Regular Meeting,

1:00, Thursday, March 15, 2007

T120

Treasurer's Report/Budget Presentation

          Mr. Glover reported a balance of $1301 and orally presented a tentative annual budget for expenditures from dues revenue:  $200 district academic senate, $200 for DAS luncheon, $150 graduation refreshments, $125 from FHPC luncheon, $100 retirees, $75 for courtesy, $50 miscellaneous ($900 total, against approximately $700 in annual dues).

Administrative Report

          Inquiry relative to faculty hiring

          Mr. Oakes raised concerns with Mr. Rosas relative to Articles 32 and 33 of the contract requiring Guild representation on FHPC and due notification of administrative departures from FHPC recommendations, and announced that the Guild will be filing a grievance on the absence of due notification.  Ms. Guertin shared a reply by Dean Carson to her inquiry on due notification, but Ms. Smith pointed out that this did not constitute the formal response by the college president required under the contract.  Mr. Rosas assured the Senate that he would convey its concern to Dr. Spink.

          Inquiry on use of Senate office

          Mr. Wood and Mr. Rosas are in consultation on this matter. Unanimous consent to refer the matter to the Facilities Committee.

          Budget update

          Mr. Rosas reported on a meeting with district representatives on the fiscal status of the college.  The figures indicated that we are the most efficient of the four smaller colleges and did best in fulfilling growth targets, and if the Allocation Grant Task Force forgives sufficient past budget shortfalls, we will be able to balance our budget in the future.  Ms. Smith drew the Senate's attention to the draft Academic Affairs Committee minutes in her written report, pointing out possible inaccuracies.  Mr. Rosas reported a consensus in the AAC that its top priority should be acted on without further reference to CPC.  Mr. Stanbery questioned that approach.

          Waste Management Program

          Ms. Smith urged that any proposed program be developed in accordance with our formal process.

          Safety concerns

          Ms. Tull asked Mr. Rosas about the segment of Ms. Smith's report relative to campus safety.  Mr. Rosas stressed the decline in our evening female enrollment, perhaps reflecting nighttime safety concerns.  Mr. Wood urged prompt installation of new lights, and Ms. Smith stressed the activation of the escort service.

ASO Report

          Mr. Gonzales reported ASO activities around Earth Day April 22 and the initiative on textbook price reduction involving a possible trip to Sacramento.  A segment of Ms. Smith's report also concerns this.  Ms. Fasteau suggested having a publisher's representative present a flex activity on pricing factors and alternatives.  Mr. Oakes outlined research aspects to be considered.  Ms. Fasteau stressed the articulation tie-in.

Consent Items

          Members of Special Committee for Foundation Grants

          Ms. Guertin notified the Senate that four faculty members have applied.  Item to be acted on at our next meeting.

ITEMS/MOTIONS NOTICED FOR ACTION FEBRUARY 15

          Curriculum Approvals

          Unanimous consent to the approvals as proposed by the Curriculum Committee:

          a) Spanish 035 – Spanish for Spanish Speakers I – 5 hours lecture - 5 units

Addition of existing district course

Pre requisite – None

Degree applicable                                                         Rationale:  Student/college demand

b) Spanish 036 – Spanish for Spanish Speakers II – 5 hours lecture - 5 units

Addition of existing district course

Pre requisite – Completion of Spanish 035 with a grade of “C” or better

Degree applicable                                                         Rationale:  Student/college demand

          Senate Representative on the Hiring Committee for Associate Dean of EOPS

          Mr. Oakes questioned the absence of a Guild representative on the committee.  Ms. Smith reported that Vice President Patterson had questioned whether the Senate was entitled to a representative, and stated that the Academic Planning and Policy Committee should consider the question.  Unanimous consent to confirm Mr. Hirsch as the Senate representative.

COMMENTS ON DISTRIBUTED REPORTS/NOTICES/COMMITTEE MINUTES

          DCC

          Ms. Watkins drew the Senate's attention to the report included in the meeting packet, recommending a reduction from twenty to ten days for review of proposed course changes by offices of academic affairs, and distributed the text of district regulation in question, E-65.  She also alerted the Senate to the potential for applying the new English and math equivalency standards so as in effect to weaken them, and distributed the section of the Ed Code involved.

          Leadership Summit

          Mr. Wood felt the meeting was useful.