Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Approved Minutes

Thursday, September 12, 2002

I. Call to Order/Roll Call

President Jane Patton called the meeting to order at 2:09 p.m. The new Senators from Applied Science were introduced.

Senators	A	P	Senators	A	P
Brennan (Ext. 5313) Comm		X	McAlister (Ext. 5087) Stud.Dev.		X
Charland (Ext. 5046) Stud. Dev.		X	Mancini (Ext. 5855) AF/HM		X
Dooley (Ext. 5379) AAS		X	Martin (Ext. 5356) Tech.		X
Estrada (Ext.5164) CommSvc		X	Musat (Ext. 5331) Math		X
Guich (Ext. 5270) Social Sci.		X	Oliver (Ext. 5427) AAS		X
Johnson (Ext.5277) CATA		X	Patton (Ext. 5296) Comm Stud		X
Lavallo (Ext. 5399) Math		X	Rivas (Ext. 5282) CATA		X
Light (Ext. 5717) AF/CIT		X	Rosner (Ext. 5317) ESL		X
Lynne (Ext. 5248) CommSvc		X	Sippel (Ext. 5118) Comm		X
			VanTassel (Ext. 5334) Tech		X
Other: A.Braun (CRC),		X	Other: B.Grayson (Staff Dev)		X
S. Ghiya (ASB Rep.)		X	Guests: Randy Wu		X

II. Approval of the Minutes

The minutes for the September 5, 2002, meeting were accepted and approved with the following corrections and/or clarifications (M/S/P - Charland/Estrada):

Page 1, Item V.3 - Add the following: "In addition, the department is in the midst of developing a new course in applied grammar.

Page 2, Item VI.C.a) - Committee Appointments/Program Review - The last sentence is changed as follows: "Phil Mancini volunteered and Ellen McAlister volunteered to serve as an alternate, and their appointments were confirmed..."

Page 2, Item VII.A (Consider Membership of Equivalency Committee), last paragraph, second sentence to read as follows: "Jane explained that the state Academic Senate's policy is that an individual not be given equivalency to teach only one special course..."

Page 4, Item VII.C (Discussion of Overall Review of Curriculum Process) - first paragraph, third sentence to read as follows: "It was suggested by PR Chair, Jody Hacker, that the committee members could then inform and assist those departments currently undergoing program review on the development of appropriate prerequisites."

Jane clarified that no department will be required to implement specific prerequisites, but departments will be required to review their programs and consider the need for prerequisites. She asked the Senators to be sure to provide that information to their constituents.

A request to amend the minutes of August 29, 2002, was made and the following change to Page 1, Item V.2 was approved (M/S/P - Charland/Brennan):

"Senator Charland advised that the annual WACAC event will take place on Wednesday, October 2^nd in May,..."

III. Order of the Agenda

The Senators approved (M/S/U - VanTassel/Charland) a request from Jane that New Business Items be addressed prior to Old Business items.

IV. Oral Communication from the Public

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

V. Information & Announcements

1. Senator Estrada reported that the state chancellor pulled the proposed changes to Title 5 regarding Information Competency from the Consent Agenda of the Board of Governor's meeting on September 9^th. The Department of Finance would not approve the proposed Information Competency regulations; their analysis indicated that the regulations generate a cost mandate to the system. A written opinion is expected by the end of September and the issue is on hold.

2. Senator Rivas advised that the Global Education Committee's is seeking direction and input from the Academic Senate regarding its proposal to send a group of students to Cuba. Jane asked that a short presentation be made to the Senate at next week's Senate meeting prior to discussion.

3. Jane reported that Vice Chancellor Steve Kinsella has been appointed the Interim President for Mission College. Jane indicated that she intends to work closely with Steve, and she asked the Senators, as well as faculty at large, to welcome Steve, to make him part of the Mission Community, and to be available to assist him as needed. It was suggested that Steve be invited to the first Senate meeting when he assumes the position. An interim CFO will be selected to serve for the remainder of this semester. This action could prove to be a great opportunity to both Steve and to Mission College.

4. Regarding the Compressed Calendar, Jane reminded the Senators that last year the college's Calendar Committee opted not to move forward with a compressed calendar for this year. The matter was forwarded to GAP for consideration as there were issues of concern that needed to be explored and resolved. Over the summer, Jim Burrell created a mock-up class schedule to determine if such a schedule is viable. His opinion is that it is possible, but there are still areas of concern. The VP of Instruction is currently working with the Division Chair Council, investigating several concerns. One of the issues involves the students' opinions, and a student survey will be conducted in the near future. Another concern deals with start time for late afternoon classes, which may prove to be a conflict for many of the college's working students. It is Jane's contention that the decision regarding the Compressed Calendar at Mission College has been made via a cooperative and participatory process that must necessarily involve students, faculty and ACE, classified staff, and the administration. If the college decides to move forward with a compressed calendar, the decision must be made this fall for implementation next fall. Jim Burrell has been invited to attend next week's Senate meeting to present his mock-up and to discuss the issue further.

5. Jane announced enrollment is up from last year by approximately 500 students at first census.

6. Next week's agenda will include an item brought to the Academic Senate last semester by Associate Faculty representatives. The issue is in regard to guaranteed interviews for associate faculty members during the hiring process for full-time faculty positions. Carolyn Fisher has requested that the Senate provide direction to ACE on this matter. Jane asked the Senators to discuss this issue with their constituents in preparation for next week's meeting. It was suggested that the state's current hiring policies be obtained prior to discussing this issue. Jane will consult with Carolyn on this matter.

7. Jane advised that a faculty member will be selected to fill Sumi's position in the Office of Instruction on 100% release time. Interviews will be conducted on Monday, and since Jane cannot sit on the committee, she asked for a Senator to represent the Senate on the committee. No one was available and Jane will try to find another faculty member.

8. ACE will present a forum at Mission College on benefits and load on September 26^h from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in S3-501.

VI. Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

A. Curriculum Committee (CRC) - * The first full meeting of the committee was held last Monday, at which time a number of courses were granted "first reading" approval. The committee will consider approval of second readings at the next regular meeting. * The CRC has selected Betty Ensminger to represent the CRC on the Program Review Task Force. * The CRC discussed the issue of review of the entire curriculum. The deadlines associated with accomplishing the tasks of the CRC sometimes interfere with the ability of the committee to respond in a timely manner. The committee is considering how to maintain the integrity of its internal procedures and yet be responsive.

B. Staff Recognition - The following resolution was passed unanimously (M/S/U - Lynne/Sippel):

"Whereas, Randy Wu "Saves the day every day" in helping people out of technology jams, taking care of over 1200 computers with his technical expertise; and

Whereas, Randy is a master problem solver and trouble shooter; and

Whereas, Randy is an excellent mentor to student lab technicians and project leader in directing the public station management, library, and other projects; and

Whereas, Randy is a consummate team player serving on countless committees showing his devotion even on the weekends; and

Whereas, Randy always has ultimate respect and patience for his colleagues regardless of their technological abilities and fluency; and

Whereas, Randy is always available to Mission College employees with a smile and provides Mission college students with a high level of service by his efforts………

Whereas, The mere mention of Randy’s name or even the sight of Randy approaching is generally regarded by all as a sign of relief and reassurance that yet another heinous problem may soon be resolved; and

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Mission College Academic Senate recognize Randy Wu for his stellar performance and thank him heartily for his contributions to our work and environment."

The resolution was presented to Randy at today's meeting. Randy expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Senate.

C. Committee Appointments

a) Appoint Faculty Member to GAP - Jane advised that Marsha Chan and Carolyn Fisher responded to the call for volunteers to serve on GAP. Marsha will not be able to serve in the Fall semester because of a schedule conflict. It was agreed that the Senators would consider both candidates and voted by written ballot to appoint Carolyn Fisher to serve on GAP for a two-year term.

b) Equivalency Committee - Jane postponed this item until the current committee decides whether or not to increase the number of faculty members on the committee.

c) Program Review Task Force - The Senators unanimously approved (M/S/U - Charland/McAlister) the appointment of the following faculty to this task force: Betty Ensminger, Joni Johnson, and Carol Toppel.

D. Oral Reports

1. Staff Development - Betty stated that Fall flex activities went well. Staff Development Committee is struggling with budget concerns and agreed it is important to maintain the Resource Center and the position of the Staff Development Coordinator. At this time, it does not appear that staff development will have ample funds for grants and/or for conference attendance. The state and the college staff development budgets have been reduced significantly.

2. Instructional Technology Committee -No report

3. Program Review Committee - No report

4. District Information Technology Steering Committee - Senator Light reported that the committee met last week. The Network Refresh Plan continues to be considered, and it is recognized that the initial cost estimate of approximately $ .5 million is not feasible. The plan will be reviewed by a smaller focus group this month with the intent of reducing the estimated budget. It appears that there is a great deal of dependence on contractors. As a result, there is little documentation and diagrams of the network, and what is needed is a somewhat homogeneous environment in an IT organization.

5. Other:

a) Ian Walton's Report on Statewide Academic Senate Activities - Summer 2002

Ian was re-elected as Treasurer of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges at the Spring Plenary Session in San Francisco in April. This is one of the four officer positions on the fifteen member elected Executive Committee. The ongoing president is Hoke Simpson from Grossmont College. Ian continues to receive 50% reassigned time funded by the state Academic Senate.

Ian had a considerable number of activities over the summer including:

1) June - Executive Committee orientation for newly elected members

2) June - Summer Technology Institute

The Academic Senate did not sponsor a technology institute this summer but the tradition was continued by our previous partner, @ONE. Ian was invited to present a general session on technology and educational policy. The combined volume of six recent Academic Senate policy papers on technology has just been republished in its second printing.

3) June - Faculty Leadership Institute in Granlibakken

This is the annual training workshop for new local senate presidents and other faculty leaders. It is planned and presented by the Executive Committee. Ian co-presented the Authority of the Local Senate general session with Hoke Simpson and also a breakout on senate/union relations.

4) July - Curriculum Institute in San Jose

Ian presented a session on technology and local senate responsibilities with particular focus on the curriculum process and the new permanently adopted Title 5 distance education regulations.

Ian's responsibilities for the coming year include:

Senate activities:

• Executive Committee member

• Treasurer and Chair of the Budget Committee

• Chair of the Local Senates Committee

• Member of the Occupational Education Committee

Other activities:

• Representative to ICAS (Intersegmental Committee of Academic Senates that includes the CSU and UC Academic Senates)

• Representative (and Vice Chair) to TTAC (CCCCO Technology and Telecommunications Advisory Committee)

• Representative to WEDAC (CCCCO Workforce and Economic Development Advisory Committee)

• Representative to EdNET (CCCCO Advisory Committee)

• Representative to the Consultation Council's Workforce Development Task Force

Please contact Ian via phone or e-mail if he can help with anything. He will keep in close touch with Jane, but his schedule will rarely allow him to visit the Senate meetings.

As agreed, the order of agenda was suspended and moved to Item VIII (New Business).

VIII. New Business

A. Consider Change to Policy re: Curriculum Approval Process

Jane explained that the current policy in the district is for final curriculum approval to be made by the Board of Trustees. The Community College League of California (CCLC), an organization of trustees and administrators, has recommended that the authority to approve curriculum be given to the college president rather than the Board. The intent is to expedite curriculum approval. Jane shared the recommendation with the Curriculum Review Committee (CRC) and the Division Chair Council (DCC), and the recommendation was positively received by both bodies. Since curriculum falls under the purview of the Academic Senate, Jane asked for direction on how to proceed on this matter.

A lengthy discussion on the current policy and procedure ensued. Alex explained that in most cases, curriculum approved by the committee and the Senate is placed on the Consent Agenda for approval by the Board. On rare occasions, a Board member will pull a course for discussion. The Board has agreed to rely primarily on the advice of the Academic Senate, and Alex stated that the Board has not rejected any courses during his tenure as Chair of the CRC.

Concern was expressed regarding the recommendation changing authority to the president, particularly in light of the state of flux experienced within the office. It was suggested that the Senate consider the level of dissatisfaction with the current procedure and the possible ramifications of changing the approval authority.

It was ultimately agreed that a subcommittee of the Senate will meet with Alex to brainstorm and develop a proposed policy and procedure. Jonathan, Keith, and Jane will meet with Alex and bring a recommendation back to the Senate for consideration.

B. Consider Graduation Requirements

The Senators reviewed a document listing possible changes to the college's graduation requirements with a focus on the following issues:

• Information Competency

• Cultural Pluralism

• Oral Communication

• English 1A

Jane asked the Senators to discuss these issues with their constituents. If their division is not holding regular meetings, she asked that the Senators call a division meeting to discuss these and other important issues. This matter will be placed on a future agenda for further discussion.

VII. Old Business

A. Continue Discussion of Overall Review of Curriculum Process

This item was postponed to a future meeting.

B. Continue Discussion of MCAS Constitution & By-Laws

Jane asked the Senators to form three discussion groups and consider changes to the current constitution , using a list of questions as guidelines. One person was designated to take notes and a summary of notes will be prepared and distributed at the next meeting. The subgroups met for a 45 minute discussion.

X. Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

Correspondence

1. A memo sent to all CRC members re: the timelines for the semester and a current list of committee members.

Publication/Minutes

1. Article from San Jose Mercury News dated September 12, 2002, on current status of immigration laws relative to California community colleges. Also, an article from the September 10^th issue on the increase in the number of students attending California community colleges and whether or not the colleges can sustain the level of growth.

2. A copy of the 2002/03 State Budget as of September 5, 2002, from the CCLC.

3. A copy of the District's Final Budget for fiscal year 2002/03.

4. The minutes for the August 4, 2002, meeting of DBAC.

5. The agenda for the September 11, 2002, meeting of the Instructional Advisory Team.

6. A summary of the actions taken by the Board of Trustees on September 5, 2002.

Announcements/Conferences - None

XI. Future Agenda Items

1. Compressed Calendar (September 19^th)

2. ACE Concerns on Hiring Policy relative to Associate Faculty (September 19^th)

3. Global Ed Presentation on Cuba Project (September 19^th)

XII. Adjournment

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