Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday,  March 3, 2005 

 

I.       Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Alex Braun at 2: 10  p.m. 

 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Braun      (Ext. 5355) Pres/Tech

 

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5356)  Tech.

    X

 

Brichko    (Ext. 5222)  CATA

   

    X

McKay    (Ext. 5312)  Comm

 

    X

Cogswell (Ext. 5388)  AAS

    

    X

Musat      (Ext. 5331) Math

    

    X 

Cox        (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

 

    X

Ostrander  (Ext. 5274) Stud Dev.

 

    X

Dooley    (Ext. 5379)   AAS

    

    X

Perlas      (Ext. 5041)  Stud.Dev.

    

    X

Harris     (Ext. 5413)  AF/Comm

    

    X

Rath       (Ext. 5413)  AF/CIT

    X

 

Kashima  (Ext. 5319)  ESL

 

    X

Smebye   (Ext. 5305) CommServ

 

    X

Laird      (Ext. 5186)  SocSci

    

    X

Szabados  (Ext.5289)  CATA

 

    X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

    

    X

Zeisler     (Ext. 5426) Comm

    X

 

Other: T.McCracken (ASB Rep)

   X

 

Other: K.Raczkowski (ASB Rep)

    X

 

Guests: P.Andrews,  R.Charland, 

   

    X

Guests: P.Hudak, R.Rivas, H.Robles J.VanTassel

 

   X

   X

 

 II.    Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the meeting of February 17, 2005, meeting were accepted and approved (M/S/P – McKay/Laird) with the following correction (as indicated by underlined bold italics )to the motion on Page 4, Item VIII.B, 5th paragraph:

 

            “that the Mission College Academic Senate directs President Braun to place an item on the agenda for the March 17, 2005, meeting of the Board of Trustees in support of granting tenure credit to the three Mission College faculty members mentioned.”

             

III.    Order of the Agenda

            It was agreed (M/S/U – McKay/Harris) that the order of the agenda will be changed to accommodate guests as needed.

             

 IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

            Rick Rivas asked that the Academic Senate discuss issues surrounding unloaded Hours by Arrangement classes in order to confirm and/or clarify the many rumors circulating on campus relative to this issue.  It was agreed that this issue will be placed on a future agenda for discussion.    

        

  V.    Information & Announcements 

         1.  A District Academic Senate meeting is scheduled for March 17th, to be held at Mission College.  Agenda items will include the District Faculty Hiring Policy and the Resolution of No Confidence in the Chancellor.  Alex was asked to place these items on the MC Academic Senate agenda for discussion prior to the District Academic Senate meeting.       

            2.  Senator Perlas advised that there are two issues she has requested be placed on the next Senate agenda:  1) wait list practices and 2) priority registration for Club members at WVC.  

         3.   The MESA Program will present the Mission College 2005 Internship Fair on Wednesday, March 9th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Center Space.

 

            As agreed, the order of the agenda was suspended at this time and moved to Item VI.D.2 to accommodate Ms.Andrews.

VI.    Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

 D.     Oral Reports

         2.  Report from ACE President on ACE & Code of Conduct  -  Ms. Andrews advised the Senators that the administration was intending to form a task force to develop a Code of Conduct policy for employees and that the Academic Senate Presidents were being asked to serve on this task force.  When she advised that any Code of Conduct would have to be brought to the bargaining table, the task force was disbanded.  Pat emphasized that faculty issues should be brought to ACE for resolution and not to the administration.  ACE will work with the faculty involved to resolve the matter.  

 

            A lengthy discussion ensued and specific examples of inappropriate, abusive behavior between members of the faculty were noted.  It was stated that ACE cannot handle faculty complaints against other faculty, and hence, cannot resolve all complaints. Therefore, complaints dealing with faculty to faculty fall under the purview of the Academic Senate.  It was also pointed out that there is a section in the ACE contract that speaks to “collegiality” relative to evaluation performance.  If there is an incident in which people do not behave in a “collegial” manner, or a person feels attacked, or the work of a group is hindered, those matters could be included in an evaluation. The primary question is how to characterize the term “collegiality” so that it applies to all in the same way.  Pat urged caution when it comes to restricting the behavior of a faculty member and if a code of conduct is desired, the matter should be brought to ACE.  It was reported that this matter has been discussed at the District Faculty & Staff Diversity Committee.  There needs to be some faculty intervention, and someone must take responsibility for intervening.  Who takes that responsibility, when, and how must be outlined.  

 

            In summary, it was stated that it is the prerogative of the Academic Senate to develop a policy without enforcement, and enforcement of such a policy would necessarily become an ACE issue, a working condition.  It was stated further that a policy is a statement of principle, and again, falls under the purview of the Senate.

 

            The order of the agenda was resumed.

 

   A.   Curriculum Committee  -  • Dianne McKay announced that March 7th is the deadline to submit new curriculum to the Tech Review Committee. 

         •  She reported that there is a meeting tomorrow to look at a course management system for both colleges.

         •   Regarding the concern raised on unloaded hours by arrangement classes, Dianne advised that for the past year the Curriculum Committee has been working slowly and with due diligence to determine how to bring the college into compliance with the Title 5 regulations dealing with unloaded hours by arrangement.  She emphasized that any related policy or decisions on unloaded hours-by-arrangement courses must necessarily be brought to the Academic Senate for discussion and approval.  If the Academic Senate then approves a policy, a pilot study will be conducted with departments willing to look at unloaded hours-by-arrangement courses.

 B.     Staff Recognition -  No resolutions were presented at today’s meeting.

 C.     Committee Appointments 

         1.  Appoint Senator to Graduation Committee  -  It was confirmed that Anna Brichko and Ron Smebye will continue to serve on this committee as the Academic Senate representatives.

         2.  Consider Appointment to Fixed Cost Subcommittee – Alex advised that a subcommittee of the Budget Allocation Model subcommittee of DBAC is to be formed to identify fixed cost items for 2005/06.  It was agreed that a call for volunteers will be issued.

 D.     Oral Reports (Continued)

         1.  Staff Development  -  No report was made at today’s meeting.

         3.  Instructional Technology Committee – Pat Hudak advised that CBAC has approved $42,000 for new faculty computer purchase, Mina and others have acquired $40,000 from IS funds dedicated to computers, and the Land Corporation is providing $41,000 for staff, faculty and printer purchases.  Pat presented the rationales for a recommendation from the Technology Committee regarding computer purchases for faculty and asked the Academic Senate to support this recommendation.  The recommendation calls for Mission College to purchase PCs (Windows operating system) unless a faculty member has significant instructional and curricular needs that require the use of a Macintosh.  Faculty requests for a Macintosh should be sent to the Technology Committee for approval prior to purchase. Pat explained that the committee is seeking guidance from the Academic Senate on how to proceed.

 

            Discussion ensued and some objections were voiced to the exclusive use of PCs, particularly relative to creative design areas. It was explained that the recommendation was written with the understanding that graphic design would be an exception. Pat advised that, in reality, the college will be buying fewer computers for faculty if new Macs are purchased as they cost approximately $700 more than PCs per computer and maintenance support for MACs is more expensive.  In addition, Macintosh access to Datatel requires the use of a Citrix client, which is an additional expense.

 

            It was remarked that this issue has been brought to the Senate in the past and the Academic Senate had concerns about establishing such a policy. It would be better to work with individuals.  The Senate ultimately received the report and deferred the recommendation back to the committee.  The committee is requested to conduct an electronic survey of faculty to determine just what the computer preferences of faculty are and to provide more information on the costs involved. 

         4. Other:   No other reports were presented.

 

VII.   Old Business

 

   A.   Continue Discussion on Senate’s Role re: Academic Directions Relative to Facilities

            The Senators were provided with copies of the Educational and Facilities Master Plan (E&FMP) of 2001 and documents from the Balance of Curriculum Committee.  Harriett Robles addressed the Senate, citing the existing E&FMP as the best avenue for making the decisions that will be required relative to Bond Measure H. 

 

            Rather than reinventing the wheel, Harriett stated that it seems most appropriate to update the current E&FMP.  Facilities should be driven by academics, and, according to the consultant, an educational plan must be in place by June/July.   Harriett, in presenting her plan, explained that the existing E&FMP is a good document to start from and cited the information in the report that will necessarily have to be updated and how to proceed.

 

            Harriett has presented her plan to GAP and it was determined that GAP would serve as the steering committee.  Members of GAP were advised to discuss issues with their constituent groups, come back to GAP with input, and commit to procedures and a timeline on March 16th.  The consultant has stated that there are three major components to consider:  1) what to teach, 2) who to teach, and 3) how to teach.

 

            Alex asked the Senators to review the E&FMP the Balance of Curriculum documents, and Harriett’s report, discuss the matter with their constituents, and be prepared to consider action at next week’s Senate meeting.                                                               

 

   B.   Continue Discussion on Tenure Credit Issue for Temporary Faculty Hired to Permanent Faculty Position

            Alex will prepare a statement to read to the Board of Trustees, and will present same to the Senators for review at next week’s meeting.                                                       

VIII.  New Business

 

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

 

    B.  Consider the Crisis Intervention Committee as a Standing Subcommittee of the MCAS

            The Crisis Intervention Committee is designed to provide guidelines for instructors to use in the event that a crisis situation is encountered in the classroom.  The committee developed guidelines that will be distributed to all faculty in the near future.  Some members of the committee would like the committee to be a permanent standing committee of the Academic Senate.  This will make the committee more visible and able to make regular reports to the Academic Senate.

 

            Alex explained that in order to make this committee a standing committee of the Academic Senate, an amendment to the constitution is required.  He intends to request that the Academic Senate consider amending the existing constitution to resurrect the MCAS standing committee for Budget and Planning and the question on this committee could be addressed at that time. He opened the floor to discussion.

 

            Discussion ensued, and some questions were raised as to the need for making this committee a standing committee of the Academic Senate.  Ultimately, it was agreed that the matter will be considered during the review of the existing constitution and bylaws of the MC Academic Senate.

 

   C.   Discuss Concerns Relative to the Issue of Priority Registration for International Students

            Ray Charland advised the Senators that various groups of students receive priority registration privileges, some mandated by the state, i.e., EOPS, student athletes, MESA and ACCESS students.  Ray stated that it now appears that students in the International Students (IS) Program have been added to the list of students receiving priority registration and no one knows how that happened. The counselors have concerns that the students who have worked hard to get into certain programs, such as Nursing, are being bumped out of required classes by students with priority registration privileges.  Students are dropping out and going to other colleges because they cannot get into required classes. The situation is unfair.  Ray stated that to the best of his knowledge, there has not been any discussion on this matter at the Academic Senate.  On behalf of the counseling department, he asked the Academic Senate to reassert its power and discuss this matter further to determine which groups are to be privileged.  

 

            Discussion ensued, and the argument to support extending the privilege to international students could be that they generate funds for the district, that very few international students are getting into impacted classes, and that international students have to be enrolled in twelve units. There was some question as to whether or not the students need those units to apply for their Visa.  In turn, it was stated that other groups of students must also demonstrate they are enrolled in a certain number of units to obtain financial aid.

 

            Another concern was expressed that involved students not able to enroll  in a class, that have gone through the chain of command in order to be admitted, and have been told to join a club and receive priority registration that way.  This issue ties in to the issue Senator Perlas will bring to the Academic Senate next week.

 

            During discussion, a recollection that the original intent of the IS program was for international students to have open seats in the classroom and not be permitted to take the place of a tax-paying resident student.  It was suggested that the philosophical intention of the program be researched.

 

            In summary, it was agreed that this matter must be discussed further, and Sam Bersola and Carol Qazi will be invited to participate in the Senate’s discussion at a future meeting.

 

A.      Consider Purchase of Anti-Plagiarism Software or Service

            This item was postponed to next week’s meeting.                                                       

 

X.     Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

         Publication/Minutes

         1.   The February 2005 edition of Perspective from the CCCCFT.

            2.   The agenda for the March 2, 2005, meeting of GAP and the unapproved summary notes for February 9, 2005, and a copy of the Mission College Student Equity Plan.

            3.   The approved minutes for the February 16, 2005, meeting of DBAC.

            4.   The February 28, 2005, issue of FA NEWS  from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

            5.   The agenda for special closed session meetings of the Board of Trustees on March 1-3, 2005, and the agenda for the regular meeting of the Board on March 3, 2005.

            6.   The agenda for the February 23, 2005, meeting of the District Council.

         Announcements/Conferences

         1.   The NISOD International Conference on Teaching & Leadership Excellence will be held in Austin, Texas, May 29-June 1, 2005.  Additional information is available from the MC Academic Senate Office.

 

XI.    Future Agenda Items

A.  Discuss Facts re: Hours-by-Arrangement Courses

 

XII.   Adjournment

            The meeting was adjourned at 4:10  p.m. (M/S/U – Harris/Cox).  These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.