The Role of Faculty in Development of Curricula and
Location of Academic Programs in the
California State University System

AS-2586-02/FA - November 7-8, 2002

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) again strongly reaffirm the basic principles articulated in Principles and Policies: Papers of the Academic Senate CSU about the primary role of faculty in the development of academic programs, course development, and recruitment decisions affecting curriculum; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU encourage all campus presidents and other academic administrators to develop the widest possible consultation processes with campus senates and college or school faculty prior to creating, funding, implementing, and determining the location in the academic organization of the campus for new academic programs and courses; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU affirm that these principles shall apply regardless of external guidance or funding that may accompany the development of new courses or programs.

RATIONALE: Principles and Policies: Papers of the Academic Senate CSU defines the respective roles and responsibilities of various constituencies in the CSU, specifying that "responsibility shall be vested in the faculty or its elected senate/council representatives for developing policies and making recommendations to the campus presidents" on a variety of matters, including "curricular policies, such as . . . approval of new courses and programs . . . and academic standards." That role may be undermined by the actions of groups or individuals who wish to influence the nature of academic programs or individual courses.

Particularly in times of budget shortfall or perceived crisis of other kinds, the pressure exerted by individuals or groups outside the university may appear persuasive enough to induce members of university communities to act without regard for the long-established principles developed by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), embedded in Principles and Policies, and later endorsed by the Board of Trustees, CSU.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY - January 23-24, 2003