Harper College Faculty Senate

Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive

 

Harper College Faculty Senate

Summary Minutes for January 27, 2005

 

Executive Board:  Michael Harkins, President; Paul Guymon, Vice President; Jim Edstrom, Secretary; Dan Loprieno, Treasurer; Sue Overland, Grievance Officer; Julie Fleenor, Past President

 

Actions Taken

  • The Senate accepts the first two pages of the grid for classes starting 5:30-8:15 PM, with the assumption that the chairs and coordinators will select appropriate class times in consultation with deans.
  • The Senate is establishing a subcommittee to investigate a climate study and return it to the Senate with recommendations before or on February 10, 2005. 

 

 

I.                   Call to Order at 12:20 P.M.

 

II.  President’s Report

Michael Harkins indicated that the meeting would focus on two issues under “Old Business”:  the evening schedule grid and the proposed climate study.

 

III. Old Business

Diana Sharp presented information on the proposed scheduling grids, stressing that it represents a framework—“a tool, not a mandate.”  She handed out copies of the proposal.  It was moved and seconded to accept the first two pages of the grid for classes starting 5:30-8:15 PM.  Several questions were asked, including:

·        How willing will the deans be to allow classes to run if there are fewer students signed up for individual courses?

·        How many more night classes will be offered?

·        Can they confirm that this grid is an option and not a mandate?  Jennifer Mathes confirmed that this is the case.  It will involve close consultation between the chairs and the deans, and Marge Skold understands this.

There was some discussion as to whether this should be sent to the chairs and coordinators for their perusal.  It was moved and seconded to amend the motion to approve the grid with the assumption that the chairs and coordinators will select appropriate class times in consultation with deans.  The amendment was approved.

 

The motion now read:  “The Senate accepts the first two pages of the grid for classes starting 5:30-8:15 PM, with the assumption that the chairs and coordinators will select appropriate class times in consultation with deans.”  The motion was approved.

 

A proposed climate study was discussed.  It was noted that examining the campus climate will be needed in preparation for upcoming negotiations.  Such a survey will underscore faculty professionalism.  Michael indicated his willingness to present it to the Board and the administration.  There was some discussion as to whether it would be more credible if it included other campus groups.  It was moved and seconded that the Senate establish a subcommittee to investigate a climate study and return it to the Senate with recommendations before or on February 10, 2005.  The motion was approved.  A call for volunteers to serve on this subcommittee will be sent out.

 

Kris Piepenburg handed out a list of additional courses that have been recommended by the Academic Standards Committee for the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.

 

Michael noted that the next Senate meeting on February 3rd will focus on reorganization.  There was interest in inviting Marge Skold to provide information.  It was reported that charts for the proposed reorganization will be on the HIP page soon.

 

VII.           Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jim Edstrom