MINUTES OF THE ACADEMIC SENATE
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO
5241 North Maple Avenue, M/S Thomas 43
Fresno, California 93740-8027
Office of the Academic Senate
Ext. 278-2743
FAX: 278-5745
(AS-11)
December 3, 2012
Members Excused:
O. Benavides, T. Dupont-Morales, G. Gechter, K.
Tenbergen, L. Williams
Members Absent:
H. Deoghare, B. DerMugrdechian, K. Dyer, D.
Freed, A. Jassim, K. Kurtural, S. Lin, H.
Miltiades, S. Ogunjemiyo, N. Spiro, P. Waer, J.
Wang
A meeting of the Academic Senate was called to order by Vice Chair
Ayotte at 4:06 p.m. in the Library Auditorium, Room 2206.
1.
Approval of the Agenda.
MSC to approve the Agenda.
2.
Approval of the Minutes of 11/19/12 and 11/26/12.
MSC to approve the Minutes of 11/19/12 with an amendment
to correct M. Caldwell’s title.
MSC to approve the Minutes of 11/26/12
3.
Communications and Announcements.
A. Vice Chair Ayotte announced that updated information
regarding Chair William’s health can be found on the
Department of Agricultural Economics website.
B. Provost Covino gave additional positive information
regarding Chair William’s health.
C. Associate Provost L. Zelezny distributed a draft of the
Technology Strategic Plan for consultation and announced
the website URL and that dates of open forums will be sent
via email. Assoc. Provost Zelezny asked senators to share
this information with their colleges and units.
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Academic Senate Meeting
December 3, 2012
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D. Vice Chair Ayotte introduced Dr. Omolayo, Geography, as
the Faculty Affairs liaison for Student Evaluation of Faculty.
E. Dr. Omolayo described his role and purpose on the
committee and announced his contact information.
F. Vice Chair Ayotte announced the Campus Planning
Committee will include a faculty representative from each
college/school, the library, and two additional faculty
recommended by the Senate Executive Committee. A call for
nominations will be sent via email.
 Statewide Senator Amaral reinforced the importance of
serving on the Campus Planning Committee as it pertains
to the physical campus such as parking lot renovations,
etc.
G. N. O’Brien, Student, announced his concern for the
university’s 19th rank on Business Insider’s list of 'America's
Most Dangerous Colleges' and for the Collegian’s article
refuting the ranking.
 Senator H. Chapman asked how faculty should respond
to questions from concerned parents and prospective
students. Provost Covino responded that campus safety
is a high priority and will follow-up with a response to the
campus community.
H. Senator L. Kensinger, Women’s Studies, expressed her
gratitude for Vice Chair Ayotte’s service in the absence of
Chair Williams.
I. Dr. A. Lawson, Plant Science and WASC Accreditation
committee member, announced there were two major
revisions to the reaccreditation review document: 1) the
University’s definition of “quality, integrity and meaning of
the degree”, and 2) the five core competencies identified by
WASC for all its accredited institutions. Dr. Lawson
described the current process and progress toward the five
core competencies including assessment.
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Academic Senate Meeting
December 3, 2012
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 L. Kensinger expressed that the GE MI area is a unique
component of the university. Dr. Lawson replied that GE
MI is addressed in the WASC document.
4.
Election–Nominating/Election Committee
 Senator L. Rios was elected Senate Liaison to the Division of
Continuing and Global Education by acclamation.
5.
New Business.
 There was no new business.
6.
Intellectual Property Policy – Tim Stearns – Second Reading.
G. Liu, Research and Sponsored Programs, and T.
McClanahan, Intellectual Property Review Committee Chair,
were present to respond to questions on the topic.
 Responses to questions included:
o The committee reviewed the ratio for dissemination at six
other CSU campuses and did not find differences between
Fresno State’s policy.
o The policy does not limit entering into agreements with
other universities, corporations, etc.
 Several senators expressed concern for the term
extraordinary resources and requested clarification of its
definition. A lengthy discussion regarding its definition was
held.
 MSC to approve the Intellectual Property Policy.
The Senate adjourned at 4:48 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting of the Academic Senate will be
announced.
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Academic Senate Meeting
December 3, 2012
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An Agenda will be distributed prior to the meeting.
Submitted by:
Dawn Lewis
Senator
Academic Senate
Approved by:
Kevin Ayotte
Vice Chair
Academic Senate
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