In this week’s Academic Senate meeting there were many topics discussed, celebrations had and problems addressed.
The biggest topic of this meeting was about Stan State’s university branch the Stockton Center. Dean of the Stockton campus, Dr. Faimous Harrison brought his ideas of the future of the Univesity’s little brother.
Hard to Say Goodbye
The first case of business was to say goodbye to a vital part of the Senate. The Speaker of the Senate, Dr. Chris Nagel, addressed the retirement of the Senate’s Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the Faculty, Isabelle Pierce. She was presented an award and sent off with many heartfelt goodbyes and applause.
Stockton Center Plan
After announcements had been made, Harrison began his presentation about how the Stockton Center can provide “quality insurance” to its students.
Harrison’s presentation to the Senate drew attention to Stockton’s facility where he then explained that it is not sustainable. He added that the old buildings are not energy efficient and cost a lot to be kept running. Harrison described the classrooms as “not ideal.”
Stockton’s dean wanted to provide the Center’s students with more tenure track professors as well to fulfil the academic mission for its students.
In a detailed plan given to all members of the Academic Senate to review, Harrison outlined his long-term plan to move out of the old facility.
Harrison said in order for this plan to succeed, the Stockton Center will need the help of Stan State. However, Stan State does not own the Stockton Center. Harrison said he wanted to start building a relationship with Stan State again, a relationship once buried by a past president.
Dr. Betsy Eudey, a Senator at the meeting and an Advising Coordinator in the Academic Success Center, said there needs to be further attention given to Stockton’s general education program, and Stan State’s Provost, Dr. Kimberly Greer added that conversations about staffing Stockton’s campus would also need to be a continued discussion.  
There will be a campus-wide forum, sometime in October, that will be open to all faculty, staff and students to continue the discussion of long-term goals for Stockton’s campus.