Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

                                              Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, November 4, 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.Vidaurre

 

   X

ASB Rep. D. Vidaurre

 

    X

 

 

 

Guests:  J.DelFrate, P.Hudak

 

    X

 

II.     Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the meeting of October 21, 2004 were accepted and approved as submitted (M/S/U – Dooley/Szabados).

 

III.    Order of the Agenda

            It was agreed (M/S/U – McKay/Harris) that the order of the agenda will be changed to accommodate Judie Del Frate.  Item VII.C will follow Item VI.  It was also agreed that item VII.E (Discuss Status of Resolution of No Confidence in the Chancellor) will be added to the agenda.  The Senators had requested that the item be placed on today’s agenda in order to discuss this issue prior to the November 9, 2004, District Academic Senate meeting and the item was inadvertently left off the agenda.  The Senators unanimously approved the addition of this item (M/S/U –Smebye/McKay) as this item requires the immediate attention of the Senate.

 

IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

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

 

V.      Information & Announcements 

         1.   The District Academic Senate meeting will be held in the Board Room at West Valley College on Tuesday, November 9th from 2:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.

             

VI.    Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

 A.     Curriculum Committee –  Dianne reported that the committee has approved changes to the Distance Learning Course Outline Form at the recommendation of the Distance Learning Committee.  The committee is seeking approval from the Academic Senate.  Dianne pointed out the changes that were made and the Senator unanimously approved the new form (M/S/U – Charland/Szabados).  Dianne also reported that the committee has approved all the courses submitted this fall except for one incomplete submission.  The committee is continuing to work on the Overlap Policy and it is anticipated that it will be brought to the Senate for approval in the near future. 

 B.     Staff Recognition -  No resolutions were presented today.

 C.     Committee Appointments 

            1.  Hiring Committee for District Vice Chancellor – The Senators unanimously appointed Pat Lavallo (Harris/Charland) and Alex Braun (M/S/U – Cox/Harris) to this committee.

         2.  Distance Learning Committee – The appointment of Britta Burton to this committee is pending the permission of the VP of Instruction.                                                

D.      Oral Reports  

            1.  Staff Development – No report was presented.

         2. Other: Technology Advisory Committee – Pat Hudak provided the Senators with a list of Faculty computers that are substandard according to the new IS Microcomputer Hardware Standards approved by the committee.  This list was sent to the WVC Tech committee for approval and then to the District Technology Committee before it goes to DBAC.  The goal is to get an allotment on the budget model.  Pat explained that the list is incomplete in that it does not cover faculty using special software, nor does it cover faculty with substandard computers and software.    During discussion it was explained that funds from Measure H may free up other funds to cover the needs and/or there may be additional funds coming in from state funding sources.  Pat advised that the Technology Committee tried to upgrade labs to meet the students’ needs, but faculty and staff have been shortchanged.  He reported that new faculty members are receiving computers that are five and six years old.  The older the computer, the greater the repair costs.  Pat also advised that the committee has changed its focus from exclusively instructional to include the needs of staff.  The Senate commended Anna Szabados for the improvements to the equipment in E202.  Anna explained that was accomplished as part of her grant.    

 

As agreed, the order of the agenda was suspended and moved to Item VIII.B.

 

VII.   Old Business

  

   C.   Consider Proposal to Change State and Local Minimum Quals for CA

            Judie submitted a revised version of the local minimum qualifications for Computer Applications, as recommended by the Academic Senate.  These changes have been coordinated with her counter-part at West Valley College.  The Senators unanimously approved the request to change the local minimum qualifications for computer applications as submitted  (M/S/U – Charland/Cox).  The changes will be submitted to the WVC Academic Senate for approval and then forwarded to the Board for adoption.

 

The order of the agenda was resumed.

 

VII.   Old Business

 

  A.    Update Report on Kuwait Project

Alex reported that he and Vivian Lock met with the EMT to discuss the Kuwait project.  He advised that his perspective on the situation has changed in that he now views the project in a larger context.  He would like to elevate the discourse to the issue of global and international education.  In preparing the agenda for the District Academic Senate meeting, the matter has been placed in that  larger context.  What is the role and responsibility of the Academic Senate in international education.  The District Academic Senate will determine what the appropriate role is relative to Kuwait and other potential foreign locations.  He asked that the Senators consider the matter from that perspective for next Tuesday’s discussion.  If there is a benefit to the District and it is legal, the Administration would like to move forward with the project.  The issue is worth exploring.

 

Discussion ensued, and there were primarily concerns as to the legality of opening a campus in other countries.  There are citations in the Ed Code relative to steps that must be followed when establishing another campus. Another concern raised is the District’s responsibility to the taxpayers. It was noted that students who attend Mission College’s International Students’ Program do not use taxpayer’s money.  Those students pay the full tuition for their education, plus fees, and the revenue received stays within the college.  We must consider the possible benefit of outside resources to the enrolled students from California. Another area of concern is the quality and integrity of the curriculum.   It was requested that the state law relative to community colleges on this matter be researched, and more would be amenable to the proposal if a business plan showing the bottom line was developed. The accreditation question must be addressed as well.  In addition, if there is revenue, there is no guarantee that the money would come to the college rather than the district as a whole.  There are issues at the college that must be addressed and the question of how this District was chosen arose once more. 

 

It was reported that the San Jose City-Evergreen District has passed a second bond, with the intent to build a campus in Milpitas.  Foothill-DeAnza District May be planning to open a campus in Shoreline.  These two campuses will impact the college’s enrollment.  It was emphasized that the Senate needs to consider alternative ways (including projects like the Kuwait proposal) that will keep the college financially viable in a highly competitive world.  In response, it was stated that the District’s efforts should be directed not only toward improving the financial situation, but  marketing the college better as well.

 

Alex then reported that he and Vivian were invited to join the Chancellor, two Board members, and the two college Presidents to visit Kuwait this November.  The expenses for the trip will be covered by the Kuwait firm.  He asked the Senators for direction and their view as to whether or not he should accept the invitation.  During discussion it was stated that it is the role and responsibility of the Academic Senate to maintain the academic integrity of the college.  If there are financial concerns, it is the legal fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Trustees to ensure that there are financial benefits to the proposal.  Ultimately, the Senators indicated support for Alex traveling to Kuwait.  It was recommended that he take pictures, tape conversations, and talk to the administration of feeder high schools, talk to students, faculty, etc.  It was emphasized that Alex consider the points raised by Jane Patton and obtain responses to those concerns as well. Most, if not all of these concerns, were included in the letter sent to the Chancellor and read to the Board of Trustees. It was suggested that a subcommittee of the MC Academic Senate be formed to determine the concerns of legality and the business plan.  Alex has recommended to the Chancellor that the Chancellor form a committee to get input from faculty at large, to provide information, and to get advice.

 

Discussion veered to the lack of communication from the Chancellor regarding this project prior to its exploration.  Alex advised that the Chancellor acknowledged the fact that the summer timing was a problem relative to the Academic Senate.  He has pledged that he will contact Alex as the first point of contact on any matter relative to the responsibility of the Academic Senate.  The Chancellor also acknowledged the Academic Senate’s rights and promised to be more vigilant with respect to the Academic Senate’s role in matters that fall under the purview of the Senate.

 

Alex agreed to the requests of the Senators should he agree to travel to Kuwait and will keep the Academic Senate apprised of the status.

 

 

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

            Senator Cox reported on the subcommittee dealing with the Technology Task Force Plan, which is located Inside Mission College.   

 

  C.    Update on College-Wide Marketing Budget

            Alex reported the concerns of the Academic Senate to GAP regarding the marketing budget for the college.  GAP was considering the priority of vacant positions and was being moderated by Lin Marelick.  Lin used the E&FMP as the criteria to determine the priorities.  Two top priorities became evident: 1) filling the vacant Senior Office Coordinator (SOC) positions and 2) the need for additional staff in marketing area, currently handled by Peter Anning. Alex stated that Marketing needs are extremely high on the priority list and it was the consensus of GAP to prioritize available funding to marketing and to fill the vacant SOC positions.  It was reported that Peter distributed a comparison chart of Mission College to other local colleges relative to marketing budgets, and Mission College rated very low.  Many of the other colleges had budgets in excess of $100,000.

 

            It was reported that the semester schedule will be delayed by five weeks due to the retirement of Rozie, Peter’s assistant.  This could seriously impact the college’s enrollment.  It was suggested that the college outsource the schedule and find out the true cost of marketing.  Marketing is a subset of sales and involves an analysis of people that use our services.  The college needs to determine who its market is, what is needed, and then promote to the market as defined.

 

E.      Discuss Status of Resolution of No Confidence in the Chancellor

            Several Senators indicated that it was their understanding that the MC Academic Senate was going to discuss whether or not to rescind the resolution prior to the District Academic Senate meeting next Tuesday.  The agenda indicates that the District Academic Senate (DAS) will be discussing the removal of the item from the agenda.  Alex explained that the motion passed by the DAS last May was to consider removal of the item from the DAS agenda.  The MC Academic Senate agreed to remove the item from its agenda last semester. 

 

            Discussion ensued on the possibility of rescinding the resolution, and it was stated that the Chancellor and the President of this college seem to be operating under different definitions of shared governance, and Alex was to meet with the Chancellor and the President on this matter.  Alex explained that he started the conversation on shared governance at the EMT meeting and intends to continue the conversation with the Chancellor.  In that conversation the Chancellor stated his desire for protocol on his approach to the Academic Senate on any matter that falls under the purview of the Senate.  The Chancellor also indicated his intent to be more timely in addressing the Senate on those matters.   It is both Alex’s and President Chong’s view that it is incumbent on the President to bring the appropriate matters to the Academic Senate through the Senate President.    

 

            At this time, it was reported that an e-mail was distributed to all faculty from Pat Andrews regarding intellectual property rights.  Concern was expressed that policy has been set without input from the Academic Senates.  It was suggested that the Senators review a paper on such policies prepared by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, which is available on line.  It was also stated that based on reports from ACE, it appears that the Chancellor and the District have not changed in the last year.  

 

            It was agreed that the decision regarding removing the agenda item, “Resolution of No Confidence in the Chancellor” will be made at the DAS meeting next Tuesday.

 

VIII.  New Business 

 

    A.   Establish Meeting Date of DCC and MCAS re: Faculty Hiring

            The joint meeting of the Division Chair Council and the Mission College Academic Senate will take place on Thursday, November 18, 2004.

 

IX.    Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

         Publications/Minutes

         1.   The November 1, 2004, issue of FA NEWS from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

            2.   The agenda for the November 9, 2004, meeting of the District Faculty and Staff Diversity Advisory Committee and the meeting minutes for October 25, 2004.

            3.   A copy of the Revised Draft Curriculum Overlap Dispute dated November 16, 1999.        

            4.   The agenda for the October 27, 2004, District Council meeting.

            5.   The agenda for the October 27, 2004, meeting of GAP, and the unapproved summary notes for the meeting of October 13, 2004.

            6.   The agenda for the October 28, 2004, meeting of the ACE Executive Council.

            7.   The agenda for the October 25, 2004, meeting of the MC Curriculum Review Committee.

         Announcements

                 

X.     Future Agenda Items

         1.  Consider the Crisis Intervention Committee as a MCAS Subcommittee (Charland)

            2.   Discuss the Concerns Relative to the Issue of Priority Registration for International Students (Charland)

            3.   Discuss the Intellectual Property Policy Concerns (Szabados)

 

XI.    Adjournment

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