Mesa Community College Faculty Senate

Mesa Community College Faculty Senate

Approved Minutes

1 September 2005

*Member*	*Telephone*	*Representing / Office*	*Present*	*Absent*
Phil Carrillo	654-7710	At-Large	X
Harold Cranswick	461-7245	Zone 5	X
Lyn Dutson	461-7165	President		X
Allen Galliart	461-7007	Active Retirees Rep		X
Donna Gaudet	461-7929	At-Large		X
James Giles	654-7718	Zone 8	X
Mehrzad Khorsandi	461-7257	At-Large	X
Bruce Peterson	654-7722	Zone 1	X
Greg Pratt	461-7755	At-Large		X
Sonia Esposito	654-7816	At-Large	X
John Seims	461-7186	President Elect	X
Mona Scott	461-7155	At-Large		X
Ann Stine	461-7546	Zone 6		X
Margie Lyscas	654-7768	Zone 4	X
Debra Bitter	461-7024	Zone 7	X
Mary Aldridge	461-7361	Zone 3, Secretary	X
Sally Kroelinger	461-7134	At-Large	X
Phillip Waclawski	461-7468	Zone 2, Treasurer	X

I. General

A. Call to order: 3:17pm

B. Approval of Agenda: Agenda approved unanimously

C. Approval of Senate Minutes: Minutes for 21 April and 18 August approved unanimously.

II. Treasurer’s Report – Phill Waclawski

A. Phill adjusted budget to maintain a balanced budget. In addition, he distributed information on all account activity, including dividends from a class action suit.

B. Phill also informed Senate that membership forms have arrived and are being labeled. He spent some time educating new Senate members about the membership drive and distribution of forms. He also indicated that there has been some trouble contacting faculty about their status as Faculty Association members because their “mailboxes” are full. Senate members should notify Phill about those who are not received Faculty Association emails. One member of Senate suggested we clip a information sheet to the membership forms that details the functions of both Senate and the Faculty Association. Alternatively, we can direct people to both the Faculty Association and Senate websites.

III. Old Business

A. Opinion Survey

1. Follow up—how to proceed?

Senate members are encouraged to reread the Opinion Survey report that was distributed at the end of the Spring Semester, so that we can follow up on issues raised in the document. It was suggested that we print a follow up report detailing what’s been done and what we are doing to address concerns raised by faculty. It was noted by several Senate members that we owe this to those who took the time to respond to the survey. It is important to let faculty know how this document is being used to better our college.

John noted that there are areas that are currently being addressed. He and Lyn Dutson are currently meeting with VP Mee weekly in order to better communication between faculty and administration. These meetings are going well. They have not been able to meet with President Christensen this semester.

John further encouraged Senate members to bring any concerns and questions to him and to Lyn.

2. Future?

We will proceed with the survey every two years. The survey will change from its present format as much was learned from this first year experience. Senate formed a committee to take on the task of researching questions, survey companies, use of an automated/web based format, and other survey related issues. The committee members are: Lyn Dutson, John Seims, Harold Cranswick, Margie Lyscas, and Bruce Peterson.

B. Distinguished Faculty Award

The DFA committee has decided to hold a “Fall Faculty Social” in September. We will present the DFA award, including a plaque and a check, to Ann Ewing during the event. We will contact the press: AZ Republic, the East Valley Tribune, and the Mesa Legend.

Phill sought reaffirmation of the need to transfer money into our account to cover the award check.

C. Formation of College Technology Group

Lyn and John met with VP Mee, and she agreed that a planning group needed to be formed. She is supportive of this group and its function.

The committee has decided on the following membership structure:

· 3 Faculty representatives: 1 from Senate, 1 from the Chair Association, and 1 Faculty at Large

· 3 IT representatives

· 1 CTL representative

· 1 Library representative

· 2 Student Services representatives

· 1 M & O representative

· 1 non-voting Dean level representative

The different employee groups will choose their own representatives. This will be an ongoing committee, and it will not be solely connected to issues dealing with Bond funds.

Senate members raised questions concerning the leadership of the committee: can/should it be attached to Senate, and who will ultimately be responsible for its decisions? Senate will return to these concerns in future meetings.

IV. New Business

A. Governing Board Meetings I: Senators choose one to attend; encourage/bring a faculty member

Senators should encourage faculty to attend GB meetings so that the faculty may project a strong presence at these meetings. In addition, additional information is always gleaned from attending GB meetings; this information can further communication and shared governance within our college.

B. Governing Board Meetings II: Board wishes for each of 10 colleges to present at a meeting

After the success of Phoenix College’s presentation at a recent GB meeting, Senate members were encouraged to consider ways to highlight MCC’s strengths and accomplishments at a future GB meeting. Areas to consider for presentation include scholarships, study abroad programs, theatre, and science fair day. A committee was formed to oversee the development of a presentation; members are: Lyn Dutson, Mary Aldridge, Jim Giles, Debbie Bitter, and Margie Lyscas.

C. Changes in Office Hour policies

Section 5.4 of the RFP indicates that office hours should “reflect the instructor’s teaching schedule.” As this language has been changed, many faculty and department chairs are not aware of these changes; Senate members are encouraged to educate faculty members about the changes in policy/language.

The weakness of the FEP as an evaluative tool was also discussed. As faculty are encouraged not only to teach but to participate in other activities and areas such as student support, committees, community service, and professional growth, a tool such as the FEP that measures only teaching is not effective. Many faculty members are able to submit the FEP without much reflection or acknowledging their participation in activities other than teaching. While the Faculty fought for the FEP, the process is no longer valued. The issue of evaluation is one that will come before Senate and faculty in the coming months. Already, the Nursing department has had to address issues of non-compliance with the State Board because of the current FEP structure and process.

D. Topic for forthcoming Know Your RFP

Senate discussed topics for future “Know Your RFP” emails. Professional conduct and standards is the current topic. This includes issues of sexual harassment and retaliation. Faculty need to be aware of safeguards in place to protect their privacy and jobs so that they may come forward if they feel that their rights have been ignored. Senate members reviewed a draft on mediation and decided to include language that indicates that probationary faculty is protected under RFP guidelines in cases of harassment or other rights’ violations. Future topics may include professionalism and accountability.

E. Topics of Concern for Senate

Senate members reviewed some areas of concern including communication with President Christensen, hiring an external consultant to review the Human Resources department, reviewing the faculty hiring process, and encouraging communication in a timely and clear manner.

Senate will return to these concerns in future meetings.

F. Laura Knaperek: visiting college on 10 Oct.

Senate members are encouraged to attend this presentation.

G. Learning Spaces Conference at Estrella Mountain on 16 September.

Senate members are encouraged to attend this conference.

H. Hurricane Katrina and its impact

Senate members agreed to encourage faculty to donate to relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Members were also reminded to find ways to conserve energy resources as the hurricane has affected oil production in the Gulf Coast region, and gas prices have risen steadily since the storm. If possible, we will use video conferencing in future meetings so that Red Mountain faculty will not need to make the drive to the Southern and Dobson campus.

V. Information: VP Gail Mee and Linda Collins will attend next meeting to discuss Distance Learning

VI. President’s Report

No report

VII. President Elect’s Report

Senate members were given a copy of the Fund I budget for review. Also, members were informed of FEC’s focus on the 30/32 issue; they will push for 30.