the Academic Senate and Chair of the Educational Policies Committee as the 4:20 time certain item and moving all other time certain items to five minutes later than indicated on the agenda. No objection was voiced.
It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Thobaben) to approve the submitted minutes of May 02, 2000. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.
2. Announcements and Communications
Chair Cheyne announced that the last page of the agenda packet is a copy of the tentative schedule for senate meetings and a list of all senators including telephone numbers and email addresses. Senators were asked to check for accuracy and let Greta know of any needed changes.
Several information items are contained in the agenda packet:
The Resolution Regarding Termination of College of Arts, Humanities and Social Services Dean Search (#16-99/00-EX), passed at the May 2, 2000 senate meeting, requested that Chair Cheyne transmit letters to the American Association of University Professors, the President of the University and the University Executive Committee relative to the concerns expressed at the meeting. Copies of these three letters, all dated September 14, 2000, are included in the agenda packet. Also included are copies of two letters Chair Cheyne received from President McCrone, dated May 17 and May 19.
The evaluation of President McCrone also is included as an information item. It is labeled an open letter to the Humboldt State University community from Chancellor Reed, dated August 31, 2000. It was posted to the web site but not distributed through campus mail.
On May 17, 2000, the Academic Senate received presidential approval of the Resolution on Revision of Student Grievance Procedures (#15-99/00-SA) passed by the Senate at its April 18, 2000 meeting. There was one minor editorial revision that reordered subsections under Grievance Committee Review.
A policy regarding royalties, revenues or other income from the sale of course materials has been distributed campuswide by the President as Executive Memorandum P00-7. This policy resulted from three resolutions passed by the Academic Senate in 1997 and specifies that faculty members at Humboldt State University will not receive from Humboldt State University students any royalties for course materials they have authored. The policy is consistent with the spirit of the resolutions passed by the Senate.
Senator Kenyon announced that the CMS Manager search continues; the second attempt to appoint a project manager failed.
3. Committee and State Senate Reports
Senate Finance - Just prior to census, it was noted that the enrollment target for fall is short 260 FTES. One possible explanation for this shortage is that new requirements for transfer students are in place and the math requirements are not being met. It is not known yet if this will become a payback situation. In response to this shortfall, URPBC is holding $1,100,000 until the final enrollment data are known. Academic Affairs has transferred funds to the college and library accounts; a small amount of money is being held for sick leave and reclassification needs. Program review funds were increased to $60,000 and will be available to departments whose program reviews have cleared Joint Council by November 8. The finance subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Joint Council has been charged with reviewing the values and principles that determine budget allocation decisions.
Faculty Affairs - A resolution on the sabbatical leave review process is on today's agenda. Some of the issues before the committee include review of Appendix U, allocation of retiring faculty salary funds and replacing permanent faculty with permanent faculty positions, assigned time for the Faculty Development Coordinator, the work place violence policy, a counselor personnel document, and the intellectual property policy for the campus.
CFA - Negotiations over the reopeners have broken down and movement to fact-finding has occurred. Fact-finding has been scheduled for October 30 and 31 and November 2 and 3. The negotiation breakdown occurred because of several reasons: the FMI (Faculty Merit Increase) process and possible gender discrimination; the fact that CSU has been unable to show evidence of any meritorious benefit of the FMI process; the extension of lecturers' benefits that was allowed by a legislative statute last year; department chair compensation; and placement of professional counselors in a much different salary structure than other faculty.
General Faculty Association - The runoff election for the statewide senator and UFPC member and the election of the NRS representative to the UCC will take place this week. Senators were reminded to make known to President Larson or to Greta any illnesses and/or hospitalizations of colleagues. The first brown bag luncheon occurred a few weeks ago. There will be fewer of these each semester; all senators were encouraged to attend.
Statewide Senate - Senator Thobaben announced that the statewide senate passed a resolution in opposition to Proposition 38, school voucher proposition. Future agenda items of interest include the revision of the master plan, accountability, and faculty workload studies.
4. TIME CERTAIN 4:20 P.M.
Election of the Academic Senate Secretary and Chair of the Educational Policies Committee
Chair Cheyne declared nominations for this position to be open.
It was moved and seconded (Thobaben/Fulgham) to nominate Sue MacConnie for this position.
It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Bicknell) to close the nominations. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION.
Voting occurred and Sue MacConnie was elected as Academic Senate Secretary and Chair of the Educational Policies Committee.
3. Committee Reports (continued)
Associated Students - The membership of the Student Council is almost complete and approximately fifty percent of committee appointments have been made. Matthew Harman, Student Affairs Vice President, is working with Rees Hughes and Steve Butler to develop a series of leadership luncheons for student activists. The CSSA (California State Student Association) will hold a conference here on October 15 and 16. Also, the CSSA is working on a Vote 2000 coalition (to register as many students as possible), and is looking into the CMS and its possible impact on students.
University Curriculum Committee - Some of the issues before the committee include: learning outcomes assessment; general education structure; and development of a time table for approved programs. A diversity and common ground course approval committee has been established. The UCC has recommended critical thinking guidelines to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval, and is reviewing its role in distance learning issues.
5. TIME CERTAIN 4:25 P.M.
Final Draft of WASC Progress Report [Richard Vrem]
Chair Cheyne announced that the Senate has been asked to respond to this document by Friday, September 29. The Senate Executive Committee decided that the best course of action would be to discuss the report at the senate meeting, compile comments and forward them to Richard Vrem, Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
Dean Vrem stated that in Spring 1998 a WASC accreditation team visited campus. The team identified four major theme areas and is looking for a follow-up report due November 2000. This follow-up report, titled WASC Progress Report, was drafted this past spring and summer. The four major themes include assessment, planning, diversity and library and graduate programs. The primary purpose of this report is to identify the progress Humboldt State University has made regarding the four themes, and to update institutional information for WASC.
According to Dean Vrem, one issue that has emerged is the seeming lack of balance regarding overall programs offered by the university found in the Description, Background and History section. The text of this section was lifted from the Self-Study prepared by the campus for the Spring 1998 WASC visit. All comments and input are welcome.
Comments include:
1) Page 5, paragraph 2, Line 3 should read " . . . nationally noted for programs in natural resource planning and interpretation. . . ." In addition, a definition of "nationally noted" should be included and all programs that fall into this category should be listed.
2) Page 5, paragraph 3, Line 1 should include Environmental Science.
3) Some of the unique programs found on this campus (such as ITEPP, Rangeland Resource and Wildland Soils, Native American Studies) should be included on page 5.
4) Mention of the Multicultural Center on campus should be made on pages 11 and 12.
5) The first paragraph in the Diversity section may be misleading in that the diversity and common ground courses were revisited because of student dissatisfaction with courses, not because of composition of student body. [This section was written as a specific response to concerns of the WASC team.]
6) The retention rate for African American students was cited because of its high rate and the increase in the retention rate (from seventy percent to ninety percent over the last few years).
7) Mention should be made regarding the President's Native American Scholarships (approximately 20) that the university has been funding the last few years.
8) The Library and Graduate Programs section was in response to concerns raised by the WASC team regarding the adequacy of library holdings.
9) Mention could be made of the strides the university has made that could be linked as having an impact on our academic mission and Humboldt's ranking within the CSU.
Chair Cheyne expressed appreciation to Dean Vrem.
3. Committee Reports (continued)
Student Affairs - The Committee has not met yet.
Educational Policies Committee - The Committee has not met yet.
Office of Academic Affairs - FMI Program - Ronald Fritzsche, Interim Director for Faculty Personnel Services, reported that notice was distributed indicating that the Faculty Activity Report (FAR) should be prepared and is due Friday, September 29. Notice from the Chancellor's Office was received last week indicating that because of the fact finding, the process is to be followed and faculty are to adhere to the timeline of the contract. A second notice was distributed campuswide listing the timelines and the updated guidelines. It should be noted that the actual awarding of FMI funds will occur after conclusion of bargaining.
Discussion included 1) Regarding the FMI appeal and the language stating that the committee may review the individual's Personnel Action File (PAF), would it be accurate to say that nothing could be used in the PAF dated prior to the effective date of the FAR? [The answer is not known, but will be researched.] 2) When the Task Force developed the policies and procedures for the FMIs last year, the language was intended to discourage the use of anyone's PAF (unless everyone's PAF is used) and discourage reliance on anything but the FAR in making decisions. Such a practice could lead to grievances based on unfair treatment. 3) Faculty will need to rely on the same policies and procedures for this final cycle because there is no mechanism in place by which the FMI policies can be adjusted. 4) The period of review for the FAR is July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000.
A notice regarding the position of executive director of Humboldt State University Foundation search will be distributed soon. Candidates have been identified and open sessions will be held. All input is appreciated.
Chair Cheyne expressed appreciation to Ron Fritzsche and suggested a future meeting to discuss the review of the PAF by the appeals committee.
5. TIME CERTAIN 4:55 P.M.
Report on the Daly Building Project [Don Christensen]
Chair Cheyne stated that the recent announcement that Humboldt State University would no longer pursue renovation of the Daly Building into a performing arts center has raised questions. Don Christensen, Vice President for Development and Administrative Services, has agreed to speak to the senators and answer any questions.
Vice President Christensen distributed a copy of a North Coast Journal article by Judy Hodgson, stating that it was the best reporting he had seen on the situation and the reasons for aborting the effort to create a performing arts center in downtown Eureka. Vice President Christensen provided a brief review of the situation for the new senators, stating that he had attended the May 5, 1998 Senate meeting and made a presentation on this topic.
A performing arts center has been in the Master Plan for about twenty years. However, currently it does not appear in the Master Plan because it would be located on private property (the Campus Apartments) and such sites may not be shown in a Master Plan. The facility would seat 1200 people. The system will fund facilities up to 1200 seats; anything more than that would need to be funded through private sources. Although this is included in the Master Plan, Vice President Christensen stated that the likelihood of it occurring in the next twenty or thirty years is very slim. In spite of some shortcomings, the Van Duzer Theatre is still one of the best performing arts spaces in the system. Many campuses don't have performing arts centers and are looking for state funding to add such a facility to their campus so it is unlikely that Humboldt will be successful in being granted funding for a second facility. As a result, searches for off-campus facilities have been underway.
The Daly Building Department Store is actually five buildings under a single roof. One of these buildings is the old state theater which originally was a vaudeville house that had the proper structure for musical and live performances. According to the architects who were consulted, the seating capacity would be from 920 to 1050 seats.
Vice President Christensen spoke with a few individuals on campus regarding the purchase of this building: Professor Charles Myers, then chair of the Theatre Arts Department; the late Professor Ken Hannaford, then chair of the Music Department; and Mr. Roy Furshpan, Director of Center Arts. According to Vice President Christensen, Charlie Myers saw this as an opportunity to alleviate some of the pressure on the usage of the Van Duzer Theatre; Ken Hannaford saw this as a possible opportunity to offer more programming in the community; and Roy Furshpan was interested in it because it would allow them to bring in acts and performances that cannot be accommodated by the Van Duzer Theater.
Negotiations began and the Daly family was enthusiastic about Humboldt buying the property. The original price was $700,000; however, since Humboldt relinquished the parking lot across the street to the City of Eureka, the building was acquired for $515,000. The City had made a commitment to develop a parking structure on that site; however, that deal since has fallen through and the City's interest in developing parking is directed now toward Old Town.
According to Vice President Christensen, the biggest obstacle was funding. He was unable to acquire the commitments needed for this project. The publicity surrounding the purchase of the Daly Building occurred before the idea could be sold to community members who would be willing to support such an undertaking. This early publicity prevented Humboldt from being in a position to present the idea as an opportunity that had potential but would require time to bring to completion.
There is a no interest loan on the building; monthly payments are approximately $1400 and the loan is amortized over thirty years with a substantial balloon payment due in five years. The building eventually would have been gifted to the University from the Foundation. Once gifted to the University, it becomes part of the physical plant of the campus. Funding for the maintenance and custodial needs of the building then would be provided by the State of California.
Discussion comments included 1) there are portions of the building that are highly questionable and would have to have been razed; 2) Jim Hamby and Don Christensen talked with the HSU Foundation and the Foundation purchased the building; state money is not being used to make payments on the building; 3) the lack of success in the completion of this project should not deter the University from future endeavors of a similar nature; 4) once the construction of the new Behavioral and Social Sciences Building is complete, state monies may be scarce for any new construction on campus and we may need to rely more heavily on private donors; 5) there is a plan to build a boating safety facility next to the Adorni Center; and 6) there are no definite plans for the Daly Building at this time.
Chair Cheyne expressed appreciation to Vice President Christensen.
6. TIME CERTAIN 5:25 P.M.
Resolution Regarding Revision of Sabbatical Leave Review Process 2000-2001 (#01-00/01-FA)
It was moved and seconded (Bicknell/Fulgham) to place the resolution on the floor.
WHEREAS, President McCrone has delegated the granting authority for sabbatical leaves to the Vice President for Academic Affairs; and
WHEREAS, President McCrone has approved the previous resolution (#07-96/97-FA) of the Academic Senate (see Attachment #1) providing for responses to the recommendations of the Deans and the Vice President for Academic Affairs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Humboldt State University recommend that the process and procedure for sabbatical leave proposal consideration conform to Article 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Humboldt State University recommend that the process and procedure for sabbatical leave proposal consideration follow this outline and the specific dates for the 2000-2001 academic year as indicated (see Attachment #2):
Application due to Faculty Personnel Services by the first Monday in October with:
6 copies to Faculty Personnel Services
1 copy to the Department
1 copy to the Dean
Department commentary regarding impact on the department due to the college/library dean by the third Monday in October.
College Dean or Dean of the University Library recommendation due to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by the first Monday in November with justification for approval or denial copied to Applicant by the first Monday in November.
Applicant response due to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven working days from the first Monday in November.
Professional Leave Committee recommendations due to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by the first Monday in November with justification for approval or denial copied to Applicant by the first Monday in November.
Applicant response due to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven working days from the first Monday in November.
Vice President for Academic Affairs recommendation due to Applicant with justification for approval or denial by the third working Monday in November.
Applicant appeal due to the President within seven working days from the third working Monday in November.
President's final decision regarding appeal due to Applicant within ten working days from the date of submission of the appeal.
Senator Bicknell provided background on the resolution stating that since the Vice President for Academic Affairs now has the authority for the granting of sabbatical leaves, this resolution provides faculty with a mechanism to appeal the Vice President's decision. The indicated dates were taken from the memo on sabbatical leaves distributed by Ron Fritzsche, Office of Faculty Personnel Services.
There was no discussion. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Yarnall) to make this an emergency item for immediate transmittal to the President. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.
It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Goodman) to suspend the rules and consider an agenda item past 5:30 p.m. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.
7. Resolution Regarding Membership
on Search Committees for College Deans
(#02-00/01-EX)
It was moved and seconded (Larson/Fulgham) to place the resolution on the floor.
WHEREAS, Section 708 in the Faculty Handbook related to "Deans of Colleges" specifies the membership on a search committee for a college dean that includes "one or two deans appointed by the President or his designee"; and
WHEREAS, In such search processes it is important that at least one college dean be a member of the search committee; therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Humboldt State University recommend that Section 708 in the Faculty Handbook related to membership on search committees for college deans be amended to read: "one or two deans, at least one of whom shall be a college dean, appointed by the President or his designee."
Chair Cheyne stated that since Section 708 of the Faculty Handbook does not indicate that one of the deans on a search committee for a college dean should be a college dean, the resolution was developed to clarify the membership.
It was not accepted as a friendly amendment to revise the quoted material
in the Resolve clause to read, "one or two deans, at least
the first one of whom . . . ."
Discussion included: 1) the resolution is referring to college deans, not academic deans; 2) the library dean should be considered a college dean; 3) the language in the resolve clause allows for both of the deans to be college deans; 4) the original purpose of having a college dean on the committee was so the committee could avail itself of the support staff available to a college dean and it was intended to allow the President options to expand the size of a committee if needed for representation purposes; and 5) past practice has been that the President contacts the chair of the Academic Senate to discuss whether the committee broadly represents the campus community or if additional members are needed.
It was moved and seconded (Travis/Thompson) to revise the resolve clause so that it reads, ". . . one of whom shall be a college dean or the dean of the library, appointed by the President . . . ."
After considerable debate on the motion, it was moved and seconded (Bicknell/Larson) to vote immediately. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED WITH ONE NO VOTE.
Voting on the amendment occurred and MOTION FAILED WITH 11 YES VOTES AND 12 NO VOTES.
Voting on the resolution as originally written occurred and MOTION PASSED WITH TWO ABSTENTIONS.
It was moved and seconded (Goodman/Varkey) to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned 5:54 p.m.