Harper College Faculty Senate
Professional … pragmatic … principled … progressive
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Executive Board: Tom Dowd, President; Sean Noonan, Vice President; Anne Abasolo, Secretary; Linda Campbell, Treasurer; Dave Richmond, Grievance Officer; Michael Harkins, Past President |
Present: Andy Kidwell, Dave Braunschweig, Lynn Altfeld, Chad Taylor, Kim Fournier, Pat Hamlen, John Garcia, Wendy Mertes, Sunil Koswatta, Greg Clemons, Barb Anderson, Leslye Hess, Sue Overland, Kathi Nevels, Sam Giordano, Bobby Summers, Jim Edstrom, Tom Dowd, Sean Noonan, Linda Campbell, Dave Richmond, Anne Abasolo
Absent: Patti Ferguson, Michael Harkins
Guests: Caryn Levington, Virginia Turner, Bhasker Moorthy, Marianne Farinas de Leon
The meeting was called to order by President Tom Dowd at 12:21 PM.
II. Officers’ Reports
President’s Report
Tom Dowd informed the Senate of the Executive Board’s activities over the summer.
Vice President’s Report
Sean Noonan updated the Senate on the status of the Achieving the Dream Program. There have been 150 applications for the various AD committees. These applications are from a variety of areas on campus. He also mentioned concerns about the Weekend College program courses being offered with a rushed timeline that did not allow for sufficient faculty input. Sean stated that the program is moving forward without faculty being consulted. Chairs and Coordinators will meet first and discuss inviting Nancy Wajler the Adult Learning Special Assistant to the VPAA to a future meeting to discuss the issue. Concern was also raised about “regular” students taking Fast Track courses.
Grievance Officer’s Report
Dave Richmond reminded the Senate that two years ago an agreement was made on a year to year basis between the Senate Executive Board and the Administration. The agreement was that new faculty could come in to work on the Monday before the first Tuesday all faculty report back as part of the New Faculty Orientation Course. The agreement was suppose to be from 9am-1pm which included a lunch and CEU’s. The last two years it has been reported that the faculty have been there from 8-4:30pm. The Senate Executive Board has stated that this is beyond the agreement and recommend that next year all faculty should report back on the first Tuesday required.
Dave also informed the Senate that he has been appointed to the Governor’s Task Force for Illinois Community College Funding as the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) Representative.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Campbell informed the Senate that a thank you was sent from Renee Zellner on recognizing her coach of the year award. A thank you was also sent from Sue Bajt on recognizing the completion of her degree. Linda also spoke about possibly working with Cathy Brod the Foundation to honor retiring faculty through possible donations to scholarships.
Secretary’s Report
Anne Abasolo read a note from Joan Fiske thanking the Senate for the donation made in remembrance of her father.
III. Consent Agenda
The minutes of May 14, 2009 were reviewed. Jim Edstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Greg Clemons seconded; motion approved with minor changes.
IV. Informational
Tom Dowd reminded the Senate that in the spring we voted to contribute to the Foundation as a group (100%) and the Senate was recognized for this. However, only 50% have donated as of today.
V. Old Business
§ By-laws Committee
Sean Noonan shared that the by-laws committee were not able to meet over the summer due to Achieving the Dream commitments. The Senate Exec has asked Jim Edstrom to head the committee. Dave Braunschweig is part of this committee. Anyone else that is interested please contact Jim Edstrom. The committee is charged with reviewing the by-laws which hasn’t been done since 1997. The Senate would like to match them with the IFT and the CCTU By-Laws.
§ Faculty Search Committees
Dave Richmond reminded the Senate that during faculty searches only one name has to be forwarded to Dr. Skold. Dr. Skold had stated this in a Senate Meeting a few years ago. Dave asked that the Senators go back and relay this information to the search committees in their areas.
VI. New Business
§ Stipend vs. Reassign Time Proposal
It was stated that reassign time has been replaced with stipends. Dave Richmond stated that committees need to give recommendations as to what is best for their department or situation. However, in some recent instances, administrators have been directing committees that they need to recommend a stipend. There are supposed to be three chairs and one administrator on those committees. Discussion ensued about examples of reassign time and stipends. This led to discussion on job descriptions and exempt vs. non-exempt status.
§ Dual Appointment Committee
Dave Richmond asked for volunteers to be on the Dual Appointment Committee. This committee will look at opportunities for faculty who meet the credentials for more than one department to be able to teach and be on the RIF lists for multiple departments. Each department has their own credentials statement and these are posted online. The committee needs to consider how any changes would affect seniority and RIF lists.
§ Engagement Week
Senator Chad Taylor who is on the Engagement Week Steering Committee shared the schedule of activities that will be taking place. Discussion ensued about the importance of faculty attending the faculty symposium and the President’s installation.
§ Approval of Senate Meeting dates
The Senate voted on the Senate Meeting dates for fall semester 2009. Chad Taylor mentioned that November 12th was the Presidential Installation. It was recommended that the meeting on the 12th be moved to November 19th. Greg Clemons motioned, John Garcia seconded; motion approved.
At 1:26pm Kathi Nevels motioned to adjourn, Jim Estrom seconded; motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Abasolo