ACADEMIC SENATE
Minutes
May 2, 2007
Present: C. Britton, D. Hensley, C. Hodges, M.J. Jordan, Y. Kim, R. Osborne, S. Regier, C. Roman, L. Syrdahl, J. Wiens, D. Williams
Absent: D. Bezayiff, P. Boudreaux, J. Keele, M.J. Jordan, curriculum chair representative
Via consensus
Attended the plenary session of the State Academic Senate. Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) was the big buzzword of the conference. It was stated that SLO’s should drive a college’s budget. Discussion centered on revisiting whether or not we are a budget-driven college or a learning centered college. Has our students learning been affected during the large budget cuts of the last 5 years? .
Craig is assisting tracking expenditures of the student basic skills grant money
$50,000 is unaccounted for. $14,000 was spent on consulting group, (Deming group).
The state is in the process of rewriting curriculum policy and procedures. Craig is recommending postponing our curriculum revisions until the state finishes their rewrite.
2. CCA (Regier)
Will meet next month (June) for a three-day meeting in Springville.
David B. is planning a general union meeting.
3. Curriculum
The committee inactivated a number of old courses that haven’t been taught for an extended period of time. The committee will continue to inactivate courses as they are brought forward.
4. PC Foundation
No Report
5. Division Reports
Fine Arts: is dropping old courses from the catalog that have not been taught for many years.
Concern was mentioned among members of the Senate of the exceedingly early date the district requested our Spring 08 schedule (June 1, 2007). There are a number of courses that are starting in fall, and we don’t know how many students will be successful and go on to the next class in the sequence. Some programs are using regular roll-over, but as we try to start new programs and consider what is in the best interest of the institution and student learning, this is a frustrating trend.
Questions: is this a one-time event or will it be continuous? Is this a software-driven decision?
M: that the Senate look into developing a resolution expressing our concern at these very early dates of scheduling because it doesn’t allow adequate strategic planning. (Hensley)
S: Syrdahl
C: Unanimous
Student Services: – an “early alert” system is being established in Banner for students who have academic problems. Professors who have concerns can initiate a check, and this will generate an email to the student and to matriculation (M. Herrera). The email will also be forwarded to EOPS, CalWorks, or the DRC if applicable. Counselors can then intervene. The pilot program will run during summer, with the permanent program established during fall. This should take the place of the hard copies of grade checks that faculty are currently filling out.
Next Tuesday – cash for college night. All high school seniors are invited.
A community service event for Native Americans will take place at our gym on May 29. Its purpose is to publicize governmental help programs.
1. 2008-2009 Academic Calendar
The present contract reads that the CCA has the right to negotiate the calendar and that it delegates that right and authority to the Senates of each college to settle the calendar separately for each member college after consulting with the Association. According to page 8 of the contract all three member colleges within the district do not have to start and stop at the same time.
2. Evening services (administration, counseling, etc).
Discussion ensued that work is still needed to be done to offer evening students comparable services as day students.
3. Campus security
The Senate will develop a resolution concerning campus lighting and security due to concerns raised during the 2006-2007 academic year that have not been acted on by the administration.
1. Nominations for Academic Senate President-Elect
The executive committee will hold the election during the week of May 7.
2. SLO coordinator/Chair of Senate Sub-committee.
Craig and others will continue to look into this. Important issues include release time and possible stipend through Title V funds.
3. Scholar of the year 2006-2007.
Craig Britton will send out an email requesting faculty to respond with nominations.
VIII. Adjournment:
M: Regier at 5:14
Respectfully submitted
J. Wiens