The minutes for the March 15, 2001, meeting were accepted and approved with the following correction (M/S/U - Patton/Estrada) to Page 4, Item VI.D.4 (Datatel Implementation Committee), second * as follows since the specific cost is unknown:

"An additional $10,000 amount of money will be needed . . .

The minutes for the March 8, 2001, meeting were amended as follows (M/S/U - Bell-Cheung/Akers-Martin):

Page 4, third paragraph states that Mission College does not have a presence in Santa Clara High Schools. Senator McGee indicated that Judi Hooper, Counselor, conducts orientations at Wilcox High School and Santa Clara High Schools.

It was agreed that the order of the agenda will be changed to accommodate guests. Item VIII.B will be discussed immediately after this item (M/S/U - Patton/McGee).

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

B. Discuss Possible Violation of Faculty Hiring Process

Dianne explained that a particular incident concerning a faculty hiring committee has prompted a review of the District’s Faculty Hiring Policy, adopted by the Board of Trustees in June 1990. Lee Callaway, the Vice President of Instruction suspended a department’s hiring process based on her belief that policy requires that classified members be represented on hiring committees. However, the policy does not indicate any such requirement, and the committee chair was informed by Karen Gobbi, Interim Assistant Director of Human Resources, that the committee met the hiring policy diversity requirements. The issue before the Academic Senate is that the Vice President’s action is in violation of the District’s existing hiring policy, and further, the policy states, in accordance with state law (Ed Code 87360), that changes to the policy must be made in agreement with the Academic Senate.

Discussion ensued, and Ian explained that this item caught his attention due to the fact that the state Academic Senate is extremely interested in the local Academic Senates’ role in the faculty hiring policy. He explained that there is strong language in the Ed Code (87360) that states, "...hiring criteria, policies, and procedures for new faculty members shall be developed and agreed upon jointly by representatives of the governing board and the academic senate." This language can only be changed by the state legislature. The district’s hiring policy states the following:

* "The composition of the Committee must be approved by the Department Chair."

* "The committee shall include, whenever possible, at least one ethnic/racial minority and one woman."

* "Committee membership must be approved by Personnel Services."

There is no authority for an administrator to impose additional requirements or changes to that policy that have not been jointly agreed upon by the Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees.

Lee extended her apology to the department and explained that it was not her intent to undermine or ignore the policy. She explained that her action was based on her understanding that the college’s policy with regard to hiring committees was intended to be inclusive of all entities, as well as the community. In checking with the HR Department, she was advised that a classified member could be added to the committee. It is unfortunate that the question was raised, and she apologized once again. The following resolution was presented for the Senate’s consideration (M/S - Patton/Xu):

"Whereas, Education Code 87360 clearly mandates that faculty hiring criteria, policy, and procedures must be agreed jointly between the Governing Board and the Academic Senate; and

Whereas, There is a District Hiring Policy in place;

Therefore, Be It Resolved that no additions or changes be made in the hiring criteria, policy, and procedures without prior agreement between the Governing Board and the Academic Senate; and

Be It Finally Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate initiate a review of the current hiring process and consider strengthening it, in line with the adopted positions of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to include, for example: 1) the inclusion of faculty in the second level interview process, and 2) the inclusion of faculty in the reference checking process."

During discussion it was agreed that this incident has provided an excellent opportunity to bring the policy to the forefront and consider revisions that would bring the policy up-to-date, particularly since a review of the Board’s policy is taking place at this time. Specifics in the policy that need to be brought up-to-date were discussed, and it was agreed that the above resolution will encourage the beginning of discussion and revise the policy to meet the college’s current structure. In addition, Ian noted that the state Academic Senate has adopted a position paper, "A Re-examination of Faculty Hiring Processes and Procedures," and is also preparing a position paper to be presented at the Spring Plenary Session that will reaffirm and endorse its commitment to affirmative action; the courts continue to require an affirmative action plan. Lee stated that the district is currently being audited to ensure compliance with affirmative action regulations.

The above resolution was passed with one abstention and one no vote.

Dianne thanked Lee and Ian for addressing this issue and expressed her appreciation to Lee for extending her apology to the department involved.

The order of the agenda was resumed and returned to Item IV.

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

1. Congratulations to the Mission College ACCESS Program! The program has been selected by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to receive the Board of Governor’s Exemplary Program Award. The award will be presented at the Board of Governor’s meeting in Sacramento sometime in May. Kudos to Teresa Adams, DeeDee Bicocca, Lisa Browning, Rita Cepeda, Jennifer Costanza, Ina Gard, Yvonka Headley, Joni Johnson, Robin Merritt, Marie Miller, Karen Oeh, Fred Prochaska, and James Ramirez for their many contributions toward making the program a reality and a success. Dianne noted that two ACCESS students won the Jonah Laroche Award last year, one in each category. Dianne announced that the West Valley College Adjunct Program received Honorable Mention in this award category as well.

2. Just a reminder - The call for nominations for the Faculty Recognition Program has gone out and paper work is due in the Senate office by Thursday, April 5, 2001. This is the time to recognize our peers within the college community. Dianne stated that it is an honor to be nominated, to know you are considered extraordinary by your peers. All the Board members, administrators, nominators, and nominees are invited to attend the annual Senate/Administration Spring Luncheon, to be held Thursday, May 3, 2001, in Hospitality Management.

3. Another reminder - Be sure to cast your vote for the Mission College Academic Senate President. The election is currently taking place. Deposit your ballots in the ballot box located on the Information Counter in the main lobby, or mail your vote to the Senate Office, Room S1-101, Mailstop 12. The ballots will be collected on Thursday, April 16, 2001.

4. Cancel Meeting - Dianne announced that the April 5th and April 19th meetings of the Mission College Academic Senate are canceled.

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

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

C. Committee Appointments - a) Dianne asked for Senators willing to serve on the Faculty Recognition Program Selection Committee. Senators Myint, Patton, and Toppel agreed to serve.

b) A faculty member is needed to serve on the Hiring Committee for the Assistant Director of Human Resources. A call for interested faculty will be issued by the Academic Senate Office.

1. Instructional Technology Committee - The committee will meet next week.

2. Distance Learning Committee - The Senators were advised that the committee’s Five Year Plan will be distributed to them via e-mail for review and comments.

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

4. Datatel Implementation Committee - The committee will meet next week. It was noted that the DSPS Department advised the Datatel Committee seven months ago that the department would be undergoing its program review during the week of March 19th, and would not be able to participate in a training presentation that involved the DSPS department. The training session was scheduled for that week, and the office coordinator was the only person able to attend. She raised a concern that screens for disabled students will be shared with others. Carol explained that this constitutes a lack of confidentiality and is in violation of Title 5 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. Amelia was directed to bring this matter to the Datatel Committee and report back to the Senate. If the issue is not resolved, the matter will be placed on the Senate’s agenda for action.

5. Workforce Development Committee - No report was made at today’s meeting.

6. Alternative Calendar Committee - The committee did not meet this week.

7. Accreditation Report Update - Jim reported that approximately half of the reports have been turned in. GAP is acting as the Steering Committee and reviewing the reports. He explained that he and Lee have scanned the reports to ensure that all pertinent areas have been covered. The report should be turned over to Albert Moore for editing in approximately two weeks. The draft will then come to the Academic Senate, probably in early May. The site visit is scheduled for October 16-18, 2001. Dianne reminded Jim that the Senate does not meet after May 18th. She suggested that the report be distributed to the Senators for review before it is agendized.

8. Graduation Committee - Amelia reported that graduation will be held on May 25, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. in the Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be Mike Honda. A practice run will be scheduled for marshals and students, followed by a BBQ and ice cream stand for dessert. She assured that there will be enough food for all this year. The Senators usually serve as marshals during graduation, and Jane offered to read names this year. The next committee meeting is scheduled for April 5th at 1:15 p.m.

The Senators were asked to review a sign-off sheet to accompany any proposal to create a new department in accordance with the Senate’s policy.

Discussion followed based on the steps indicated on the sign off sheet. Concerns were expressed relative to the process of creating a new department and it was strongly recommended that the Senate be involved at an earlier stage of the process. Dianne explained that the proposal for new programs must necessarily address college goals, balance of curriculum, the college’s strategic plan, as well as other factors. All these issues are listed in the policy developed and approved by the Senate for the creation of new departments. The intent of the process is that any new proposal needs to address all the college’s goals, and the Academic Senate is a major player in the development of those goals. This process was likened to the process used for the approval of curriculum by the Curriculum Review Committee (CRC), and it was agreed that there must be more communication between the Curriculum Review Committee and the Academic Senate. As previously discussed with Alex Braun, the Chair of the CRC, the sign-off process and form for curriculum approval must be revisited and revised to ensure that affected departments sign-off, not just the proposer.

Ultimately, Dianne was directed to redraft the New Program/Department sign-off sheet that involves the Senate earlier in the process as well as final approval. Dianne will bring a new draft back to the next Senate meeting for the Senate’s consideration.

B. Continue Discussion on Program Discontinuation Policy

Dianne explained that the college is required to have a program approval process and discontinuation policy in place, and the college is out of compliance at this time. The Senate began the development process for this policy approximately two years ago. She noted that Vocational Education programs are reviewed every two years for viability and continuance in accordance with Title 5. Criteria listed in Title 5 include labor market analysis, effect on students, and other similar criteria. The state Academic Senate has adopted a position paper on this matter as well.

Discussion ensued, and Chris Olson presented a list of activity measures to review when considering program discontinuance. Dianne explained that the intent of the policy is to have a process in place should a discussion on the discontinuation of a program take place, which could be initiated at any level. She noted that the only program discontinued at Mission College in the last 25 years is the Model Building program, and that program developed into an alternate program. Her intent is to develop a policy that is based on rational discussion and does not appear to be punitive.

She asked for volunteers to meet with her to revise the draft. Chris Olson, Jane Patton, and Jim Van Tassel agreed to meet with Dianne on Tuesday, March 27th. The revised draft will be brought back to the Senate for approval.

A. Discuss Articulation Concerns re: College Credit for HS Courses

This item is postponed to a future meeting.

This issue was addressed briefly under Item VIII.B (See Page 1 and 2) at today’s meeting. It was agreed that the policy will be reviewed and the amended policy will be brought back to the Senate for approval.

1. College Budget Advisory Committee - Dianne reported that CBAC is reviewing and approving the final list of budget allocations.

2. Board Meeting - The Board meeting was a strategic conversation relative to the Services and Facilities Master Plan. Jim asked for a status report on the college’s E&FMP, and Dianne advised that it has not been completed as yet.

3. Others - No other reports were made at today’s meeting.

1. Memo dated March 20, 2001, from Christina Booth of the Finance Office, with an Update on Datatel Colleague Implementation.

1. The agenda for the March 14, 2001, meeting of DBAC.

2. The Summary Notes for the March 14, 2001, meeting of GAP.

3. The following publications from the California State Library, Research Bureau:

a) The August 2000 publication, "Less-Educated Workers in California: A Statistical Abstract"

b) The June 1999 publication, "Latinos and Economic Development in California"

c) The March 2000 publication, "A Coordinated Approach to Raising the Socio-Economic Status of Latinos in California."

1. Fred Prochaska, Dean of Research and Grants is seeking faculty members interested in serving as Grant Liaisons starting this fall semester. All division offices will be receiving hard copies of this announcement. Each college liaison will provide a critical link in providing technical assistance to people seeking external funding and in bridging grants and funding related activities. The deadline for submitting applications is April 16, 2001. For more information, call the Grants Office, Ext. 2095.

2. Retirement parties for Helene Flolo and Evelyn Riegert will be held in HM on Friday, May 11th, starting at 3:00 p.m. Mike McKenna’s event will be held off campus. Please watch for flyers.

3. The District’s Annual Retiree/Recognition Reception will be held at Mariani’s Restaurant, Wednesday, May 2, 2001, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

No future agenda items were added today.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m. (M/S/U - Hudak/VanTassel). These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.