Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Faculty Handbook 
    
2018-2019 Faculty Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

II. Organization and Governance



University Organization

The campus is currently organized into seven divisions administered and managed by the President and six vice presidents. The divisions include: Office of the President (OP); Academic Affairs (AA); Administration and Finance (A&F); Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion (HRDI); Information Technology (IT); Student Affairs (SA); and University Advancement (UA).

Office of the President

The Office of the President seeks to create an environment to enable the academic success of our students and the University’s efforts to address the needs of our region, engage our alumni, serve as an exceptional educational and cultural resource for our community, and promote a global outlook.

Academic Affairs

The Division of Academic Affairs strives to ensure that the University’s Mission and Goals are accomplished by supporting the academic pursuits of Cal State Fullerton’s students and faculty. This includes the formulation and implementation of academic plans, policies, and priorities of the highest standards.

Administration and Finance

The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to aligning its functions and delivery of services to the ever-changing needs of the campus through a program of systematic assessments and by developing creative solutions and implementing customer-oriented business practices. The division oversees Admin/Finance Information Technology, the Auxiliary Services Corporation, Budget Planning and Administration, Facilities Planning and Management, Financial Services, Internal Audit, Parking and Transportation, and University Police.

Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion

The Division of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion is committed to enhancing the overall customer experience and assists faculty, staff, students, and applicants with employment-related needs by providing valuable information, tools, and services in a helpful, friendly, and transparent manner.

Information Technology

The Division of Information Technology strives to be a strategic, innovative, and best-in-class IT organization that provides a leading-edge technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to advance the University mission and goals. It advances the vision and goals of our university by contributing to educational innovation and providing agile, cost-effective, and reliable technology services and facilities to our campus community.

Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs cultivates a meaningful experience that enhances learning and supports the total development of the Fullerton student. The division aims to practice excellence and build on the strengths students bring to the institution; promote change, social responsibility, personal growth, empowerment and new ideas; provide opportunities for community involvement, multicultural experiences and leadership training; enhance sensitivity to issues concerning diversity; and advocate for student success.

University Advancement

University Advancement serves Cal State Fullerton by building and strengthening relationships to encourage advocacy, investment, and support of the University and its programs to advance student and alumni success.

Efforts to secure private philanthropic support for the University are based in the division’s Development department, which includes the Annual Campaigns, Foundation and Corporate Relations, Planned Giving, Advancement Services, and University Events units, as well as major-gift fundraising on behalf of colleges, divisions, and special programs.

The Alumni Engagement department strives to foster a lifelong community of alumni connected to each other and to the institution with the goal of generating private financial support and engagement with the university.

Government and Community Relations advances University relationships with local, state and federal officials and agencies as well as business and community organizations. The department advocates for the University and acts as a contact point for those interested in developing a relationship with the institution.

Strategic Communications supports the advancement of the University through seven areas of work: market research, strategy development, brand management, reputation and issue management, stakeholder engagement, emergency communications, and collaborative projects with campus partners.

The division’s Administration and Finance department is responsible for UA operations, including office space, budget, human resources, and information technology. The executive director of the department also serves as chief financial officer of the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation.

The Division of Academic Affairs: Colleges and Departments

Cal State Fullerton’s instructional programs are primarily conducted in eight colleges at the Fullerton campus: College of the Arts (ARTS), Mihaylo College of Business and Economics (MCBE), College of Communications (COMM), College of Education (EDUC), College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), College of Health and Human Development (HHD), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM). Instructional programs are also conducted at the Irvine Center.

The dean serves as the chief academic officer of each college, with support from one or more associate deans and department, program or division chairs. The dean reports to the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Chairs report to their college dean and are responsible for academic leadership. Chairs work closely with faculty and staff to promote their welfare, provide superior service to students, and ensure the overall success of their department, program or division. The chair’s responsibilities may include the supervision and coordination of the department’s curriculum, representation of the department on University committees, the development and administration of a department budget, recruitment of faculty members, and the supervision and evaluation of departmental faculty and staff.

Academic Programs

The Office of Academic Programs focuses on three areas: curriculum, student success, and academic quality. In consultation with college deans, the Academic Senate, appropriate faculty committees, and campus divisions, the Office of Academic Programs has responsibility for the planning, direction, and implementation of academic curriculum, programs, and policies for undergraduate and graduate education, general education, university advisement, assessment of learning outcomes, institutional and program accreditation, program performance reviews, and various other university and system-wide programmatic initiatives.

The Associate Vice President for Academic Programs (AVPAP) provides leadership and oversight for the Office of Academic Programs, and works in consultation and collaboration with the directors of Academic Programs (Assessment and Educational Effectiveness, Academic Advisement Center, First Year Experience, Graduate Studies, Health Professions Advising Office, University Honors Program, and Undergraduate Studies and General Education) to assist in the implementation of University and system policies and in assuring the quality of the curriculum, academic programs, and student success . The Director of Assessment and Educational Effectiveness takes leadership roles focused on coordinating the collaborative, campus-wide effort aimed at continuous improvement of student learning and the services that support learning. Through assessment, the Director of the Academic Advisement Center provides leadership and oversight of the Academic Advisement Center. The Director of First Year Experience takes a leadership role in providing curriculum and services to support first-year students’ successful transition to higher education at Cal State Fullerton. The Director of Graduate Studies takes leadership roles focused on graduate programs. The Director of the Health Professions Advising Office takes a leadership role in preparing, informing, and advising CSUF students about post-baccalaureate careers in the health professions. The Director of the University Honors Program takes a leadership role in sustaining a program whose vision is to be a nationally recognized model of inclusive excellence through a sustained commitment to access, student success, academic rigor, and high quality learning. The Director of Undergraduate Studies and General Education takes leadership roles focused on undergraduate programs, including general education. The AVPAP also provides oversight of institutional and professional program accreditations as the campus Accreditation Liaison Officer.

Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

The Office of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness (OAIE) leads systematic and integrated efforts to explore the impact of university programs, curricula, services and operations; provides meaningful data to support strategic planning and decision-making at all levels of the university; plays a critical role in demonstrating accountability to accreditation, external entities and the general public; fosters a campus-wide culture of data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and teaching and learning innovations. Accreditation, analytical studies, assessment, data governance, institutional research, and quality assurance comprise the six core functional areas within OAIE.

  • Accreditation: OAIE works closely with campus constituents to support university and discipline accreditation efforts.
  • Analytical Studies: OAIE coordinates and conducts research studies related to campus initiatives and educational effectiveness, including grant evaluation and support.
  • Assessment: Working in close collaboration with diverse units across campus, OAIE oversees the University-wide assessment process and facilitates the development, implementation, and alignment of assessment plans in the program/unit, department, college/division, and University levels.
  • Data Governance: OAIE collaborates with other campus stakeholders to ensure data integrity, coordination, and management.
  • Institutional Research: OAIE ensures compliance with internal and external mandated reporting requirements, completes external survey reporting, maintains databases and dashboards for institutional data, and responds to ad hoc data requests.
  • Quality Assurance: OAIE oversees the University-wide quality assurance processes including the program performance review (PPR) and centers and institutes review.

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program at California State University, Fullerton, housed in the office of Academic Programs builds upon our university’s mission and goals, while being dedicated to inclusive excellence and extending the frontiers of knowledge beyond the boundaries of the institution. It is a community of students, staff and faculty members from all majors and colleges at CSUF who share a love of learning. These students, staff, and faculty members share a passion for acquiring and using knowledge to enrich their own lives and the university, local, national and global communities in which they live. Students enrolled in our program complete 24 units of Honors courses prior to graduation as well as a Senior Honors Project under the direction of a faculty-mentor. Our diverse community of scholars relishes the opportunities and obligations that are inherent in academic rigor, believes that intellectual growth and understanding are obtained in a variety of ways, and embraces learning as a lifelong pursuit.

The University Policy Statement governing the “Honors Programs” is UPS 412.010.

Office of First Year Experience (FYE)

The Office of First Year Experience (FYE) connects new freshman and transfer students with a community of friendly faculty, professional staff and peer mentors to help them get on track with their academic and personal Titan Experience. Students enroll in a University Studies course and choose one of five learning communities: Compass Crossing, HHD Voyage, Teachers Trek, Mihaylo Discovery or Comm Quest. In addition, FYE offers academic coaching, a computer/printing lounge, field trips, early probation intervention, themed housing and involvement opportunities in the Freshman Student Association and Peer Ambassador Committee. With FYE, new students build the academic foundation, campus involvement and community engagement necessary to become a successful Titan scholar and leader…this is where the Journey Begins!

Pre-Health Professions Minor

The Pre-health Professions Minor has been offered since Fall 2013. It was created to better prepare Cal State Fullerton students of all majors for professional schools including allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, veterinary medicine, dental school, pharmacy school, optometry school and physician assistant school. The Pre-health Professions Minor enhances the academic competitiveness of its students by requiring relevant coursework that is distinct from students’ major area of study. Specifically, the minor provides students who are non-science majors with a structured pathway to complete several prerequisite science courses. Over one-quarter of CSUF students admitted to professional schools are not traditional science majors. The minor also provides science majors the opportunity to complete coursework in the social sciences, population health, and cross-cultural studies that prepares them for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and develop a broader understanding of the context in which health care is delivered.

Faculty Commons

The Faculty Commons is a destination designed to support all faculty in their professional growth and promote exploration, innovation and community and guided by. Four departments make up the Faculty Support Unit that staffs the Faculty Commons: the Faculty Development Center, Online Education and Training, Faculty Affairs and Records and the Academic Technology Center. All services are located on the second floor, south side of the library.

Faculty Development Center (FDC)

The Faculty Development Center (FDC) promotes career-long faculty development in teaching, learning, scholarly and creative activities, professional and service activities, and the use of technology in these areas. The FDC supports faculty in their different stages of growth and professional development, recognizes their wide-ranging accomplishments, and helps them explore new interests and develop new skills, while fostering faculty collaboration and community.

The FDC offers:

  • Workshops and multi-day institutes
  • Online workshops
  • Faculty learning communities that meet on a topic of shared interest
  • Consultations on teaching and research for individual faculty and departments
  • Grants for instructional development and collaborative teaching
  • Recognition and awards for faculty achievement
  • New faculty orientation
  • Professional development for department chairs
  • Graphic design services for faculty

The FDC pursues its mission collaboratively as a team of administrative, staff, and faculty members, and as a partner with many other campus entities. Explore the FDC website to learn more about our wide variety of support services. You may also reach the FDC by phone at 657-278-4722 or by email at fdc@fullerton.edu.

Online Education and Training

Online Education and Training (OET) creates, promotes, and supports online education at Cal State Fullerton. This includes fully online courses as well as hybrid courses, and courses using technology mediated instruction. The OET team includes individuals with expertise in teaching and learning, instructional design, multimedia, open educational resources, accessibility, educational technologies, and our learning management system, TITANium.

Titanium support offered by OET includes:

  • Walk-in support in PLS-237, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and by appointment
  • Email support through titaniumhelp@fullerton.edu
  • The Titanium Resource Center available online 24/7 at titaniumhelp.fullerton.edu
  • Hands-on Workshops offered through the FDC

OET Also offers:

  • Online and in person training
  • Consulting on course design or redesign
  • Instructional design services
  • Media services
  • Fully equipped media studios for faculty use

Many useful resources and more detail about OET’s services can be found at the OET website. OET can be reached by phone at 657-278-4528, by email at oet@fullerton.edu, and in person at PLS-237.

Faculty Affairs and Records (FAR)

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Records (FAR) oversees faculty evaluation programs for the campus. FAR coordinates the following academic employee processes: Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (RTP); Temporary Faculty (Lecturer) Evaluations; Post-Tenure Review; Range Elevation; Student Opinion Questionnaires (SOQs); and Sabbatical and Difference in Pay Leaves. FAR is the repository of the official personnel action files (PAFs) for full-time faculty and is responsible for retaining documentation pertaining to employment, reappointment, tenure, promotion, and the evaluation of faculty performance. The office also works in collaboration with the Faculty Development Center and HRDI to provide faculty with support for successful academic careers. Explore our website to learn more about the faculty evaluation programs.

FAR is located in PLS-290 and is open throughout the year, Monday throught Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Academic Technology Center (ATC)

The Academic Technology Center (ATC) in PLS-237 focuses on the development and provision of technology to faculty. All equipment in the center can be reserved for use by faculty members to complete work individually or in collaboration with FDC Coordinators, OET staff, or Information Technology (IT) staff. The ATC provides technology support for faculty pursuits. Services include Wi-Fi and email setup, password reset, mobile equipment repair and troubleshooting, a demonstration classroom, Digitization of media and the Scantron system for red/orange Scantron forms. IT consultants and graduate assistants staff the ATC to provide this support for faculty software and hardware needs and are required to document and analyze faculty service requests. Service is available on a walk-in basis, and hours vary by term.

Faculty members may walk into the Academic Technology Center (ATC) (PLS-237) for support with any campus mobile equipment. This includes repairs and troubleshooting any issue a user may be facing. New devices can be picked up at the ATC when a client has been notified that the equipment is ready for pickup. Additionally, the ATC collects equipment from faculty members who are upgrading to a new device or otherwise permanently returning state equipment assigned to them for their use. Personal mobile equipment can be brought into the center if faculty members need assistance setting up Wi-Fi or email. Personal equipment cannot be left for service.

Many useful resources and more detail about ATC’s services can be found at the ATC website. ATC can be reached by phone at 657-278-4050, by email at atc@fullerton.edu, and in person at PLS-237.

Irvine Center

Irvine Center

Cal State Fullerton has had a presence in South Orange County since 1989, starting on the campus of Saddleback College, and now has a location located at 3 Banting in Irvine. The University now owns buildings 1 & 3 Banting and supports a growing population of over 4,500 students, 130 faculty and 20 staff.

Courses offered at the Irvine Center are taught by CSUF faculty as part of normal teaching assignments. Currently, lower division, upper division, graduate and credential courses from all 8 colleges representing over 33 academic departments are offered at the Irvine Center which supports both full and partial academic programs, including a full GE program.

Students are admitted through the regular CSUF admissions process. CSUF students may enroll in classes at either or both the Irvine and Fullerton locations through TITAN online. For more details, call the campus at 657-278-1600 or check the campus website.

Extension and International Programs

The role of Extension and International Programs (EIP) is to support the core academic mission of the CSU by offering self-supporting programs that complement the state funded enterprise, providing access to quality and affordable public education. EIP at Cal State Fullerton serves the citizens of California (and the world) by providing a wide range of innovative, flexible, and quality programs. EIP programs include Summer Session, Winter Session, Self-Support Degree Programs, Open University, Professional Development Programs, Contract Training, Programs for Children and Teens, University Semester Abroad, International Short Term Programs, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Facilities Management

Facilities Management is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the campus facilities. This includes custodial, grounds, infrastructure, buildings and logistical services as well as space management. These services are available through the FM Service Center via servicecenter@fullerton.edu or ext. 3494. If you experience any problems in your office, classroom, or laboratory such as lighting, heating or cooling, please call the Service Center immediately. Any alteration and improvement project will need to be coordinated through your department, please don’t attempt to perform such a project yourself. The classroom technology A/V issues are handled by the IT Division. Please keep classrooms and laboratories closed when unoccupied. Contact the Service Center when your key or the lock is not working. For mail delivery, shipping and receiving, and moving services please contact the Service Center.

Campus Auxiliaries

CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC)

As a public university, California State University, Fullerton frequently relies on its auxiliaries to help fund programs and services that benefit students and faculty. In 1959, the University created the CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) to promote and assist the educational mission of the University (prior to 2005, ASC was known as the CSUF Foundation). The ASC oversees various enterprises on campus from the bookstore to food services to programs developed to administer faculty/university research grants. The ASC leverages the University’s ability to develop and create programs, purchase land/buildings, and provide needed services vital to the functioning of the campus. The ASC returns a significant portion of its revenues generated through these programs to aid the University in achieving its educational mission.

The ASC is a separate 501 (c)(3) corporation, governed by a Board of Directors consisting of students, faculty, administrators, and prominent leaders from the surrounding community.

Associated Students, CSUF, Inc.

The Associated Students, CSUF, Inc. (ASI) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation and operates as an auxiliary organization and student government of CSU Fullerton. The ASI consists of two major components, the Associated Students and the Titan Student Centers. All regularly matriculated students are members of the ASI.

The Associated Students provides for student governance, shared governance of the university, programming of student activities, funding of campus organizations and athletics, and the operation of a nationally accredited child development center. As an auxiliary organization, the Associated Students does not receive any funding from state sources and does not fund campus operations customarily funded from state sources.

The Associated Students provides student development opportunities through leadership, volunteer, and employment experiences. In addition, the Associated Students provides campus community members with important social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, as well as, a wide range of programs and services. The Associated Students encourages and supports the activities of all CSU Fullerton recognized student organizations whose activities stimulate individual and group participation within the university community.

The Titan Student Centers (TSC) is a major component of the Associated Students, CSUF, Inc., and includes the operations of the Titan Student Union, the Student Recreation Center and Irvine Campus Fitness Center and Lounge. The TSC are governed by a student-majority board, which develops policies on issues ranging from operating hours to services offered. The purpose of the TSC Governing Board is to establish policies that will assure that the Titan Student Centers will be a unifying force between students, faculty and staff; a campus center for social, cultural, and intellectual activities and services; a place to provide further opportunities to broaden strengthen interpersonal relationships and self-enhancement within a large urban university; and to provide experience in self-government and civic responsibility.

The Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation (CSFPF)

The Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation (CSFPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit auxiliary organization responsible for the investment and management of philanthropic gifts designated for the University. The Foundation’s all-volunteer Board of Governors is dedicated to the advancement of the institution and its educational mission not only through its fiduciary responsibilities, but through advocacy, relationship-building, and active engagement in the life of the University.

The Academic Senate

The President and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs have overall responsibility for providing leadership in the establishment and achievement of broad University goals, priorities, policies, and strategies regarding academic programs and the educational process. The Fullerton campus has a long and respected tradition of shared governance and collegiality among the members of the faculty and administration. The Academic Senate is the representative body for the faculty in this shared responsibility.

The Academic Senate is an elected body formed to advise and consult with the President on curricular development, educational and professional policies governing both faculty and student life on the campus, and on those aspects of University operation that affect instruction, such as the allocation of resources. Membership currently consists of 48 representatives from the various campus constituencies including faculty, staff, students, and administrators.

There are 20 standing committees of the Senate and three general committees of the faculty. A Constitution (UPS 100.000) and Bylaws (UPS 100.001) govern the Academic Senate. Copies are available from the Academic Senate Office located in PLN-120 or via the Academic Senate website.

University Policy Statements

The President is responsible for the establishment of University Policy and does so within a consultative process after consideration of recommendations from the Academic Senate. Matters for discussion and action by the Senate are designated as Academic Senate Documents (ASD) and bear the identifying letters “ASD” and a number preceded by two digits reflecting the academic year (e.g., ASD 13-15). Items for discussion by the Senate may originate from standing or ad hoc committees of the Senate or from one or more faculty members via a member of the Senate.

Typically, the Academic Senate assigns an issue to a standing committee. The committee reviews the issue and drafts a position paper in the form of an ASD. The Senate debates the document and amends it as it deems necessary. If approved by the Senate, the ASD is then transmitted to the President for consideration. The President may approve the document as submitted, request modifications or reject it in its entirety. In the latter cases, the document returns to the Academic Senate and possibly the originating committee for reconsideration after which it may be resubmitted to the President.

Only when the document has been recommended by the Senate and approved by the President does it become policy. Approved documents are published on the Senate website as University Policy Statements (UPS) or as policies in the University catalog. Copies of current policies and a current index of these documents may be obtained in the Academic Senate Office or at the Academic Senate website. University Policy Statements (UPS) show the effective date, the effective date of the policy superseded (if any), and the ASD via which the revision was presented on the bottom right side of the document. Questions may be directed to the Academic Senate Office in PLN-120 or by phone at ext. 3683.

Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU)

The Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) consists of 53 faculty members elected by their colleagues at the 23 individual universities comprising the CSU system as well as the Executive Vice Chancellor for Student and Academic Affairs and an emeriti faculty representative. The Academic Senate, founded in 1963, advances the principles of academic freedom and freedom of inquiry; promotes academic excellence in the CSU; recommends policies to the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor on system-wide academic, professional, and academic personnel matters; and serves as the official voice of the faculties of the CSU in matters of system-wide concern. The Academic Senate is the primary consultative body on the academic implications of system-wide fiscal decisions.

The Executive Committee of the Academic Senate, led by the Senate Chair, organizes the activities of the Academic Senate and is principally responsible for representing the Academic Senate in its dealings with many groups, including the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and Chancellor’s Office staff, the California State Student Association, the CSU Alumni Council, statewide policymakers, and the public. With offices at the CSU Headquarters in Long Beach, the Academic Senate operates throughout the year as an agency of CSU faculty governance. Plenary sessions are held at the Chancellor’s Office preceding each meeting of the CSU Board of Trustees from September through May.

Cal State Fullerton has three senators who serve for three-year terms. An election is held each spring by the campus Academic Senate for at least one of the ASCSU seats.

For further information please see the Academic Senate of the CSU website.

California Faculty Association (CFA) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

The Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) authorized the formation of groups of Cal State University (CSU) employees for the purpose of collective bargaining. In 1982, the faculty of the CSU voted to have the California Faculty Association (CFA) be recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for all full-time and part-time faculty members, librarians, academic related counselors, and athletic coaches employed in the CSU. This is designated as Unit 3 by the CSU. CFA is affiliated with a number of other organizations including the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the National Education Association (NEA), the California Teachers Association (CTA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Members of CFA can request membership in AAUP at no additional cost and can be elected to serve as delegates to AAUP, NEA, and CTA meetings.

CFA is governed by a set of bylaws with policy developed by a state-wide Assembly. The Assembly elects state-wide officers as well as a board of directors. There are a number of councils and committees that also make up the organization’s governance structure. Day-to-day operations of the organization are handled by the CFA General Manager. CFA is headquartered in Sacramento from where resources are devoted to lobbying the Governor and the legislators. Each campus has a chapter with the chapter leadership being elected by the CFA members on the campus. Additionally, there is a CFA staff person assigned to assist each chapter. While membership in CFA is not mandatory, everyone in Bargaining Unit 3 is required to pay the costs for representation under current California law. This is known as agency fee and is sometimes referred to as fair share or agency shop. In addition to organizational voting rights, CFA members receive certain benefits such as liability insurance that are not available to those only paying the agency fee.

The Trustees of the CSU and CFA negotiate an agreement, known as the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which sets forth wages, hours, and conditions of employment for Unit 3 members (in previous years, this was known as a memorandum of understanding (MOU), so some may use this acronym to describe the contract). The contract contains a number of articles (currently more than 40) as well as appendices. A copy of the current CBA as well as other information pertaining to CFA is available online at the CFA website. The CFA Fullerton Chapter is located in LH-402 and at ext. 2827/2829.

Questions regarding the most current version of the CBA and interpretation of its contents may also be directed to the office of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion.