Cal State Fullerton President Mildred García has received and responded to a committee recommendation resulting from a faculty hearing held Oct. 23. The committee was convened at the request of faculty member Alain Bourget to hear arguments and consider whether a letter of reprimand issued to him was warranted for failing to use the textbook assigned in a multisection math course, and not following the department’s procedures for designation of a different book.
A faculty hearing committee is an option offered to faculty members who file grievances under provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the California Faculty Association and the California State University system.
The committee was unable to reach a conclusion on the grievance. Seeing that the burden of proof was not met by the grievant, as required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the president has denied the grievance, and the letter of reprimand stands.
The discussion generated by this personnel matter has provided the University with the opportunity to review policies and procedures related to textbook selection, said Provost José Cruz. “As an institution committed to shared governance and academic freedom, we appreciate that the Faculty Affairs Committee of the Academic Senate is now addressing this issue. The University remains committed to sustaining a vibrant teaching and learning environment that drives student success and advances academic excellence.”
Related: Textbook Selection, Costs Subject of Campus Discussion