Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

                                              Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, October 14, 2004 

 

I.       Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Alex Braun at 2:10 p.m. 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Braun      (Ext. 5355) Pres/Tech

 

    X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

   

    X

Brichko    (Ext. 5222)  CATA

     

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5356)  Tech.

    

    X

Charland  (Ext. 5046)  Stud. Dev.

    

    X

McKay    (Ext. 5312)  Comm

 

    X

Cogswell (Ext. 5388)  AAS

    

    X

Musat      (Ext. 5331) Math

   

    X

Cox        (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

 

    X

Perlas      (Ext. 5041)  Stud.Dev.

   

    X

Dooley    (Ext. 5379)   AAS

 

    X

Rath       (Ext. 5413)  AF/CIT

    

    X

Harris     (Ext. 5796)  AF/Comm

    

    X

Smebye   (Ext. 5305) CommServ

 

    X

Kashima  (Ext. 5319)  ESL

    X

 

Szabados  (Ext.5289)  CATA

 

    X

Laird      (Ext. 5186)  SocSci

 

    X

Zeisler     (Ext. 5426) Comm

 

    X

ASB Rep. O.Viduarre

 

   X

ASB Rep. D. Viduarre

 

    X

Guests: P.Hudak. M.Jahan, C.Vinson

 

    X

C. Lam (DCC),

H.Rothenberg (Staff Dev)

 

    X

    X

 

            GRA –CHECK ON SPELLING OF STUDENTS NAME

 

II.     Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the meeting of September 30, 2004 were accepted and approved as submitted   (M/S/P –Harris/Laird).

 

III.    Order of the Agenda

            No changes were made to today’s agenda.

 

IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

            Dianne McKay expressed her appreciation to Ray Charland for his organization of the Learning Community Conference held at Mission College.  Reports on the event have been very complimentary.  Ray stated that approximately 135 faculty from other colleges attended. 

 

V.      Information & Announcements 

         1.   Senator Cox announced that the Library is hosting a screening of an HBO special, entitled Iron Jawed Angels next Thursday evening in the TV Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The film is a drama about the women’s suffrage movement and the women’s right to vote.

            2.   President Braun asked how many Senators will be able to attend a District Academic Senate meeting to be held at West Valley College on Tuesday, November 9th or on Thursday, November 11th.  He will discuss the date with President Lock and report back to the Senate.

            3.   President Braun advised that the MC Academic Senate scheduled for October 28, 2004, will be cancelled.  He and VP Dianne McKay will be attending the Fall Plenary Session of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges.

            4.   President Braun reported that the current Mission College mission statement was discussed at yesterday’s GAP meeting.  A copy of the statement will be forwarded to the Senators for review.  The discussion was driven by a request of the Accreditation Commission to see if it includes words regarding student assessment and student learning outcomes.  At this time, there was discussion on the appropriateness of the Accreditation Commission determining the college’s mission statement.  Alex agreed to place the item on next week’s agenda for discussion.                                                                                               

         5.   President Braun announced that a draft form was presented at GAP relative to volunteer service as a result of complaints from the collective bargaining units.  The form is intended to ensure that volunteers do not take on tasks that should be performed by union members.

 

VI.    Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

 A.     Curriculum Committee – Dianne reported that the committee continues to meet.  The Tech Review Committee will meet for 1/2 hour next week, and curriculum will be reviewed for approval on October 25th and November 1st.  All forms must be submitted to the committee by October 21, 2004, for action.

 B.     Staff Recognition - The following resolution was passed at last week’s meeting and presented to Mike Fee at today’s meeting (M/S/U – McKay/Harris):         

 

            “Whereas, Mike Fee has served Mission College faithfully for many years, supporting instruction and activities with outstanding audio visual support, and

 

Whereas, Mike has demonstrated flexibility and a sense of humor by adapting to changes at the college, such as coordinating the loan of computers and projectors when faculty need warranted the change, and

 

Whereas, Mike has supported the State Academic Senate by providing audio visual support to its conferences and meetings,

 

Whereas, Mike is quick to respond to cries of panic from faculty when projectors, TV sets and other equipment suddenly fail, and

 

Whereas, Mike has had to take on new and unexpected jobs to fill unmet needs at the college, yet somehow manages to maintain his aura of calm, 

 

Therefore Be it resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate commend and thank Mike Fee for his dedication, service and support for the instructional programs and activities at Mission College.”

 

 C.     Committee Appointments 

            1.  Staff Development Committee –  The Academic Senate approved the appointment of the following faculty who volunteered to serve on this committee (M/S/U – Charland/Cox):  Carol Brockmeier, Kara Dworak, and Leigh Ann Sippel.     Additional members may be appointed at next week’s meeting.                                            

         2.  Hiring Committee for VP of Student Services – The Senators unanimously confirmed the appointment of Rosalyn Chan as the Division Chair Council representative (M/S/U, Yolanda Coleman as the Counseling representative (M/S/U), and Bob Miller, elected by written ballot, to serve as the faculty at-large representative on this committee.                               

D.      Oral Reports

         1.  Staff Development Committee – * Heather Lynn Rothenberg, Staff Development Coordinator advised that there will be a staff development day in August, date to be announced, and a development day on January 27th. The plans for that day will be announced after the Staff Development Committee meets.  Any questions or concerns regarding flex days should be directed to Pat Andrews as the calendar is negotiated by ACE.

         *  A Great Teachers Seminar will be held at Mission College January 24-26, 2005, for all new faculty and other interested faculty. The cost is $35 per person.  Details will be announced some time in November.

            *  The budget for Staff Development is $2,000 for the year.  The committee has decided to split that amount equally for each semester.  An e-mail has been sent to all faculty encouraging faculty to submit requests for consideration this semester by October 28, 2004. 

            *  The support staff for MC Staff Development has been moved to the District Office.  A hiring process has begun and it is hoped that the position will be filled some time in November.  That person will track flex hours and send statements out to faculty.

         * Heather will return to the Senate with another report  in November. Heather was praised for her work as Staff Development Coordinator

            2.  Technology Committee Report – Pat Hudak advised that the committee is lacking representatives from Social Science and Commercial Services.  Pat made a presentation to the Senators on the Total Cost of Ownership for Technology Resources at Mission College, referring to Accreditation Standard III, Section B.2a and Section C.2.  The charge of the committee and the challenges it faces are as follows:

     •  Lack of a college budgetary model for acquiring, maintaining, upgrading or replacing computer equipment.

     •   Growth in the number of computer labs and demo rooms (17 new labs and demo rooms for 2004/05).

              •  Growth in the number of instruction services (7 new servers for 2004/05).

              •  Very high computer to staff support ratio

              •  High level of maintenance caused by aging equipment

              •  Increased reliance upon computer technology for course delivery and student access

              •  Substandard computers for faculty and staff.

 

            The committee recommends the following:

                  •   The college needs stability and support in funding to implement the required plans for investments in purchasing new technologies, replacing the old equipment and hiring classified staff.

                  •     The Mission College Technology Plan recommends a process for budget development that reflects the total costs of acquiring, maintaining and updating campus technology.

 

            The college continues to grow but no commensurate support is forthcoming. The Technology Committee has officially requested that CBAC start the discussion to revise the college budget model and that the Technology Committee members participate in the revision process. 

 

            Discussion ensued, and it was explained that there is no line item for buying technology.  There is a line item, however, for instructional equipment.  This category covers all equipment used by the college, such as a computer, piano, racquet ball equipment, etc. In accordance with Title 5, the Academic Senate plays a role in restructuring budget models. Since this committee is a subcommittee of the Academic Senate it is appropriate for the Senate’s Subcommittee to play a role in the development of the budget. Pat remarked that there are no funds available to provide computers and other support for the newly hired faculty.  This is disheartening and an embarrassment for the district.  The Senators agreed and stated that the college has the obligation to allocate funds to support new faculty.  Departments should not have to cover the costs.

 

            It was ultimately agreed that the Senators would bring this matter to their constituents and provide feedback to the Technology Committee.

         3.  Other – No other reports were presented.

 

VII.   Old Business

 

A.      Update Report on Kuwait Project

       As directed by the Academic Senate, Alex met with the Chancellor and Vivian Lock to receive the Chancellor’s response to Alex’s letter listing the Academic Senate’s questions and concerns relative to the Kuwait project.  Alex reported that the Chancellor stated that since most of the issues of concern relate to the Academic Senate, the Senate should respond to the posed questions, and that he is prepared to rely primarily on the advice of the Academic Senate. The Mission College mission statement was also discussed, and it was noted that the language in the statement would allow for the establishment of a campus in Kuwait.

 

The Senators reacted strongly to this information, indicating that the Chancellor is asking the Senate to make a decision without information on a project initiated without the consultation of the Academic Senate. Alex’s letter was well written and the questions posed to the Chancellor by the Academic Senate were rational.   The Chancellor needs to respond to the questions and concerns of the Academic Senate.  The Chancellor is placing the onus for this decision on the Academic Senate without providing essential information that is required in order for the Senate to make an educated decision.  It is not the responsibility of the Academic Senate to answer its own questions without the required information about the Kuwait project, and to do so would place the Academic Senate in an inappropriately culpable position.

 

The job description for a Project Coordinator was announced and closed yesterday without consultation on a matter that affects the college’s mission statement and affects the Academic Senate’s charge. The MC Academic Senate has a policy and process in place for the creation of a new department or program, and this process has been by-passed as well.  The feelings expressed by Dr. Chong at last week’s Senate meeting does not excuse the continuing lack of shared governance. The whole issue that led to the resolution of no confidence in the Chancellor dealt with the lack of a participatory process in decision-making. The Chancellor promised that he would not continue that practice, and he has done exactly what he said he would not do. There was much agitation among the Senators in response to Alex’s report.

 

       As for the mission statement, Alex explained that permission from WASCC is required in order to implement the Kuwait campus, and the endorsement of faculty is essential to WASCC’s approval.  The MC mission statement was read into the minutes:

 

“Mission College is an open access community college serving the ever-changing educational and economic development needs of Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, and the larger community.  Seeking to develop community leaders and global stewards in a competitive world economy, the college provides transfer, degree, and certificate programs in lower division arts and sciences; community, career, and vocational education; and educational opportunities in basic skills and English as a Second Language. To accomplish its mission, the College provides the most advanced academic and technological resources, comprehensive student services, and enriching aesthetic experiences to help students succeed and to participate responsibly in a democratic society.”

 

During discussion it was stated that the term “global stewards” in the above mission statement does not imply permission to establish campuses in other countries.  The statement clearly refers to Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, and the larger community.  In addition, the Senators were reminded that the Chancellor stated that only one college can participate, which could result in a negative competition between the sister colleges.  There could be significant money involved and how the money is to be distributed is another major issue of concern.

 

Alex advised that he will informally request technical assistance from Kate Clark, President of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) to determine what resources and what recourse is available from the ASCCC. He will also discuss the matter with Ian Walton, the Vice President of the ASCCC at the Area B meeting. Future actions by the Chancellor on this matter will determine if there will be a need for the MC Academic Senate to direct Alex to make a formal request for assistance from the ASCCC.

 

As discussion continued, it was noted that last year the District Academic Senate agreed to discuss the status of the resolution of no confidence in the Chancellor at its first meeting this fall.  The Senators requested that this item be placed be on the agenda for the next District Academic Senate meeting to be held in November.  In the meantime, Alex was directed to make it clear in communication to the Chancellor and/or administrators that the Academic Senate is not opposed to the Kuwait project per se. The Academic Senate must be considered as officially neutral until the information requested per Alex’s letter on behalf of the Academic Senate is provided.  In addition, Alex was directed to advise the Chancellor that the Academic Senate has grave reservations regarding the process, which violates the principles of shared governance.  It must be stressed that the Academic Senate needs information in order to do its job effectively. The Senate’s primary concern is education, curriculum and academic issues.  The Senate wants to know the compelling educational rationale for this project and what the compelling financial implications are as well.

 

Alex will apprise the Senators of the information he gleans from Kate Clark and Ian Walton at the next Senate meeting.

 

   B.   Update Report from Subcommittees Dealing w MCAS Goals/Objectives

            The subcommittees continue to meet and no specific reports were made at today’s meeting.

 

   C.   Update on College-Wide Marketing Budget

            As directed by the Senate, Alex raised the issue of sufficient funding for marketing at GAP.  The item is on the agenda for the next meeting.  He will report back to the Senate on this issue.  

 

VIII.  New Business

 

    A.  Consider Recommended Revisions to Disciplines List

            Alex advised that a proposed revision to the state’s discipline list has been submitted by Chris Moyers relative to the minimum qualifications for Sociology faculty.  The Senators agreed to send the proposed revision forward to the ASCCC for consideration.  Alex will take the proposal to the Area B meeting for discussion.

 

    B.   Consider District Program Review Task Force

            Alex discussed this proposal with Vivian Lock.  The WVC Academic Senate passed a motion at its September 21st meeting to form a task force to consider program review as it relates to student learning outcomes and accreditation.  Alex asked the Senators for direction. 

 

            After some discussion, it was stated that there does not seem to be any advantage to combining the efforts of the two colleges, particularly since the Mission College Academic Senate has proposed a campus-wide planning effort to review programs and project into future budget issues, faculty, equipment, and curriculum.  The Senators directed Alex to advise the WVC Academic Senate that program review is a college issue and there does not seem to be a rationale for merging the systems.  Alex will advise Vivian of the Senators’ decision.

 

   C.   Discuss Proposal to Combine DBAC and District Council

            A proposal to combine the District Council and DBAC was presented at the last District Council meeting.  The rationale for this proposal is that the combined committee will function more efficiently.  Alex expressed his view that this will destroy the concept of checks and balances and alter the distribution of power for classified, students, and the Board of Trustees.  The power of the Academic Senate is mandated in law.  The District Council (DC) should, but does not deal with strategic issues; the DC deals more with tactical issues, and it reviews the Board Agenda.  DBAC deals with specifics of the budget and the budget process.  Alex believes that the concept to combine the committees came about because of last year’s budget concerns, when both committees were preoccupied with budget concerns.  Times have changed and the budget issues are not the same.  Alex reported that the Chancellor stated that if the committees functioned as they were intended to, there would be no need to combine them.  Communication and coordination is required between the committees.  Alex asked for direction from the Senate.

            Discussion ensued, and it was noted that in the past the District Council and DBAC made decisions appropriate to each body.  If both committees had concerns about budget, DBAC would deal with operational concerns and the DC would deal with strategic concerns.  The function of the District Council is up to the Chancellor and currently the committee appears to serve to merely keep people busy reviewing an agenda that is already set.  The committees should be allowed to work to their original charges and to resume the powers once enjoyed by each committee.  The following motion was passed unanimously (McKay/Cox):

 

            “that the Mission College Academic Senate (MCAS) opposes the suggestion to combine the District Council and the District Budget Advisory Council because to combine the committees is a further step away from true shared governance, and the MCAS advocates that each committee be allowed to function and fill its respective charge.”

 

            Alex will advise the Chancellor of the Academic Senate’s decision.

 

   D.   Discuss Proposed New District Research Analyst Position

            Alex explained that this item was placed on the agenda in error.  The position is not a district position, but rather Chris Olson’s position.   There is no need for discussion.

 

   E.    Discuss Intersession Proposals

            A Senator asked for clarification on this proposal.  There is mixed information as to whether or not there will be inter-sessions.  There was some confusion as to whether the issue of inter-sessions fall under the purview of the Academic Senate or ACE.  Other questions deal with the students:  do they want an intersession, and how will they benefit from such a session?  Alex explained that the responsibility of the Academic Senate overlaps with ACE’s responsibility relative to calendar and working conditions.  ACE must negotiate the contractual aspect of inter-sessions.  The Academic Senate will have to deal with the instructional issues.  It was stated that there is no budget for the Library to remain open if inter-sessions are established.  Other concerns relate to the effect an intersession might have on the student enrollment during the regular semester, as well as the impact on classified staff who will have to register students for an intersession and get the grades out at the same time.  It was noted that there are some community colleges, such as Cabrillo, that have implemented inter-sessions successfully, but the implementation of an intersession was two years in the making at Cabrillo.

 

            The ASB representatives were asked if there has been discussion at the Student Senate on this matter.  They indicated that no discussion has taken place on this subject and they agreed to bring the issue to their Senate and report back to the Academic Senate on this matter.       

 

IX.    Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

            1.   An e-mail dated October 12, 2004, with a list of major facilities projects that will be covered in the Measure H bond language.

         Publications/Minutes

         1.   The agenda for the October 13, 2004, meeting of GAP.

            2.   The agenda for the October 13, 2004, meeting of the District Council.

            3.   The agenda for the October 7, 2004, meeting of the Board of Trustees and the agenda for a special closed session meeting of the Board on October 13, 2004.

            4.   The agenda for the October 14, 2004, meeting of the ACE Executive Council, and the approved minutes for the September 16, 2004, meeting.

            5.   The agenda for the October 6, 2004, meeting of DBAC and the unapproved minutes for its September 15, 2004, meeting.

           

 

         Announcements 

            1.   A Sabbatical Workshop will be held on Friday, October 29th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room A at Mission College.  Sabbatical proposals will be due on December 2, 2004.

            2.   The Distance Learning Committee will hold a one-day retreat on Friday, October 29th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Campus Center Room 219/220.  The purpose for the retreat is to help launch a Distance Learning Strategic Plan, to set the vision and higher-level goals.  Those interested in attending should contact Cindy Vinson (Ext. 5541).

            3.   The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges announced that Jane Patton has been appointed to the Occupational Education Committee for the 2004/05 academic year and to the Equity and Diversity Action Committee for the 2004/05 academic year.  The ASCCC also announced that Ian Walton has been appointed to the Educational Policies Committee for the 2004/05 academic year.

 

X.     Future Agenda Items

            No new items were added at today’s meeting.        

              

XI.    Adjournment

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