Mission College Academic Senate

Ext. 5413

Unapproved  Minutes

Thursday, May 13, 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 

Laird       (Ext. 5186) SocScience

  

    X

Brennan    (Ext. 5313) Comm

     

    X

Lavallo    (Ext. 5399)  Math

 

    X

Brichko    (Ext. 5222)  CATA

 

    X

Martin     (Ext. 5356)  Tech.

    

    X

Charland  (Ext. 5046)  Stud. Dev.

    X

    

Musat      (Ext. 5331) Math

    X

 

Cox        (Ext.5164)  CommSvc

   

    X 

Oliver      (Ext. 5427)  AAS

    

    X  

Dooley    (Ext. 5379)   AAS

    

    X

Perlas      (Ext. 5041)  Stud.Dev.

    

    X   

Harris     (Ext. 5413)  AF/Comm

    X

       

Rath       (Ext. 5413)  AF/CIT

    

    X

Johnson   (Ext.5277)  CATA

   

    X

Smebye   (Ext. 5305) CommServ

    X

    

Kashima  (Ext. 5319)  ESL

 

    X

Zeisler     (Ext. 5426) Comm

    

    X

Guests: R.Dewis, E.Estrada, , B.Grayson, M.Meyer, H.Ostrander, C.Pembrook

   

    X

    X

    X

Other: D.McKay (CRC Chair),

P.Hudak (TechCommCo-Chair),

D.Gonzales, M.Jahan

 

    X

    X

    X

 

II.        Approval of the Minutes

                  The minutes for the meeting of April 29, 2004, were accepted and approved as submitted (M/S/P – Dooley/Oliver) with minor corrections to spelling of names under the Technology Committee, listing Pat Hudak as Co-Chair and the addition of Sallie Wisner (Webmaster) to the membership of the Technology Committee.

 

III.       Order of the Agenda

                  No changes were made to today’s order of the agenda.

 

  IV.    Oral Communication from the Public

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

 

   V.     Information & Announcements

                  1.     Senator Brichko announced that commencement rehearsal will be held on May 28, 2004, at the Convention Center from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Marshals will be expected to attend.

                  2.      President Braun announced the recipients of the Faculty Recognition Program presented at today’s luncheon:

                                             Dianne McKay       -                Presentation/Publication Excellence

                                             Jim Burrell                                    -                Service to the College Excellence

                                             Hyacinth Stephens                  -                Service to the Community Excellence

                                             Gail Greenwood     -                Teaching Excellence

                                             Chris Moyers            -                Teaching Excellence

                                             Frank Diaz                                    -                Associate Faculty Teaching Excellence

                             Congratulations to all the recipients of the above awards.

 

 

                             The nominees in the Service to the College Excellence Category were:

                                             Karyn Armstrong                  Monica Rivas 

                                             Marsha Chan                              Hyacinth Stephens                                                                                

                                             Steve Hirose                              Lynne Zummo

                          The nominees in the Service to the Community Excellence Category were:

                                             Steve Hirose

                                             Hyacinth Stephens

                                             Lynne Zummo

                             The nominees in the Teaching Excellence Category were:

                                             Cathy Beggs                                Rachel Lowenberg

                                             Daniel Guich                               Mytra Nguyen

                                             Cynthia Harrison                     Julaine Rosner

                             The nominees in the Associate Faculty Excellence Category were:

                                             Donna Frankel        

                                             Janet McBride

                            

                             Congratulations to all the above on their nominations for Faculty Recognition Excellence.

                 

3.             Betty Ensminger asked for volunteers to serve as a judge at the Speech Contest to be held this evening.

                  4.      Alex announced the results of the Presidential Election for the Mission College Academic Senate President; Alex has been re-elected to the office.  He expressed his appreciation for the confidence and looks forward to being of effective service to the faculty.

                  5.      The Senators congratulated Senator Kashima on her birthday.

 

VI.       Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments

                  A.  Curriculum Committee -  No report was presented at today’s meeting. 

              B.  Staff Recognition  - No resolutions were presented.   

              C.  Committee Appointments    

              1.  Select Senate Rep. to GAP – Several faculty volunteered for this position, and the Senators elected Amelia Akers-Martin by written ballot.                                        

              D.  Oral Reports

                    1.  Staff Development – No Report was presented today.

                    2.   Other:   a) Information Competency Task Force  - Judie Smith presented an update report from the Senate’s Information Competency Task Force.  After careful study, the committee concluded that a required one-unit course would best serve the students.  The West Valley College Academic Senate accepted this recommendation in May.  The recommendation is based on the belief that the infusion model does not cover the material adequately for students to develop the necessary skills.  Since the MC Academic Senate did not approve an additional course, the committee worked on the infusion model.  English 1A and Communication 1 are graduation requirements for all students receiving a degree, and it was decided to focus on the courses all graduating students would take.  In the long term, infusion should include more than English 1A and Communication 1.   The English and Communication departments will determine which aspects of information competency are included in the existing curriculum, and library workshops (and possibly modules) will be developed after determining which elements are not covered adequately by those courses. Students receiving a C or better in both English and Communication who attended the necessary workshops or completed appropriate modules will be considered proficient.  Students who do not take English 1A and Communication 1 at Mission College, will take a proficiency exam to test out.  Judie advised that a consortium of community colleges is working on the development of a proficiency exam for state-wide use.

 

 VII.    Old Business

 

   A.    Discuss Status of Resolution of No Confidence in Chancellor

                  President Braun had no report at this time.

 

   B.     Report & Consider Development of District Budget Contingency Plan

                  Alex reported that the Governor’s May revise will be released today, and the condition of the District’s budget should be known by the end of the day.  Alex reported that a copy of the May 4, 2004, State Budget Update from the CCLC was distributed by Worku at CBAC.  It appears that the Governor’s initial budget will remain intact and may be approved.  The report indicates that the CCC Board of Governors supports the Governor’s equalization amount at $59.8 million, supports the fold-in of PFE into each district’s general apportionment, and maintenance of the current system-wide reporting of accountability goals to the Legislature.  For community colleges, it is expected that the COLA will increase from 1.84% to 2.41%.  The additional COLA will cost approximately $25 million. 

 

                  Alex stated that the District should be able to utilize the best-case scenario or better, which involves a $3 million shortfall.  The shortfall could be offset by several options:

                           1)  Transfer funds from the Retiree Benefit fund,

                           2)  Transfer funds from the banked leave fund, or             

                           3)  Transfer funds from the reserves.

 

                  Alex explained that the District could dip into the reserves for 2% before the State would put the District on the watch list.  There is a tendency to budget low on revenue and high on expenditures.  For example, there was a $3 million carryover from last year.  As we get closer to the final budget, the District’s budget should be as close to balanced as possible.  During discussion it was stated that the Board of Trustees has the fiduciary responsibility to make budget decisions and makes its final decisions based on the recommendation of DBAC. Alex was asked if the funds would be replaced If any of the above options are used.  Alex replied affirmatively, stating that if funds are transferred from any of those accounts, a plan for replacement would be discussed and developed to make the accounts whole. Alex will keep the Senators apprised as things develop.

                   

C.         Discuss Issue of Overlap Between Business 78C and English 75 Writing Courses

                  Alex explained that Jonathan had intended that this item be an action item.  Jonathan will make a presentation today, on behalf of the English Department, and the matter will be placed on next week’s agenda as an action item.                                                                                            

 

              Jonathan reported the English Department’s concern with the proposed Business course and the process used to approve the course. It is the view of the English Department that there is considerable overlap between the two courses.  In addition, the Business course was being prepared for some time before the English Department became aware.  It is his view that the issue should be discussed until a plan is developed. 

 

                  The Senate has never adopted an overlap policy although one was considered at one time.  If there is a question of overlap, the Academic Senate should have a clear policy in place although it may be difficult to quantify overlap. In addition, Jonathan questioned the process, stating that any discussion between departments should take time before the course is presented to the Curriculum Review Committee (CRC), with issues being worked out collegially and collaboratively.  All approved curriculum will go to the Board for approval at the May 20, 2004, Board meeting.  Jonathan asked that the Senate request that the CRC remove the Business course from the approval packet until a decision can be made in the most appropriate way.

 

                  Discussion ensued, and a suggestion to cross list the courses was made.  Jonathan stated that the department has not had the opportunity to explore the options available.  Alex advised that it is his understanding that Peggy Messerschmidt attended the CRC meeting at the first reading, and no one from the English Department attended the second reading.  Jonathan explained that Peggy unfortunately had family emergencies, which prevented her from participating in the second reading meeting.  He tried to contact the CRC chair prior to the meeting, but did not hear from the chair in time for him to arrange to attend the meeting.

 

                  Melanie Meyer, representing the Business Department stated that much discussion has already taken place on this matter.  If the discussion is to be conducted at the Academic Senate, then the Business Department must be allowed to present their position. The Business Department does not see the course as overlapping with the English course.  The course is not viewed as a writing class, but rather teaching a narrow focus on business applications.  Several views were expressed as to the qualifications of an instructor teaching such a course and the content of the course. Jonathan reiterated his view that since there is no policy in place with criteria, the approval of this course will set precedence. Melanie stated that, in terms of overlap, the CRC decided to examine overlap issues on a case by case basis in order to maintain flexibility.

 

                  Alex agreed to agendize the matter for next week’s Senate meeting as an Action item and suggested that the Senators discuss the matter with Jonathan and Melanie for additional information.  He will invite the Chair of the CRC to attend the meeting in order to obtain a full and complete analysis of the issue.                                                                                                                                                   

 

VIII.   New Business

 

   A.    2003/2004 Distance Learning Report

                  Curtis Pembrook presented the Senators with a copy of the Distance Learning Report for the Fiscal Year 2003/04.  Generally, the previous academic year’s performance is presented to the Board every Fall and presented to the Academic Senate in the Spring.  The report is available in the Library. 

 

                  Curtis reported that the college is offering sixty on line sections, with 1,384 students enrolled.  He remarked that there have been a number of sections cut due to budget cuts, and hence some reduction in enrollment.  As for telecourses, 57 sections were offered this year with an enrollment of 1,900 students.  Curtis reported that 3,312 students were served during the fiscal year, with WSCH/FTE revenue generated at $1.2 million.

 

                  Curtis went on to describe several projects, for example the RHOC project with Mission College and Cabrillo.  MC broadcasts live courses to Cabrillo for a licensed vocational nurse program.  The MC instructor lectures in the TV Studio to fifteen students at Cabrillo.  The project includes six courses, including clinical, for approximately 16 hours per week.  Curtis also described future projects including hiring a Distance Learning Coordinator.  He explained that he had 227 technical support requests from students, and one request could take as long as two to three hours to resolve.  Those figures did not include requests from faculty.  Curtis described a project to develop a Technical Support Help Desk, as well as other projects for the future.  Alex thanked Curtis for a very impressive report.

 

   B.    Consider How to Improve Access for Students to DL Classes

                  Melanie Meyer expressed her appreciation for Curtis and reported on the status of the Distance Learning Committee. The committee has been meeting weekly since March with a focus on Student Services and a Strategic Plan reviewing models from other community colleges.  She reported that there is a distance learning web site linked through PARIS.  She advised that there is a growing need for technical support, which could affect retention.  The college must improve student access to Distance Learning Courses online. The MC web site has a distance learning link, but the site does not provide enough information for students to learn how to get into classes. This is a critical issue. The Senators were provided with a list of minimum standards and ideal standards, and  Melanie reported that 67% of instructors are not meeting the minimum standards for a faculty web page.  Even West Valley College is at the ideal standard, which lists a course page with considerable information.  Students want to see an online syllabus in advance of registration.  Students have many options available to them and are shopping around, making decisions based on the information. Curtis explained that in the last year, there has been an emergence of hundreds of tools that will allow an instructor to create a web page easier than in the past.

 

                  The committee’s recommendation requests that the Academic Senate ask each department to ensure that any instructors (including associate faculty) teaching Distance Learning courses (both online and TV) meet certain standards. After a brief discussion, the Senators passed the following motion (M/S/P – Brennan/Cox):

 

                  “that the Mission College Academic Senate adopt the ideal standards for any instructor offering Distance Learning courses, to be implemented for Fall 2004.”                                           

 

 

    C.    Consider the Creation of a District Policy on Technology Accessibility

              Helen Ostrander presented a report on accessibility, stating that the district is out of compliance with equal access laws.  The report provides information on accessibility standards for electronic and information technology as well as a sample policy from Foothill-DeAnza. 

                  Discussion ensued, and Helen explained that the District is covered if it can demonstrate that there is a policy in place.  Helen addressed specific questions and concerns from the Senators regarding in-class requirements and advised that all educational institutions are required to have a policy.  It was agreed that it is appropriate that a plan be drafted, collecting other models and information.  In the meantime, it is important to state a policy that all electronic and technical material must be accessible.  The implementation is more complex. 

 

                  Alex summarized the sense of the Senate and directed Helen to develop broad outlines for a plan and essential points for a policy with her counterpart at West Valley College.  He will discuss the matter with his counterpart at West Valley College and recommended that the item be brought back to the District Academic Senate in the Fall.  At that time, a subcommittee will be formed to further develop a policy and plan.

 

   D.     Report on Grant for RN Program

                  This item was postponed to a future meeting.

 

   E.     Consider Support against Reassignment of Admin. Specialist Personnel to District

                  Dolores Gonzales advised the Academic Senate that there is a proposal to reassign the Administrative Assistants/Personnel position from the colleges’ purview to serve under the district’s umbrella, effective July 1, 2004. She would physically remain at Mission College and retain her SEIU status.  Dee will be required to attend weekly meetings at HR offices. Dee explained that the monies allocated for her position in the college budget will be transferred to HR.  She advised that the issue was brought to the West Valley College Council, relative to her counterpart at WVC, and the council took a strong position against the proposal.  The MC administration has not taken that position.  She expressed her concern regarding this proposal, stating that her position includes other components outside of the HR function.  

 

                  According to the plan outlined by Ms. Dillon, Interim HR Director, the intent of this plan is to centralize Human Resources activities in response to the West Valley College Accreditation report; to improve communication between the colleges and HR; to eliminate the duplication of work; to provide HR access to the administrative assistants; to ensure consistency in HR procedures; to implement record-keeping for the FON; to establish a solid HR infrastructure; and to look for the best solutions to processes to benefit the District as a whole.  Dee has taken her concerns to the Classified Senate, the Division Chair Council, and now she is seeking support from the Academic Senate to advise the college’s administration of the impact this will have on the college.

 

                  Discussion ensued on the appropriateness of bringing this matter to the Academic Senate. Although it is clear that administration can administer anyway they see fit, the Academic Senate does have the right to make recommendations in eleven areas of responsibility that affect faculty. It was argued that any impact this proposal will have on programs necessarily involves the Senate.  It was noted that one reason the college has the position is because the college was not getting adequate assistance from the District and MC wanted to have a counterpart to an already existing position at West Valley College.  There is great concern that if the position is moved from the college to the district, the result will be an end to the position at the college and its support for the Office of Instruction.  As an example, it was reported that as HR needed more secretarial assistance, the HR person assigned to the MC Staff Development office was reduced from sixteen hours per week to three hours per week, making it very difficult for the office to be effective. In addition, in order to address the MC accreditation needs, two HR personnel were assigned to Mission College.  One of them serving MC 50% of the time, and the other full-time. The first position has been reduced from 2.5 days/week at MC, to 1.5 days/week, and the second is at the college only three days per week, with a full-time counterpart at WVC.   Another concern presented is that we have an interim HR Director in place that is reorganizing the department.  Is this reorganization permanent?  It seems inappropriate for an interim to make changes of this nature and may be a harbinger of other things to come.

 

                  Mission College funded this specialist position out of Fund 100.  If this proposal moves forward, the college’s allotted funds for this position will be transferred to the district.  This is another example of the District taking fixed costs off the top before the colleges’ are apportioned their share.  This proposal will increase the district’s apportionment and this fact alone provides a rationale for the Senate to take action.

 

                  Alex expressed his view that what is happening here is a move to centralize authority to the district level in increments.  The Senate’s recommendation relative to the Budget Allocation Model (BAM) is that the colleges be funded first, before the district.  If this centralization is allowed to continue, the Senate’s recommendation regarding the BAM is fruitless. Centralization works best for efficiency purposes, but also centralizes decision-making, which means the responsiveness to the people to be serviced diminishes and decision-making is removed from the colleges.  The following resolution was presented and passed unanimously (M/S/U – Brennan/Oliver):

 

                  “Whereas, The reassignment of the administrative assistant specialist position from the Office of Instruction to the District will significantly diminish a faculty support position in the Office of Instruction and have a negative impact on educational program development, curriculum, and other essential academic and professional matters, and

 

                  Whereas, the proposed centralization of service diminishes the college’s ability to provide appropriate support services to the faculty, therefore

 

                  Let It Be Resolved, That the Mission College Academic Senate strongly recommend that this position remain in the Office of Instruction under the auspices of the college and not be moved by the District.”

 

                  Alex will advise Dr. Chong of this resolution.

   

IX.       Correspondence, Publications, & Announcements

              Correspondence 

              Publication/Minutes

              1.    The agenda for the May 11, 2004, meeting of GAP.

                  2.    The agenda for the May 12, 2004, meeting of the District Council and the HR Board items to be reviewed.

                  3.    The approved summary of the April 7, 2004, meeting of the District Council.

                  4.    The approved minutes for the April 15, 2004, meeting of ACE and the #1 Bargaining Bulletin from ACE dated May 5, 2004.

                  5.    The agenda for the May 12, 2004, meeting of DBAC and the meeting minutes for April 14. 2004, and an edited version of the budget reductions document.

                  6.    The agenda for the May 6, 2004, meeting of the Board of Trustees, and the notice of Special Closed Session meetings of the Board for May 3 and May 4, 2004.

              Announcements/Conferences 

                1.   The 26th Annual Great Teachers Seminar will be held in Santa Barbara, August 1-5, 2004.  Staff Development will hold a raffle for those interested in attending the conference.  Interested faculty should submit their names, division, department, and extension via e-mail to Heather Lynne Rothenberg by Friday, May 21, 2004.

 

 X.       Future Agenda Items

No new items were added at today’s meeting.

 

XI.       Adjournment

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