Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Approved Minutes

Thursday, September 25, 2003

I. Call to Order/Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by President Alex Braun at 2:15 p.m.

Senators	A	P	Senators	A	P
Braun (Ext. 5355) Pres/Tech		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	Perlas (Ext. 5041) Stud.Dev.		X
Estrada (Ext.5164) CommSvc		X	Rivas (Ext. 5282) CATA	X
Johnson (Ext.5277) CATA		X	Rosner (Ext. 5317) ESL		X
Laird (Ext. 5186) SocScience		X	Smebye (Ext. 5305) CommServ		X
Lavallo (Ext. 5399) Math		X	Zeisler (Ext. 5426) Comm		X
Other: B.Grayson (Staff Dev)	X		ASB Reps. B.Casillas, R.Holt		X
Guests: C.Fisher, I.Walton		X

II. Approval of the Minutes

The minutes for the meeting of September 11, 2003, were accepted and approved as submitted with the following clarification from Ian Walton (M/S/U – Dooley/Oliver):

Referring to Page 2, Item VII.B, first paragraph, seventh sentence, “It was thought that the approval of a waiver would not incur a penalty.” Ian explained that the issue is complex. The request for a waiver only applied to the six new positions. The district is not paying a penalty on those six positions. The State is penalizing the District because the actual number of faculty dropped below the Fall 2002 Faculty Obligation Number.

III. Order of the Agenda

There were no changes to today’s Order of the Agenda (M/S/U).

IV. Oral Communication from the Public

Carolyn Fisher, President of ACE, advised the Senate that the District has presented the following Letter of Understanding to ACE for consideration regarding tenure review teams. Carolyn explained that this issue falls under the joint purview of the Academic Senate and ACE, in accordance with the Ed Code, and presented the proposal to the Senate for consideration. The District’s proposal will change contract language to read as follows:

"It is intended that faculty members appointed to the team shall serve for the duration

of the tenure-track period. However, if vacancies occur due to leaves, retirements,

resignations, etc., then, providing the candidate is in Satisfactory status, that seat may

be held vacant for the duration of the tenure review period upon the agreement of the

appraisee, the Department Chair (or appropriate administrator in the case of Librarians

and Lab Faculty Specialists) and the appropriate Vice President. If any one of the

above-mentioned parties prefers that the seat not be kept vacant, then the seat shall be

filled with a regular faculty member in Satisfactory standing.

If the appraisee, at the time of resolving a team vacancy, is in Needs-to-Improve or

Unsatisfactory standing, then the vacancy must be filled with a Division Chair who will

be appointed by the appropriate Vice President."

This provision would sunset on June 30, 2006.

It was explained that the intent of the District is to change current policy, which permits Emeritus faculty and/or faculty on banked leave to serve on Tenure Review Teams. It was noted that these faculty serve on the teams without remuneration. Considering that the District may have to hire 30 new faculty in the next two years, it is ACE’s view that Emeritus faculty could continue to serve to relieve the burden that will necessarily fall on full-time faculty. Several points of concern were raised relative to the proposal, and the Senators directed Alex to request a written clarification of the rationale for this request from the administration, and that the matter be placed on a future agenda for discussion and resolution. It was also suggested that a request be made for a representative of the administration to attend the meeting to answer any questions. In the meantime, any questions on this matter should be directed to Carolyn Fisher.

V. Information & Announcements

A. ASB Representative Robin Holt advised that the ASB has funded a grant available to all groups on campus, up to $5,000. A flyer describing the process has been distributed via e-mail and additional information can be obtained through ASB. The deadline for the submission of applications is October 9, 2003. The awards will be announced and celebrated at a dinner in the Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m., October 23, 2003.

B. The Health Fair will be held on October 2, 2003, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Departments are being asked to participate in the fair and to donate a raffle prize.

C. Ian Walton submitted the following Statewide Academic Senate Activities report for Summer 2003 as information:

“Greetings:

As you know, I was elected as Vice President of the Academic Senate for California Community College (ASCCC) at the Spring Plenary Session in San Francisco in April. This is one of the four elected officer positions on the fifteen member Executive Committee. The new president is Kate Clark from Irvine Valley College. I continue to receive approximately 50% reassigned time funded by the ASCCC. You also know that Jane Patton is a newly elected Executive Committee member.

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

1) June – Executive Committee orientation for newly elected members

2) July – Faculty Leadership Institute in San Diego – attended by both Alex Braun and Vivian Lock. This is the annual training workshop for new local senate presidents and other faculty leaders. It is planned and presented by the Executive Committee. I was the institute coordinator this year. I co-presented the Authority of the Local Senate general session with Jane Patton and also breakouts on senate/union relations and budget/planning. I also chaired an interesting general session on how to raise the political profile of the community college system.

3) July – As Vice President I substituted for most of the President’s activities this month, including Consultation Council and Board of Governors. I was the system-wide faculty representative on a four member panel testifying to the leadership qualities that we expect in the new Chancellor. (You recall that Chancellor Nussbaum is retiring in January.)

There have been several appointments to the Board of Governors in the last year and it is now a fairly progressive group:

Melinda Guzman Moore (Fair Oaks), Fahari Jeffers (San Diego) and former FACCC President Carolyn Russell all took office this spring. More recently we have Ronald Wong (Pasadena), Laurie Black (San Diego), Anita Grier (San Francisco) and new student member Kristin Jackson Franklin from Cypress College.

My ongoing responsibilities for the coming year include:

Senate Activities –

Executive Committee Member

Vice President

Chair of the Educational Policies Committee

Other Activities –

Representative to Board of Governors

Representative to Consultation Council (statewide “shared governance” – recommends to Chancellor and Board)

Representative to Council of Faculty Organizations (statewide faculty leaders from FACCC and statewide unions)

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 assorted CCCCO budget/funding formula/equalization groups

If I can help you with anything, please give me a call or e-mail. I will keep in close touch with Alex but my schedule will rarely allow me to visit our senate meetings.” Ian Walton

VI. Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

A. Curriculum Committee - No report was made today.

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

C. Committee Appointments

1. Staff Development Committee‑ Staff Development Coordinator, Betty Grayson, has advised that Cindy Harrison has volunteered to serve on the committee, and the Senators unanimously approved Cindy’s appointment (M/S/U – Smebye/Charland).

D. Oral Reports

3. Other: Senator Estrada reminded the Senators that the Senate agreed to form a subcommittee this year to consider the implementation of the Information Competency proficiency requirement, how to track students, and how to adapt an existing proficiency exam specific to the college. Senator Estrada was given direction to proceed and issue a call for faculty members at large, as well as faculty members from specific areas interested in participating on this committee. She was asked to send the new Senators information on Information Competency.

E. Nominate and Elect MCAS Vice-President - Jonathan Brennan was nominated and unanimously appointed as Vice-President with Senator Brennan abstaining from the vote.

VII. Old Business

A. Discuss Status of Resolution of No Confidence in Chancellor

Alex reiterated his intent to keep this item on the agenda for the current academic year. His purpose is to keep the Senators apprised of any progress, or lack thereof, that the Chancellor makes on the Bill of Particulars. He advised that a meeting of the Chancellor’s Roundtable was held last week. This group consists of the Academic Senate Presidents, the Classified Senate Presidents, the Chancellor’s Assistant, and the Chancellor. The intent of these meetings is to discuss strategic matters regarding the future direction of the district and to keep communication lines open between the administration, faculty, and staff. The group will meet quarterly or more often as needed.

Alex reported that the issue of the Faculty Obligation Number was discussed and the unofficial numbers were confirmed (363.1 FTE). The actual numbers will be issued from the state Chancellor’s Office late October, early November. The Chancellor also raised the issue of a Bond measure. As discussion continued, it was suggested that topics such as the Bond measure and FON should not be addressed under this item. Important items such as these should be presented to the Senate as a separate agenda item. The question of the Resolution of No Confidence must continue to be monitored as a separate issue. Alex explained his intent is to keep the Senate informed.

Alex reported that he asked the Chancellor directly for specific comments on the Bill of Particulars. The Chancellor responded, saying he would act in a way that addresses some of the items in the Bill of Particulars, he may respond in writing to some of the specifics, and he may not respond to others. The Chancellor, when asked for specific items he would or would not address, stated that he was not prepared to respond to that question. He offered to address the Senate in person on this matter. It is Alex’s view that the Chancellor is mindful of the resolution. It was emphasized during discussion that the Senate must continue to require satisfactory responses to every item in the Bill of Particulars.

Discussion continued around process and how to proceed relative to the Vote of No Confidence. A number of outstanding issues will serve as a venue for monitoring the Chancellor’s approach, such as Mid-Year Cuts, budget process and planning, the effect on academic programs, and Banked Leave Compensation. Actions will indicate how the Chancellor regards faculty and its role in the decision-making process. A question regarding the Chancellor’s evaluation was raised and whether or not there was input from the Academic Senate. Alex reported that the Chancellor was evaluated by the Board in August and Jane Patton presented an honest report to the Board on the Chancellor’s performance. Since Jane’s report was presented on behalf of the Academic Senate, it was requested that the Senators be allowed to view the report. Ultimately, it was agreed that this item should remain on the agenda, and any discussion under this item should be grounded in the Bill of Particulars.

B. Update on Status of District Budget – Faculty Hires

At the September 11, 2003, meeting of the MCAS, the Senate agreed to move forward with six new faculty positions as proposed by the Division Chair Council, to maintain the priority of positions #7-#10, and reconsider the prioritization of positions #11through #31. Alex reported that the Division Chair Council (DCC) has requested that the DCC and the Academic Senate review the original prioritization of the new faculty hire list with the emphasis on position #16, the Assessment Coordinator position.

During discussion it was emphasized that the budget decisions made last year were based on the worst-case scenario. The budget for community colleges for this year is slightly more than it was two years ago. There is a need to ensure that the events that occurred last year are not repeated. Alex reported that the Chancellor has been asked for the citation of law that refers to the Faculty Obligation Number as it relates to the 75%/25% ratio. At this time, the district is currently at a 67%/33% ratio of full-time faculty to associate faculty.

After a brief discussion on process, it was agreed that the Academic Senate will meet with the DCC next Thursday, October 2, 2003, at 2:05 p.m. in the Campus Center Room 219/220.

C. Review Program Master Planning Committee

The Senators were provided with a copy of the Program Master Planning process presented to and approved by the Senate at the end of last year. Alex advised that he has been asked to report to the Board of Trustees on the process and asked the Senate for direction.

Alex presented several issues of concern regarding the implementation of the process. During discussion it was noted that a call for someone to Chair this committee has been issued. It was agreed that .2 release time does not appear to be ample time to implement this comprehensive and complex process. The question of release time, however, remains uncertain. The Senate might consider taking action to streamline the process and possibly implement a pilot study to test the process. It was noted that a tremendous amount of work went into the preparation of this process and it was suggested that Jody Hacker be invited to address the concerns of the Academic Senate. Alex asked the Senators to formulate their questions and concerns in preparation of Jody’s visit. In the meantime, Alex was directed to advise the Board of Trustees that the first draft of the plan has been formulated and the Senate is considering how to streamline the process for implementation.

VIII. New Business

A. Discuss the Role and Responsibilities of DBAC

The Senators received a document describing the membership, the purpose, and the responsibilities of the District Budget Advisory Committee. Alex serves on this committee as President of the Academic Senate. These are open meetings held in the West Valley College Board Room on Wednesdays. It was reported that the original role of DBAC was to serve as a recommending body to the Board of Trustees on budget, and, in a de facto sense, was a decision-making body. Currently, this body functions as an informational body. A subcommittee of DBAC is currently reviewing the Budget Allocation Model (BAM) and the distribution of funds as they relate to the BAM. The district’s share of the funds has been increasing during recent years. Alex asked the Senators for input on the Role and Responsibilities of DBAC as presented in the document.

Discussion ensued, and it was noted that out of twenty members on the committee, only three are faculty. It is questionable that only three faculty are involved in the budget planning process and disbursement of funds. It was agreed that this matter needs further discussion and will be placed on a future agenda.

X. Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

Publication/Minutes

1. The agenda for the September 18, 2003, meeting of the Board of Trustees.

2. The agenda for the September 29, 2003, meeting of the MC Curriculum Review Committee and accompanying documents.

3. The September 18, 2003, issue of FA NEWS from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

4. A list of FSA’s from ACE dated September 22, 2003.

5. A draft of the September 2003 document entitled, PROGRESS ON MAJOR SYSTEM PRIORITIES from California Community Colleges.

6. The agenda and HR items for the September 24, 2003, meeting of the District Council.

7. A news brief from the State Chancellor’s Office, Educational Services Division dated September 2003.

8. The agenda for the September 17, 2003, meeting of DBAC and minutes for September 10, 2003.

9. The agenda for the September 24, 2003, meeting of GAP and summary notes for the meeting of September 10, 2003.

10. A publication by State Chancellor Nussbaum, dated September 2003, entitled, California’s Investment in Public Education: A Look At the Past Three Decades.”

11. A publication from the State Chancellor’s Office dated September 2003, entitled, “Access Lost: An Examination of Supply Constriction and Rationing in the California Community College System.”

12. Copies of publications from various newspapers re: cutbacks in California Community Colleges.

XI. Future Agenda Items

A. Discuss District’s Proposal for Letter of Understanding on Tenure Review Team

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:10p.m. (M/S/U – Charland/Brennan).

These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.