Administration Interim

Prior to start of the regular meeting Senators and guests were joined by President Tessa Pollack; Deans Jean Ann Abel, Joyce Elsner, Alberto Sanchez; and Associate Deans Randy Kimmens, Mary Lou Massal and Donna Murchland. Administration briefed the Senate on the following topics:

o The District Board has scheduled a retreat for 2/28/02 to discuss the development of a strategic plan. That will begin a series of “listening sessions” expected to focus on nineteen (19) issues. The process will end with the setting of priorities that will affect the strategic plan of each campus.

o President Pollack and other campus administrators have opened dialogue and study with ASU-West concerning that University’s continuing incursion into lower division courses and the resulting shrinking of the number of courses being offered through the University College Center. In response GCC has shifted some Advisement resources, increased course offerings at GCC-North and will study the University’s offer of weekend classroom space.

o GCC has been allocated one of the twenty-five new positions granted by the District. (That is in addition to the allocations already announced at GCC using existing funds.)

o Dean Abel reported on current developments regarding a District policy regulating the adoption of “employee authored” textbooks. Any new adoptions of “employee authored” textbooks will be reviewed in the context of a potential conflict of interest. The District has a separate conflict of interest policy that covers other potential conflicts.

o Betty Hufford, English Department, has developed an evaluation form that students use to evaluate adjunct faculty who teach on-line. Betty is willing to share that evaluation tool with any department that has a similar need.

The administration interim adjourned at 3:00 PM.

I. General

A. Call to Order: A quorum being present President Jim Reed called

the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. Senators present included: Pres. Reed,

Vice President Carmela Arnoldt, Secretary Jack Rose, and senators:

Bob Hubbard, Dianna Dwyer, Renee Barstack, Larry Bohlender, David

Raffaella, Jeanne Saint-Amour, Carl Samuels, Paul DePippo and Pamela

Nelson.

B. Introduction of guests including Zhu Cui’e (Helen Zhu, visiting faculty from south China), Lyle Walcott, Ruth Callahan, Jean Samuels and Susan High.

C. The proposed meeting agenda was modified and adopted.

D. The minutes of the November 29^th, 2001 meeting were approved.

E. The Treasurer’s report reflected a balance $16,068.40 total for all accounts.

F. President Reed reported he was assisting faculty with wage disputes, helping with planning an “end of the year” party and he took flowers to Steve Williams, who is reported to be recovering nicely. President Reed also reported that the Faculty Executive Council (FEC) has retained the lobbying firm of Jameson & Gutierrez to represent faculty interests at the state legislature. The FEC appointed Pres. Reed to chair a committee to study and recommend alternatives to the lack of a District health plan benefit option for retirees. Other FEC areas of special interest includes: 49% issues, compensation for Chairs, legislative concerns and compensation for year-round curriculum.

G. Vice President Arnoldt gave a report of Governing Board activities including a set of priorities presented by the Chancellor “Growth, Diversity, Bonds;" and Board President Nancy Stein’s spoken commitment to “students and learning” and the retention of students.

II. Old Business

A. Susan High reported on the continuing work of a District committee charged with developing a policy seeking to prevent workplace violence. Susan and her colleagues have been actively soliciting input, many suggestions have already been considered and will be included in the proposed draft. There is still time to submit ideas.

B. Climate Study Results Committee:

1. Senator Paul DePippo read, without comment, a statement prepared by Gay Garesche stating that in her opinion President Pollack’s appointment of a Climate Results Committee is in conflict with the expectations and recommendation of the original Campus Climate Committee. Gay feels strongly that Dr. Pollack had agreed to the Campus Climate Committee’s recommendation that it would have a continuing role in working with a consultant to deal with the results of the study. Instead Dr. Pollack dissolved the original committee. The Senate took no action.

2. Jack Rose, Senate Secretary and past-chairman of the Committee to Select a Consultant reported that the work of that committee ended, as expected, with the recommendation of a finalist to Dr. Pollack. Dr. Pollack accepted that recommendation and staff are now in the process of drafting a contract outlining the work to be done by Dr. Bruce Merrill, Merrill Research. The selection committee was dissolved. The Committee’s original members, together with others, now comprise the newly formed Campus Climate Results Committee.

Membership of the Campus Climate Results Committee includes: Alice Estrada (MAT), Scott Kozak (PSA), Susan High and Nancy Siefer (Faculty), Senators Paul DePippo, Bob Hubbard, Jim Reed, and Jack Rose (Chair). The appointment of an administration representative is still pending. The committee will work with Dr. Merrill to identify areas of concern suggested by the results of the campus climate study and recommend strategies for improvement. The consultant’s final report will be presented at a meeting (or meetings) open to all employees on or before May 3^rd, 2002.

C. Vice President Carmela Arnoldt urged the Senate to support initiatives likely to develop calling for the District to allow retirees to remain in the MCCD health insurance group. Alternatives are expensive and often prohibitive for those considering retirement.

D. President Reed noted that there was still work to be done on the policy expected to describe intellectual property rights. For example, issues regarding royalties paid to departments or faculty for laboratory workbooks sold through the GCC Bookstore are still unresolved. He will continue to monitor developments.

E. President Reed thanked Senator Carl Samuels for coordinating the purchase and distribution of the AAUP Red Book to each senator and administration.

F. Vice President Arnoldt reported on the continuing evolution of the FIPP program and a recent FEC recommendation that it not be expanded any further until the program undergoes a thorough review.

G. President Reed indicated he will be using email to explore the Senate’s interest in establishing an “advisory role” to the President.

III. New Business

A. President Reed said he would be sending a strongly worded complaint to Vice Chancellor Glasper regarding the decision to allocate only one new position to GCC in the 2002/2003 budget.

B. Senators discussed the negative impact the adoption of the AGEC general education core has had on certain disciplines; particularly the reduction from 9 to 6 credits of both humanities and social behavioral categories. A recent change in the number of courses carrying the same prefix will help; however the number of “tags” (SB, Hu, C, G, H) that are now allowed for some courses still needs to be addressed. Possibilities are to either allow one "tag” per course either by definition or by a student’s choosing.

C. President Reed was informed by Campus Accounting that our duplicating account is in the “red.” Senator Bohlender moved a transfer of $500.00 to the senate’s duplicating account. The motion was seconded and passed with one "nay” vote.

IV. Information

A. President Reed pointed out that there is still unencumbered travel monies available.

B. Vice President Arnoldt announced the dates, times and potential topics for future forums. Watch for email announcements.

C. The current status and future plans for “The Waltrip Scholarship Fund” were discussed. No action was taken.

D. The date of the next regular meeting is Thursday February 28th, 2002 at 2:30 PM in the Council Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________

John E. “Jack” Rose

Secretary