Harper College Faculty Senate

Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive

Summary Minutes for April 3, 2008

(Approved April 17, 2008)

Executive Board:  Michael Harkins, President; Tom Dowd, Vice President; Jim Edstrom, Secretary; Linda Campbell, Treasurer; Dave Richmond, Grievance Officer; Julie Fleenor, Past President

Actions Taken

·                     In response to a request from the Calendar Committee, the Senate voted that when Lincoln’s Birthday falls on a Monday, the College will observe President’s Day, and that this becomes a parameter for the Calendar Committee in their design of future calendars on years when this anomaly occurs.

 

I.          Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Tom Dowd at 12:28 PM. 

 

II.        President’s Report

There was no President’s report.

 

III.       Officers’ Reports

 

Treasurer Linda Campbell reported that funds just received from Local 1600 are in use to cover expenses.

 

IV.      Informational:

·         The spring luncheon is scheduled for 5/16/08 at 1 p.m. Attendance is encouraged!

·         The process for course removal was discussed and clarified. There is a 6 step procedure outlined in the curriculum manual involving agreement between Department Chairs/Coordinators, Division Deans, etc., and ending with consent of the Curriculum Committee.

 

V.        Consent Agenda

The minutes from the meetings of March 6th and March 20th were examined.  After some minor revisions, Bob Campbell moved that they be approved; Kathi Nevels seconded.  The minutes were approved.

 

VI.       Old Business:

·         The Board Liaison Committee was again lauded by the Senate for their excellent work. The Board has asked to meet with the incoming Senate Exec—a most welcome and important step toward improving communication. David Braunschweig and Cathy Albergo were particularly lauded for contributing to the Committee’s good work.

 

 

VI.       New Business:

·         Calendar Committee: The Calendar Committee, as represented by Patti Ferguson, noted a concern regarding an anomaly in the 2012 calendar. On this year, Lincoln’s birthday falls on a Monday. ICCB stipulates that a certain number of Mondays are necessary in order for Monday classes to have sufficient instructional time. The Committee recommended that in 2012 the anomaly be addressed by Harper observing President’s Day rather than Lincoln’s Birthday. Dave Braunschwieg motioned and Sue Bajt seconded that when Lincoln’s Birthday falls on a Monday, the College will observe President’s Day, and that this becomes a parameter for the Calendar Committee in their design of future calendars on years when this anomaly occurs. The motion passed unanimously.

·         A Senate Retreat will be held this summer. Possible days and times will be sent to faculty Senators and Department Chairs and Coordinators to assess what works best for the majority’s schedules. Perry Buckley will also attend the retreat. The meeting will include goal setting for the coming year, in addition to training.

·         The Communication Committee, consisting of ten faculty members and Dr. Breuder, has been meeting before every Board meeting. Recent topics of discussion include hiring and retention issues and practices for minority hires, and faculty access to discipline-specific software. Dave McShane will be attending the upcoming meeting in April to more specifically address this latter issue.

·         Dr. Skold has indicated that she will not grant adjunct instructors teaching assignments in excess of 23 hours. This is because of potential complications relating to tenure law. She requested the input of the Senate. The Senate discussed the issue and will explore it in detail at a later meeting.

·         David Braunschweig has been involved with Luminis training. He expressed concern that faculty may not be aware of the widespread use of this software and its roll-out in fall, 2008. He noted that Academic Affairs and faculty in general do not appear to have sufficient input into the process of rolling out the software. He indicated he will work with Tom and the Senate on ways to communicate these issues to faculty.

 

VII.     Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Caryn Levington for Jim Edstrom