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, Pat Hamlen, Wendy Mertes, Sunil Koswatta, Greg Clemons, Barb Anderson, Leslye Hess, Kathi Nevels, Sam Giordano, Bobby Summers, Patti Ferguson, Jim Edstrom, Tom Dowd, Sean Noonan, Linda Campbell, Dave Richmond, Anne Abasolo
Absent: Michael Harkins, Kim Fournier, John Garcia, Sue Overland
Guests: Wayne Johnson, Caryn Levington, Virginia Turner
The meeting was called to order by President Tom Dowd at 12:26 PM.
II. Officers’ Reports
President’s Report
Tom Dowd shared an issue with the Senate pertaining to the promotions process. The conclusion was drawn that faculty would benefit from being better educated and informed about the process.
Vice President’s Report
Sean Noonan requested a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Bridget Fitzgerald.
Grievance Officer’s Report
Dave Richmond asked the Senators to introduce themselves to the new faculty in their respective areas and give a copy of the Weingarten Rights card and brief explanation of what the documents are to the new faculty. He asked that they also invite them to a Senate Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Campbell reminded the Senate to contact Patti Ferguson or herself if there is any occasion to send something to honor life events for faculty. Recent acknowledgements were sent to congratulate Stephany Rimland on the birth of her daughter and in memory of Dr. Bridget Fitzgerald.
III. Consent Agenda
The minutes of August 27, 2009 were reviewed. Jim Edstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Dave Braunschweig seconded; 25 yeas and 1 nay, motion approved with minor changes.
IV. Old Business
§ Engagement Week
Tom Dowd informed the Senate of the importance of attending the Engagement Week events. It was mentioned that Dr. Skold suggested giving an out of class assignment for the students during this week’s events.
V. New Business
§ Chairs and Coordinators Meeting Update
Jim Edstrom gave an update on last week’s Chairs and Coordinators Meeting pertaining to the Weekend College. The administration was open to hearing faculty concerns and apologetic for miscommunication and faculty exclusion. They also stated that Weekend College courses would not be in place for the spring semester. An ad-hoc committee is being convened with a representative from each division. Overall the feeling from those in attendance was that the meeting was successful. Kathi Nevels commented that the level of support Student Development Faculty offered to the Weekend College initiative was not accurately stated. Leslye Hess read a list of ten items of interest that were determined by the sub-committee. Dave Braunschweig requested that a report be written on the outcome of the ad-hoc committee.
§ Recruitment
Sean Noonan asked that the Senators from Nursing, Math, and Student Development please speak to their new faculty about joining Local 1600.
§ Board Meetings
Tom Dowd informed the Senate that Dr. Ender is not requiring the Deans to attend the Board Meetings. He did state that faculty participation has been high and encouraged the Senate to attend at least one Board Meeting a year. It was also mentioned that it is important to keep faculty presentations to five minutes.
§ Miscellaneous
Concern was brought up over architectural issues in buildings D, G & H. The question was asked, “How do the faculty get invited to the table to give input about teaching spaces?” The Senate asked that the Harper Architect, Steve Peterson be invited to a Senate Meeting to share the master plan. Tom Dowd said he would contact him. Chad Taylor motioned in favor of this, Greg Clemons seconded, motion approved.
At 1:24pm Jim Edstrom motioned to adjourn, Dave Braunschweig seconded; motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Abasolo