I. Call to Order/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by President
Don Cordero at 1:40 p.m. Senators present: Margaret Boone (AAS,
Ext. 3313), Lois Carroll (Instructional Support Serv., Ext. 3226),
Betty Christopher (Commercial Services, Ext. 3341), Don Cordero
(Pres/Counseling, Ext. 3142), Amy Grams (Associate Faculty, Soc
Sci, Ext. 2195), Judy Hooper (Student Services, 3146), Peggy Messerschmidt
(Communications, Ext. 3415), Cliff Monroe (Technology, Ext. 3349),
Diane Pette (Student Services, Ext. 3138), Clint Poe (Natural
Science, Ext. 3436), Joan Powers (ESL, Ext. 3401), Karl Ting
(Math, Ext. 3442), and Wilbert Xu (Social Science, Ext. 3447).
Also present: Diane Lamkin (Curriculum Committee Chair) and
Hussar Asfoor (ASB Rep) . Guests Present: Judy Del Frate, Phil
DeMarco, Carolyn Fisher, Helene Flolo, Manny Magallon, Mike Rao,
Kay Ringel, Moises Roizen (WVC Academic Senate Member), and Peter
Thelin (WVC Academic Senate Member).
II. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes for the meeting of May 15, 1997,
were accepted and approved as submitted (M/S/U - Pette/Poe).
III. Order of the Agenda
The following order of agenda was approved
by the Senators (M/S/U - Hooper/Pette):
Items VIII. B and C will immediately follow
Item VII.B, then Items VII.C and D, followed by Item VIII.A
IV. Oral Communication from the Public - There was no oral communication from the public.
V. Information & Announcements
1. Hussar
Asfoor, the ASB Representative to the Senate announced the results
of the ASB election. The new Student Trustee for Mission College
is Eric Woodell, the ASB President is James Malatesta, and the
Vice-President is Samuel Mensah.
VI. Administrative Business/Actions/Appointments
A. Curriculum Committee - Don reported that the committee held its last meeting of the semester. Manny Magallon has completed his term on the committee, and the Senate confirmed the appoint-ment of Anna Szabados to the Curriculum Committee as the CATA representative.
B. Staff Recognition - No Staff Recognition nominations were presented.
C. Award Plaques to Out-Going Senators
& Senate President - This item was postponed to the
end of the meeting (See Page 4).
At this time Don addressed the Senators, and
lauded them for their wisdom in making decisions these past two
years, providing direction to him as Senate President. He expressed
his confidence in the Senate's ability to determine the best solution
to the serious questions they face today, keeping in mind what
is best for Mission College and its relationships with ACE and
West Valley College. He asked them to be available and ready
to attend an emergency meeting, should it be deemed necessary.
VII. Old Business
A. Discuss Administrative Evaluation & How to Proceed to Implement
Don discussed the issue of administrative
evaluations with the administrators of the college, and they are
willing to work with the Academic Senate on this issue. He has
also discussed the matter with President-Elect Ian Walton. Ian
is willing to set up a process for next semester. Don reported
that he emphasized to all concerned that faculty members want
to be able to provide meaningful feedback to the administrators.
B. Discuss the Computer Applications Policy
Don advised that the intent of the policy
is to ensure that any qualified faculty member can teach a CA
course. The issue is a question of FTE, and Don recommended that
the policy be amended to include that if anyone other than a department
person approaches the CA Department to teach a course, that person
must provide the FTE. In addition, the policy, as it reads now,
is scheduled to be reviewed in May 1998.
Betty Christopher reiterated her statement
made at last week's meeting that both Diane Lamkin, Chair of the
Curriculum Committee, and Lee Callaway, Dean of Instruction, do
not feel that this policy is necessary. No other department has
a similar policy, and the Curriculum Committee already screens
course outlines for conflicts. It was her understanding that
the Senate was to reconsider its adoption of the policy.
Senator Powers indicated that the policy is
intended to ensure that other instructors can teach in CA. There
is a danger that future CA people could demand that all CA courses
be taught by faculty within the department.
Discussion continued briefly, and the following
motion was passed (M/S/P - Christopher/Pette)
"that
the Mission College Academic Senate rescind the Computer Applications
Policy."
As agreed, the next item of business is Item
VIII.B.
VIII. New Business
B. Consider A Vote of No Confidence Against the Chancellor
Don explained that on Tuesday, May 20, 1997,
the West Valley College Academic Senate passed a motion to support
a vote of no confidence against the Chancellor and has issued
a Resolution of No Confidence, along with a ballot, to WVC faculty
for a vote. He requested that the Resolution be forwarded to
all Mission College faculty, which was accomplished on Wednesday,
May 21, 1997, via e-mail . The question before the Senate today
is to consider a similar vote. Don advised that he attended a
meeting this morning that included the Chancellor, the two College
Presidents, Joan Sarlo (WVCAS President), Les White, and Sumi
Tanabe. The issues were discussed and centered on the Chancellor's
leadership skills, and he and Joan were quite frank and pointed
in their remarks to the Chancellor. Based on events at this morning's
meeting, Don recommended that the Senate members craft a document
today for distribution at a later date to be determined during
discussion.
Moises Roizen and Peter Thelin, Senators of
the West Valley College Academic Senate presented the rationale
and the process taken by the West Valley College Academic Senate,
emphasizing that the resolution represented three major issues
of an academic and/or professional nature. The intent of the
WVC Academic Senate is to take the resolution to the Board on
June 5, if supported by the faculty, with a request that the item
be placed on the next agenda (June 19) for discussion.
The Senators discussed the ramifications and
implications of various options, indicating a sensitivity to the
Chancellor's situation and the college faculty's relationship
with ACE and West Valley College, yet trying to ensure that their
action is representative of their constituencies and in the best
interest of Mission College. Mike Rao urged that any statement
or document prepared by the Senate be clear, specific, and presented
with supporting material. He urged further that the Senate provide
the Chancellor with an opportunity to respond.
It was suggested that it is not the Senate's
responsibility to be concerned about the Chancellor's position.
Rather, it is the Senators' responsibility to represent their
constituents, it is the Senate's responsibility to send a clear
message to the Board, and it is the Board's responsibility to
resolve the issue. Moises reiterated that the intent of the
WVC Academic Senate is to go on record that there is a problem,
that faculty have tried to deal with the problem, and the problem
remains unresolved. In his view, if the vote indicates a mandate
from faculty, the Senate is obliged to fulfill that mandate or
lose its integrity and credibility.
Discussion veered to details regarding contracts
and obligations, and it was noted that there is conflict in the
law. Don asked each Senator to report on the views of their constituents,
and most reported that their constituents were in favor of supporting
a vote of no confidence. The following motion was passed with
one abstention (M/S/P - Christopher/Asfoor) during a roll call
vote:
"that the Mission College Academic Senate
supports a vote of no confidence against the Chancellor by the
Mission College faculty. The vote will proceed on Tuesday, May
27, 1997, unless a letter of resignation from the Chancellor,
effective December 31, 1997, is received by 9:00 a.m., May 27,
1997."
Student Rep Asfoor - Yes (Advisory) Peggy Messerschmidt Yes
Margaret Boone - Yes Cliff Monroe - Yes
Lois Carroll - Yes Diane Pette - Yes
Betty Christopher - Yes Dianne McKay - Yes
Don Cordero - Yes Clint Poe - Yes
Amy Grams - Yes Joan Powers - Yes
Judy Hooper - Yes Karl Ting - Yes
Wen-Xian Xu - Abstain
The Senate President was directed to prepare
a ballot immediately for distribution to all faculty in the event
that the letter of resignation is not forthcoming.
C. Consider Request to Rescind & Expunge From the Minutes A Motion Adopted on May 20, 1993
On May 20, 1993, the Mission College Academic
Senate was addressed by the newly hired Chancellor for the district
accompanied by Lee Callaway, the Department Chair of the Nutritional
Science Department. Dr. Tseng requested that the Senate support
her request to the Board to be granted tenure.
Phil DeMarco, a Senator at the time, participated
in the formation and approval of the following motion , which
was passed unanimously by the Senate members (M/S/U - Bays/DeMarco):
"The Mission College Academic Senate
supports the recommendation of the Nutritional Sciences Department
that the Board of Trustees grant tenure to Dr. Tseng."
Phil stated that it was believed at the time that the individual requesting tenure was a faculty advocate, an excellent leader, and would take risks. He stated that experience has proven to be the better part of valor. Based on facts and conduct, he feels he would no longer recommend tenure for Dr. Tseng in this district, and he requested that the Senate rescind the motion and correct the action of the Senate. It was pointed out that the minutes of May 20, 1993, were modified by a note stating that since the meeting (May 20, 1993) took place, an opinion from the state Chancellor's Office has indicated that such action would be unprecedented and illegal.
The Senators unanimously passed the following
motion (M/S/U - Poe/Christopher):
"that the Mission College Academic Senate
rescinds the motion supporting Dr. Tseng's request for tenure
passed May 20, 1993."
At this time, Don Cordero, President of the
Senate, awarded plaques of appreciation to those Senators who
completed at least a two year term on the Senate: Margaret Boone,
Lois Carroll, Betty Christopher, Peggy Messerschmidt, Diane Pette,
and Karl Ting.
The remaining agenda items (except for Item
X) were postponed to a future Senate meeting. The meeting was
adjourned at 3:45 p.m. (M/S/U - McKay/Hooper). These minutes
are respectfully submitted by Grace Hazán, Academic Senate
President.
X. Correspondence, Publication, & Announcements
Correspondence - None
Publications/Minutes
1. The May 16, 1997, issue of DVC FORUM from the Diablo Valley College Faculty Senate.
2. Spring 1997, issue of CROSSTALK, a publication of the CHEPC.
Announcements/Conferences
1. A survey developed by a group of students, classified, faculty, and administrators to evaluate the work done by the College Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) has been published and distributed to all MC E-Mail users. Please respond to this survey and help to shape Mission College's future and how the budget process is implemented at the college. For additional information, contact Alan Hiromura's Office.
2. August 14, 1997, has been scheduled as an All College Flex Day and August 15 has been scheduled as the All Faculty Flex Day. Look for information delivered to faculty mailboxes.
3. FACCC is planning a series of Professional Development Opportunities for 1997/987. Watch
your mailboxes for forum and workshop schedules for the coming academic year.
4. WVC will host the Fall 1997, NC5 (Northern California Community College Computing Consortium) conference on October 24-25, 1997. WVC would like to showcase the accomplishments of district faculty at the conference. Anyone interested in making a presentation is invited to apply. Presenters get to attend the conference for free. For additional
information, contact Donette Dake, Tom Green, Ed Lodi, Bill Proudfoot, or Jim Wilczak.