CSSA Minutes: December 8, 2002

Board of Directors
Artemio Pimentel, Chair
Sunday, December 8, 2002, 9:45 am – 12:00 noon
Holiday Inn Financial District, Jade Room

Call to Order, 9:45 am
Welcome by President Robert Corrigan. (Dr. Corrigan actually spoke at 9:00 am.) Dr. Corrigan said that community service has always characterized San Francisco State students, as has a high degree of interest in electoral politics. In the last election 75% of San Francisco State students voted, and Proposition 47 carried in the Bay Area with a 70% majority. He said that students often lead the charge at the polls. He commented that the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act presents an opportunity to make badly needed adjustments in how the federal government dispenses financial aid. He said decades ago when the legislation was first promulgated its politics were dominated by the East Coast, with the result that work-study programs were largely overlooked. This can now be corrected. Dr. Corrigan concluded by stating that there is the best student leadership he’s ever seen in place at present; he also thanked CSSA for honoring Senator Burton, an advocate for the poor and one who fights for CSU’s and CSSA’s mission of ensuring access to higher education for everyone who qualifies.
Roll Call: Present: Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Hayward, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles (by proxy held by Long Beach), Monterey Bay, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San José, San Marcos, Sonoma, Stanislaus.
ACTION ITEM - Approval of the Agenda moved by San Diego; second, Dominguez Hills, with changes. Motion to suspend rules, San Francisco, owing to time sensitivity dictating the immediate consideration, as “New Business,” of a set of principles to address the proposed student fee increase and matters relating to bussing students to the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, December 16; second, Dominguez Hills. (Required two-thirds approval to pass.) Passed.
ACTION ITEM – Approval of the Minutes of November 2002 moved by Dominguez Hills; second, Long Beach. Passed.
Open Forum/Public Comment Period. Hayward asked campuses with more than one representative present to meet outside at 10:45 am to day to discuss logistics related to mobilizing a student presence to appear at the December 16th Board of Trustees meeting.
Special Presentations
1. Presentation of Resolution Recognizing State Senator John Burton
  Senator Burton’s Chief of Staff, Sharon Johnson, received the resolution, which Bruce Wolfe read. Ms. Johnson thanked CSSA for its good work, invited students to contact Senator Burton to let him know what students need from him, and urged students to consider public service as their future. Bruce noted that he had asked Ms. Johnson to come specifically because she’s long been an advocate for the City’s marginalized and most needy.
2. Student CaliforniaTeachers Association (Casey Hansen)
  Casey introduced the organization, noting its leadership has been trying for 3 years to arrange a CSSA presentation. The organization is statewide and any college student may belong; in actuality, about 75% of its membership is CSU students. The delegation of about 12 officers, including its executive president, introduced themselves. The organization exists on 100 campuses and has a membership of about 1500 in California. It participates in a national organization representing over 2.5 million students. Its focuses this year are teacher quality, community outreach, and political action. It attends CTA’s state council and interacts with CFA, and it believes it would benefit both organizations to join efforts with CSSA on common issues. The benefits of membership include workshops and becoming part of the world community of future educators. Long Beach asked if SCTA could join CSSA on the 16th to protest the student fee increase proposal; the executive president responded she would put it on the agenda.
3. Dr. Jacquelyn Ann K. Kegley, Chair, Statewide Academic Senate. Dr. Kegley just learned about the proposed fee increase late last night. In the past the Senate has opposed such increases but it will not meet again as a whole until late January. She thinks CSSA’s statement is good and believes that the Senate will join students at the Board of Trustees. It’s not the way to go to put this on the backs of students. The increases of the early 90s harmed both students and faculty. The Senate has been looking at the CPEC student fee policy. Important documents coming up for a 1st reading in January include one on intellectual property (available on the Senate’s website, which can be accessed through www.calstate.edu). For the first time the Senate addresses student intellectual rights in this document, which will encourage the formation of policies on campuses. Fair use and the unbundling of intellectual property rights are also addressed. Also, the systemwide Task Force on Facilitating Graduation has published its report, which includes recommendations that the CSU provide roadmaps, better advising, automatic grad checks, and advanced scheduling so students can plan. The Senate vigorously opposed surcharges for students with “extra” units, none are recommended. However, there will be a systemwide committee formed to address drops, withdrawals and repeats, and it is important as always to include student representation. There is a new document on whistleblowing: students are included as having whistleblowing rights. Whistleblowing has a different focus from student grievances: it concerns fraud and is a complex action fully defined in law. Campuses should have clear policies that define the roles and responsibilities of department chairs—that document is forthcoming. Finally, the Senate has produced a workload survey that includes tenured, tenure-track, and temporary faculty, as well as a comparative survey of parallel nationwide institutions. It documents that CSU faculty spend more time with students than faculty across the nation. The Senate is delighted to have Peter Ucovich as liaison to the Senate; he can keep you informed.
4. Dr. Mitch Turitz, CFA President, San Francisco State University. Dr. Turitz welcomed CSSA to San Francisco and briefly commented on CFA’s overview of the CSU budget, stating that in 1997---a very good budget year---the CSU spent $835M for administration; in that period CSU administration grew by 35 percent and instruction by only 14 percent.
Special Reports
1. CSSA Special Officer Reports
  1. Peter Ucovich, Academic Senate Liaison: The Senate’s General Education Committee met a few days ago and recommended a change from 56 to 60 units as defining an upper division transfer. Beginning this fall students will need 2 years of foreign language to enter from high school. Elementary school teachers, math teachers, have to take excessive math courses to meet GE requirements. The Senate is recommending a campus-by-campus waiver re EO 595 and something similar for nursing re courses to fulfill GE requirements. Under discussion is whether to change the GE pattern for transfer students from 30 units of GE-like classes to 39 units.
  2. Cindi Newbold, Alumni Council Liaison: please see Tab 19.
  3. David Riesenfeld, Environmental Affairs Officer: Dave commented that the budget problems we’re seeing now are a manifestation of our energy over-consumption. The fact is that we all have the technology to change and explore alternatives. Bruce asked whether campuses have reported their progress yet with regard to a bill that was passed several years ago mandating waste reduction.
  4. Caitlin Gill, Financial Aid Officer: Tab 19 includes Caitlin’s report of her first meeting; since then she’s attended a subgroup meeting. She doesn’t think the gpa verification form will be eliminated. Perhaps, though, it can be routed through CSAC. The workgroup has divided all issues and will tackle them one by one.
  5. Carrie Drouin, Lobby Corps Officer. The Lobby Corps Clinic went well and she’s only heard good things. She and Laura need feedback. No execs attended but thanks to Laura all went smoothly. Students need to customize and send letters Laura has prepared in legislators.
  6. Eric Guerra, Technology Officer: The Academic Technology Planning Committee met Friday to consider how to use technology for assisted learning. The number one concern is using a student fee increase to fund this: committee members point to specific data they say supports the contention that students are willing to pay a technology fee. CSSA needs to consider now whether to oppose this fee. ATAC will meet Friday, then hold a 3-day retreat in early January. José Solache reported that Dominguez Hills imposed a technology fee 4-5 years ago and now has $600,000 for technology improvements. Bruce reminded everyone that CSU must comply with the Patriot Act by January 15th, and that CMS provides the means to do so.
2. Student Trustee Reports
  1. Erene Thomas. Erene thanked Bruce for the conference. She visited the San Francisco State campus on Friday—it’s a beautiful campus. She toured a couple of housing projects, one of which is being rehabbed to make it livable. Effort is underway to make the campus more residential. Tomorrow she’ll visit San José State. With regard to the Board of Trustees meeting on the 16th: a strong student presence is needed. Speak: you will be heard. With regard to the graduation task force report, she now has exact graduation figures from January 2000 to the present. Sacramento asked Erene to engage the Board of Trustees on the issue of decent, affordable housing. Sacramento is redeveloping a residence hall: the rent to students will be $800 per bed, and that doesn’t include cost of meals. Something is wrong with a capital management program that yields this end result for students. San Francisco is aiming at just having livable housing—this is pitiful. Long Beach asked how Erene will approach the student fee increase. She responded she did talk with Richard and Patrick after yesterday’s presentation and will meet with administration again in the coming week. She’ll craft her remarks based on what she learns in those meetings. She urges students to come out in force. She opposes the increase. Staff will register students to be on speakers list at the Board of Trustees meeting.
  2. Alex Lopez. Alex stated that he doesn’t agree with the proposed fee increase.
    1. Liaison Reports
      1. Christy Zamani, Student Relations Liaison. Christy complimented students on how they handled themselves yesterday and asked them to contact her if they need anything.
      2. Alan Liebrecht, Chancellor’s Office Liaison. Alan had nothing to add to what was said yesterday.
Executive Officer Reports
1. Artemio Pimentel, Chair: Jonathan Poullard’s work yesterday revealed the fact that there are some issues the board has with the execs and chair. Artemio can’t read board members’ minds, so they need to tell him what they’re thinking.
2. Marivic Tolentino, Vice Chair of Internal Affairs. Written reports really help. Marivic urged board members to tell execs what they think so execs can do their jobs better. She emphasized that the execs are working for the board. She reported that the Internal Affairs Committee elected Jimmy Reed as vice chair at its first meeting today.
3. José Solache, Vice Chair of External Affairs. José said he has met a couple of times with Susana regarding PR projects. Banners, pins, etc., should be finalized by San Diego or CHESS. After the winter break he intends to refocus on the flag issue. With regard to problems of communication between the execs and the board, José stated his view of 50/50 responsibility for communication.
4. Bruce Wolfe, Chair, Legislative Affairs. Bruce warned students to be careful of any student fees that are campus based. Members of Legislative Affairs will hear about CPEC recommendations regarding a student fee policy. CPEC changed its agenda and the changes were not in compliance with open meeting laws. Bruce noted that several housing projects were approved at the last CSU Board of Trustees meeting. Monterey Bay caught his attention as a public/private venture that will be managed for the university by an auxiliary. Vice Chancellor West said it would follow campus housing rules. Sacramento asked if Bruce could provide information on how to use AB 1611 to student benefit.
5. Danny Vivian, Chair, University Affairs. In the interest of time Danny said he’d given his report in University Affairs, where nearly all campuses have a representative.
6. Fay Roepcke, Multicultural Caucus. Fay touched upon the period of self-examination that has followed a fatal accident for which she had some responsibility. She was involved in planning a conference. The conference went well but one of her 19-year-old drivers fell asleep at the wheel after delivering attendees to the airport, and three people in the car she struck died. Fay has lived with the reality of all-nighters that result from her packed schedule, but after what happened she has changed her life, simplifying it and resigning from many activities.
Executive Director’s Report. Susana directed students to Tab 8, her written staff report.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
1. Ad Hoc Committee on Retention Conference. Chair Priscilla Ocen reviewed the budget and discussed the program and how the conference would be promoted. At first the committee had considered a 20-dollar fee, but it was reluctant to charge students on top of CSSA’s San Diego conference registration fees. Money has been found in the University Affairs budget to cover expenses without charging attendees. University Affairs approved a $4000 allocation.
2. Ad Hoc Committee on CHESS VIII. Chair Ann Marie Butler stated the deadline for early registration at a discounted rate is January 10th. Registration is online; go to csustudents.org and click on the CHESS icon. January 21st is the deadline for the hotel, and January 30th is the deadline to get a refund. Because registration is online you can change the names of attendees up until the day before the conference. Feel free to email Ann Marie any questions, ann_marie_butler@mac.com.
INITIAL REVIEW BOARD
1. Chair José Solache reported that the committee discussed changes to the application and how to publicize the opening. He said it agreed that there will be no exceptions to date and hour by which applications must be received. Ruth Christiansen was elected vice chair. Applications will be online and will be visually consistent with the poster and other promotional material. Interested students are encouraged to discuss the position with Erene and/or Alex.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. Chair Artemio Pimentel reported that State Net would enable CSSA to have a report card for legislators. CSSA has been invited to participate in “Legends of China”; our participation would be about 80% subsidized by the Chinese government, which would mean that the 10-day trip to China would cost about $1500/participant, everything included. Susana will make a presentation on the opportunity at the January board meeting. Artemio commented that Susana has been working on the Humboldt conference, since the campus is unable to host it, and plans are almost set.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
1. ACTION ITEM – Motion to approve committee positions on the Federal Higher Education Act Reauthorization, San Francisco; second, San Bernardino. Chair Bruce Wolfe explained that the positions are consistent with the Committee’s Policy Agenda and are intended to be communicated to the CSU Office of Federal Relations, appropriate legislative representatives, and state and national student advocacy groups. Passed. Bruce noted that recommendations must be submitted by Jan 15th.
2. ACTION ITEM – Motion to Waive the Standing Rules to take action on the items listed due to their particular time sensitivity:
  1. Resolution Acknowledging State Senator Dede Alpert
  2. Selection of the CSSA Legislator of the Year
  3. Setting of Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2003/2004
    
    Bruce explained the motion is necessary because we don’t have time to present these items as informational items this month, then action items in January. Dominguez Hills made the motion; San Francisco seconded it. It requires a two-thirds majority. Since 1) failed in committee, so it will not be included. The motion to waive the Standing Rules passed. Motion to approve selection of the CSSA Legislator of the Year, San Francisco; second, Long Beach. (The list of legislators nominated was distributed.) Bruce noted that there are 3 choices, with Dede Alpert’s name having been stricken from the list. Jade Wallis, Long Beach, spoke in favor of Jenny Oropeza, a CSULB alumna, former ASI president and current chair of the Assembly budget committee. She said choosing Oropeza would be political savvy because she’s in charge of the money. Eric Guerra, Sacramento, said we need to recognize legislators who will fight for us and Oropeza will. Marivic urged a vote for Carol Liu, the incoming chair of the Assembly higher education committee. Andy Ramirez, Pomona, asked if we know where they stand on the student fee increase. Eric said that’s why Dede Alpert’s name was stricken—her student fee increase stance and her disappointing performance with regard to the Master Plan. Marivic said students should vote for Carol Liu, whose education record is known, whereas there’s a lack of information on Oropeza. Laura Kerr said she knows of no bill Oropeza has authored on education, etc. San Marcos moved recognizing 2 Legislators of the Year; second, San Diego. 10 to 5 in favor with 1 abstention. The motion carried. The main motion, selection of 2 Legislator(s) of the Year, Jenny Oropeza and Carol Liu, was then voted. Passed with 1 no (Stanislaus) and 1 abstention (Los Angeles).
    
    (Information regarding budget priorities is in the blue report that Laura distributed.) San Francisco moved approval of the budget priorities; second, Stanislaus. Priscilla Ocen, San Diego, asked where we got this and why are we approving it and was told Legislative Affairs wants to communicate a clear message of its priorities and was directed to the 2 sections on last page of Laura’s report. Laura noted we want to show savvy and use the same language as in the Support Budget. Passed with 1 abstention (Humboldt).
3. Information Item – California Postsecondary Education Commission Recommendations for a Long-Term Residence Fee Policy. Bruce said CSSA should become familiar with these recommendations, which set forth legislative principles to guide predictable student fee increases.
UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
1. ACTION ITEM – Approve Concept/Theme/Date for Cal State Cares Day
  Chair Danny Vivian moved to designate Cal State Cares as a particular week; second, San Diego. There was no time in committee to get further on this—to establish the week or theme or if Cal State Cares will be the same week on all campuses. Passed.
2. ACTION ITEM – Motion to Waive the Standing Rules
  San Diego moved to waive the Standing Rules of Procedure requiring items be placed on the agenda as information for one month prior to being acted upon the Board, in order to take action on the time-sensitive item of the Retention Conference budget; second, Chico. Passed. Priscilla explained that an allocation of $4000 is being requested from the University Affairs budget in order to make this a free conference. Approval will demonstrate a service CSSA can offer in exchange for dues; also, elimination of any disproportionate impact on minority students from remediation requirements is a long-term CSSA goal. Passed. Marivic noted that conference attendees can stay Thursday night at the CSSA conference hotel but need to call the hotel ASAP in order to do so.
MULTICULTURAL CAUCUS
Fay noted that changing the bylaws has been tabled, due to lack of time to consider them. She reported that a first-draft resolution for CSSA to join UCSA in opposition to CRENO is in preparation and asked students to email her changes.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Chair Marivic Tolentino reported on the Committee’s first meeting. Scholarship applications will be available in January for campuses that don’t have large budgets allowing full participation in CSSA conferences. The Committee will also be accepting proposals to host events with CSSA support. The applications will be available in January, accepted in February, and approved in March. Jimmy Reed was elected vice chair of the Committee.
Campus Updates
Humboldt: The College of Natural Resources has spent over 80% of its budget on faculty, which has led to limited course offerings; the remedy being pushed through the student committee is to increase student fees. Chico: 1) 5 of 7 colleges have just been approved for “excellence” fee [referenda?]—fees would be increased by $125 per semester. There is support for the increases. ASI recreation center probably will not now be proposed as one result. 2) Chico ASI yearly report will be out soon. Pomona: there is a difference between systemwide and campus-based fee initiatives; at Pomona we make sure that campus-based fees benefit students. Bakersfield: our student union flooded over Thanksgiving; the damage will be repaired by January 10th but in the meantime the ASI is operating out of just 2 cubicles. Also, a decrease in student services has been proposed, stemming from controversy and a smear campaign against ASI because a Muslim group wanted ASI to fund its speaker to the tune of $7500. Monterey Bay: Superfund site is about 300 feet from Carrie’s apartment. Carrie is involved in surveying student awareness of the Superfund site; survey results will be published. The fact of the Superfund site is not common knowledge. Fullerton: a fraternity has been kicked out of its house for not paying rent for 3 months and now there’s a proposal to get rid of the whole fraternity system, which is an intricate part of student life. San Francisco: Dr. Corrigan felt what happened at San Luis Obispo is pernicious and it has become dangerous when fees are now being increased across the board. A message is sent to legislators: CSU can raise its own money, the legislature doesn’t need to fund you. Pomona pointed out that general fund money can’t be used for auxiliaries, whereas auxiliary-originated fees will directly benefit students. San Francisco said that CSU dictating that auxiliaries must use CSU services and pay for them is wrong. San Francisco will hold a rally this week against a student fee increase and hopes to have Hayward, Sonoma, San José, plus other student organizations working with them. San Marcos: ASI is trying to build relations with campus president and his Christmas card pictures him with ASI execs. San Diego: had referendum re Aztec Center that failed badly. It’s important to be proactive in opposing “excellence fees.” In January we need to pass a resolution in opposition. San Diego will rally against the proposed student fee increase Wednesday at noon. Sonoma noted that it will host the April CSSA conference on the 11th through the 13th [date has been corrected on the online schedule). Hayward: student technology fee referendum proposed a fee to be implemented in stages: first $15 per year, then $30, then $45 the 3rd year. Humboldt asked that the tentative dates for CSSA conferences be confirmed ASAP.
Old Business
Business
Proposed student fee increase. San Francisco moved to add as an action item approval of the 4 main points in opposition to student fees distributed by Artemio; second, Humboldt. Bruce noted that the 3rd point should reference CSU, not CSSA. Chico’s amendment to use “investing in the future of California” was accepted by acclamation. Stating that taxing students exacerbates California’s economic woes and retards recovery from the recession would strengthen the 4th point. San Francisco moved to change “investing” to “protecting.” Caitlin noted that there is already a campaign in place from last year with the motto, “Protect the Future of California: Invest in Higher Education.” San Francisco’s amendment failed. The main motion passed.
There was discussion re arranging for bus transportation from the campuses to the Chancellor’s Office for the 12/16 Board of Trustees meeting: Wednesday next is the deadline to let staff know in order to have CSSA pay for bus transportation. The southern schools need to provide the numbers, because it will be hard for northern campuses to get there. Hayward: contact absent campuses to make sure they’re on board and staff, please provide electronic information sheets sent by 11 tomorrow. There will be conference calls Tuesday and Thursday: any student can participate to be brought up to speed. Long Beach: stay Sunday night at our student union—bring your sleeping bags. Artemio stressed an orderly action: the Trustees won’t listen if we are screaming. Susana will email BOT procedure and she will get the speakers list to the trustee secretariat. Jen and Lisa will email Sonoma’s petition. Erene stated that petitions won’t make the impact that polling students and publishing those numbers would. She stressed an organized and coordinated appearance as the key to success. Don’t have 30 people on the list to speak; choose a few, the most effective speakers. She also suggested a rally prior to the meeting; the press will attend. When asked what she would be saying as a trustee, she stated the 4 points distributed here will be her foundation.
Adjournment moved by Humboldt; second, San Diego. Adjournment at 12:40 pm.