As the 2025-26 academic year comes to a close, the Academic Senate once again revisited the ongoing issue of shared governance ultimately deciding to postpone action.
At today’s meeting senators quickly moved to a second reading item addressing a proposed shared governance statement, a topic that has resurfaced repeatedly since last semester.
Discussion centered around the wording of the statement, with several senators raising concerns about its implications.
Senator Stone spoke out in opposition of the shared governance statement as she believes the current drafted statement is not in the best interest of the faculty and staff.
“Nor is it in the best interest of our faculty and staff,” Senator Stone said.
She also expressed concern that the language could be interpreted as giving the Speaker of the Faculty authority to speak on behalf of all faculty members.
Speaker of the Faculty Alami pushed back, stating that the role is defined in the constitution.
“Speaker shall speak officially for the Academic Senate and general faculty, that language is in our constitution,” Speaker Alami said.
Senator Petrosky interrupted calling for a point of order.
“Point of order, The speaker is sharing his opinion,” Senator Petrosky said.
Alami rejected the point of order.
“No, the speaker is stating what is in the constitution. Please read the constitution,” he said.
Senator Nakano also shared his thoughts on this shared governance statement believing it is one of the most honest statements but ultimately speaks against it.
“I think this statement is perhaps the most honest statement as to how shared governance functions,” Senator Nakano said. “I speak against this.”
Ultimately the senate did not vote on whether or not they should pass this resolution instead they voted on tabling the issue on hand.
In a vote of 23 yes, 19 no and 2 abstentions the shared governance statement is now set to be tabled until the next school year.
The Senate also moved all the first reading items on hand to second readings.
One resolution on hand pertained to the proposal of a reorganization of the colleges, to create the College of Health, Human Services and Education.
This resolution called for the proposal to be delayed until the fall 2027 semester.
FBAC Chair Brandt made a statement before the reading item was sent to a vote.
“Most FBAC members are favorable to college reorganization, but there are still some concerns,” Chair Brandt said.
This reading item ultimately passed with, 32 yes, 3 no and 2 abstentions, delaying the ro-organization proposal until fall 2027.
The last and final item addressed in today’s meeting pertained to President Rios-Ellis’ request to alter the academic calendar to avoid having commencement during peak heat season in May.
This resolution if approved would maintain the currently approved academic calendar for the 2026/27 school year.
Senator Gerson expressed her disappointment on how this issue was raised and voiced her opposition for a calendar change.
“Really disappointed how this item came to the faculty,” Senator Gerson said. “May not be opposed to this particular calendar change, but I am opposed to this urgency to change it.”
This resolution received a vote of, 33 yes, 1 no and 1 abstention.
Ultimately maintaining the current academic calendar set for the 2026/27 school year.
