CSU Stanislaus’s Academic Senate met on March 28th to discuss a variety of topics such as the new vaccination policy, new council membership, curriculum consultation along with issues related to student and teacher pay. 
The meeting opened up with general announcements regarding a book discussion that’s going to happen upon returning from Spring Break. Gina Garcia’s new book on Hispanic-serving institutions was highlighted. The book is available for faculty and staff along with the Cross-Cultural Center—which is having separate conversations with students using the same book, enhancing different experiences with this.
Committee reports followed after, starting with Academic Technology and Learning Committee (ATLC) chair, Peggy Hauselt. 
She shares that the team met and continued discussing new online technology-mediated courses in programs. 
Following the agenda, Faculty Affairs Committee Chair (FAC) Marina Gerson introduced the developing language for a new Stockton Council. The committee is also mediating disputes that relate to a new curriculum consultation policy. 
Marcy Shavasta states that in their second meeting, a resolution draft was finalized for the curriculum consultation policy. Shavasta began discussing the development and investigation of issues regarding scheduling instructional spaces, particularly the seeming rise in unplaced classes and programs, scheduling courses off of the approved time blocks. UEPC anticipates modifications to the course module schedule. 
Gerson states, “We expect to bring a revision to the constitution of the general faculty as a first reading item at the next Senate meeting.” 
Gerson also shares that bringing the Stockton perspective to the table will assist in improvements. She says, “The resolution that would accompany these revisions will include a resolved clause that will instruct the newly formed Stockton Council to examine their membership and their duties, and request any needed revisions from the Faculty Affairs Committee by the beginning of the spring semester 2024.”
The faculty budget Advisory Committee reported survey results and steps moving forward after receiving those results. The committee continues their discussion from the open forums, fixating on a variety of priorities. Once discussed, a draft will be presented coming forward. 
Talks about Graduate Student Assistantships Covering Tuition Fees
Moving on to the second reading items, Graduate Chair, Montero Hernandez, explained a pilot program that they are hoping to implement soon. This plan is related to teaching assistantships and covering the tuition fees for those students who are working with faculty. Relating, Evelyn Grammars, associate director of Career Services, reminds attendees that main services are available in the career center for graduate students. 
Statewide Academic Senator Dana Nakano informs that the CSU policy is now in line with the California State of Public Health. As for regarding the bill, mandated service learning will be a requirement for CSU Graduates. 
Chancellor Kester stated that “The Chancellor’s official position on this is in opposition, not because there is not a value in service learning certainly there is and I think everyone agrees with that but that the way in which this piece of legislation one intrudes upon the curriculum, which we of course believe is the purview of the faculty, is alarming, but also just logistically.” 
This bill was reported to still be in its early stages.
Conflict between Virtual and In-Person
Another bill that is up in the air is the expansion of virtual services on CSU campuses. CSA is advocating for more in-person counselors as opposed to moving towards reliance on virtual services.
Potential Changes to Summer Pay for Faculty
The California Faculty Association (CFA) President Kolnick reports that they’ve had conversations on a couple of interview-related issues. Some of these issues are teaching pay. 
Kolnick shares, “We are advocating for full salary rather than enrollment-based salary for summer work. And I can promise you that it will happen. But that is our position. A related note to that is figuring out what additional employment means in the summer context.”
New SSMP Pathway for Teaching Theater

Senator Marcy Chvasta moves to approve the Theater Education pathway. In the fall of 2021, education adopted theater as an option for the single subject credential present as we are one of only 2 CSUs. With this option, an increase in enrollment in the theater major is expected. A concentration in theater education will help support those students who seek to teach theater in secondary schools. 
Senator Eric Broadwater says in support, “It will be a huge recruiting tool for us, not just in the future but until the rest of CSU catches up.” 
The motion from the floor passed with a 37 yes vote.