Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, March 9, 2006 

 

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

Beggs      (Ext. 5188)  AAS

 

    X

Mancini   (Ext. 5413)  AF/HM

   X

 

Braun      (Ext. 5355) Pres/Tech

 

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5356)  Tech

 

    X

Brichko    (Ext. 5222)  CATA

     

    X

Moles      (Ext. 5113)  ESL

    

    X

Cogswell (Ext. 5388)  AAS

    

    X

Ostrander  (Ext. 5274) Stud Dev.

 

    X

Cox        (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

 

    X

Paicius    (Ext. 5413)  AF/CATA

 

    X

Holt       (ASB Rep.)

 

    X

Perlas      (Ext. 5041)  Stud.Dev.

     X

 

Juncker    (Ext.5229)  Comm

    

    X

Rounds    (Ext. 5288)  Comm

    

    X

Kashima  (Ext. 5319)  ESL

    X

 

Smebye   (Ext. 5305) CommServ

 

    X

Laird      (Ext. 5186)  SocSci

    

    X

Szabados  (Ext.5289)  CATA

    

    X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

    

    X

Ting       (Ext. 5330)  Math

 

    X

Guest: Y.Coleman, D.Frankel, L.Lodato,  E.McAlister,

 

    X

    X

Guests: S.Pancella,  H.Robles,

J.VanTassel

 

    X

    X

 

II.        A.  Approval of the Minutes for February 16, 2003

                  The minutes for the meeting of February 16, 2006, meeting were accepted and approved as            submitted   (M/S/U – Juncker/Martini).

 

            B.  Approval of the Minutes for February 23, 2006

                  The minutes for the meeting of February 23, 2006, meeting were accepted and approved as            submitted   (M/S/U – Juncker/Cox).

 

III.       Order of the Agenda

            It was agreed (M/S/U – Cox/Holt) that Item VIII.A and Item VIII.E will be addressed immediately following Information and Announcements.  It was also agreed (M/S/U – Cox/Juncker) that Item VIII.B and Item VIII.C will be postponed to the March 16, 2006, meeting of the MC Academic Senate.

 

 IV.      Oral Communication from the Public

            The Senators were provided with an update report on the status of ACE Contract Articles for 2005-2006.  This was presented to the Senators as factual information for use in consideration of the District Academic Senate’s resolution, which involves the progress of negotiations.  It was stated that in collective bargaining practices, it is the responsibility of the teams to come prepared to work. It is the Senate’s decision to decide whether or not any progress in negotiations has been made.

           

  V.      Information & Announcements 

            1.   Senator Moles and Senator Smebye expressed their appreciation for the Angel system and encouraged other faculty members to use the system as well. 

 

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

 

VIII.    New Business

 

    A.    Consider Definition on Catalog Rights

            Referring to a decision made by the Academic Senate regarding changes to the graduation requirements, Yolanda Coleman explained that there has been some confusion as to which students are affected by the requirements.  Research efforts indicated that the requirement does not necessarily affect all students.  The Senators were presented with a document showing the current definition of Catalog Rights and how it currently appears in the catalog on Page 154.  The proposed change is intended to clarify the definition of continuous enrollment and catalog rights and would be included in the new catalog.   Yolanda emphasized that this proposal does not constitute a change in policy.  It is only intended to clarify when requirements affect students.  

 

            After reviewing the proposal, the motion to accept the proposed change as presented was passed unanimously (M/S/U – Cogswell/Brichko).

 

   E.      Report on Brainstorming Session on China Program

            Harriett reported that a group of faculty and staff met on March 8th to brainstorm ideas for what Mission College can do, if anything, to enhance Chinese/Asian Studies. She explained that she went through the college’s catalog and sent an e-mail to all the division chairs that offered courses that related to Asian/Chinese studies and sent an e-mail out to all users.  Her intent today is to share the results of the discussion with the Academic Senate.  The group considered information on college and county demographics, degrees/certificates currently offered in Asian studies at regional CSUs, existing curriculum at Mission College, and study abroad information for China.  She advised that approximately 40% of the student population at Mission College is Asian, and of that 40%, approximately 8-9% are Chinese.  

 

            Harriett continued, advising that the group came up with a number of steps that need to be taken.  More demographic data is required, as well as information regarding the needs of local businesses and industry.  It was also suggested that people in the local Chinese community be contacted to determine how best to serve them.  There is a need to develop language courses in Chinese other than conversation courses, and we need to be careful about the focus.  Programs with degrees in Global Education or Global Studies have not been successful.  There is greater success with business focused degrees. She has proposed a meeting with the Business and Marketing divisions to determine their view in terms of emphasis.   Harriett advised that the next meeting of the group is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5th, at 3:00 p.m. (location to be announced).  

 

            Discussion ensued, and confusion was expressed regarding the China Program versus the China Initiative.  It was suggested that the time and energy of the group would be better spent if it considered how to support the under-represented groups in the college’s area, such as Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, etc.  Harriett explained that this is not a program.  This proposal is intended to assist students from within the community, not students who might come here from China.  It was remarked that the college needs to appear more welcoming to students.  Harriett agreed, and Alex explained that the result of these meetings may be the development of new programs, certificates, etc.  Harriett responded that much more information is required.

 

            The order of the agenda was resumed.

 

VI.       Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

  A.      Curriculum Committee  -  No report was presented at today’s meeting.  Alex advised that Betty Ensminger, Chair of the committee, will be making a report later in the semester.

  B.      Staff Recognition -  A resolution will be presented at next week’s meeting.

  C.      Committee Appointments 

            1.  Core Group Appointments – No additional appointments were made at today’s meeting.

            2.   Others:  CurricUNET Users’ Group  - The Senators approved the appointment of Betty             Ensminger and Yolanda Coleman to this committee (M/S/U Cox/Smebye).  It was explained          that this group has been formed to assist in the implementation of a software system that will       facilitate the curriculum process.

 

VII.     Old Business

 

   A.     Discuss Reaction to District Academic Senate Meeting

            The District Academic Senate will meet next Tuesday in the West Valley College Theater, starting at 2:30 p.m.    A message will be sent out to all, encouraging faculty and staff to attend the meeting. Sixty minutes has been allocated to consider whether or not to suspend Senate operations. The primary issues of concern in the Senate’s resolution dealt with negotiations, respect and appreciation for faculty, and shared governance.  Alex explained that there will be microphones in the audience so that faculty members and staff can address the Senate members.  Pat Andrews will be making a report on negotiations as well.  The Senators will be asked to assess the progress to date.  Alex advised that the State Chancellor’s Office, the Accrediting Commission, and the Academic Senate for CCCs have been advised of the pending suspension.

 

            Several Senators stated that there has not been any indication or action by the administration that shows a change in direction relative to shared governance, respect for faculty, or negotiations and other issues, and that the Senate should hold its course. For example, the brainstorming discussion on China; the call for people to discuss the program was sent out without first coming to the Academic Senate.  This is another example of lack of respect and shared governance.   The Academic Senate President was directed to hold a strong position and to keep in mind that the administration could have taken a number of actions to alleviate the situation and none have been forthcoming.  Even if the administration comes forth with a significant offer, it is too late in the process. It appears to be all façade and no substance. They waited until they were pushed against the wall.  There is not enough time for ACE to evaluate any proposal before the March 14th deadline. It was noted that the Chancellor and the College Presidents will be out of town on March 14th, another indication of the administration’s attitude. Alex advised that the Academic Senates have been given a standing place on the Board agenda. There has been no action, however, regarding narrative notes of Board meetings.     

 

            It was reported during discussion that the Board conducts a self-evaluation using a questionnaire provided by the Chancellor.  The Chancellor advised the Board that Board members are responsible to the public, and he, the chancellor, is responsible for faculty and staff, who go through the College Presidents to him. Alex clarified that Title 5 allows for a direct relationship between the Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees.  It has been reported that Board members have a small window of time when they can discuss contract issues and negotiations.  The faculty and staff have a perception as to how the Board makes decisions.   It must be considered, however, who provides the Board with information.

 

            It was reported that at the Board of Governors (BOG) meeting on Monday in Sacramento, the Chancellor of this District advised the BOG that all was fine between him and the faculty.  Donna Frankel stated that she read a letter from Pat Andrews to the BOG relative to the violation of the 50% law for three years in a row.  It was explained that statistics are submitted to the State for Fall semester only.  In the Fall, full-time faculty take on an overload, which does not count.  The BOG agreed more information was needed and voted to discuss this matter at their next meeting.

 

            It was agreed that the MC Academic Senate will meet on March 16th to discuss the results of the March 14th meeting and to be prepared to speak when the China Initiative is raised.  Alex asked the Senators to encourage all their constituents to attend the March 14th meeting.

 

VIII.    New Business (Continued)

 

    D.    Consider Increase to Associate Faculty Load from 0.6 to 0.8       

            Donna Frankel, an Associate Faculty member, reported that there is a 60% law in California.  This law limits Associate Faculty members from carrying more than a 60% load in any one District.  This places a tremendous load on part-time faculty members.  She reported that the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) has developed a proposal for part-timers that has no additional cost and will save money.  This proposal will be considered at the ASCCCs Spring Plenary Session.

 

            The proposal is to increase the load of part-time faculty members from 60% to 80%.  This will be beneficial to departments with 60-80 part-time faculty members. This change would necessarily result in fewer evaluations, since there would be fewer part-timers.  The 60% law forces part-time faculty members to work at more colleges.  This change decrease driving costs for part-time faculty, as well as reduce their stress level as frequent flyers.  During discussion, it was noted that if part-time faculty members are permitted to teach an 80% load, there will be fewer positions for part-timers.  Donna acknowledged that fact was true.  She noted, however, that there is a 25% attrition rate for part-timers. Regarding benefits, Donna advised that the law requires that anyone teaching a 50% load is supposed to receive benefits.  This District is out of compliance with the law.  ACE has prepared a proposal to get part-time faculty members medical benefits.

 

            Donna also acknowledged that Ian Walton supports this proposal and Jane Patton does not. Some faculty may feel threatened.  However, this proposal does not.  She asked the Senate to consider support for the proposal.  It was noted that this proposal, if enacted, would provide the Nursing Program to use part-time faculty more effectively.  It was noted that full-time faculty members have to be given a full load before any part-time faculty can be hired.  One opinion stated  is that the proposal could hurt the college.  This District does not pay part-time faculty members enough or as much as other colleges.  The District could end up with part-time faculty members they do not want.   

 

            It was suggested that Jane Patton be invited to attend a future Senate meeting to hear her views on this proposal.  This should occur before the Spring Plenary Session so that the Senate can direct its delegates how to vote.                                                      

 

X.        Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

            Correspondence

1.      E-Mail dated March 7, 2006, from Pat Andrews with an update on negotiations.

2.      E-Mail dated March 2, 2006, with an ACE update.

3.      E-Mail dated March 1, 2006, with an ACE update.

4.      Letter dated February 28, 2006, from the Academic Senate for CCCs, regarding a review of the Disciplines List, which establishes the minimum qualifications for the faculty of CCCs.

            Publication/Minutes

            1.   The agenda for the March 1, 2006, and March 8, 2006, meeting of GAP.  The unapproved                                    summary notes for the February 15th and February 22, 2006, meetings of GAP

            2.   The agenda for the March 8, 2006, meeting of the District  Council.

            3.   The March 2, 2006, issue of FA NEWS from the Foothill-DeAnza Faculty Association.

            4.   The agenda for the February 28, 2006, meeting of the District Equivalency Committee.

            5.   The unapproved minutes for the February 15, 2006, meeting of DBAC, and the agenda for                                     the March 1, 2006, meeting.

            6.   The notes from the December 13, 2005, and the February 16, 2006, meetings of the Benefits                                  Committee.

            7.   The agenda for the March 2, 2006, ACE Council meeting and the approved minutes for the                                     February 9th meeting.

            8.   The agenda for the March2, 2006, meeting of the Board of Trustees.

            Announcements/Conferences

            1.  The Spring Plenary Session of the Academic Senate for CCCs will be held in San Francisco,           April 27-29, 2006.

 

XI.       Future Agenda Items

            No new items were introduced at today's meeting.

 

XII.     Adjournment

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