Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, May 15, 2003

 

I.       Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Jane Patton at 2:10 p.m. 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Braun    (Ext. 5355)  Technology

 

    X

Martin      (Ext. 5356)  Tech.

    X

    

Brennan    (Ext. 5313)  Comm

     

    X

Musat       (Ext. 5331) Math

    

   X

Charland  (Ext. 5046)  Stud. Dev.

    

    X

Oliver       (Ext. 5427)  AAS

 

   X

Dooley    (Ext. 5379)  AAS

 

    X

Patton    (Ext. 5296) Comm Stud

 

   X

Estrada     (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

 

    X

Rivas       (Ext. 5282)  CATA

    

   X

Johnson   (Ext.5277) CATA

 

    X

Rosner     (Ext. 5317) ESL

    

   X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

 

    X

Sippel      (Ext. 5118) Comm

 

   X

Light       (Ext. 5717) AF/CIT

      

    X

Toppel     (Ext. 5089) Stud Dev

 

   X

Lynne      (Ext. 5248) CommSvc

 

    X

Xu           (Ext. 5273) SocSci

    X

 

Mancini    (Ext. 5855) AF/HM

 

    X

 

 

 

Other: ASB S.Hanna, J.Weston

   

    X

Other:  B.Grayson (Staff Dev)

    

   X

Guests: J.Burrell, F.Chong, F.Chow, R.Dewis, S.Dinger, J.Hacker, L. Harris, M.Jahan,

 

    X

    X

    X

L.Jiang, D. McKay, C.Pembrook, H. Robles, R.Smebye , J.VanTassel

 

   X

   X

   X

                   

 II.    Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the May 8, 2003, meeting were accepted and approved as submitted (M/S/U - Oliver/Dooley).

             

III.    Order of the Agenda

It was agreed (M/S/U - Charland/Mancini) that the order of the agenda will be changed as needed to accommodate guests.

             

IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

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

 

  V.    Information & Announcements 

            1.   President Patton congratulated Alex Braun, who has been elected President of the Mission College Academic Senate.  His term begins on June 1, 2003.

            2.   President Patton introduced and welcomed President Frank Chong, who will begin his role on June 2, 2003.  Dr. Chong expressed his appreciation of the college, its faculty, its location, and stated he is honored and delighted at the prospect of joining this community.  He acknowledged that the college is facing difficult economic times and, based on his experience with the state legislature, he will use his political expertise to advocate for the college and the district.  He has met with members of the community and looks forward to working with them as well as the Chancellor and the Board.  Dr. Chong described himself as a good communicator, a good listener and one who hopes to set and follow standards that will bring the community of administrators, classified, faculty, and students together to work toward a shared vision and aspiration for the college.

            3.   Under the compressed calendar, the Academic Senate meetings will begin at 2:05 p.m. and end at approximately 4:05 p.m.

            4.   Congratulations to Jane Patton, who was elected as the Area B Representative and Ian Walton was elected Vice President of the ASCCC.  Two Mission College people will be serving on the 15 member Executive Council of the ASCCC, representing 108 California community colleges.

            4.   President Patton called for Volunteers from among the Senators to meet with President Chong during the summer to help acclimate him to the college and its members.  President Braun, and Senators Brennan, Charland, Dooley, Johnson, Rosner, and Toppel will be available this summer.

 

            As agreed, the order of the agenda was suspended and moved to Item VIII.A. to accommodate Harriett Robles.

 

VIII.  New Business

 

     A. Report on Cal-PASS

            Harriett Robles presented a report on the California Partnership for Achieving Student Success (Cal-PASS) to the District Council, encouraging the district to participate in the initiative. It was suggested that she present the information to the Senates as well.  Harriett explained that Cal-PASS is an initiative that collects, analyzes and shares student data in order to track student performance and improve success from the elementary school level through the university level. In the past, technology limitations did not allow for confidentiality.  Now, there is technology that will allow the encryption of individual student identification so that students can be identified and tracked anonymously.  The data collected will allow for research on student performance and outcomes.  For example, through a Cal-PASS partnership already established at Grossmont, Cuyamaca, and other community colleges with San Diego State, it has been discovered that high school students that do well in English seem to do well at CSU but not at the community colleges.  The community college faculty then reviewed the curriculum, realized it was misaligned with K-12 standards and the standards of the community colleges, and realigned their curriculum to make it more pedagogically sound.

 

Harriett explained that this initiative is funded through a $700,000 grant from the state Chancellor's Office and involves no cost to the district.  The only restriction is that the results may not be used for bragging purposes.  She hopes to start the project with Mission College and West Valley College and will attempt to establish agreements with other local schools.  This is a great opportunity and involves little effort.  Josh Weston, the ASB representative on the Senate asked if a student can opt not to participate, and Harriett stated that although she couldn't answer the question with certainty, she emphasized that the encryption ensures that the records cannot be tracked back to a specific student.  Harriett reiterated that this will allow us to track all students, their courses, grades, and basic demographic data and meets all the standards of the federal privacy act.  Any reports could be accessed through the institutional research analyst's office.

 

Jane thanked Harriett for her report.

 

The order of the agenda was resumed.

           

VI.    Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

A.  Staff Recognition -  Although this item is intended to recognize classified staff, the following resolutions were presented for the Senate's consideration and passed unanimously:

 

Resolution #1 (M/S/U - Musat/Charland):

 

"Whereas,  2002-2003 has been a time of considerable difficulty for our district that has called for extraordinary commitment from our faculty leaders, and

 

Whereas, Despite different goals and leadership personalities, both ACE and the Academic Senate have worked effectively to represent the wider interests of the faculty, and

 

Whereas,  This has required extraordinary levels of personal and professional courage from the Presidents of both organizations,

 

Therefore, Be It Resolved,  That the Mission College Academic Senate honor Carolyn Fisher for her role as an outstanding faculty leader, and Jane Patton for her role as a dedicated, effective faculty leader, both working for the best interest of all faculty."

 

Resolution #2 (M/S/U - Toppel/Charland):

 

"Whereas,  Dan Matarangas has served Mission College and West Valley College with dedication, honor and professionalism for thirty-four years; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has always been an exemplary and courageous champion of student rights at both Mission College and West Valley College throughout his tenure; and

 

Whereas,  Dan's leadership and management style has been a model of warmth, open-mindedness and positive thinking for all who work with him; and

 

Whereas,  Dan is a consummate teacher whose high standards coupled with supportiveness have enabled all who have worked with him to develop to their fullest potential; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has always managed to be fair and sagacious in even the most complicated situations with faculty, staff or students; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has displayed a high degree of honesty, loyalty and integrity in all dealings with faculty, staff and students; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has never been at a loss for words in any situation; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has been a truly great administrator who always has an open-door policy for faculty, staff and students, and is never too busy to listen, or to offer words of support, encouragement, or appreciation; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has been a model of the spirit and ideals upon which Mission College was built,; and

 

Whereas,  Dan has been one of the great founders and historians of Mission College, who never fails to regale faculty, staff and students with humorous anecdotes;

 

Therefore, Be It Resolved,  That the Mission College Academic Senate acknowledge and salute Dan Matarangas for his years of service to Mission College and the District."

 

Resolution #3 (M/S/U - Toppel/Sippel):

 

"Whereas, Dianne McKay willingly stepped in to help Mission College in its time of need, and

 

Whereas, Dianne led the Office of Instruction in the face of adversity with unfailing wisdom, grace, humor, courage, integrity, and creativity; and

 

Whereas, Dianne demonstrated leadership with the Division Chair Council, the Curriculum Review Committee, and the administrative staff, continuing to teach all the while; and

 

Whereas, Dianne has the highest respect of all her colleagues;

 

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate thank Dianne McKay for her contributions to Mission College in the role of Interim Vice President of Instruction, and . . . welcome her back to the esteemed ranks of faculty."

 

         B. Committee Appointments

              1.  Curriculum Review Committee Chair (CRC) - The Senators ratified the election of Dianne McKay as the Chair of the Mission College CRC.

         C. Oral Reports:

              1.  Distance Learning Report for 2002/03 - Curtis Pembrook presented a report on Mission College's Distance Learning programs for 2002/03.   The report listed detailed statistics and trends on television courses, online courses, and web enhanced courses.  The report also included information on special projects such as EMT telecourses, Multimedia Development, Streaming Media Project, Internships, etc.  A copy of the report is on file at the Mission College Academic Senate Office and is available for review.  President Patton thanked Curtis for his report and encouraged him to return to the Academic Senate in the Fall to address unresolved questions and concerns relative to distance learning.

              2.  Staff Development Report - Betty Grayson reported that the Professional Development Days all college meetings will be held August 27-28th.  She  advised that a large number of people have offered to give presentations on a wide variety of subjects.  A program will be mailed to faculty in August or is available on the Staff Development Newsletter online.  Betty also advised that Staff Development has forwarded a list of people owing flex hours to the Office of Instruction.  Anyone who receives notification and disagrees should contact Rose Mason in the Staff Development Office.

 

At this time it was agreed to move to Item VII.D.

 

VII.      Old Business

 

  D.    Status Report on Plans for Graduation

            Senator Toppel reported that those Senators serving as Marshals for graduation must arrive at 11:15 a.m. for rehearsal and at 5:30 p.m. for graduation.  Other faculty will arrive at 6:00 p.m.  The graduation ceremony will be followed by a party for faculty and staff at David's Restaurant, 5151 Stars & Stripes Drive (one block east of the Convention Center) at 8:00 p.m. 

 

The order of the agenda was resumed and moved to Item VII.A.

 

 A.     Consider Program Master Planning (Formerly Program Review)

            Jody Hacker and Lydia Harris presented the final draft of the Mission College Program Master Plan Task Force design.  The plan is an updated process of the former Program Review, now to be known as Program Master Planning.  This process includes three college component groups:  administrative service areas, student services units, and instructional departments.  Each group will develop a plan for the next five years.  That plan will focus on the future, and includes a complete process.  It is intended to be a viable, usable plan - one that motivates and encourages communication and shared governance.  The plan provides detailed directions to assist departments in developing a five year plan, and instructional program data is accessible on the district's PARIS website.  The plan also includes the list of a five-year cycle for departments and services.   

 

            Following a brief question and answer period and some discussion, including suggested changes, the Senators unanimously agreed (M/S/U - Charland/Mancini) to accept the Mission College Program Master Planning Design. It is expected that as the plan is implemented, some changes may need to be made, but overall the Senators acknowledged the fine work accomplished by the task force and commended them on the final design.

 

   B.   Follow-Up Discussion on Budget Cuts and Concerns

President Patton reported that she noted a visible difference in the demeanor of Mission College faculty and staff and welcomed back all those faculty that had been in limbo.  At DBAC, it was suggested that the May revise of the Governor's budget may reduce the district's deficit by $1-2 million.  She reported that she met with the Chancellor this week to try to build a bridge with him and begin the healing process, and Jane indicated that she feels positive about her discussion with the Chancellor. Issues remain, however, and it is important that the Senate continues to be vigilant.  The Senate's concerns expressed over several months remain unresolved.  She emphasized that there is a need to acculturate President Chong, who could very well serve as a liaison for the college to the District. In the meantime, she asked the Senators for direction regarding any statement to be made to the Board this evening.

 

President Patton was directed to advise the Board as follows:

            •     The Senate and faculty will be vigilant and available over the summer.  There should be no summer surprises and there should be consultation with the Academic Senate.

            •     Commend them for ultimately responding to the Senate's resolutions regarding the rescission of notices.

            •     Invite the Chancellor and the Board to a round table discussion on Shared Governance - possibly a strategic conversation.

            •     Remind the Board of the evaluation process for administrators and the role of the Academic Senate in that evaluation process.

            •     Determine what the Board expects from the Academic Senate in times of budget crisis.

            •     The Senate looks forward to progress being made on all of the Senate's concerns.

            •     The Senate intends to be proactive and will work collegially with the Board.  Identify professional concerns and areas  and consider the development of a long range (10-20 year) plan with faculty leaders and the Board members - possibly a retreat.

            •     The District needs to provide a detailed report on finances.

 

            The above discussion led to a discussion of the vote of no confidence in the Chancellor.  The Senators indicated that they were not inclined to consider rescinding the resolution because the Bill of Particulars was well thought through and the concerns of the Senate have yet to be resolved.  The position taken by the District Academic Senate was based on grounds that deal with shared governance and process. It was not merely a reaction to the March 15th notices. The Senate must see progress on the issues addressed in the Bill of Particulars.

 

            At this time, President Patton had to leave the meeting and turned it over to Vice President Brennan.  She thanked all the Senators for their participation during her term, and the Senators, in turn, commended Jane for her excellent leadership of the Academic Senate.

 

C.      Review and Discuss State of the Academic Senate Report

            After a brief discussion, the Senators agreed (M/S/U - Oliver/Estrada) that President Patton's State of the Academic Senate report should be included in these minutes and are to be used as a guide for next year's Senate.  (See Appendix A)

 

IX.    Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

            1.   E-mail dated May 14, 2003, with information on the Governor's May Revise of the budget.

         Publication/Minutes

            1.   The summary notes for the May 7, 2003 meeting of GAP.

            2.   The Prioritized Master Plan Projects from the May 13, 2003, meeting of the Facilities/Safety Committee.

            3.   An excerpt from the May 2003 issue of Spectra regarding the Importance of Communication.

            4.   The Amended Agenda for the May 15, 2003, meeting of the WVMCCD Board of Trustees.

 

X.     Future Agenda Items

No new items were introduced at today's meeting.

 

XI.    Adjournment

            The meeting was adjourned at 4:07 p.m. (M/S/U- Oliver/Mancini). These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.