Executive Summary,

Harbor College Academic Senate

Regular Meeting,

1:30, Thursday, October 18, 2007 

FORUM ON THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR

          Mr. Stanbery suggested that student deferment of homework under the compressed calendar may leave students feeling overwhelmed as the semester ends, and success rates under this and the previous calendar should be compared.  Mr. Wood pointed out that students do prefer the compressed calendar, and if the compressed calendar increases enrollment, absolute numbers of students succeeding may have increased even if success rates have declined.  He also  suggested that comparisons must take assessment differences into account, as a drop in student success rates in recent years, if any, may be attributable to factors other than the calendar.  Mr. Young mentioned several.  Other speakers pointed out that our classes are actually scheduled on several calendars so a variety of preferences can be accommodated.  Ms. J. Smith reminded members how unproductive the post-Christmas 'lame duck session' under the old calendar seemed to be; and to coordinate the start of our semester with the secondary schools and still end the semester before Christmas, no option remains but the present calendar. 

COMMENTS ON DISTRIBUTED REPORTS/NOTICES/COMMITTEE MINUTES

          Work Environment/Facilities

          Mr. Young reported on the emergency warning system tests that will be proposed to CPC this coming Monday.  Flex activities on emergency procedures in general will begin in January.  Concerns were suggested for discussion at the coming campus-wide forum on emergency procedures. 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

          Ms. J. Smith drew the Senate's attention to the hand-outs she'd distributed giving [1] proposed resolutions for the fall plenary of the State Academic Senate and [2] Dr. Spink's list of goals for '07-'08 as submitted October 15 to Chancellor Drummond.  She summarized the resolutions and invited specific suggestions for Dr. Spink's goals list.