1st FASP October Minutes

3. Announcements

1.  
   • GE design team is having a presentation (AYRS 120 at 4pm on 10-2-09). 

   • There is a developing proposal about modifying the academic calendar to eliminate winter intersession.  This would make spring start between January 9 and 11.  Spring break would stay at the same time.  Reason include a reduction in FTES (no State supported intersession) and saving on building cooling costs at start of summer.  If adopted, this would begin 2011.

   • Igbineweka asked a question about the smoking policy and asked about the status; he mentioned that AS is currently doing a survey about this.  Mills mentioned that this has already been approved (two springs ago) and was wondering why this is being revisited.  Kotar mentioned that the policy is still in the meet & confer process.

   • Fairbanks presented a question about a possible restriction on students completing two State-supported degrees.  This was discussed by FASPC, and this discussion continued to discuss the treatment of students with many units (e.g. > 140 units, and possibly later > 120 units), as well as other possible similar policy changes being proposed to reduce costs and/or FTES (GE redesign, possibility of reducing unit requirements, etc.).  Jones asked about the process in which these decisions were going to be made and how we (FASPC, Academic Senate) can have an influence in this process. 

   • The University budget committee is meeting on October 30 at 8:30 am.

   • Student affairs completed their review of the proposed student groups EM.

   • Huntsinger distributed more material regarding the CSU trustee resolution on the status of emeritus faculty.  Fairbanks mentioned that the current FPPP lists emeritus faculty privileges, which are not stated as rights.  Mills inquired to Huntsinger’s objectives, and Huntsinger said that he would like the full CSU trustee resolution to become a part of the FPPP.

4. Proposed change to EM 05-05, membership on Faculty Recognition and Support Committee (Action Item, Michelle Morris)

1.  
   • Kotar distributed the edited version by e-mail before the meeting.

   • Kotar contacted the units that had only one representative, and they were satisfied with one representative.

   • Adding the Outstanding Research Mentor Award recipient was mentioned with no discussion.

   • The number on the committee will now be 14.

   • Kotar mentioned that various editorial changes were also made.

   • Bumgarner M / Scholtes S to add as action item.  Unanimous vote.

5. Sub-Committee Reports

1.  
   • Gampel reported on the informal hiring subcommittee.  There are tensions between the CBA and FPPP on hiring.  The big questions are in regard to probationary faculty being on hiring committees, and if all Department faculty are allowed to vote on hiring decisions (rather than just the committee members).  Mills mentioned that he interprets the FPPP to say that it does not prohibit the full Department from voting on the hiring decisions.  Mills then questioned why the new FPPP (approved by Senate last year) is not yet in effect this year. 

6. Other: Review of items for committee attention and formation of additional subcommittees

1.  
   • Kotar proposed the following approach for this year: decide on tasks for the year, distribute and share work through subcommittees, and then report back on possible policy decisions.

   • Kotar talked with Nix-Baker about the service credit policy change that was approved by Senate last year, and which is not in the current online version of the FPPP.  She said that it will be added.

   • Kotar proposed a process for assisting Nix-Baker n reviewing the FPPP that should work as follows: FPPP approved by FASP and then Senate, and then HR is supposed to review this, and then it should be adopted.  The Faculty Affairs review was not completed in summer 2009.  Kotar suggested that FASP help with FA do this review.  Mills suggested that we talk with Nix-Baker to specifically determine if (a) FA has not yet reviewed the FPPP, or (b) if there are specific concerns (so that we can focus our efforts).  Trailer suggested that we invite Nix-Baker to discuss this with FASP so we can hear the issues directly from her.

   • Huntsinger distributed a document (labeled section 9.4) regarding emeritus faculty (which Mills stated was not directly from the FPPP), and then took exception with the “not rights” statement of the related section that is in the FPPP. 

   • Kotar discussed the nepotism policy with Nix-Baker, and asked for clarification regarding the CSU disagreement with in the campus approved EM.  Nix-Baker is seeking additional information from the Chancellor’s Office.

   • Kotar also discussed with Nix-Baker the annual RTP calendar. She is open to having FASP review the calendar late in the spring semester each year.

   • Kotar mentioned that Nix-Baker plans to bring a proposal to FASP regarding the hiring of full-time temporary faculty. 

   • Other possible topics discussed for FASP attention:

-          [Please see list in meeting agenda.]

-          Additionally, consider possible modifications to the conflict of interest policy (to extend it beyond monetary interests).  Sacramento State has additional language in their policy.

§  Kotar will distribute the version of the FPPP that was approved last year.  He will also send the version that has both the new and old version in the same document (in two columns).  He will also send the five policy changes that were approved last year and are now in the FPPP that is currently online.

7. Adjourn: At 4 PM.  Next meeting October 29

Minutes submitted by C.B. Haselton