Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved Minutes

Thursday,  November 8, 2001

 

I.       Call to Order/Roll Call

            The meeting was called to order by President Jane Patton at 2:08 p.m. 

Senators

   A

   P

Senators

   A

   P

Bell-Cheung  (Ext.5385) AAS

    

    X

Mancini   (Ext. 5855) AF/HM

 

   X

Brennan    (Ext. 5313)  Comm

    

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5349) Tech

    X

 

Cochran    (Ext. 5176)  Stud Dev

    X

    

McGee     (Ext. 5042) Stud Dev

   

   X

Estrada      (Ext.5164) CommSvc

 

    X

McKean   (Ext. 5326)  Math

 

   X

Guich       (Ext. 5270) SocSci

 

    X

Myint      (Ext. 5316) ESL

 

   X

Jackins      (Ext.5322 )  Math

    X

    

Patton    (Ext. 5296) Comm Stud

 

   X

Johnson    (Ext.5277) CATA

 

    X

Sippel      (Ext. 5118) Comm

 

   X

Light       (Ext. 5413) AF/CIT

 

    X

VanTassel (Ext. 5334) Tech

 

   X

Lynne      (Ext. 5248) CommSvc

    X

    

ASB:  C.Vincenz

 

   X

Other:  B.Grayson (Staff Dev)

 

    X

Guests:  C.Fisher

 

   X

             

 II.    Approval of the Minutes

            The minutes for the October 25, 2001, meeting were accepted and approved with the following correction (M/S/U – Moore/VanTassel):

 

            Page 3, Item VI.D.3 (MC Compressed Calendar Committee), second paragraph, first sentence was changed as indicated:  “Jane reported that Jim Wilczak, in conjunction with the WVC Compressed Calendar Committee  Division Chair Council,  has prepared a template of classes for a sixteen-week calendar.”

 

III.    Order of the Agenda

            The order of agenda was approved.

 

 IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

            Carolyn Fisher reported that the Board discussed the proposal to place a flag in each classroom at great length.  She indicated that several motions were made, amended and discarded.  Several suggestions were made by faculty and students that a special place on campus be designated as a memorial, such as a garden, with a flag displayed in that location.  Ultimately, the Board decided that flags would be made available to those who wish to have a flag in the classroom.  Chris Vincenz, President of the Mission College ASB, advised the Senate that the students did not support the plan, particularly in light of the reduced state budget. Others present spoke to the issue, noting that the matter was discussed on KGO radio, articles on the subject appeared in several newspapers, and a reference to the college as “Berkeley South” was made.  The implication is that the college is unpatriotic.  The Senate was asked to place this item on the Senate agenda for next week for discussion in order to affirm that whether or not there is a flag in the classroom does not reflect the patriotism of Mission College, its educators and students.    

 

         Carolyn reported that ACE is trying to work out an equitable solution for faculty team teaching.  She requested that the Academic Senate consider developing a policy and procedures to be used by faculty who are seeking reassigned time for learning communities.   The Senators agreed to place this matter on next week’s agenda for discussion.    

 

         Carolyn advised that Article 26 of the ACE contract, dealing with evaluations, has been changed.  This matter will be discussed at the next District Academic Senate meeting. 

 

 V.     Information & Announcements 

         No announcements were made at today’s meeting.

 

VI.      Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

  A.    Curriculum Committee – No report was made today.

  B.    Staff Recognition – The following resolution was presented and unanimously approved at today’s meeting (M/S/U – Brennan/McKean):    

 

            “Whereas, Hozi Ringor is an excellent employee of Mission College; and

 

            Whereas, Hozi consistently completes a tremendous amount of work in remarkable short periods of time; and

 

            Whereas, Hozi is always cheerful and willing to help out, even when we have yesterday as a deadline; and

 

            Whereas, Hozi provides a crucial service in a professional and admirable manner; and

 

            Whereas, Hozi works miracles in turning around Senate minutes and agendas;

 

            Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate recognize her sterling performance as a Mission College Employee, and applaud her hard work, great “not-a-problem” attitude and tremendous contribution to the college community; and

 

            Be It Further Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate urge our friends and colleagues on campus to thank Hozi in person for her great work!”

 

C.      Committee Appointments

            1)  Student Success Committee  -  The Senators confirmed the appointment of the following faculty members serving on this committee (M/S/U – McKean/Bell-Cheung):

                  Amelia Akers-Martin (LATC/Communications)    Keith Johnson (Music)

                  Jonathan Brennan (Chair/English)                        Char Perlas (MESA)

                  Ann Cowels (Allied Health)                                  Yvonka Headley (ACCESS)        

                  Heather Lynne (Nutritional Sciences)                   Yolanda Coleman (Counseling)  

                  Donnelle McGee (Counseling)                              Phuong Nguyen (Counseling)

            2)  GAP Representatives – Last week, the Senators selected three at-large faculty representatives to serve on the committee.  Jane explained that the Senate needs to designate specific terms for these members. The following terms were designated as follows (M/S/U – VanTassel/McKean):

                        Amelia Akers-Martin will serve for three (3) years,

                        Erlinda Estrada will serve for two years, and

                        Dianne McKay will serve for two years.

            3)  Instructional Program Review Committee – The following additional faculty have agreed to serve on this committee:  Son Le (Social Science), Rachel Lowenberg (ESL), and Lydia Harris (Student Services).  The Senators approved the appointments of Son Le and Rachel Lowenberg (M/S/U – VanTassel/Mancini).  Discussion ensued with regard to the appointment of Lydia Harris as the Student Services representative and whether or not the appointment is appropriate.  Lydia is a part-time faculty member of a division other than the Student Services Division. There is concern about setting precedence, and this issue requires further discussion.  Senator McGee was directed to take the matter back to the division for further discussion and resolution. 

            Jane advised that the following divisions still have not assigned a representative to this committee:

            CATA, Commercial Services, Communications, Natural Science, and Technology.  She emphasized the importance of every division being represented on this committee. 

                 

D.      Oral Reports

         1.  Staff Development – Betty advised that she is working with Jane and Dianne McKay on a presentation for flex days coming up in January.  Jane explained that eight Mission College faculty were present at the state Academic Senate’s plenary session.  The group met and discussed issues such as accreditation, master plan, pre-requisites, etc.  Linda Collins of Los Medanos College and Past President of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has examined those issues and challenges across the curriculum.  It was suggested that Linda be invited to Mission College for January flex day as a keynote speaker to address these issues.

            2. Datatel Implementation Committee – * Senator McKean advised that web registration will be ready by November 19th.  * Quin advised that Sumi reported that Datatel can only handle one calendar for the district.  The colleges can have two calendars, to be entered in fall and summer.  However, the longer schedule, which is Mission College’s, will be used,  and West Valley College will have to enter courses individually.  It was noted that WVC has eight administrative assistants who can enter data in the schedule; MC has one administrative assistant.  Jane advised that GAP has taken the position not to move forward with a compressed calendar for fall 2002.  Betty reported that the state Chancellor’s Office indicated at the ASCCC Plenary Session that colleges moving to a compressed calendar in hopes of increasing enrollment may not necessarily receive additional growth funding from the state.  * Quin advised that the Datatel Implementation Steering Committee (DISC) is now defunct and moving to other tasks, such as restructuring IS.

            3.  Instructional Technology Committee  -  No report was made today.

         4.  Other:  

            a)  The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Plenary Session – Jane reported that eight people from Mission attended the session, and the following is a summary of their reports. * Dianne McKay has been asked to serve on the ASCCC’s  Local Senate Committee.  This committee helps to empower and support local senates. The goal of the committee is to send a member to every local senate to provide advice and to develop a handbook that will emphasize shared governance via the local senate.  *  The Master Plan for Higher Education is currently being rewritten.  The plan was last written in the 1960’s and separated K-12 from higher education.  The rewrite incorporates K-16, and the ASCCC is extremely concerned about the tone and content of the rewrite.  The goal of the ASCCC is to protect access and funding for students of higher education.  *  There was discussion regarding the equity of funding for community colleges versus CSU and UC systems and how to attain equal funding for community colleges without impacting the other systems.  The community college system serves 6.1 million students and a larger portion of the funding available is needed. *  It was reported that the ASCCC has developed a policy paper on distance education, which should help colleges set policy and procedures.  *  New standards have been proposed by WASC for accreditation, reducing the number from ten to four.  Faculty are extremely concerned about this change because the proposed new standards emphasize learning outcomes, with nothing on shared governance.  Faculty are encouraged to disseminate this information and be ready to counter this action.  There was some discussion about forming an ASCCC sponsored accreditation association for community colleges.  * There were sessions on Student Success Programs from two colleges.  The programs include peer-counseling group for students in basic skills.  Students are called before the semester begins, and this action alone reduced no-shows from 12% to 2 students not showing up.  *  Overall, those who attended indicated that the plenary session was a rewarding experience.  Jane urged everyone to visit the State Academic Senate’s web site and the Senate Office for written materials whenever they are seeking more information on such topics as program review, distance education, etc.

            b) Report on ASCCC Plenary Session from Senator Myint – Myo attended the breakout sessions on learning communities. The need for counselors and research and assessment as an integral part of the program was emphasized as necessary for learning communities to be successful.  Learning communities are playing a positive role in the area of basic skills, and this college can successfully establish learning communities that would help our students master such diverse subjects as English, mathematics and computer technology with the guidance of the Academic Senate.

            c)  Report on ASCCC Plenary Session from Betty Grayson – The Academic Senate sought input on whether or not to begin offering “Teaching Institutes” similar to their Curriculum Institute, Technology Institute, etc.  Most who attended were involved with staff development at their colleges.  Recommendations included holding two 2-day institutes each year, one in Northern California in the fall and in Southern California in the Spring, at a retreat type of location; and to hold an institute on learning communities in the near future.

 

 VII.  Old Business

 

    A.  Review MCAS Constitution and By-Laws

            This matter was brought to the Senators attention to consider the time frame for the Presidential election for the Senate.  Discussion ensued, and other issues were raised.  It was agreed that the Senators would bring the issues of concern to their constituents for information and feedback, to be brought back to the Senate for further discussion.  Jane agreed to set aside one hour for review and possible revisions of the document.   

 

   B.   Update from CBAC on Fund 17

            Jane advised that an e-mail from Worku Negash has stated that all contract education funds are to be returned to Fund 17 accounts although new accounts are being established.  The role of the MC Academic Senate in resolving this matter was applauded and it indicates the level of power of the senate when appropriate.

 

VIII.  New Business

           

   A.   Discuss Schedule Changes Relative to Contract w Students

            Senator Moore advised the Senate of her concerns regarding actions that were taken this semester that adversely impacted students.  A particular class was scheduled for early morning.  The students arrived to find that the class time had been changed to Noon.  No one had notified the students in advance, thus creating difficulty for the students.  Some could not fit the class into their schedule and the class was part of their necessary 12 units.

 

            A second issue of concern involves a degree program that has two classes required as part of its core curriculum.  The classes have not been offered, however, for some time, and the students are not able to complete the program at this college. The courses are listed in the catalog but are not included in the matrix. Apparently, it is difficult to hire instructors to teach the courses. There is concern that this is not legal, and the college must find a way to deal with these issues.  Faculty as educators must not offer programs that cannot be completed.            

 

            In the discussion that followed, it was agreed that a policy on cancelled classes must be developed. In addition, courses must be offered in a timely manner and in accordance with the schedule.      Departments need to review their programs; if courses are not offered, then they should be dropped as a requirement.  Otherwise, the program lacks integrity and should be dropped. 

 

            Jane suggested that the Senate meet with the Division Chair Council (DCC) to discuss issues common to both bodies.  She asked that the Senators consider what topics they would like to discuss with the DCC. The Academic Senate is involved in policy and the DCC carries it out.  She asked for direction.  It was suggested that sections of Title 5 on matriculation be reviewed to determine if the described action is an illegal practice; the question goes beyond the integrity of the program.  Jane was directed to set a joint meeting between the Senate and the DCC.

 

 X.    Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

         Correspondence

         1,   Letter dated October 8, 2001, from the Northern California Advocates for Global Education.

         Publications/Minutes

         1.   The minutes for the October 18th meeting of DBAC.

            2.   The November 2, 2001, issue of the DVC FORUM from the Diablo Valley College Faculty Senate.

            3.   The agenda for the November 7th meeting of the District Council.

         Announcements/Conferences

            1.   The district Sabbatical Leave Committee will accept proposals via HR for leaves that would commence in Fall 2002 or Spring 2003 until 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2001.

 

XI.    Future Agenda Items

            1.  Discuss and Review Learning Communities

            2.  Discuss Legal Claims Against District (Guich)   

            3.  Hold Joint Meeting of the MCAS and the DCC

                  a)  Establish Policy on Cancelled Classes

                  b) Review Required Course Offerings in a Program

 

XII.   Adjournment

            The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m. (M/S/U – VanTassel/Moore). 

 

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