September 28, 2026

Approval of Agenda and Previous Meeting Notes

• Michele Fritz motions to approve minutes and consent calendar. Doli Bambhania seconded. Voting information below.  

• The Academic Senate approved the meeting notes from June 15, 2026. 

• The Academic Senate approved the Consent Calendar.
• Number of Votes: 24 
• Voting Results: 

Name	Agenda	Previous Meeting Minutes	Consent Calendar
Denica Kelly	Abstain	Abstain	Yes
Gayatri Pal	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mary Pape	Yes	Yes	Yes
Barbara Dahlke	Yes	Yes	Yes
Doli Bambhania	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lauren Gordon	Yes	Yes	Yes
Angélica Esquivel Moreno	Yes	Yes	Yes
James Perla-Adams	Yes	Yes	Yes
Veronica Acevedo Avila	Yes	Yes	Yes
Umar Douglas	Abstain	Abstain	Abstain
Dave Capitolo	Yes	Yes	Yes
Michele Fritz	Yes	Abstain	Yes
Ravjeet Singh	Yes	Yes	Yes
James Capurso	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mary Donahue	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sukhjit Bob Singh	Yes	Yes	Yes
Angela Winch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yolanda Johnson	Yes	Yes	Yes
Noemi Teppang	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lisa Castro	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shagun Kaur	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alicia Mullens	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mark Johnson	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yuri Chang	Yes	Yes	Yes

Public Comment

• Janet Shaw, a long-time De Anza faculty member, addressed the Senate regarding potential reductions to the Dance program. Shaw acknowledged the college’s current budget challenges and emphasized the role of Dance courses in bringing students to campus and building community. Shaw reported continued student demand for Dance courses, including waiting lists for Hip-Hop and Ballet. Shaw expressed concern about potential reductions to Dance offerings, particularly lecture courses, and emphasized the importance of maintaining technique and Hip-Hop courses. Requested greater faculty involvement and consultation regarding decisions affecting Dance course offerings.
• Ramona Gabriel introduced as SSH representative for the upcoming academic year. 

Welcome and Introductions 

Senators took turns introducing themselves and sharing the topic of their dream non-work TED Talk, sparking plenty of laughter, lively conversation, and camaraderie around the room.

Needs and Confirmations

At-Large Members for Tenure Committees 

The Senate is looking for at-large committee members! Full-time tenured faculty interested in getting involved in shared governance are encouraged to apply.

Tenure Review Due Process Panel 

• Discussed the need to establish a pool of faculty members for the Tenure Review Due Process Panel. Panel members would be called upon if a due process complaint is filed. Service on the panel is for one year and provides service points.

• Alicia Mullens and Sukhjit Singh volunteered. Approved unanimously. 

• E Woodbury confirmed that faculty members serving on the panel must be tenured.

Technology Committee

The Technology Committee requested two faculty representatives. The committee will address topics including artificial intelligence and strategic planning.

ASCCC OERI Liaison

• The Senate discussed the need for an ASCCC OERI Liaison to represent De Anza College at the state level. The liaison would serve as a campus representative for OERs and related statewide initiatives.
• Faculty members interested in serving may complete the request-to-serve form available on the Academic Senate website.

College President Search Committee Discussion 

E Woodbury reported that the college is seeking four faculty members to serve on the College President Search Committee. The Vice Chancellor of Human Resources requested that committee members be confirmed by the following week. E Woodbury indicated that the Senate would issue a broad call for faculty participation and encouraged outreach across divisions to support a diverse pool of faculty with varied backgrounds and experience. Faculty members serving on the committee must be tenured, with one position designated for a part-time faculty member. Part-time faculty members must have REP and will be compensated.

Mary Donahue requested that the outreach clearly identify the part-time faculty position and the representative experience requirement. E Woodbury agreed to include the information in the outreach message.

E Woodbury asked if the timeline was fair or too tight and asked for feedback from Senate. Ravjeet Singh asked if the timeline was enough to comment, send messages out and obtain responses. E Woodbury confirms the college is working with a search firm who set the timeline but we can ask for more time. A Mullens asks for more time; Veronica Acevedo Avila says to move forward with the process due to how important search is.

M Donahue requested information regarding the anticipated timeline and time commitment for committee members. Shagun Kaur noted that a previous presidential search call from June 2024 included similar information and could serve as a guideline. E Woodbury shared information regarding the anticipated search process, including screening, interviews, town halls, and meet-and-greets. Noted that faculty should be able to use college-assigned business leave when appropriate if serving on committee. 

E Woodbury took an informal hand raise poll  and based on it the body agreed we will proceed with the original timeline and reassess the timeline if the response is not sufficient. 

Confirmation of Part-Time Faculty RAPP Representative 

• Re-visited the confirmation of the part-time faculty representative for the Resource Allocation and Program Planning (RAPP) Committee. The previous voting process did not receive enough votes due to an issue with the voting link. The same three candidate statements were presented, and no additional candidates were solicited.

• S Kaur explained the voting link and voting process. E Woodbury checked if members understood rank choice voting. Ram Subramaniam clarified that RAPP refers to the Resource Allocation and Program Planning Committee. Some technical issues noted. Yolanda Johnson and Denica Kelly submitted written votes. 

• Christina Wright was confirmed as the part-time faculty representative for RAPP.

• Total votes submitted: 24

• Votes submitted by: 

• Results by Rank Choice Voting 

	1st	2nd	3rd
Sohini Dutt	7	7	8
So Kam Lee	5	7	10
Christina Wright	10	8	4
Total Choices	22	22	22

Quick News

Brown Act and Remote Participation

Woodbury reviewed Brown Act requirements related to remote participation and voting, emphasizing that voting members participating remotely must meet applicable geographic requirements within district boundaries, meeting agendas must be posted in a public location,  and must include a physical address. E Woodbury reviewed the remote attendance form and noted that remote participation is due to legal requirements. 

Parking

Parking permits are now digital. Physical parking stickers and rearview mirror permits are no longer required. Faculty and staff were encouraged to complete the digital parking permit process to avoid citations. Additional information is available through the link included on the meeting agenda.

Town Halls and Strategic Planning

E Woodbury announced upcoming town halls related to strategic planning and the college’s funding model (from an apportionment-based funding model toward community/property-tax funding) Upcoming town halls include October 9 and October 16, with additional sessions planned throughout the academic year. Faculty and staff encouraged to participate and provide feedback. E Woodbury emphasized the importance of participation in shaping the direction of the college.

Summer Updates

Comprehensive Program Update Review

Erik Woodbury provided an update on a faculty group examining how the college reviews and updates academic programs. The initiative may receive a different name as the work develops. Additional information will be shared throughout the academic year. A town hall is scheduled for November 6.

Somos Uno and Resource Allocation

S Kaur provided an update on Somos Uno and work related to resource allocation between De Anza College and Foothill College. So far, the group has: 

• Completed eight to nine months of training in interest-based bargaining. During spring, the group reviewed resource allocation models used at community colleges across the state.

• Examined current budget models, historical funding structures, and historical issues between De Anza College and Foothill College.

• The summer work focused on a particular model that remains under discussion.

S Kaur emphasized the importance of providing faculty with data and descriptions of the models while noting that additional information is still being developed.

M Fritz asked whether the Somos Uno work was focused on budget cuts. S Kaur clarified that the work focuses on how finances operate between Foothill College and De Anza College. E Woodbury described the work as focused on alignment and synergy between the colleges. Additional budget-related information is expected within approximately two weeks.

Bookstore Request for Proposals

Current Operations and Taskforce Recommendations 

Farhad Sabit presented an update on the future of bookstore operations. The current bookstore is operated by Follett, with the current contract ending June 30, 2027.

Bookstore Taskforce reviewed challenges associated with the current model and examined bookstore models used by other Bay Area community colleges. The taskforce reviewed four potential models:

• Fully on-campus bookstore

• Fully on-campus bookstore operated by a vendor

• Fully online bookstore without a physical presence

• Fully online bookstore with a physical storefront

The taskforce recommended a primarily online bookstore with a small physical storefront on campus. Factors discussed included declining bookstore sales, operating costs, lower-cost online purchasing options, OER, and increased availability of digital materials. The proposed model would maintain a physical presence while providing primarily online ordering. Students would have access to delivery options and in-person services.

Potential physical services include Blue Books, payment options, computer stations, Wi-Fi, and options for receiving orders on campus.The proposed storefront would be approximately 1,000 square feet.

Campus Review and RFP Process: The taskforce recommendation will be shared with the campus community before proceeding with the RFP process. Upcoming presentations include:

• Academic Senate – September 28

• Senior Leadership Team – September 29

• DASG – September 30

• Classified Senate – October 7

• College Council TBA

A districtwide RFP team will include representatives from DASG, Academic Senate, Classified Senate, Deans, and Administration. The RFP team will include five representatives from De Anza College and five representatives from Foothill College. The anticipated timeline is to complete the process by June 30, 2027, with implementation beginning July 1, 2027.

Bookstore Discussion

Barbara Dahlke raised the need for students to have access to Blue Books for exams, particularly during finals week. 

JShaw asked whether faculty would continue to define course materials. F Sabit confirmed that faculty would continue to define course materials and that the bookstore would coordinate with faculty. Shaw also asked about copyright clearance for course packets and book returns. F Sabit confirmed that copyright clearance and book returns would continue to be addressed through the bookstore.

S Kaur noted that the student representative on the taskforce emphasized minimizing costs and delays, particularly for STEM courses. S Kaur noted that the proposed model would provide delivery options and a physical location that could provide access for students with housing or transportation challenges.

D Bambhania expressed support for maintaining a physical bookstore presence and noted the value of accessibility and multiple payment options. F Sabit noted that Foothill College’s transition to an online bookstore provided lessons that informed the proposed model. Janet Shaw asked about the transition and physical space. F Sabit explained that a transition period would be required and that approximately 1,000 square feet would be allocated for the bookstore.

AI Fellow Update 

The AI Fellow, Chesa Caparas, will continue weekly resource sharing focused on emerging topics relevant to the college. Weekly drop-in hours and professional development opportunities will continue.

The Emerging Technologies Institute will explore opportunities across De Anza College and Foothill College. A Community Days pilot will explore ways to support students who come to campus for in-person exams and build campus community.

The AI Ambassadors Program will focus on building capacity and communication infrastructure for AI-related work using a human-centered design framework. Letters of interest for the AI Ambassadors Program are due October 5. An AI Infrastructure Town Hall is scheduled for November 20.

Reflections on Opening Day and College Budget

E Woodbury asks for feedback on Opening Days. Feedback included: 

• V Avila Acevedo expressed appreciation for President De La Rosa’s presentation of the college’s budget realities and the clear communication regarding current challenges.

• M Donahue noted that faculty members remained after a Foothill College meeting to ask questions and suggested providing additional classroom space for continued discussion. Or using more classroom spaces. 

• M Gabriel shared positive student feedback from Welcome Day. Students appreciated faculty engagement and conversations with students. M Gabriel also expressed appreciation for increased communication and more detailed information regarding college issues.

• A Mullens discussed concerns about an “us versus them” dynamic during difficult conversations involving faculty and administration. A Mullens encouraged faculty to approach difficult discussions with grace and understanding and emphasized the shared goal of supporting students.

• Mark Landefeld shared observations from community discussions involving a parent of a De Anza student and noted insights into challenges related to admissions, enrollment, and student support services. M Landefeld suggested identifying faculty members with college-aged children as a potential sounding board for understanding the student and parent experience.

• D Bambhania expressed appreciation for the structure of the community conversations and noted that the conversations generated new ideas.

• V Avila Acevedo thanked Sarah Wilker and Mallory Newell for their contributions to the community conversations and strategic planning work.

• Yuri Chang commented (via Zoom chat) that department meetings held separately from division meetings can create scheduling challenges for adjunct faculty members with other commitments.

• Alicia Mullens raised concerns about the increasing number of Opening Day activities and the limited time available for faculty preparation. Mullens also expressed concern about the perception that the college moved quickly from financial stability to a budget crisis and requested additional discussion about how the situation developed.

• E Woodbury replied that policies re: flex reporting and legal requirements affect the structure and scheduling of Opening Day activities. And that they are not necessarily meant for course planning. E Woodbury indicated that additional discussion regarding Opening Day scheduling and faculty preparation time could continue.

• D Bambhania questioned the early start time for Opening Day activities.Woodbury noted that faculty are required to be present for a specified number of hours but that there is no required start time. 

• J Shaw emphasized the importance of considering the whole student experience and viewing education as a pathway rather than focusing solely on short-term enrollment or financial measures.

• E Woodbury and Ram Subramaniam discussed questions regarding the shift from apportionment funding toward property-tax/community funding. R Subramaniam referenced a previous Senate presentation regarding the historical development of the college budget.

S Kaur emphasized a commitment to communication during a year of transition and change and noted the importance of faculty communicating information and concerns with faculty constituencies. E Woodbury emphasized the role of Academic Senate as a space for faculty to express concerns, discuss difficult issues, and engage in constructive disagreement. Woodbury indicated that the budget would return as a future Senate discussion topic.

Good of the Order

• V Avila Acevedo asked whether the Academic Senate could work with Communications to develop placards displaying faculty names and divisions for future meetings.

• SKaur announced Christina Wright as the confirmed part-time faculty representative for RAPP.

• B Singh asked whether the Senate should conduct outreach regarding Senate dues.

• Angélica Esquivel-Moreno announced Latinx Heritage Month activities and noted that HEFAS will host events related to statewide Undocumented Student Success Week.

• Lisa Castro announced that Transfer Day will take place on October 15 and encouraged faculty to encourage students to attend.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.