May 18, 2026

I. Call to Order

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Welcome

Voting members attending in person and those joining online with their names and meeting locations published on the agenda used the roll call vote link to establish quorum. They also used the same link to approve the  agenda and the May 11, 2026 meeting minutes. There is no consent calendar for this meeting.

Roll Call Vote (20)

Chris Dileonardo, Dave Capitolo, James Adams, James Capurso, Jayanti Roy, Kevin Glapion, Lakshmikanta Sengupta, Leah Smith, Mark Hamer, Mark Landefeld, Mary Donahue, Mary Pape, Ravjeet Singh, Sherwin Mendoza, So Kam Lee, Sukhjit Singh, Umar Douglas, Veronica Acevedo Avila, Viviana Alcazar, Yuri Chang

Quorum reached.

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II. Agenda, Minutes, and Consent Calendar

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Approval of Agenda, Minutes from May 11th, 2026, and Consent Calendar

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Approval of Agenda

Yes (20) Chris Dileonardo, Dave Capitolo, James Adams, James Capurso, Jayanti Roy, Kevin Glapion, Lakshmikanta Sengupta, Leah Smith, Mark Hamer, Mark Landefeld, Mary Donahue, Mary Pape, Ravjeet Singh, Sherwin Mendoza, So Kam Lee, Sukhjit Singh, Umar Douglas, Veronica Acevedo Avila, Viviana Alcazar, Yuri Chang

Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes from May 11th, 2026

Yes (20) Chris Dileonardo, Dave Capitolo, James Adams, James Capurso, Jayanti Roy, Kevin Glapion, Lakshmikanta Sengupta, Leah Smith, Mark Hamer, Mark Landefeld, Mary Donahue, Mary Pape, Ravjeet Singh, Sherwin Mendoza, So Kam Lee, Sukhjit Singh, Umar Douglas, Veronica Acevedo Avila, Viviana Alcazar, Yuri Chang

Minutes approved.

Approval of Consent Calendar

There is no Consent Calendar.

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Public Comment 

James Adams reported issues with the campus printing service, noting that all print stations for students have been down since last week, including those in the library and other locations across campus. Students cannot print. Adam has been helping students with printing but that is not sustainable especially during midterms. ETS has not been able to resolve the issue. 

To Do

Escalate the campus printing service outage issue to Kevin Metcalf and the ETS staff for follow-up and resolution.

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III. Needs and Confirmation

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District and College Needs

• Jayanti Roy reminded senators to check the list of committees needing faculty representations. Faculty wishing to continue their participation in their committee should reply to verify. Senators, please share the needs with their constituents and encourage them to submit their request to serve form before the deadline (26th). The Senate will start confirming committees at the June 1 meeting.
• There was still the urgent need for more at-large members. There are 3 more senate meetings for the year. The goal was to confirm the tenure review committees by the end of spring quarter for the committees to start work in the fall.

Committee Needs

• Tenure Review Committee [At Large Members] 10 committees!!!
• Campus Facilities [3 faculty]
• Educational Technology Advisory (ETAC) [1 faculty]
• Equity Action Council (EAC) [3 faculty]
• Professional Development Leave Committee [2 faculty]
• Professional Relations Committee [3 faculty]
• SLO Committee [2 faculty]
• Technology Committee [2 faculty]
• Police Chief's Advisory Committee [1 faculty]

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Confirmations

None

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IV. New & Continuing Business

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Conversation with Incoming Acting President Dr. David Wain Coon

The Senate invited the interim president to introduce himself to the committee and to welcome him to De Anza.

• This was Dr. Coon’s second full week at the college. In his introduction Dr. Coon shared his background in community college leadership and outlined his role in supporting the college's transition.
• Dr. Coon spent 15 years of his high-level administrative career in the Washington State Community College system.
• Dr. Coon worked for 20 years in the California Community College system as president at Evergreen Valley and the College of Marin where he retired in 2024.
• He came out of retirement to pay forward and to pay back to the college system. He served as the acting president at San Jose City College for 11 months to help them through their transition to find a permanent president. He will be doing the same at De Anza College. His main focus will be keeping the train moving and on track.
• During his tenure at Evergreen Valley Dr. Coon had worked with previous De Anza leaders like Martha Kanter and Brian Murphy that gave him some familiarity with the college.

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RAPP PT Faculty Representative Consent Action Rescission

Background

• In the last meeting the Senate approved on the consent calendar the part-time faculty rep for RAPP. 
• Someone asked for clarification on the deadline for application. They also mentioned that there were people interested but were not able to apply.
• When the Senate officers checked their records, it was discovered that the link had not been active for people to apply on time. There was not a clear deadline to apply.
• The officers, for fairness and transparency, decided to ask the body to rescind the decision and reopen the part-time faculty RAPP position with sufficient time for people to apply.

Question on Precedent

• Mary Pape wondered about how people may think about how this may set a precedent of going back on something that the Senate was voted on.
• Shagun Kaur explained that this case does not set up a precedent. Since the position was not adequately advertised it would be unfair to not widely open this up and make it available to everybody. It's an important position and one of the few part-time faculty paid positions on campus. Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to apply.

Motion

Veronica Acevedo Avila moved to rescind the decision, LK Sengupta seconded.

Question

Bob Singh had a question about the standard procedure for committee appointments. He asked if all the committee members were approved or confirmed by vote, especially those appointed in the fall and winter. Shagun will look into the matter.

Call for a Decision on the Motion

There was no objection to the motion to rescind the consent decision on the part-time faculty RAPP position.

The motion passed.

Next Step

Shagun Kaur will send an email to notify all part-time faculty regarding the reopening and new deadline (June 3) for applications to the RAPP Senate position. The Senate will confirm the new appointee on June 8th.

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Enterprise AI access for Students: Second Read

Slide deck for AI access: Students 

Background

• Last week Gabriela (Gabby) Nocito, Dean, Online Education and Learning gave a presentation with a recommendation to make the Enterprise version of the Gemini AI tools available to De Anza students at the same level as Foothill College.
• Gabby stated that having a different policy created an inequity of access that could affect student success. Students at Foothill as well as CSUs and UCs have had these tools available to them for sometime.
• In the last meeting, senators were charged with doing their own research and to communicate with their constituent groups about this proposal.
• Recommended action: To support students in an increasingly AI-integrated academic environment, we request agreement to move this proposal forward to the Senior Leadership Team.

Motion

Mary Pape motioned for students to have availability to Gemini on the same level as Foothill, Veronica Acevedo Avila seconded.

Robust discussion on the topic

Sherwin Mendoza raised concerns about giving blanket support for AI, the potential harms of AI. The dangers of blanket endorsement included AI use for weapons, for surveillance, to track down and criminalize people.

Sherwin also emphasized the need for guardrails and training on AI use with sufficient checks and balances.

Gabby noted that students are already using AI tools. This more advanced pro version will give everyone the same level of access and remove financial barriers.

Discussion on AI literacy 

James Adams is already teaching classes on AI literacy.

There are groups working on AI literacy. A district work group on AI work plan is working on a consistent training and support plan.

Veronica: The proposal is about equal access to AI tools. She personally was not a fan of AI and doesn’t let her students use it. She pointed out the pushback nationally in response to how AI is infiltrating pervasively. She would like to workshop with other faculty to find creative ways to help students learn and challenge them to think for themselves.

Bob Singh: The crucial point is about equity in an increasingly AI integrated academic environment. The implementation plan is not specific. This ambiguity gives faculty freedom to make decisions for their classroom. The college is moving in the direction where AI is becoming a common denominator. People may not accept AI just like smartphones were not welcome initially. Then, smartphones became common. The same is happening with AI as it is implemented with due diligence in discussions and training.

Laruen Gordon noted that some students have been overwhelmed by AI. They don’t know how to use it. They are afraid of getting into trouble for using it. Do students want this? What help is available for students to use the platform?

Gabby: There are training and workshops available through Student Services and the library. Information on this specific tool has been provided to all the California community colleges, the CSU and the UC systems. This will help prepare students for their future academic path.

Mary Pape: AI to promote humanity. She gave an example of how the calculator has helped people with doing math but had extensive push back in the early days.

Mark Landefeld: AI use is dependent on 3rd party information. Here is a chance to anticipate needs, create interventions, and have a control environment.

James Adams is critical of these tools. There are a lot of tools out there. He wants students to understand and learn how to use these tools. Knowing the specific tools available to the students allows him to focus on the use of those tools. The pro version is more powerful than the free tools and has data protection.

Chris Dileonardo remembered having the same discussions when the World Wide Web came online. Therefore, do not stall giving students access to the same tools as other colleges. Faculty should adapt these tools, like the calculator and world wide web, into their curriculum and pedagogy, folding them in a way that enhances education outcomes. Faculty can direct students to use the tools appropriately.

Sherwin was conflicted. On one hand he knew that access to these tools will serve students. On the other hand, AI technology is controlled by a few large corporations with monopoly. 

Yuri Chang: Faculty in her constituency expressed concern and resistance over students having access to the Enterprise AI. They mentioned how AI caused additional labor like creating new assignments and delivery methods to ensure student learning.

Gabby: Faculty still have academic freedom to make their own policy on the use of AI in their classroom. 

Called for a vote on the motion.

Yes 21, No 2, Abstain 0.

Motion passed. 

To Do

Gabby and the Online Ed Office will proceed with implementation to make Gemini tools available to De Anza students at the same level as Foothill.

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College Brand Research

Brand Sentiment Presentation

Elizabeth Smith, Associate Vice President, Communications and External Relations presented on the brand perception research being conducted at De Anza College. (See presentation for more details.)

The purpose of the brand study was to assess how students, people, community members, and external audiences feel and think about the college. The results will go to senior leadership that will inform the college’s communications and decision-making moving forward. 

Smith shared findings from an AI-powered review of external information about De Anza, highlighting strengths in faculty quality and transfer outcomes while identifying areas for improvement such as class availability and counseling access. 

The ongoing research will include stakeholder alignment sessions, interactive workshops, and a quantitative survey to gather feedback on the college's brand and student experience.

Surveys and interactive sessions (see presentation to register)

• 5/20 in MC101 9:00 - 11:30 am, 1:00 - 3:30 pm 
• 5/28 via Zoom 2:00 - 4:00 
• 5/21 Group Interviews that include the Academic Senate 

Smith will share the preliminary results of the brand research with the college in the fall, incorporating both internal and external feedback.

College Internal Culture Improvement Discussion

• Bob Singh emphasized the importance of addressing internal culture at the college, suggesting a need for open dialogue where employees can freely share concerns and feedback. He highlighted the value of creating a safe environment where disagreements can be discussed constructively, aiming to improve workplace culture and better serve students.
• Mary Donahue, a proud De Anza graduate and former student editor of the school newspaper, shared positive feedback about faculty interactions with students at a recent open house event.

College Values, Mission, Vision

College Values Presentation

Lisa Ly, Acting Director of Institutional Planning, Research and Accreditation presented a plan to review De Anza College's mission, values, and vision to align with the changing landscape of higher education. The initiative aims to understand the college's identity beyond its current reputation as a “tops in transfer” institution to include its workforce programs and services to adult learners to upskill and reskill. 

A tentative timeline was shared, with brand research starting this spring and summer, followed by a review of preliminary results in fall, leading to a comprehensive revision of values, mission, and vision over the next year. That will be a year of reflection.

This review is part of the planning cycle to establish the college’s values for the next 7 years. This review is asking: what is our identity, what do we value, what do we do and who do we do it for?

Participants were asked to complete a brief survey via QR code to provide immediate feedback on the current value statement. The form in the QR code will remain open and active for people to take it multiple times and to gather more responses from shared governance groups and across the campus.

Lisa will come back to share in the fall the aggregated results from the mission, values, and vision feedback form, along with the preliminary brand research findings.

See presentation to see the current values and for more details. 

Shagun Kaur: There is a lot of work happening campus wide as they rethink and reimagine in the transition to basic aid. Faculty engagement and participation is fundamental in shaping the next phase at De Anza.

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Proctoring Discussion

COOL: ​updated comprehensive presentation​

James Capurso returned to the Senate to follow up on his April presentation with additional data on proctoring software from his extensive research.

Proctoring software are tools used to monitor or verify student identity and behavior during assessments. They include webcam and microphone monitoring, screen recording, browser lockdown, and ID verification like biometric face scans.

Recent legislative developments related to proctoring software nationwide. 

• Room scans have been declared unconstitutional as they fall under the territory of surveillance. 
• There is also FERPA that protects student privacy. FERPA limits the collection, use, retention, and disclosure of student data. It protects personal and sensitive information, such as biometric data like face scans, fingerprints, etc. 
• Accessibility laws may affect the use of proctoring software. The laws make the college responsible to ensure digital tools meet accessibility standards and are accessible to all students. A browser lockdown may prevent some of the assistive tools from working for a student.
• AI based proctoring came under scrutiny for potential bias and discrimination. AI is used in face scans.
• Universal opt-outs have been a common strategy at some colleges.

Survey Report

• Since April, James has been going around campus visiting different groups, including DASG, to come up with proctoring software recommendations for De Anza. He and Gabby created and conducted separate surveys on proctoring for employees and students. 
• The employee survey went out to all faculty, staff, and deans.
• James shared findings from employee and student surveys on proctoring software, highlighting concerns about privacy, accessibility, and equity. The data showed mixed opinions on the use of proctoring software, with many faculty and students expressing negative views, particularly regarding AI-based monitoring and biometric identification.

See the following link for survey results.

Proctoring Employee Results

Student Survey Results

The group discussed the importance of providing alternatives to proctoring software, like oral assessments and presentations. They agreed that further discussion and recommendations would be needed to develop a college-wide approach to proctoring. 

Next Steps

• All Senators: Review the proctoring software recommendations document and provide feedback to James Capurso before the next meeting.
• James will return to the Senate in two weeks for further discussion and recommendations on proctoring software, incorporating feedback from constituent groups.

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Equivalency Discussion

Equivalency Procedure Document

Dolores Davison, District Academic Senate President, has been working on a district-wide equivalency policy for minimum qualifications for hiring academic personnel. This policy will replace the current individual college procedures.

Minimum qualifications are established by the Board of Governors with the Academic Center for California Community Colleges. There is a document known as the minimum qualifications for hiring academic administrators and faculty that is put out by the Academic Senate with the Board of Governors. 

Every single one of those qualifications, whether it's a master's degree in a discipline or a bachelor's degree or associate's degree with experience in a discipline comes with the statement “or the equivalent.”

The equivalency policies at Foothill and De Anza are individual to the college. FHDA is the only multi-college district that does not have a district-wide equivalency policy. 

Dolores put together a policy document to serve as a procedure guide to create a board policy that will be a district equivalency policy instead of each college. She has looked at the equivalency policies at 6 different college districts, ranging from one college to nine colleges, to draft this document.

The equivalency policy and equivalencies themselves are the purview of the Academic Senates and the board that is represented by the Vice Chancellor of HR.

Questions and Discussion:

How is a discipline expert to be determined?

The college makes the decision on the discipline expert. 

Mary Donahue raised a concern regarding the section highlighted in yellow: “Adjunct faculty applicants granted equivalency prior to the implementation of this policy must be re-evaluated under the terms of this policy” 

There are different standards for full-time and part-time. Would it be possible to rewrite this so the adjunct faculty are not being treated differently than full-time faculty.

This will need more discussion. 

The reason for the discrepancy between PT and FT equivalency policy is based on the different hiring process for PT vs FT

All Senators: Send suggestions or comments on the proposed district =equivalency policy to Dolores Davison for integration into future drafts. davisondolores@foothill.edu, or davisondolores@fhda.edu 

This was the first read. Dolores will revise the district equivalency policy/procedure document based on Senate feedback and bring the document back for additional readings/feedback as needed.

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Good of the Order

Brand discussion session for Academic Senate, Thursday 5/21 2:10-3:00, L-45. Come share ideas and thoughts.

Senate luncheon to celebrate retirees, 6/1. Please RSVP for the committee to order food and finalize plans.

No Senate meeting next week in observance of Memorial Day. 

Bob Singh would like to work with appropriate parties to reinstate the  listening hours sessions for improving cultural competency. 

Mary Donahue: Thinking about a Yosemite National Park visit to see the waterfalls? A spring visit will give you more water in the waterfalls than a summer visit, especially this year. Final Snow Survey Results show much less snow than previous years.

The Merced river drainage mentioned below is the water for the Little Yosemite Valley waterfalls, such as Vernal Fall,  Nevada Fall and Bunnell Cascade.

Tuolumne River drainage "includes the higher elevation areas of Tioga Road".

(from the Yosemite Daily Report May 5, 2026) “The final snow survey of the season was completed in the May 1st window. The Merced drainage is 20% and Tuolumne drainage is 25% of May 1 average.”

Compare this to Snow Survey reported in early May, 2023:

"The Merced drainage is 231% of average. The Tuolumne drainage is 253% of average.”

Here are some links of interest from Mary Donahue, De Anza Outdoor Club advisor taking De Anza students on trips to Yosemite since 1990.

Where can I take a photo that looks like the one on a Yosemite postcard I just bought?

Places to take photos of Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Staircase Falls.

Yosemite Valley free shuttle bus has the route, stops and how to find the store, shower house, trailheads and hints for saving time using the free bus by better understanding the route as well as basic info about fee buses in Yosemite.

Parking and traffic jams in Yosemite valley tips and tricks

The Ahwahnee Hotel has a map and pictures, descriptions of facilities, rooms, and suites.

Lots of details to make your stay in a Curry Village (briefly named Half Dome Village) tent cabin more fun and comfortable are at:

Yosemite valley tent cabins tips and tricks

All rooms at Yosemite Lodge have a private bathroom, a TV (some with DVD player), phone, mini-refrigerator, writing table/coffee table, some coffee makers, most in two story buildings without elevators, many, but not all, with either a private balcony or private patio, as well as free Wi-Fi, restaurants, a tour desk (and a swimming pool/bike rentals in the summer).

How much water will there be in the Yosemite waterfalls?

Details about 24 hour towing within the park for some vehicles, propane service, minor emergency repairs, how to use your Auto Association card to get their help, and more are at Yosemite garage, car repairs and towing. At that page you will find a list of locations of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at the various hotels, near campgrounds, the Welcome Center and more.

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Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:28 pm.

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Attendance

In person

Shagun Kaur, Jayanti Roy, So Kam Lee

Veronica Avila Acevedo, James Adams, Viviana Alcazar, Dave Capitolo, James Capurso, Chris Dileonardo, Umar Douglas, Kevin Glapion, Lauren Gordon, Mark Hamer, Mark Landefeld, Sherwin Mendoza, Mary Pape, Lakshmikanta "LK" Sengupta, Sukhjit Bob Singh, Leah Smith, *Ram Subramaniam

Online

Yuri Chang, Mary Donahue, Rusty Johnson, Jamie Pelusi, Ravjeet Singh

Absent

*Deborah Armstrong, Lisa Castro, Barbara Dahlke, Dawnis Guevara, Angelica Esquivel-Moreno, Christian Rodriguez, 

*Non-voting members