The minutes for the March 2, 2000, meeting were corrected by Marjorie Knowles (M/S/U - Toppel/Jackins) as indicated by strikethrough and underlined italics:

Item VIII.B (Update on Status of Grants & Contract Education), Page 3, second paragraph, second sentence - "With regard to the financial status of contract education, the Senators reviewed the handout for revenue (approximately $438,000) and expenses (approximately $368,000)

for July 1st to January 1st, leaving a remainder of approximately $70,000.

The minutes for the March 16, 2000, meeting were accepted and approved with the following correction (M/S/U - Jackins/Hudak):

Item VI.D (Changes to Tenure Review Teams), Page 2 - Evelyn Riegert will chair the committees for Yolanda Coleman and Donnelle McGee.

The Senators agreed to change the order of the agenda to accommodate guests as necessary (M/S/U - Jackins/McGee).

At this time the order of the agenda was suspended and moved to Item VIII.A to accommodate guests.

A. Discuss Proposal for Middle College Program

Gwen Quail of the Santa Clara Unified School District and Regina Stanback-Stroud presented the basic concepts of creating a Middle College Program at Mission College for the Senate’s consideration. Regina, Gwen, Dianne McKay, and Sherry Garvey have been meeting to develop a preliminary plan for the implementation of such a program. However, before any additional work is done, the group would like the Senate to provide some direction as to whether or not to proceed with the development of the program.

Regina explained that a large percentage of students are not completing high school, particularly students of color. In essence, this program is intended for high school students with academic potential who value education but who do not blend well into the high school environment for a variety of reasons. This program will provide an avenue for these students to complete their education within an environment more suitable to them. It was emphasized that these are good students who need an alternative to the normal educational program. It was also noted that the Ed Code allows for dual enrollment in high school and college.

The students would be self-contained in an assigned classroom at the college with a high school instructor to complete a core group of four required courses (English, History, Math, etc.) in order to obtain their high school diploma. This class would probably meet in the afternoon, allowing time for them to attend regular college courses in their field of interest during the day. It is anticipated that the program would start with a class of thirty students for each class, increasing the number by thirty in stages. Regina stressed that Santa Clara County Unified District is very interested in developing this program and has agreed to provide some resources. In addition, the college will explore other forms of resources, such as grants and other budget processes for funding.

The concerns expressed during discussion entailed the student selection process, the use of space, the additional work load on faculty and staff, and the effect on internal resources, such as Library, labs, etc. Regina explained that all these issues need to be addressed. Should the Senate approve the concept and direct the project be pursued, Regina recommended that a number of focus groups be formed to deal with the specific areas of concern and the development of the program and its processes.

Gwen noted that the College of San Mateo has established a Middle College High School. Information on the program can be obtained at the San Mateo Middle College’s website, www.smccd.cc.ca.us/smccd/csm/smmchs/MiddleCollege1.html#program.

Dianne asked the Senators for direction. The development group is seeking an approval in concept from the Senate in order to proceed with the project. The Senators agreed to discuss the matter with their constituents and report back to the Senate at its next meeting (April 13, 2000).

The order of the agenda was resumed.

IV. Oral Communication from the Public

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

** 1. Dianne announced that The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) will honor Mission College’s own Regina Stanback-Stroud by establishing a diversity award program in her name. The resolution establishing this award will be read into the minutes at the Spring 2000 Plenary Session on April 13, 2000, at the San Francisco Airport Westin Hotel. Dianne and the Senators congratulated Regina and expressed their pride and good fortune that she is a member of Mission College.

2. Global Education and Staff Development are co-sponsoring a presentation by Leonard Shlain on Tuesday, April 18, 2000.

3. On behalf of the Academic Senate, Dianne congratulated Donnelle McGee for a most successful "All College Day" held on campus yesterday. Donnelle noted that the recruitment staff did a wonderful job in bringing about 150 senior high school students from five separate high schools to the campus; he just served as emcee. He reported that these students made use of presented materials and enjoyed the food, thanks to Haze Dennis. Next week, the college is hosting a number of high schools from the east side.

A. Curriculum Committee - Betty advised that the committee needs direction from the Senate on how to proceed with a proposal from the ESL Department to change a three unit course to a four unit course. Discussion ensued and it was explained that the ESL question is more involved. Dianne advised that there are four basic issues to be considered regarding this matter:

1. Does the ESL sequence of courses serve our students well?

2. Does it have the appropriate mixture of degree applicable and non-degree applicable courses?

3. Is the entire schema (levels and strands) so broad that students shy away from taking them all?

Can any of the strands be absorbed into each other (i.e. Writing and Reading together for more units)?

4. There is the lack of a bridge to English at the end of the series/sequence.

Dianne explained that the Academic Senate is sensitive to a department’s right to academic freedom. It is her hope that the department will be able to propose its own appropriate solutions to the issues. The question is how to proceed, and Dianne asked the Senate for direction. It was noted that these issues have been on-going for some time. A lengthy discussion ensued and several means of tackling the problems were considered. One of the suggestions dealt with the Educational & Facilities Master Plan. The end result of the plan is intended to describe our student population, their needs, the needs of the community, etc., and how to accommodate those needs within the institution. This process will provide an avenue for addressing the ESL Department’s concerns and the larger concern of many departments in the institution. It was stated that too often students demonstrate a lack of preparation at a number of levels. Ultimately, it was agreed that the ESL Department shall meet with Dianne McKay, Academic Senate President, Betty Grayson, Curriculum Committee Chair, and Senators Akers-Martin, Hudak, and McGee in order to develop some resolution to the problem. A meeting will be set up for Tuesday, April 18, 2000, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Campus Center Room 219. It was agreed that members of the committee will report back to the Senate as soon as possible, and the Senate will consider the next step.

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

Dianne advised that the readers should be receiving their packets of concept papers in the near future. The administrators assigned to each reading team has been charged with contacting team members.

B. Status Report on MCAS Datatel Resolution

As directed, Dianne called Kirk Murray to advise him that the MC Senate’s resolution on Datatel was forthcoming, and she was advised to present the resolution at the next DISC teleconference meeting. Dianne presented the senate’s resolution at the DISC meeting, and it was determined that it was not appropriate for the committee to consider the resolution at that time. Dianne intends to discuss this matter further with Kirk and Albert. In the meantime, the item will have to be postponed until Dianne returns from London.

Amelia reported that demonstrations have been scheduled to show how the Citrix Servers can run with Macs.

C. Report on Proposal to Create I.D. Cards for Faculty

Those senators that polled their constituencies indicated that there was general support for the proposal. Dianne will pursue the implementation of this proposal and report back to the Senate.

Dianne reported that she and Jim Wilczak, President of the WVC Academic Senate, presented their concerns regarding the Land Corporation Board’s consultation and shared decision-making process at the last Land Corporation meeting. She indicated that people listened to their views with respect. Since the Board is a separate legal entity and not bound by legislation to consult, Dianne suggested that the process be considered in light of what is valued within the district rather than what is required. Making decisions with the varying entities within the district with that philosophy in mind, rather than legal obligation, is conducive to a more productive, efficient decision-making process. Such a process is more likely to enhance the direction the district and the colleges choose to take. A great deal of time was spent on the discussion, and it was agreed that this discussion will continue at a future Land Corporation meeting.

Trustee Jeff Schwartz, present at today’s meeting, took this opportunity to discuss a proposal for a Staff and Recognition Program funded by the Land Corporation. He has chosen to discuss this proposal with the Academic Senates and the ASB’s to determine if there is support for such a program. If not, he is willing to abandon the idea.

There are three major parts to the proposal:

1. Retirement Recognition - This would require that funds be set aside in order to honor retirees and recognize them in a more appropriate way than in the past. It is Mr. Schwartz’s opinion that the district does not do enough to recognize these district employees and he proposes that they be given a plaque along with an enduring gift of quality, such as a gold pen or gold watch. This project would not be extremely costly. The cost for this proposal would vary, depending on the number of retirees and the gift.

2. Longevity Recognition - This would require that funds be set aside for plaques and pins of quality, designating the number of years of service within the district. His estimate for this part of the proposal is approximately $1,500 per year - $2,000 per year.

3. Excellence Recognition - This would be the most costly and appears to be the most controversial part of the proposal. It involves financially meaningful awards (approximately $3,000 for each award) designated for excellence of full-time faculty, part-time faculty, classified staff, and management up to the top four positions. Jeff acknowledged that this part of the proposal might cause tension between recognizing excellence and creating a climate where people are recognized as better than others. He noted that many of the best organizations maintain meaningful programs of recognition, and he would agree that the technicalities of such a program would need to be worked out and agreed upon.

The floor was opened for discussion and no questions were forthcoming. The Senators reiterated the position taken at last week’s Senate meeting. They were not opposed to a retirement and/or longevity recognition program, but were reluctant to endorse a financial reward program for excellence.

B. Report on Library Innovations

Library Director, Win Shin Chiang, made a presentation highlighting innovative changes in the library in term of technology. There is now open access to the library, on and off campus. In order to serve the college’s constituents, we must subsidize with electronic technology. She reported that the CCCC has formed a consortium of 14 libraries that are participating in collection development. Each library has been charged to review its current facilities with all college users and seek input. Money has been set aside to respond to faculty requests to the library. She advised that faculty will be granted top priority.

Win Shin reported statistics on a number of programs that are being provided and advised that the library has instituted a new service to students to provide fee-based printing ($ .10/page). She indicated that the service is time consuming but very much appreciated by the students.

Dianne thanked Win Shin for her presentation on behalf of the Senate.

Due to the late hour, President McKay postponed the remaining business items and reports on the agenda. She reported that the process for the annual Faculty Recognition Program is underway and she encouraged them to consider colleagues for nomination in the five categories:

Teaching Excellence

Service to the Community Excellence

Service to the College Excellence

Publishing Excellence

Associate Faculty Excellence

All nominees and their nominators will be invited to attend the annual Spring Luncheon, along with the Board members, Senate members, and the college’s administrators.

1. Letter dated March 10, 2000, re: District Involvement in Developing the System’s 2001-2002 Budget Package.

1. Copy of proposal from Chris Constantin, Board member, to the state legislator on the college’s proposed Middle College Program, entitled, "Partnering for Effective Education: A Secondary and Higher Education Collaborative."

3. The March/April 2000 Journal of the FACCC. called FACCCTS.

1. Santa Monica College is offering two days of Multimedia Computer Training, April 10-11, 2000.

2. Grossmont College is seeking nominations for the positions of Dean, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Dean, Communication and Fine Arts to provide dynamic, innovative and imaginative leadership for its instructional programs. Names must be submitted to Dr. Al

Fernandez of Community College Search Services. Review of applications will begin in mid- April, 2000. Additional information is available from the Senate Office (Ext. 5413 ).

No future agenda items were added at today’s meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:03 p.m. (M/S/U - Toppel/Grams). These minutes are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate Secretary.