Minutes,
Harbor College Academic Senate
Special Meeting,
9:00, Fri., July 25, 2003
LRC 125
Officers present: Susan McMurray [presiding], Brenda Guertin, Jim Stanbery [recording], June Smith, Len Glover, Mark Wood
Senators present: Bruce Lemon [Behavioral Sciences]; Kate Campbell, Pamela Watkins [Communications]; Wendy Hollis [Health Sciences]; Kathleen Keller, Lauren McKenzie [Math/Physical Sciences]; Nabeel Barakat [Physical Education]; Tissa Munasinghe [Science/FCS]; Brad Young [vice Weber; Social Sciences; Joy Fisher [vice Lindsay; Counseling];
Members excused: Robin Lindsay, Linda Ruiz [Counseling]
Members absent: Jonathan Lee [Library]; Adell Shay [Business]; Tricia Wickers [Health Sciences]; Susanne Aultz [Humanities]; Joyce Parker [Science/FCS]
Guests: Jerry Davis, Joan Thomas-Spiegel, Laurel Woodley
OPENING PROCEDURES
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was adopted with the adjustments shown.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr.Glover reported that the current checking balance is $1776.
Approval of Minutes
Unanimous consent to approve the minutes as previously e-mailed.
SPECIAL ORDERS
President’s Report
Props. A & AA Update
Mr. Davis shed further light on the repaving of Figueroa Pl. Exterior building repainting has started. The Draft EIR has been tentatively approved. Mr. Wood detailed possible savings in the Drama Building renovation.
MSU (Smith/Barakat) that Ms. McMurray and Mr. Wood remain as the Senate’s representatives on the Core Committee for Prop. A & AA planning through this academic year.
Opening Day Plans
Mr. Young would like to update the college on the emergency preparedness plan. He also suggested that faculty IDs could be provided on that day and that there should be some discussion of student discipline policy. Mr. Stanbery reminded the Senate of the APPC subcommittee that has developed recommendations in this area. Mr. Lemon stated that faculty should be reminded that, until a new policy is adopted, the faculty obligation is to call the campus police in case of a threat to classroom safety. Ms. Smith stated that the APPC will soon reach cloture on the issue.
MSU (Stanbery/Smith) that the Senate authorize free faculty IDs for all Faculty Association members, to be provided on opening day. MSU (Wood/Smith) that the Senate recommends that PAC require photo IDs at a nominal fee for all college employees. MS (Young/Lemon) that the faculty treasurer is authorized to defray any costs involved before August 28 subject to later reimbursement. MSU (Smith/Wood) to table the motion.
Dr. Tomlinson will give the faculty an update on facilities progress and how to maximize their own effectiveness in monitoring and shaping decisions as they develop.
Mr. Stanbery requested that the division meetings on opening day focus on unit plan updates and program review criteria. Ms. McMurray emphasized the importance of appropriate forms for all participants and prompt, clear feedback on the results.
Mr. Munasinghe proposed that opening day include a joint presentation updating the faculty on the college governance process and how budget, program review, and staffing decisions are being reached accordingly.
Budget Status
After Ms. McMurray read the letter relating to possible job actions just sent campus-wide by Dr. Spink, Mr. McKenzie guided the Senate through the hand-outs prepared by the College Budget Committee clarifying our current budget picture and possible ways of minimizing our indicated deficit. Ms. Hollis summarized at some length a Guild perspective on the district-wide situation.
MS (Stanbery/Wood) that the Senate direct its president as PAC co-chair immediately to discuss with administration how emergency budget-related decisions reached in the next several weeks can be arrived at as much as possible in accordance with the college governance process; and that the Senate resolves that no lay-off notices should be delivered to any college employee except as authorized accordingly.
Ms. McMurray shared her concern about the way in which pending job actions are being decided on. Ms. Hollis proposed that PAC meet on the matter next week. Ms. Smith proposed a friendly amendment to the motion on the floor, which was accepted, calling for such a meeting. Ms. Hollis and Mr. McKenzie reminded the Senate that the Chancellor’s recent open letter established a clear basis for Dr. Spink’s memo. Mr. McKenzie also observed that the summer session has somewhat improved our fall FTES position. Mr. Young requested a feasibility study for minimizing college police costs. Ms. McMurray asked him to bring this proposal to PAC. The motion as amended was unanimously adopted.
MSU (Smith/Wood) that the Senate abjurs the recent actions by administration regarding possible classified lay-offs or reorganization, which have bypassed the college governance process currently in force. MSU (Hollis/Guertin) that the Senate regrets that due process has not been followed by administration in considering decreasing staff and meeting the “gap cloture” as required by the LACCD and the Board of Trustees; and the Senate resolves that no determinations are to be made by administration except through the shared governance process.
Program Review Criteria
Ms. Thomas-Spiegel expressed the concern that the Senate’s program review resolution of June 5 does not appear to have been observed in the viability studies underway at this point. MSU (Wood/Guertin) that the Senate insists that any academic program scheduled for review should be processed through the Academic Senate, to oversee the review committee’s composition and ensure that due notification, timeline, and sufficient data with lead time is provided for proper integrity.
Special Items
Ms. McMurray expressed the consensus of the previous meeting that, the Senate’s representatives on PAC and other committees having been elected last fall, they will serve until replaced this coming fall. Unanimous consent to authorize the Executive Committee to act on behalf of the Senate between Senate meetings for the rest of the summer, and for staff development funds to be used to cover opening day expenses as necessary.
ADJOURNMENT