Harper College Faculty Senate

Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive

 

Summary Minutes for September 1, 2005

(approved  September 15, 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 approved its meeting schedule for 2005-2006.
  • Geoff Durian was approved for appointment as Senator representing TMS.

 

 

I.                   Call to Order at 12:26 P.M.

 

II.                            President’s Report

  • Michael spoke of the need to work on issues together this year.  He encouraged everyone to talk with officers freely and of the importance of accomplishing an outstanding contract.
  • Michael Grossman, President of the Faculty Senate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will speak at an all-faculty meeting on the subject of shared governance.
  • Michael has asked the administration for an audit of funds remaining in the insurance settlement.

 

III.             Officers’ Reports

·        Paul provided an update on the College Assembly.  He noted that some faculty slots are still open.

·        Jim presented a proposed schedule of Senate meetings for 2005-2006.  They are as follows:

 

Fall Semester 2005

Spring Semester 2006

September 1

January 19

September 15

February 2

October 6

February 16

October 20

March 2

November 3

March 16

November 17

April 6

December 1

April 20

 

May 4

 

 

Dave Braunschweig moved that the proposed schedule be accepted; Paul Guymon seconded.  The schedule was approved.

 

·        Sue provided a brief update on grievances.  She reminded everyone of the importance of following proper tenure procedures.  She also encouraged the contract committees to keep the Senate apprised of issues that come up, given that the Senate has the responsibility of approving changes in policies and procedures.

·        Dan reported that faculty have been very generous in donating money to the amenities fund.  He indicated that he would like to see more faculty set up payroll deductions for Senate scholarships.

 

IV.             Consent Agenda

The minutes from the Senate meeting of May 5th were distributed and examined.  Pat Beach moved that the minutes be approved; Kathi Nevels seconded.  The minutes were approved.

 

V.              Informational

Michael announced that he would like to appoint Geoff Durian as Senator from TMS to replace Dan Stanford, who resigned last December.  Sue Overland so moved, and Paul Guymon seconded.  The motion was approved.

 

Michael noted that the new Northwest Labor Group is now active.  He asked that anyone with an interest in attending meetings of this organization let him know.

 

Michael again encouraged everyone to donate to COPE.

 

VI. Old Business

The scheduling grid was discussed.  Jim Edstrom reviewed Senate actions on the issue, specifically a motion passed on January 27, 2005 reading as follows:  “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.”  Some concerns were expressed to the effect that the grid is relevant to faculty terms and conditions of employment.  The scheduling process is the issue.  The chairs and coordinators group will discuss the issue.

 

VII.           New Business

The role and function of chairs and coordinators was discussed.  There is concern that their role is under assault.  As an example, recently in the English Department there was an attempt by the Dean to add more sections of English 101 as late-start courses against the advice of the co-chairs.  (The Dean had previously agreed that there would be no more sections of this course added for the semester.)  It was argued that after all, the chairs will have the best perspective on whether a given schedule can realistically be implemented or not.  Kurt Neumann moved a resolution to underscore the crucial role of chairs and coordinators, the importance of an amicable scheduling process in the best interests of students, and the need to find a remedy for situations such as that in the English Department.  Andrew Wilson seconded the motion.  It was pointed out that the Senate should have an opportunity to read the motion before acting on it, and consequently Kurt withdrew the motion to give the Senate more time for consideration.  Jim Edstrom will send copies of the original motion to all Senators for their perusal.

 

Negotiations were discussed.  Names of faculty willing to serve on the negotiations team and on related subcommittees are currently being collected.  The membership of the negotiations team will be submitted to the Senate at the next meeting for their consideration and approval.  Some concern was expressed over the need to share information with the faculty at large concerning the process.

 

The adjunct faculty contract was discussed.  Michael has asked Sue Overland to lead an effort to go over this contract to determine its impact upon our contract.  Sue asked for input from Senators.

 

Jim reported on the appointments process.  All reappointments have been made and many of the new appointments have been completed.

 

Linda Campbell from the Academic Standards Committee reported that her committee would like to know whether they should investigate the following issues:

1.   How will online classes affect office hours?

2.   Does an online class imply no face-to-face contact with students?

It was agreed that the committee should consider these issues.

 

Michael noted that he has asked Paul Guymon to lead a group investigating how reorganization of Academic Affairs will affect Faculty Senate representation.  It was suggested that there be an all-faculty ballot on this issue.  We will discuss the problem at the next Senate meeting.

 

The concern was expressed that reassigned time is under assault.  The chairs and coordinators will discuss the issue.

 

IX. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Edstrom