Harper College Faculty Senate

Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive

Harper College Faculty Senate

Summary Minutes for February 24, 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 authorized a climate study.
• The Senate approved the formation of a task force consisting of Senators, officers, and chairs and coordinators to compile information and make recommendations to the Senate regarding the reorganization of Academic Affairs.
• A committee of three will be established to review applications for the Papandrea Scholarship.

I. Call to Order at 12:25 P.M.

II. President’s Report

Michael Harkins asked for a motion to amend the agenda to move immediately to item VI (“Old Business”) on the agenda. The motion was made, seconded, and approved.

VI. Old Business

· The Senate goals were discussed. Liz Minicz handed out a draft of these (with further details under each goal) as follows:

I. To safeguard the academic freedom of faculty.

II. To uphold the contract.

III. Be familiar with and uphold the traditions and philosophy of Shared Governance.

Liz further noted that “Complete a climate study” should be added under “To uphold the contract.”

· Dave Richmond reported from the ad hoc committee on climate study. Draft copies of the survey to be completed were distributed. Division Senators will be asked to come to J242 on Monday (February 28^th) to pick up surveys for distribution to the faculty, which should be completed by them as quickly as possible. Paul Guymon moved that the Senate authorize the climate study; Sunil Koswatta seconded. The climate study was approved.

· The issue of academic reorganization was discussed. Michael reported on the feedback that he has received from the chairs and coordinators. Their concerns included the following:

q They have received very little information about the proposal.

q There has been little effort to consult with chairs and coordinators on the issue.

q They are concerned about the impact of the proposal upon curriculum.

q The proposal is heavily focused upon administration.

q The proposal raises more questions than it answers.

q It is unclear what it means for resource allocation.

In the face of these questions, the Senate considered and discussed the appropriate actions to take. Jim Edstrom moved that a task force be formed consisting of Senators, officers, and chairs and coordinators to compile information and make recommendations as to such appropriate actions. Caryn Levington seconded. The motion was approved. Rich Johnson, Dave Braunschweig, Andrew Wilson, Jim Edstrom, Dave Richmond, and Kris Piepenburg volunteered to serve. Paul Guymon will convene the group.

• The Foundation gala was discussed. Sue Overland asked the Senate to sponsor the current Fulbright Scholar at this event by paying for his $225.00 ticket. Rich Johnson so moved; Sue seconded. There was extensive discussion. It was asked whether the administration could pay for the ticket and whether there was value in the Senate doing so. It was felt that more information was needed, and Rich Johnson withdrew his motion. The Senate will revisit this issue.
• The Papandrea Scholarship was discussed. Tom Goetz moved that a committee of three Senators be established to review the applications for this award; Kathi Hock seconded. The motion was approved.

VII. New Business

• The questions that have been raised regarding the choice of name for the College’s new ERP—“Project Phoenix”—were discussed. Some inquiries have been made, but there has been no feedback as yet.
• There were questions regarding the recent resignation of a faculty member. Sue Overland and Michael Harkins indicated that Local 1600 had been involved from the very first and that the Senate Exec had acted vigorously.

VIII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Edstrom