Academic Senate Minutes April 30, 2002

Chair Bicknell called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2002, in Nelson Hall East, Room 201 (Goodwin Forum).

Members Present: Adams, Bicknell, Burroughs, Fulgham, Goodman, Jenkins, Klein, Little, MacConnie, Martin, McCrone, McFarland, Meiggs, Mortazavi, Novotney, Oliver, Paselk, Paynton, Snyder, Thompson, Travis, Varkey, Wang, Yarnall

Members Absent: Hennessy, Mayer, Sanford, F. Wilson

Proxies: Snyder for Bockover; Mortazavi for Kenyon; Greta for Sheppard; Little for Smith; Vrem for Stokes; Fulgham for Thobaben

Guests: Steve Butler, Student Affairs; Carolyn Mueller, President's Office

New Senators Present: Barry Dalsant, UCC Chair; Cindy Moyer, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Brandon Schwab, College of Natural Resources & Sciences

1. Approval of Minutes

It was moved and seconded (Little/Wang) to approve the submitted minutes of April 16, 2002. There was one correction: the date in the first paragraph in the section on Resolution #18 should read June 1986. Voting occurred and the revised minutes were APPROVED.

2. Announcements and Communications

Chair Bicknell announced that without objection an additional item will be added to the agenda. Number 8 on the agenda will be the Academic Calendar for the 2003/2004 Academic Year and the following agenda items will be renumbered accordingly. No objections were voiced.

3. Committee and State Senate Reports

Faculty Affairs - There is a resolution on the agenda today.

Educational Policies - There is a resolution regarding GE in the packet. The Committee completed its review of two GE resolutions and has one more meeting scheduled.

UCC - At its meeting of April 23, 2002, the UCC:

Approved the Distance Learning subcommittee's year-end report and authorized the subcommittee during the next academic year to engage collaboratively with other Humboldt constituencies such as CSIT (Center for the Support of Instructional Technology) in the development of a long range plan for distance education at Humboldt.

Approved a revised mandate for the Information Competency subcommittee to continue its consideration concerning multiple aspects of IC at Humboldt. Among the subcommittee's responsibilities would be the drafting of an operational definition of the term "information competency."

Accepted a year-end report from the GE Study subcommittee which included a collection of background information and an articulation of the forms Humboldt's GE program might take (including "no change"). The subcommittee's intention is to bring the debate to the larger campus community during the coming academic year.

Accepted a year-end report from the IS/LS subcommittee that included determining a core faculty for the program to provide curricular oversight, to establish learning outcomes and to explore the feasibility of a capstone experience.

CFA - The spring assembly was held last weekend; most of the discussion was devoted to the legislative platform and the difficulty in getting the administration to agree on implementation. It is often the case that when complex bargaining ends there are issues surrounding implementation. The administration has been unwilling to compromise on many of such issues. It was hoped that the Board of Trustees would ratify the agreement before now to make the process of distributing the pay increase easier; however, that has not occurred and ratification probably will take place mid-May.

General Faculty - There are four items to announce. 1) The year-end social will take place May 9 at 5 p.m. at the Plaza View Room. This event is jointly sponsored by the Academic Senate, the General Faculty Association and the Humboldt Chapter of the CFA. 2) The notice regarding sabbatical leave proposals has been distributed via campus mail. 3) The 2003/2004 calendar will be discussed today; the perpetual calendar will be brought to the senate in Fall 2002. 4) Chair Bicknell, Humboldt Chapter President Travis and General Faculty President Fulgham had a productive meeting last week with President-Designate Rollin Richmond. He will take office July 1.

Discussion on Agenda Item number 5 occurred since the time certain for agenda item number 4 had not been reached.

5. Resolution on Periodic Evaluation of Tenured Faculty Unit Employees (#21-01/02-FA)

The resolution was introduced by Senator Paynton who stated that the Faculty Affairs Committee met and considered the comments from the previous senate meeting including general favor of a university wide policy, the addition of a goals statement at the beginning of the policy, and discussion regarding an opportunity at the administrative level to discuss future goals for possible consideration, which is included in part 9. The senate discussion involving "carrots and sticks" was not as clear since finances did not appear to be the motivating factor. Being told that one is doing a good job or not at the various levels of review seemed to be important. The Committee believes that this policy allows for such commentary to happen provided the evaluators participate in the process. If approved at the senate, it will be taken to the general faculty for a vote.

It was moved and seconded (Paynton/Fulgham) to place the resolution on the floor.

WHEREAS, Each college and the library currently have a separate policy on periodic evaluation of tenured faculty unit employees ("post tenure review"); and

WHEREAS, Guidelines for periodic evaluation are currently set forth by agreement between the Board of Trustees and the CFA as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement; and

WHEREAS, The guidelines from each college and the library are already similar in nature; and

WHEREAS, A university-wide standard for periodic evaluation would provide consistency and fairness for those under evaluation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the general faculty vote on whether to approve the attached policy on Humboldt Periodic Evaluation of Tenured Faculty Unit Employees.

Through friendly amendment the second sentence in number 9 was revised to read, The appropriate administrator (dean or her/his designee) shall meet with the faculty member to discuss the review and consider future goals of the faculty member that may be considered at the subsequent review.

Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION. This item will go to the general faculty for a vote and, if approved, for inclusion in the Faculty Handbook.

6. Resolution on Stating GE Objectives on Course Syllabi (#22-01/02-EP)

Senator MacConnie introduced the resolution stating that it has the support of the UCC. The intent is to make sure that for every GE course taught, it is clear to students and to the faculty member teaching that course that it is a GE course and what the specific objectives are.

It was moved and seconded (MacConnie/Varkey) to place the resolution on the floor.

WHEREAS, General education courses must meet the objectives outlined in EO 595; and

WHEREAS, Students are frequently unaware of what the objectives are for a specific general education area; and

WHEREAS, Faculty are sometimes unaware of the general education objectives for the course they are teaching, or even that they are teaching a general education course; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommends that every general education course syllabus include the general education objectives appropriate for that course.

Discussion comments included the following:

The intent of the resolution is to insure that the GE objectives of a course are stated; not how such objectives are met. This is based on comment received that sometimes students do not know the objectives of a course.

The statement that faculty may be unaware of the GE objectives for a course they are teaching does not necessarily mean that faculty are incompetent; it could be that new faculty are hired, or someone is teaching a class for the first time, or a lecturer is teaching a course and may not have the larger curricular picture.

The resolution is vague, and it does not require that every course provide a syllabus. [A resolution recommends to the President; the senate cannot require.]

Senators were reminded that a previous resolution from 1982 had been approved by the senate which outlines course requirement information and requires a syllabus for every course.

Concern was expressed regarding the vagueness of which objectives are included and the fact that EO 595 objectives are very vague.

The senate moved to its 4:30 time certain agenda item.

4. TIME CERTAIN 4:30 P.M.

Resolution on Commendation (#20-01/02-EX)

Michael Slinker, Senior Communications & Marketing Officer, introduced the resolution.

A short video was shown depicting President McCrone's personal history and many accomplishments at Cal Poly Humboldt.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Goodman) to place the resolution on the floor.

Resolution of Commendation, Alistair W. McCrone

Academic Senate, Cal Poly Humboldt

Be it known to all persons on this the 30th day of April 2002, in the 89th year of our beloved alma mater, Cal Poly Humboldt that:

WHEREAS, Alistair W. McCrone became the fifth president of Cal Poly Humboldt in 1974; and

WHEREAS, Alistair W. McCrone has been an unwavering supporter and leader of Cal Poly Humboldt from 1974 until the present; and

WHEREAS, Alistair W. McCrone has been president through the cornucopia of the 1970s and 1980s, through the budget crises of the 1990s, and during the (non)recovery of the new millennium; and

WHEREAS, Alistair W. McCrone is expected to be our staunchest supporter through the "aughties" and the "teens" and beyond, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt heartily and resoundingly congratulate Alistair W. McCrone on the occasion of his retirement from 28 years of service as President of Cal Poly Humboldt, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt on behalf of all our faculty colleagues, express to Alistair W. McCrone our sincerest and heartfelt gratitude for his innumerable contributions to Cal Poly Humboldt, its students, faculty, and staff, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt confer upon Alistair W. McCrone the title of Cal Poly Humboldt Academic Senator, Emeritus with all of the rights and privileges appertaining thereto, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt convey to Judith and Alistair McCrone all of our very best wishes for a well-deserved, long and enjoyable retirement filled with all the adventure and fun they desire.

There was no discussion. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Little) to make this an emergency item for immediate transmittal to the President.

Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

President McCrone was presented with a framed copy of the resolution and a contribution to the Alistair and Judith McCrone Graduate Fellowship Fund.

President McCrone addressed the senate body and expressed his appreciation for the sentiments behind the citation. The President stated that he proudly and optimistically hands the torch to the senate and to the new president stating that the university is well on its way to greatness.

6. Resolution on Stating GE Objectives on Course Syllabi (#22-01/02-EP) (Continued)

Discussion continued with the following comments:

It was accepted as a friendly amendment to add the language and relevant Humboldt policy documents to the end of the first Whereas clause.

It was suggested that the Resolved clause be revised so that it reads, " . . . course syllabus include the general education objectives as outlined in EO 595 and relevant Humboldt policy documents appropriate for that course."

There has been discussion at the UCC level that a packet be prepared for each general education area that would provide a list of objectives, and faculty could incorporate the information into their syllabus or could attach the packet to their syllabus. The packet could be brief - two to three pages. [The basic objectives could be stated in two to three sentences, not pages; would students actually read such a document.] [A brief general statement could be used and if a web site is available, publish the address.] [One sentence could be added that states this course meets Area X objectives as found on page X of the catalog.]

Have students been asked if they wish this information? [ Students would find this information very helpful.]

Since there is an existing resolution on course syllabi, perhaps a second Resolved clause is needed so that today's resolution becomes part of the existing policy. [Since policies are an accumulation of actions occurring over time, if this resolution is approved, then perhaps the transmittal letter to the President should include a statement that should be added to the previous policy established in 1982.]

It was moved and seconded (Snyder/Yarnall) to revise the Resolved clause so that it reads, " . . . course syllabus include a brief statement of the general education objectives appropriate for that course based on EO 595 and relevant Humboldt policy documents."

Discussion on the amendment included:

The instructor should be responsible for drafting a very brief statement indicating that this class meets certain GE objectives. [It can be difficult for an instructor to develop a GE class and know the language to use given the objectives as stated by the university.] [The UCC is not asking faculty to explain how their course meets the objectives.]

Voting on the amendment occurred and MOTION PASSED.

Discussion continued on the revised resolution.

It was moved (Little) to revise the Resolved clause so that it reads, " . . . course syllabus clearly identify the course as a general education course and include a brief statement of the general education objectives . . . . " Motion died for lack of a second.

If faculty are unaware that the class they are teaching is a GE class, approval of this resolution will not change that and their syllabi still will lack this information.

Voting occurred on the amended resolution and MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION.

The revised resolution reads:

WHEREAS, General education courses must meet the objectives outlined in EO 595 and relevant Humboldt policy documents; and

WHEREAS, Students are frequently unaware of what the objectives are for a specific general education area; and

WHEREAS, Faculty are sometimes unaware of the general education objectives for the course they are teaching, or even that they are teaching a general education course; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommends that every general education course syllabus include a brief statement of the general education objectives appropriate for that course based on EO 595 and relevant Humboldt policy documents.

7. Approval of the Spring Graduation List

Chair Bicknell stated that in addition to the posted graduation list, there is a memorandum from Karen Carlton, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Senqi Hu, Chair of Sociology; Richard Vrem, Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Robert Hensley, Registrar, asking for a degree to be awarded posthumously to Corey Clark. Without objection, the name Corey Clark will be added to the graduation list. No objections were voiced.

It was moved and seconded (Yarnall/Fulgham) that the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt accept the graduation list of Spring 2002 and recommend that those students whose names are on the list be graduated with the following two exceptions: (1) those students who have not completed the requirements for graduation shall have their names removed from the list and shall not be graduated; and (2) the name Corey Clark shall be added to the list and he shall receive his degree posthumously.

Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

8. Academic Calendar for the 2003/2004 Academic Year

Chair Bicknell stated that the distributed calendar was presented to the Senate from the President's Office by way of the Vice President for Academic Affairs who received it from the Academic Calendar Committee.

It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/ Klein) to accept the Academic Calendar for the 2003/2004 Academic Year.

Background on the calendar was provided by Senator Fulgham who stated that this is the first academic year that will be part of the new perpetual calendar which now includes summer term. The one correction made was the start of spring term. The original start date was Tuesday, January 13. However, owing to the academic year payroll schedule, work days before the 15th of the month are not allowed.

Discussion comments included:

What is the difference between an evaluation day and a grading day? [There was no clear answer to this question; Senator Fulgham will research this question.] [It was believed that an evaluation day and a grading day are the same. If this is not the case, the calendar will not go forward.]

As stated on the calendar, grades are due December 22 but will be accepted until January 2.

Voting on the calendar occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

9. Resolution on the Role of the Joint Senate/UCC/AS Assessment Subcommittee (#23-01/02-EX)

Background on the resolution was provided by Senator MacConnie who stated that a CSU mandate and WASC are requiring learning outcomes and assessment strategies to be in place by the end of the 2002/03 AY. By the end of the following academic year, general education and academic programs should begin to demonstrate how the assessment results are being applied. As a result of such requirements, a subcommittee was formed to assist in coordinating campus wide outcomes and assessment strategies, and to conduct a campus survey to determine any department outcomes and assessment strategies that are in place. The intent of the resolution is to clarify the role of the subcommittee, provide more local oversight of many of the assessment plans and strategies, and recognize the need for some flexibility in programs that have assessment strategies in place. Also emphasized with this resolution is the need for an institutional commitment, whether that is expertise and/or resources needed for meaningful assessment.

It was moved and seconded (MacConnie/Burroughs) to place the resolution on the floor.

WHEREAS, Assessment is mandated by the Chancellor's Office and required by WASC; and

WHEREAS, Meaningful assessment has the potential to improve programs; and

WHEREAS, Assessment requires clearly defined learning outcomes and some clearly articulated way of evaluating those outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Institutional resources for assessment are scarce; and

WHEREAS, There is no centralized expertise available to assist faculty with development of outcomes and assessment measures; and

WHEREAS, Faculty appear to be making a good-faith effort to develop outcomes and assessment measures with little help or guidance; and

WHEREAS, We are early in what will be an ongoing process; and

WHEREAS, Faculty need time to learn what works and what does not work; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt endorse an exploratory model for outcomes and assessment which allows different units to structure assessment in different ways (Experimental Phase); and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the Joint Senate/UCC/AS Assessment Subcommittee review "best practices" and make a recommendation to the senate on standardizing assessment practices in general education after two years of experimentation (start date AY 2003/04); and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the UCC have oversight responsibilities for these exploratory plans; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt recommend that the college curriculum committees have oversight responsibilities for the exploratory plans for the degree programs within the college; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt emphasize and endorse the need for an institutional commitment to assessment by providing resources for a central clearinghouse staffed by at least one person with expertise in the area of assessment.

Discussion comments included the following:

This resolution implies that the subcommittee will review the process and determine if standardization is appropriate; it does not state that standardization will be the end result.

Chair Bicknell interjected with a comment noting the time and stating that she would entertain a motion to suspend the rules and take up new business after 5:30 p.m. so that items 10 and 11 on the agenda would be addressed today.

It was moved and seconded (Little/Novotney) to suspend the rules and take up new business after 5:30 p.m. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED.

There was no further discussion regarding the Resolution on the Role of the Joint Senate/UCC/AS Assessment Subcommittee. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Additional Announcement

It was moved and seconded (Thompson/Yarnall) that the Humboldt Academic Senate thank Susan Bicknell for a truly outstanding job as Chair.

There being no discussion, voting occurred and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Chair Bicknell thanked the senators for all of their support and hard work and stated that there have been several times this past year when she has been particularly proud to be a member of the faculty.

10. Seating of New Senators

Chair Bicknell expressed her appreciation to the senators whose terms have expired and reminded them of the reception hosted by President McCrone.

Chair Bicknell stated that without objection, she would like to have the Student Affairs representative and the Associated Students representative remain at the table so that their areas will be represented during the elections. No objections were voiced.

Chair Bicknell welcomed the new members of the senate who were able to attend the meeting today: Brandon Schwab, College of Natural Resources & Sciences; Cindy Moyer, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Barry Dalsant, UCC Chair.

Incoming senators were invited to take a seat at the table.

11. Election of Senate Officers and Members of the Senate Appointments Committee

It was moved and seconded (Meiggs/Travis) to nominate Sue MacConnie for Chair of the Academic Senate. It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Jenkins) to nominate Robert Snyder for Chair of the Academic Senate. It was moved and seconded (Goodman/Fulgham) to close nominations. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED to close nominations. Voting occurred by secret ballot and Sue MacConnie was elected Chair of the Academic Senate.

Sue MacConnie assumed the role of Chair of the Academic Senate and presided over the remaining elections.

Recognition for Senator Bicknell's tireless and unselfish leadership as chair during the past year occurred, and the senators applauded her dedication and accomplishments.

It was moved and seconded (Klein/Little) to nominate Scott Paynton for Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee. It was moved and seconded (Goodman/Little) to close nominations. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED to close nominations. Voting occurred and Scott Paynton was elected Vice Chair of the Academic Senate and Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee. Recognition for Senator Paynton's hard work during the past year was voiced.

It was moved and seconded (Bicknell/Goodman) to nominate Bernadette Cheyne for Secretary of the Academic Senate and Chair of the Educational Policies Committee. It was moved and seconded (Goodman/Bicknell) to close nominations. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED to close nominations. Voting occurred and Bernadette Cheyne was elected Secretary of the Academic Senate and Chair of the Educational Policies Committee.

There are two positions open on the Senate Appointments Committee. It was moved and seconded (Little/Goodman) to nominate Eugene Novotney to the Senate Appointments Committee. It was moved and seconded (Bicknell/Klein) to nominate Robin Meiggs to the Senate Appointments Committee. It was moved and seconded (Fulgham/Travis) to nominate John Meyer to the Senate Appointments Committee. It was moved and seconded (Bicknell/Goodman) to close nominations. Voting occurred and MOTION PASSED to close nominations. Voting occurred by secret ballot and Robin Meiggs and Eugene Novotney were elected to the Senate Appointments Committee.

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

Meeting adjourned 5:45 p.m.