Harper College Faculty Senate

Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive

 

Summary Minutes for January 19, 2006

(approved  February 2, 2006)

 

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

 

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

 

II.        President’s Report

  • Michael indicated that he was very pleased with our opening sessions and with the Senate luncheon with Michael Grossman, President of the Faculty Senate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Dr. Grossman has sent further information on the way that UIUC’s committees are organized and structured.  Michael Harkins spoke in support of establishing a Committee on Academic Affairs that would work closely with the Board of Trustees and would include 3 Senators and 2 at-large faculty.  Dave Richmond so moved; Pat Beach seconded.  The motion was approved.
  • Michael reviewed committee appointments.  He is appointing Paul Holdaway and Joyce Grattoni to the Elections Committee to replace Linda Nelson and Sandy Kreiling, who are stepping down.
  • He reviewed the joint meeting of the Oversight Committee and the committee chairs.  Michael encouraged chairs to remember that there are student members on just about every shared governance committee.

 

III.       Officers’ Reports

  • Paul noted that the next College Assembly meeting will be held on January 26th at 3:00 PM.
  • Sue reported that there has been some misunderstanding over retirement option #1 and its filing deadline.  She is trying to clarify the issue.
  • Dan reported that Senate finances are in good shape.
  • Jim reported that there has been a good response from faculty in volunteering for the Academic Calendar Committee.  He also noted that the Senate Scholarship Committee is always looking for donations and for nominations for student awards.  Kathi Hock handed out information on the committee’s work.

 

Paul Guymon moved that we go directly to item VII (New Business) on the agenda; Dave Braunschweig seconded.  The motion was approved.

 

VII.     New Business

Linda Campbell and Mark Healy from the Academic Standards Committee reported on a proposal to create an Associate Degree in General Studies.  After a brief discussion, it was agreed that the proposal will be placed on the next Senate agenda for further discussion.  Linda and Mark will send the proposal to Jim Edstrom and Dave Braunschweig for distribution to Senators in advance.

 

The Senate returned to the agenda—item IV (Consent Agenda).

 

IV.       Consent Agenda

The minutes from the Senate meetings of November 17th and December 1st were examined and amended.  Sue Bajt moved that they be approved; Kathi Nevels seconded.  The minutes were approved as amended.

 

V.        Informational

Michael reminded everyone of the importance of attending committee meetings in order to ensure that committee work operate smoothly.

 

VI.       Old Business

The issue of the College Assembly’s Recording Secretary was discussed.  Michael and Jim reported that Oversight seems inclined to remove this position from the Assembly’s data sheet.  After some discussion, it was recommended that we suggest leaving the data sheet as it currently stands.

 

The issue of positive and negative payrolls was discussed.  Dave Braunschweig reported that the committee working on the subject will probably vote to implement positive payrolls.  It was pointed out that this would most likely take place beginning with the new fiscal year.  There was discussion as to which body or bodies would be appropriate to further discuss the issue.

 

The summary of the Vice President of Academic Affairs’ position on search committees—as compiled by Jim Edstrom, Andrew Wilson and Kathi Nevels—was discussed.  Some minor changes were suggested.  Jim, Andrew and Kathi will work further on cleaning it up and will present it at the next Senate meeting.

 

It was reported that applicants for full-time faculty positions are now being required to submit a statement on technology.  This issue will be placed on the next Senate agenda.

 

VIII.    Adjournment

Dave Richmond moved for adjournment; Andrew Wilson seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Edstrom