Resolution EXEC 23-17 Proposed Changes to Bylaws

RESOLVED: That the ASCSUDH by-laws be updated to reflect current technologies allowing for range of meeting formats; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the changes be instituted in the proposed new language shown below.

Proposed new language for by-law III C

The Academic Senate shall meet at least once each month during the academic year and may meet more frequently in regular or special sessions. The format (virtual, face-to-face, or hybrid) of regular meetings will be determined by the Senate Chair and`` Senate Executive Committee and shall be submitted to the General Faculty prior to the beginning of the semester. When meeting in a virtual or hybrid formats, university-provided technologies that are available to the campus community will be utilized. Any member of the General Faculty as well as staff, students, and administrators may attend these meetings as an observer. The presiding officer of the Academic Senate may invite observers to participate in discussion after senators on the speaker's list and as time allows.
The Senate Chair in consultation with and approval by the Senate Executive Committee can cancel, reschedule or postpone Senate meetings;
Under exceptional circumstances as determined by the Senate Chair and Senate Executive Committee, regular or special meetings may be conducted in alternate format.

RESOLVED: That the ASCSUDH distribute this resolution to the campus President, Provost, President’s Cabinet, College Deans, Department Chairs, Associate Vice President(s) of Academic Affairs, the California Faculty Association, all faculty members, and the CSUDH Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association; and be it further

RATIONALE: Whereas virtual formats such as teleconferencing and video conferencing were once considered exceptional, during the COVID-19 pandemic new technologies made virtual meetings commonplace. These technologies are widely available and allow greater access to meetings. Rather than being considered exceptional, virtual and hybrid formats should be considered as common, viable formats for meetings alongside in-person meetings.

The language regarding observer participation is changed to reflect an equity lens.

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Existing language of by-law III-C:

The Academic Senate shall meet at least once each month during the academic year and may meet more frequently in regular or special sessions. Any member of the General Faculty as well as staff, students, and administrators may attend these meetings as an observer. The presiding officer of the Academic Senate will allow observers the privilege of participating in discussion after senators on the speaker's list and as time allows.
The Senate Chair in consultation with and approval by the Senate Executive Committee can cancel, reschedule or postpone Senate meetings;
Under exceptional circumstances as determined by the Senate Chair and Senate Executive Committee, regular or special meetings may be conducted in alternate format (such as but not limited to teleconference or video conference).

Resolution EXEC 23-17 Proposed Changes to Bylaws - Meeting Format