Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, February 27, 2003  

 

I.       Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Jane Patton at 2:04 p.m. 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Brennan    (Ext. 5313)  Comm

     

    X

Martin      (Ext. 5356)  Tech.

    

   X

Charland  (Ext. 5046)  Stud. Dev.

 

    X

Musat       (Ext. 5331) Math

 

   X

Dooley    (Ext. 5379)  AAS

 

    X

Oliver       (Ext. 5427)  AAS

   X

   

Estrada     (Ext.5164) CommSvc

 

    X

Patton    (Ext. 5296) Comm Stud

 

   X

Johnson   (Ext.5277) CATA

 

    X

Rivas       (Ext. 5282)  CATA

    

   X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

 

    X

Rosner     (Ext. 5317) ESL

    

   X

Light       (Ext. 5717) AF/CIT

     

    X

Sippel      (Ext. 5118) Comm

 

   X

Lynne      (Ext. 5248) CommSvc

 

    X

Toppel     (Ext. 5089) Stud Dev

 

   X

Mancini    (Ext. 5855) AF/HM

 

    X

VanTassel (Ext. 5334) Tech

 

   X

Other: A.Braun (CRC),

   

    X

Xu           (Ext. 5273) SocSci

    X

 

L.Cobos, S. Hanna (ASB Reps)

 

    X

Other:  B.Grayson (Staff Dev)

      

    X

Guests: S.Dinger, R.Lowenberg,

 

   X

Guests: D. McKay, M.Myint,

 

    X

                   

 II.    Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the February 20, 2003, meeting were accepted and approved with the following corrections (M/S/U – Toppel/Charland):

 

            Page 2, ItemD.3 (Instructional Technology Committee), 4th and 5th sentences are corrected as follows:

 

            “The plan is not tied to budget; it merely indicates wheat what has been done at the college and what is planned to standardize technology in the college.  The plan was adopted by the Senate last year. The only question for the Senate to decide today is whether or not to continue to keep the following as one of the strategic objectives: “ A commitment to making Mission College the Technology College of Silicon Valley. ”

 

III.    Order of the Agenda

            President Patton advised that she has a meeting today of the Equivalency Committee, scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m., to review approximately 30 equivalency applications for FSA’s.  At that time she will turn the meeting over to Vice President Van Tassel.   She also postponed Item VII.C to a future meeting.  The Senators approved the changes by consensus.

 

 IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

            Dianne McKay publicly acknowledged the work that Senate President Patton has undertaken over these last few weeks.  Jane attends a copious number of committee meetings that she serves on as Senate President, as well as all budget meetings, both college and district.   Dianne emphasized that she represents faculty very well.  In addition, the Equivalency Committee, which Jane serves on, has taken on a new life and is dealing with the equivalency applications for faculty applying for additional FSA’s, a major undertaking.   In addition to all the above, Jane has undertaken a major role in writing a Title III grant for the college and a cooperative grant between the two colleges.  If awarded, this grant will do a great deal for Mission College.  It will bring $3.5 million into the college every year for the next five years.  This funding will do much for our academic programs, and Dianne reiterated her acknowledgement and appreciation to Jane for the record.

 

 

V.      Information & Announcements 

1.    President Patton encouraged all to attend next Thursday’s Board meeting, March 6th, in HM at Mission College.  The Board needs to know that faculty is paying attention.

2.    The Senators were encouraged to write letters to their representatives and to encourage their students to do the same.  This is an important time for the legislators to hear from the community college community.  ASB Representative Luis Cobos reported that the ASB has discussed spearheading a writing campaign and it was suggested that the ASB make announcements in all the classrooms.  The MC web site has links to the legislature with legislators’ names, sample letters, etc.

3.    The candidates for the MC President position will hold forums at Mission College on March 3-6, 2003.  Please attend.

4.    Jane reported that the Title III proposal is due next week. She advised that the Federal Government has decided to fund Title III grants nationwide at a level three times greater than anticipated.  If Mission College is awarded the grant, it will mean considerable money for the college.

5.    Jane will attend a luncheon with the three presidential candidates and will be making site visits in March.  She asked the Senators to attend the forum and advise her of any questions or concerns.

 

VI.    Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

         A. Curriculum Committee Report  -  Alex had not report today.

         B. Staff Recognition - The following resolution was passed on February 13, 2003 (M/S/U – Sippel/Brennan) and presented to Cal Baker as representative of the Maintenance Department:

 

“Whereas,  The maintenance department has been a longtime pillar in the Mission Community, supporting the college with custodial, groundskeeping, technical, structural, and logistics services, And

 

Whereas,  The maintenance department regularly, clearly and adequately facilitates much-needed communication with the college as to the status of service on campus, And

 

Whereas, The maintenance department can be counted on for efficient execution of varying tasks, large and small, And

 

Whereas,  The maintenance department has demonstrated its resolve in rectifying problems occurring on campus despite severe reductions in their force due to budget cuts, And

 

Whereas, The aforementioned reductions were recently further compounded by illness and injury, yet the maintenance department still found ways to execute their duties, And

 

Whereas,  It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the maintenance department responds to emergencies in a most timely manner, even when they occur, as they usually do, on weekends, holidays, or at late hours, And

 

Whereas, The maintenance department consistently shows that it takes its charge seriously and its faithful counterparts take utmost pride in their work,

 

Be It Therefore Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate recognize the maintenance department for their steadfastness, dependability, good work and good will, and thank the department’s members, both individually and as a unit, for the role they play at Mission College.”

 

         C. Committee Appointments

a)  Plagiarism & Dishonesty Task Force  - The Senators unanimously appointed the following faculty to serve on this task force (M/S/U – Charland/VanTassel):    Britta Burton, Kara Dworak, Betty Grayson, and Judie Smith.  Senator Sippel urged that additional faculty be recruited.  Issues of this nature vary from subject to subject, and it is important that representatives from other departments participate in any discussion.  The Senators were urged to recruit additional faculty from within their divisions.

b)  Reduction in Administrative Staff  -  Jane explained that Interim President Samuels has stated his intention to reduce administrative staff at Mission College by 2 FTE.  He is forming a committee of three administrators, one faculty member, and one from classified staff.  She stressed the importance of faculty serving on that committee, and, after discussion the Senators agreed that there needs to be a balance on the committee and strongly urged that two faculty members be appointed to the committee.  A motion to appoint Jane Patton and Carol Toppel to the committee was passed unanimously (M/S/U – Toppel/Sippel).

         D.      Oral Reports

1.    Staff Development  - No report

2.    District Information Technology Steering Committee – No report

         3.  Instructional Technology Committee  - * Senator Toppel reported that the new Technology Center hours are as follows:  Monday through Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday -  11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Friday.  *  The plan for E2-401 is moving forward.  Contacts are being made with outside businesses and it may become a lab in the near future. * The plan for S2-401 to become a Foreign Language lab is also moving forward.  *  Work is being done on the academic system; it is anticipated that we will be able to purchase a new server.  Hopefully, this will correct the recent problems the district has experienced with the firewall.  *  The Instructional Technology Department is recommending that all requests for technology be filtered through the department.  This will be more cost effective and avoid duplicate purchases.

         4.  Subcommittee on Graduation Requirements – Senator Brennan reported that the committee met and discussed the implementation of English 1A as a requirement for graduation, and noted there is ample time for the change to be implemented in the catalog.  As for the Oral Communication requirement, Jonathan advised that additional meetings with members of the department are necessary in order to obtain input and recommendations.  He emphasized that ESL faculty will be consulted to ensure that any requirements are not biased against non-English speaking students.  Discussion ensued and it was suggested that, in light of the budget crisis, this may not be an appropriate time to implement any additional requirements for students.  Students perceive additional requirements as one more thing standing in the way of their success. It was noted that, because of the budget crunch, there is some discussion on having a two-year catalog, which could prove to be problematic. It was also recommended that the new requirements be implemented all at once instead of one at a time.  Jonathan reiterated that the committee’s recommendation is to make the initial change of English 1A and continue discussion on the Oral Communication requirement.  Jane suggested that the committee deliberate further and consider all points raised when looking at implementation and she encouraged interested Senators to participate in the discussion.  The idea of the subcommittee is to provide an opportunity to have a lengthy, focused discussion. 

         5.  Other:  Senators Estrada and Toppel attended the meeting with Senator John Vasconcellos.  Five representatives of Mission College were present, as well as the Chancellor and two Trustees. Senator Vasconcellos was advised of the serious impact the cuts will have on the community colleges of California.  CSU and UC systems were represented and one important difference between the systems is that the fee increase for community colleges will go entirely to the state. If CSU and UC raise their fees, their revenue is increased.  It was acknowledged that community colleges are the least political, least active, and least vocal body, and the Governor is listening to those who make noise.  Senator Vasconcellos recommended that everyone adopt a relatively new Senator or Legislator and educate them on the value of community colleges.  A Lobby Day is to be held on March 17th in Sacramento.  There was also discussion on the possibility of waiving mandates during the budget crisis. Jane thanked both Carol and Erlinda for taking their time to attend.

 

VII.   Old Business

 

   A.   Continue Discussion on Budget Concerns

            Jane reported on discussions taking place at the college and district as follows:

            •     CBAC and DBAC cancelled meetings the last two weeks.  This is troublesome, particularly since DBAC is the highest level body making decisions on the budget.    CBAC was cancelled as well.  One reason given for the cancellations has been that are too many unknowns, but the effect on shared governance is troublesome.

            •     The Division Chair Council (DCC) held an emergency meeting this Tuesday of the Performance Goals Committee (PGC) to consider programs and reductions for academic programs.   ACE advised that this task does not fall under the purview of the PGC.

                  a)   Jane participated in this meeting with the DCC, the Interim President, the Interim Vice President of Instruction, the Vice President of Student Services, and the Dean of Administrative Services.  Jim Burrell facilitated the meeting as chair of the PGC.  President Samuels advised that the Chancellor has asked for a plan for the reduction of FTE from the college by next Monday.  Mission College may have to cut its FTE significantly. 

                  b)   MC has 454 FTEF. The focus of the discussion and debate was on the amount of FTE and the proposal is to reduce 454 FTE by 188 FTE. Jim presented a spreadsheet listing all departments, the number of FTE in each department, the number of non-tenured and contract faculty in each department, the department WSCH/FTE goals, and the amount of FTE needed to operate at bare minimum.  Jane emphasized that no one has suggested that all departments go to the bare minimum; that may not be possible for all departments.  The President has to realistically decide who might be let go and provide a rationale and justification for the decision.  The DCC and PGC is looking at shrinking programs, which sets FSA’s in motion. 

                  c)   The Chancellor may be sending notices to individuals by March 15th that their services may not be required.  Jane clarified that Associate Faculty are contract employees, hired semester by semester and, therefore, cannot be “laid off.”  Their contracts simply are not renewed.

                  d)   The general consensus is that if FTE has to be reduced, it should not be done above the bare minimum.  The recommendation to the President is that full time faculty should not be terminated and positions must be preserved.  Another concern voiced was that if the college has a $5.8 million deficit, the shortfall should not all be covered from instruction.  Cuts in academic programs should be the last resort, and March 15th notices should be the lowest number possible. 

            •     GAP will hold an all day retreat on Friday to review programs and services and how to best reduce the whole, considering what is essential for student success.

            •     At this time the Senators discussed the issue and many concerns were raised regarding the reduction of FTE relative to revenue, as well as the integrity and quality of instruction. Too many questions remain unanswered.  Concern was raised regarding non-instruction faculty, such as Counselors and Librarians, and how they support services. Jane explained that there are many unknowns.  Jane was asked if anyone has considered a freeze on the President and VP of Instruction position, and Jane explained that we are required by law to fill those two positions because the positions have been filled by an interim for a year. (President Patton left the meeting at this time to attend an Equivalency Committee meeting and turned the gavel over to VP Jim Van Tassel.)  After lengthy discussion, it was agreed that this is serious business and necessarily involves the Academic Senates, the Division Chair Councils, and the Classified Senates of both colleges. The following motion was passed unanimously (M/S/U – Brennan/Estrada):

 

                  “that the Mission College Academic Senate President, Jane Patton, be directed to invite the Division Chair Council to a joint meeting with the Senate for next Thursday, March 6, 2003.”

C.           Discuss Status of Information Competency as Graduation Requirement

This topic has been discussed at length over a long period of time.  It was suggested that the Senators go back to their divisions for feedback from their constituents on whether or not the Senate should move forward with the requirement.  The requirement can be implemented in several ways:  1)  proficiency exam, 2)  infused into classes (i.e. English 1A and/or Oral Communication classes.   This requirement cannot be implemented quickly and the Library staff is considering how best to enhance topics not covered in English 1A.

 

Discussion indicated that there was some confusion regarding the task before the Senate today. The question is whether or not to vote on the issue of approving information competency as a graduation requirement today or to establish a timeline for voting on the question.  There is consensus that it is important for students to have information competency skills. It was agreed that the Senators will discuss the matter with their constituents and this item will be placed on the agenda for March 13, 2003.                                                                                 

 

VIII.  New Business

 

     A.   Address Concerns and Impact Relative to Curtailed Hours of Testing Center

The Testing Center has been closed and may open again in March.  The college has not supported and funded two vacant positions in the Center. Only one individual remains to fulfill the responsibilities, which is inadequate.  Four tests are scheduled in March, only for those students who are ready to graduate.  It was reported that the LVN program has been severely impacted by the closure of the center; those students cannot be admitted into the program without the appropriate assessment tests required for entrance.  Although everyone agrees that this is a valuable service for students, there is no money to replace the lost positions.  One person is doing the work of three people.

 

It was suggested that models from other colleges be studied.  A Testing Center is a luxury most colleges do not have.  Concern was expressed that this can severely affect the drop rate.  Betty recommended that faculty consider giving up office hours to cover labs and serve as proctors for all exams in the Testing Center.  Senator Lavallo noted that the faculty members of the Math Department have agreed to allow students to take an exam in a classroom or during office hours. 

 

The remaining business items were postponed to a future meeting.

 

IX.    Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

            1.   Letter dated February 18, 2003, from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

         Publication/Minutes

            1.   The February 24, 2003, issue of FA NEWS from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

            2.   The agenda for the February 24, 2003, meeting of the MC Curriculum Review Committee and the meeting notes for the February 3, 2003, meeting.

            3.   The notes for the January 29, 2003, meeting of the Instructional Advisory Team Retreat.

            4.   The agenda for the February 20, 2003, meeting of the Mission-West Valley Land Corporation.

            5.   The DVC FORUM from Diablo Valley College.

            6.   The summary notes for the February 5th meeting of GAP.

            7.   A list of HR items that will appear on the March 6th Board Agenda and reviewed at the February 26, 2003, meeting of the District Council.

8.    Position Papers of the Academic Senate for CCC adopted Fall 2002, on the following:

                               “Information Competency: Challenges and Strategies for Development.”

                              “Student Equity: Guidelines for Developing a Plan.”

                              “CalWORKS in California Community Colleges: An Academic Senate Perspective.”

         9.   The Resolutions adopted at the 34th Fall Session of the Academic Senate for CCCs.

         Announcements/Conferences

1.    The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is seeking individuals who wish to be considered for membership on the Accrediting Commission.  Commissioners are appointed for a three-year term and may serve a maximum of six years.  The application deadline is April 18, 2003.  Additional information and application form is available from the Academic Senate Office.

            2.   The 15th Annual Hawaii National Great Teachers Seminar will be held August 10-15, 2003, in Kilauea.  Additional information and the application form is available from the Senate Office.

 

  X.   Future Agenda Items

            No new items were introduced at today's meeting.

 

XI.    Adjournment

            The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. (M/S/U – Charland/Mancini). These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.