The minutes for the March 29, 2001, meeting were accepted and approved with the following correction to Page 2, Item V.1, correct spelling of recognition in third sentence (M/S/P — Moore/Bell-Cheung).

An additional correction to the minutes for the March 22, 2001, meeting was submitted by Carol Toppel to Page 3, Item VI.D.4 (Datatel Implementation Committee Report), fifth sentence as follows: "Carol explained that this constitutes a lack of confidentiality and is in violation of Title 5 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1995 1973, Section 504. The correction was approved (M/S/U — Estrada/Akers-Martin).

The Senators agreed (M /S/U — Jackins/Johnson) to change the order of agenda to accommodate guests as they arrive, addressing business items immediately following Item V (Information & Announcements). President McKay indicated a time limit for each item on the agenda due to the number of agenda items.

Don Cordero expressed his appreciation to the Senate for acknowledging Chris Olson under Staff Recognition. It is well deserved.

Senator Estrada announced that the Library will open on Tuesday, May 1, 2001.

Peggy Messerschmidt explained that she, Myo Myint, Ray Charland, Christy Brown, Carol Beck, and Dianne McKay are members of a team developing two learning communities for the fall. This project is part of a Packard Grant with Mission College being one college in a thirteen-college consortium. Other colleges in the consortium include DeAnza, Foothill, West Valley, Monterey Peninsula, Skyline, and others. The purpose of the grant is to form learning communities for the developmental level.

This fall, the college will implement two learning communities, which are currently advertised in the schedule of classes on Pages 55 and 59. The first community is called, "Survival on Success Island," and will include a class in English 905, Reading 961, and Counseling 1 Master Student Class. These courses will be taught to a cohort of students in a four-hour block on Mondays and Wednesdays. The second community is called, "Fulfilling the American Dream," and will include a class in ESL 135, English 905, and Counseling 3. Registration forms have been preprinted to indicate that all three classes must be taken at the same time, and faculty are urged to assist in the recruitment of students who will benefit from the community.

Myo explained that the rationale behind this combination relates to the high rate of failure for students that enter English 905, indicating a need for additional support. The students also seem to lack reading skills, because many of them take writing classes without taking the reading course. Ray stated that there is a significant amount of research and work on this subject that started at the Evergreen State College in Washington. The college is known nation-wide for this type of program. This program links bodies of knowledge, which typically are fragmented in curriculum. These communities help the students to recognize and experience the connections that naturally exist between these disciplines. Benefits to this program include an increase in retention and success rates, as well as the rejuvenation of faculty.

Peggy noted that there is considerable material on the development of learning communities, and she has made this material available for interested faculty in the Staff Development Resource Center. A flex workshop is being considered as well. Eventually, it is hoped that future implementations of the concept will be expanded into other disciplines and programs. Anyone interested in obtaining more information can visit the Staff Development Resource Center or contact Peggy, Myo, Ray, Christy, Carol, or Dianne.

Each Senator was asked to review the first draft of the Division Chair Council’s (DCC) document stating the DCC’s mission statement and its role and responsibility. Jane and Jody explained that the intent of today’s discussion is to receive input from the Senate members.

Several recommendations for amendments were made, with emphasis on the importance of recognizing the primary role of the Academic Senate. It is understood that there are some areas that may overlap between the two entities. It is imperative, however, that the differing roles of the Academic Senate and the DCC be clearly stated.

Discussion ensued on the current structure and the role of division chairs. It was stated that the current structure is a serious issue that must be reviewed and considered carefully. Dianne explained that discussion at this Friday’s meeting of the Movers & Shakers will include a review of the current organizational structure of the college. She advised that there are those who see the need for additional deans. During discussion, a strong recommendation was made that the Academic Senate send a strong and clear message that the Mission College faculty wishes to continue operating under the Division Chair structure.

Jean Replicon, Phil Higgins (Chair of the EAA), Jim Madden, and other members of the EAA, presented information on the owls in general and specifically on the Mission College burrowing owls. The two largest areas that house the owls are Moffett Air Force Base and San Jose Airport. Mission College falls between these two locations, and is of strategic importance because of the migratory patterns of the birds. At one time, as many as 90 birds could be found on the campus. The EAA has determined that only thirteen birds remain on campus, and the loss is primarily due to land development and vandalization of the habitats.

There is no plan in place for long-term preservation of the owls. Several areas on campus have been designated as habitats, i.e., Hunters Circle and areas near parking lots and tennis courts. However, the EAA has had no input on maintenance of the habitats, noting that these habitat areas are sprayed with pesticides, have sprinklers, have been vandalized, or have been disturbed during land development, and in general are not suited for the owls.

A comprehensive mitigation agreement is in place, and is intended to protect the owls for a specific time period. The Department of Fish and Game has advised the district that there have been direct violations of the agreement. No decision has yet been made as to how to rectify the violations.

It was explained that the campus can be a sustainable environment for the owls. Petitions have been signed by over 500 students and faculty combined, and, as the voice of faculty, the Senate was asked to consider stating its support of the owls and their habitats on campus. This item will be placed on next week’s agenda as an action item.

The Senators each received a copy of Linda Cochran’s proposal to create the Child Development Program. Dianne explained that the college has had child care on campus for many years, but this proposal is for the academic program of Child Development. Dianne also pointed out that the state of California is actively recruiting teachers. Linda advised that the program to date has grown significantly over the last two years, growing from 85 students to over 400 students. She stated that the job market has increased exponentially in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow. It is her intent that the program will eventually meet the needs of the community.

During discussion, Linda was asked if this proposal includes expansion of the child care services offered to Mission College students. Linda explained that the proposal is meant to reflect the academic Child Development Program. It does not address the child care component. Eventually, a component providing child care to the community, as well as to Mission College students in need, is offered through student services under the direction of the Child Development Program. Linda reported that considerable attention has been focused on the college from within the community, as well as support for the program.

The cost of the program was discussed as well. Linda reported that the academic program will have a minimal fiscal impact on the college. The current faculty positions have already been allocated through the budget process, and the only additional cost will be the annual allocation to departments of $2,500 - $5,000 per year. Child Development Center costs are being addressed through a variety of funding streams, including state contracts and grants. A Senator suggested that the Senate review fiscal considerations and academic need when decisions are made relative to academic programs. The Senate and the Curriculum Committee must consider this aspect prior to the approval of courses for a new department.

Since this is the Senate’s initial reading, the Senators were asked to review the proposal carefully and address any questions or concerns directly to Linda. The proposal will be brought back to the Senate upon completion of the steps involved in the creation of a new department process.

The regular order of the agenda was resumed.

A. Curriculum Committee - No curriculum report was presented today.

B. Staff Recognition - Senator McGee announced his intention to bring a resolution before the Senate at the next meeting.

C. Committee Appointments - Five faculty members volunteered to serve on the District Faculty and Staff Diversity Committee. The Senators elected Donnelle McGee by written ballot. Senator Moore expressed concern. The Senate appointed her to the committee and the committee has never met. She recently received an invitation to a meeting with a very short timeline. Dianne explained that the committee has not met in some time, probably due to changes in leadership. She anticipates that the committee will establish a meeting schedule once the group convenes.

1. Instructional Technology Committee - Pat Hudak reported that the last meeting of the committee will be held on May 9^th.

2. Distance Learning Committee - No report was presented today.

3. Staff Development — Betty Grayson announced that next year’s activities will be focused on the college’s 25^th anniversary and celebrating Mission College. This fall’s flex days will include a reception for associate faculty. Betty expects that a brochure listing flex day activities will be distributed prior to the end of the semester.

4. Datatel Implementation Committee — Amelia advised that she brought Carol Toppel’s concerns regarding confidentiality for DISC students to the committee. She will report the information on this matter at the next meeting. The issue of confidentiality of personnel records was raised, and Amelia reported that specific people will be provided with an access code including all full-time staff of Human Resources, Victoria Ruiz,, and other full-time financial staff members. She listed a number of WVC and District personnel that will have access — mostly Information Systems personnel.

5. Workforce Development Committee - No report.

6. Alternative Calendar Committee — The original committee split into two working groups. The WVC group has decided to recommend that West Valley College implement a compressed calendar of a 16-week spring session, a five or six week inter-session, a 16-week fall session, and two summer sessions. The Mission College group considered feasibility of a compressed calendar and the availability of rooms during the evening since 20 minutes must be added to a three-hour class. It was determined that it would be feasible, but it is uncertain as to whether or not the college should implement a compressed calendar. It has been suggested that a broader group be involved in the decision making, and this item will be addressed at the Movers and Shakers meeting, scheduled for tomorrow. Dianne reported that Jane wrote a resolution for the state Academic Senate’s (ASCCC) consideration, asking the ASCCC for guidelines and best practices on alternative calendars; the resolution passed.

7. Accreditation Report - Jim advised that the individual committee reports are coming in, and it may be necessary to hold an additional meeting to review the report.

8. Services & Facilities Master Plan - No report was made today.

Dianne advised that President O’Hearn is amenable to including a faculty member from the first level hiring committees to sit on the second level interviews. The rationale for this process is twofold. The first rationale for this change in process is reflective of the spirit of shared governance. The second reason is a pragmatic one in that many times people sent forward from the first level interview perform entirely differently at the second level, and, hence, present a different perspective. This process will serve as a bridge between the two committees and provide a shared experience upon reaching consensus. The following motion was passed unanimously (M/S/U — Van Tassel/Jackins):

"that the Mission College Academic Senate agrees to amend the Mission College faculty hiring policy/process to include a faculty member from the first level hiring selection committee on the second level interview committee."

The Senators and Dianne expressed their appreciation to Chris O’Hearn for extending the opportunity to faculty.

This item was postponed to a future meeting.

Dianne asked the Senators to consider expanding the Publishing Excellence category of the Faculty Recognition Program. Of the five categories, this category is least representative of the college’s faculty. She suggested that the category be expanded to Publishing and/or Presentation Excellence. The Senators generally agreed that the category should be broadened, and it was further suggested that all the categories be reviewed by the Academic Senate next Fall.

1. District Council — No report

2. GAP — No report

3. CBAC — No report

4. DBAC — No report

5. Spring Session of Academic Senate for CCCs (ASCCC) - Dianne reported that Mission College was well represented at the plenary session of the ASCCC. She attended the session along with Jane Patton, Betty Grayson, Mary Moore, Carol Toppel, Pat Hudak, and Ian Walton attended the session, as well as Regina Stanback-Stroud and Lin Marelick. * Ian Walton was re-elected as treasurer. * Pat expressed his appreciation for the sessions on Technology and Information Competency, which prompted a resolution that passed. There were excellent presentations, good food and entertainment. Overall, he was surprisingly pleased. * Senator Moore agreed and found the legal background on academic issues most helpful.

*Dianne advised that the hot issues under discussion included the 50% law, which requires that 50%

of revenue be spent on instruction. This percentage has not included non-teaching faculty in the past. Some have proposed that non-teaching faculty be separated out in order to attain balance. * Another issue involves a new master plan for the state’s direction of education. In the sixties, the plan for higher education was based on meritocracy. In the 1989 document, New Faces, the state reaffirmed its commitment to higher education, access, and equity for all in California. The committee members for the new master plan for K-16 education are discussing measurable outcomes and are getting away from access and equity for all. The state Academic Senate is concerned with this direction and will be monitoring and influencing the committee as it can.

* Dianne noted that resolutions passed at the Spring plenary session are directed to the state Academic Senate’s Executive Committee as part of its task for the next six months. MC’s own Ian Walton serves on the Exec Committee, which ultimately directs the Senate’s actions when consulting with the Board of Governors and the UC and CSU systems. The Fall Plenary Session provides members with follow-up reports. *Jane reported that the resolution on Information Competency passed, and the state will require each college to incorporate and integrate information competency into their curriculum. Erlinda Estrada advised that the library is trying to establish links with K-12 to obtain a flow of information at all levels. Library staff is interested in working with teaching faculty to help prepare modules or enhancement to the classroom experience.

*Betty suggested that all Senators would benefit from participating in the plenary sessions of the ASCCC. Current and applicable information enhances what each Senator brings to the meetings and their departments, as well as to inform them on the legislation behind the issues. Dianne emphasized that it is also a very positive experience to hear what goes on in other districts, particularly in terms of shared governance. One appreciates the experience at Mission College considerably more.

6. Others: Dianne asked for direction regarding upcoming meeting dates. Regular meetings are scheduled for May 3rd, May 10^th, and May 17^th. The Senators agreed to cancel the May 3^rd meeting, and hold the May 10^th and May 17^th meetings to finish up accreditation, child development, the owl concern, and the Program Discontinuance Policy.

1. Letter dated March 19, 2001, from the ASCCC re: Submissions to the FORUM.

1. The 13^th Annual Hawaii National Great Teachers Seminar will be held in Hawaii August 5-10, 2 2001.

2. The 23^rd Annual California Great Teachers Seminar will be held in Santa Barbara, July 29-August 3, 2001.

No new agenda items were presented at today’s meeting.

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