Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday,  February 9, 2006 

 

I.          Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Alex Braun at 2:12 p.m. 

 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Beggs      (Ext. 5188)  AAS

 

    X

Mancini   (Ext. 5413)  AF/HM

 

    X

Braun      (Ext. 5355) Pres/Tech

 

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5356)  Tech

    X

 

Brichko    (Ext. 5222)  CATA

     

    X

Moles      (Ext. 5113)  ESL

    

    X

Cogswell (Ext. 5388)  AAS

    

    X

Ostrander  (Ext. 5274) Stud Dev.

 

    X

Cox        (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

 

    X

Paicius    (Ext. 5413)  AF/CATA

 

    X

Juncker    (Ext.5229)  Comm

    

    X

Perlas      (Ext. 5041)  Stud.Dev.

    

    X

Kashima  (Ext. 5319)  ESL

 

    X

Rounds    (Ext. 5288)  Comm

     

    X

Laird      (Ext. 5186)  SocSci

    

    X

Smebye   (Ext. 5305) CommServ

 

    X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

    

    X

Szabados  (Ext.5289)  CATA

    

    X

 

 

 

Ting       (Ext. 5330)  Math

 

    X

Guests:  P.Anning, H.Robles, 

 

    X

Guests: L.Todaro, J.VanTassel

 

    X

 

II.        Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the meeting of December 8, 2005, meeting were accepted and approved as submitted   (M/S/U –Mancini/Paicius).

 

III.       Order of the Agenda

             It was agreed that Item VIII.B would be addressed following Item VI.  Also, Item #4 will be added to Item VI.B (Committee Appointments) so that additional committee appointments may be made.   The order of the agenda was approved (M/S/U – Paicius/Szabados).

 

 IV.      Oral Communication from the Public

            There was no oral communication from the public at today's meeting.

           

  V.      Information & Announcements 

            1.  Alex advised that the Program Review effort is proceeding and one feature of the process is to collect and analyze the data collected from assignments one and two. Various options were considered, and it was agreed that a Core Group will be created, made up of representatives from the various constituent groups within the college.  The intent is to form a group comprised of individuals with varying perspectives that is small enough to be manageable.  This group will serve as a resource group when information will be discussed and analyzed at forums.  Alex identified the groups that will be represented and a number of faculty will have to be appointed by the Academic Senate.  In addition, a member of the Academic Senate will be asked to participate as well.

            2.   The Senators were provided with a meeting schedule for the MC Academic Senate, as well as a list of District Academic Senate members, terms, etc. for their notebooks.   

 

VI.       Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

  A.      Curriculum Committee  -   No curriculum report was presented at today’s meeting.

  B.      Committee Appointments 

            1.   Schedule Advisory Committee – Peter Anning provided the Senators with a description of the charge of the committee.  Jim Delongchamp has volunteered to serve on this committee and his appointment was unanimously approved by the Senators (M/S/U – Kashima/Mancini).

            2.   Selection Committee for the April Vocational Leadership Institute – This committee will review applications from faculty interested in attending the institute.  Ann Cowels has volunteered to serve on this committee and her appointment was unanimously approved by the Senators (M/S/U – Cox/Szabados).  In addition, Harriett has asked that a member of the Senate serve on this Selection Committee as well.  Senator Szabados volunteered and her appointment was unanimously approved (M/S/U – Kashima/Cox).

            3.  Class Track Users Group DC Appointee – Alex explained that this group deals with an enrollment management software program funded by the Land Corporation.  Clement Lam has volunteered to serve on this committee and his appointment was approved unanimously (Cogswell/Mancini).

            4.   Others: 

                  a)  Core Group – Stephanie Kashima has volunteered to serve as the representative for academic programs and Ron Smebye has volunteered to serve as the representative for vocational education programs.  The Senators unanimously approved their appointment to the Core Group (M/S/U Cogswell/Mancini).  In addition Senator Cox volunteered to serve as the Academic Senate representative if her schedule will allow.  Her appointment was approved unanimously (Cogswell/Kashima).  The strategy for program review and the update of the E&FMP is to make instructional decisions before we modify facilities so that facilities can conform to our education plan.  The Core Group will play a pivotal role in the process. 

C.        President’s Reports – No report was presented at today’s meeting.

D.        Instructional Technology Committee Report  - No report was presented at today’s meeting.

 

As agreed, the order of the agenda was suspended and moved to Item VIII.B to accommodate Peter

 

VIII.    New Business

 

B.         Consider Plan for Community Appreciation Event at Each College

            Peter Anning requested that the Academic Senate consider repeating a recognition event held in the Spring of 2004, at which time the District honored two corporations and four individuals for their contributions to the colleges from outside the college.  A reception was held and the event was publicized.    He asked the Senate for support of the concept. The following motion passed unanimously (M/S/U – Cox/Perlas):

 

            “that the Mission College Academic Senate endorse the plan to hold a community appreciation event.”

 

            Peter asked the Senators to submit nominations.  He will keep the Senate apprised as plans progress.  He also indicated that he has more to report on Marketing budget.               

 

            The Order of the Agenda was resumed.

                   

VII.     Old Business

 

A.         Consider Motion and Continue Discussion on Classified & Management Hiring Procedure

            Alex explained that this item was to consider whether or not to endorse and adopt the West Valley College Academic Senate’s motion to return the Procedure to HR until such time as a permanent Director of Human Resources was in place.  He asked for direction from the floor.

 

            It was suggested that the new Associate Vice Chancellor James Andrews be invited to attend a Senate meeting and advise him of the Senate’s concerns regarding this document at that time.  Alex agreed to invite Mr. Andrews.                                                   

 

B.         Review Full-Time Faculty Hire Ranking Process and Finalize Internal Transfer Relative to Internal Transfer Hiring Policy Endorsed by the MCAS April 2004

            In November last year, Harriett came to the Academic Senate to discuss mid-year hires and two positions being filled by internal transfers.  Amelia Akers-Martin went from the position of LATC Coordinator to fill the instructor position, and Camille Presley resigned as the Transfer Director and was filled by Rebecca Tran, leaving a vacancy in the Learning Community Center.  Donnelle McGee filled the vacancy in the Learning Community Center, leaving matriculation open.  Bianca Doomani wants to move to matriculation, leaving an EOPS position open. Harriett advised that the Vice President of Student Services has approved all the reassignments.  At this time, the college is looking for an EOPS Counselor for Fall hires, which is classified as a specialized position. 

 

            This situation once again raises the question discussed last semester regarding the ranking process and criteria.  It also raises the question of possibly hiring general counselors and transferring internally.  The process for hiring an EOPS Counselor has been held up until approved by the Academic Senate.

 

            Discussion ensued, and whether or not the minimum qualifications are the same for all counselors other than a position like the EOPS Counselor, which is specialized.  It was stated that the minimum qualifications are essentially the same with citations in specialized areas, and most counselors can function in a number of positions and be assigned to various areas with training.

 

            Alex raised the issue of equivalencies. He suggested that the Senate consider this matter at a future time and urged caution on how this situation is to be handled.  It was noted during discussion that nursing positions, for example, are opened listing specialization requirements.  Harriett encouraged the Senate to make a decision on this matter before the end of the semester.  The process must be reviewed before the next Fall ranking. 

 

            Harriett also reported that the District has placed the approved positions of ESL and Biology specifically on hold because of lost growth money and financial concerns.  Since Tom Trask has officially retired, the Biology position will move forward, but the ESL position has been placed on hold pending budget decisions.    There was a brief discussion on the differences between Librarians and Counselors.  All Librarians are hired under a single job description.  It was ultimately agreed that the Academic Senate will have to discuss the process before next Fall.  

 

VIII.     New Business

 

A.          Accept Annual Distance Learning Report

              This item was postponed to a future meeting.            

 

     C.     Discuss Reaction to District Academic Senate Meeting

              Alex asked the Senators for their reactions to last week’s District Academic Senate meeting.  It was stated that there appeared to be unity between the Academic Senates, the Academic Senates and ACE, ACE and SEIU, and Classified Senates.  It appears that there is rock solid unanimity before the Board. 

 

              Alex advised that he and Angelica presented the resolution to the Chancellor at the District Council.  He reported that President Hartley took particular issue with the resolution. President Hartley requested evidence as to how administration disrespected faculty.  The Chancellor seemed more receptive about the resolution.  He seemed to view it as a challenge to him to find the means and ways of improving the negative climate and moving forward.  He pledged he would do all he could, including trying to influence the Board to do the same.  The Chancellor stated, with respect to the purview of the Academic Senate’s ten plus one, that the Academic Senate provides advice to the Board of Trustees, including budget processes.  He emphasized the Senate’s purview does not include budget outcomes and decisions.  Alex advised the Chancellor that the law is meant to serve as a floor, not a ceiling.  It is entirely possible to go beyond what the law provides as a sign of cooperation.  Alex noted further that AB 1725 took community colleges out of the K-12 group and placed them in higher education.  The intent behind the law was to put the Academic Senates on the same plane as the Academic Senates in four year institutions. 

 

              Regarding the deadline of March 14th, the Chancellor asked what will constitute progress and indicate compliance with the requests made in the resolution.  Alex explained that the faculty will need to see marked changes in the negotiation process.  Everything must be placed on the table there must be movement.  In addition, the Academic Senate needs to be informed of academic decisions before they are made.  A permanent place on the Board agenda is required in order to take advantage of the Academic Senate’s right to address the Board directly.

 

              As discussion continued it was stated that processes direct outcomes.  The Academic Senate and other representatives are partners in the same enterprise.  Each has something to contribute to the enterprise.  It was reported that some people are upset about China and Kuwait.  These are seen by some as promising programs.  The issue appears to be timing.  Decisions are often made during breaks when faculty are on hiatus.  Although it is not expected that the college stop functioning because of the hiatus, the faculty need to be kept informed, need to be available, and accountable over the summer if true shared governance is to be implemented. It was suggested that the Academic Senate President consider whether or not special meetings of the Senate should be called over the summer and set the schedule before the end of the semester.

 

              Shared governance means faculty must take some responsibility and participate in the governance of the colleges.  However, the administration knows full well when faculty are not available and there is a tendency to ignore the fact that certain discussions should include faculty.  It was emphasized that the concerns of the Senate relative to Kuwait and China are primarily due to the process followed.  Faculty were not provided with an opportunity to participate at the beginning.

 

              Discussion veered to the Kuwait Feasibility Task force, and it was noted that people have some very serious concerns and the task force is addressing those concerns and moving slowly.  It is also understood that the Kuwait government moves slowly as well.  The task force is currently establishing the criteria for the Senate to use for evaluation, and then experts from within the colleges will be utilized.  As for the China initiative, it was being discussed months before the Senate Presidents were informed about it at the end of last semester.  There is concern that experts available within both colleges were not being tapped as resources and that the District circumvented the process.  It was emphasized that someone should have informed the Academic Senate when the proposal was initiated. 

 

              It was suggested that personal connections should be made when there is a conflict.  The Senate should consider some potential solutions in order to ensure that the appropriate people are updated regularly.  Alex advised that the Chancellor wants to facilitate a dialogue between the Board and the Academic Senate.  Alex emphasized that the Academic Senates have a direct relationship with the Board as outlined in law and District Policy.  Angelica and Alex will present the resolution to the Board at the next Board meeting (February 16, 2006).  They are prepared to convey the feelings as to the state of morale, the state of the relationship between the faculty and the Board and open the doors to dialogue and problem solve. 

 

              Referring to the $180,000 allocated to the China Initiative by the Land Corporation, it was suggested that a faculty representative be placed on the Land Corporation in order to ensure that the faculty is informed when funds are allocated.  Discussion continued on how best to ensure that the appropriate parties are informed.  It was noted that there are few committees on campus and in the District that produce narrative notes, i.e. the Board.  There was some question as to whether or not that constitutes a violation of the Brown Act.   

 

              If the District Academic Senate is to make a judgment on March 14, 2006, then a meeting of the District Academic Senate should be held on that day.  The status quo must change.  If it continues, March 14th will not be a good day for the District.

     

 

X.        Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

            Correspondence

            Publication/Minutes

1.      The January 30, 2006, issue of FA NEWS from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

2.      The agenda for the February 1, 2006, meeting of GAP.

3.      The agenda for the January 18, 2006, and the February 1, 2006, meetings of DBAC and the approved minutes for the December 7th and for the January 18th meeting.

4.      The agendas for the January 19th and February 2, 2006, meeting of the Board of Trustees.

            Publication/Minutes (Continued)

5.      The January 2006 issue of Perspective from the CCLC and CFT.

6.      The January 2006 issue of the PRESIDENT’S UPDATE from the Academic Senate for CCCs.

7.      The agenda for the January 11th and January 25, 2006, District Council Meeting.    

8.      The minutes for the November 2, 2005, November 16th, December 7th, and January 5, 2006, meetings of the Budget Allocation Model Subcommittee.

9.      The agenda for a Special Meeting Board Budget Workshop to be held January 21, 2006.

10.  The agenda for the January 19, 2006, meeting of the Mission-West Valley Land Corporation.

11.  The December 1, 2005, issue of DVC FORUM from the Diablo Valley College Faculty Senate.

            Announcements/Conferences

            1.   The California Teachers Association will hold a CBEST Preparation Workshop in Burlingame on March 25-26, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Additional information is available from the Academic Senate Office.

 

XI.       Future Agenda Items

1.  Consider Electronic Distribution of Board Proceedings (Senate)

 

XII.     Adjournment

            The meeting was adjourned at 3:55  p.m. (M/S/U – Mancini/Smebye).  These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.