Academic Senate Minutes

September 2, 2004

 

Voting Members Present: (Senators) Donna Ayers, Terri English, Maria Fenyes,

 Pat Flood, Leslie Foster, Clive Gordon, Paul Kubicki, Eloise Cantrell, Charles Dirks, Stan Levine, Vickie Oddino, John Orozco, Gary Prostak, Janice Silver,

(Exec. Members) Angela Echeverri, Louise Barbato, Gwen Walker,

Margie Long, Leslie Milke, Michael Climo

Faculty Present:  Joanne Kalter-Flink, Lorraine Manoogian, Said Pazirandeh,

David Jordan, Sonia Soto-Bair, Tricia Johnson, Cindy Cooper, Suzanne Ritcheson,

Geri Shapiro, June Wada, Phoebe Rivera, Sandi Lampert, Ralph LaRosa, Dena Feldman, Vilma Bernal, Louis Zandalisini, Cecilia Chin-Ru Chan, John Klitzner,

Lilamani De Silva, Deborah Paulson

Guests Present: Elizabeth Saldivar, Student Trustee

Voting Members Absent: Dale Newman, Roxanne Dalrymple, Rick Scuderi,

 

I.          President Echeverri called the meeting to order at 1:42 PM.

 

II.         Approval of minutes: MSC (Kubicki/Foster)

 

III.       Officer’s Reports

 

A.        President Echeverri distributed the following handout which recapped events that took place over the summer: administrative changes, addition of a new faculty transfer from City College, new computers in the LRC, key elements of the California state budget, information from the District Budget Committee and Resource Analysis, Flex Day 2004. The handout also provided details of the decline in enrollment in both credit and non-credit programs at LAMC.

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Handout: SUMMER IN REVIEW

Administration Changes: Two major changes in the administration took place this summer:

-Vice President of Student Affairs, Jose Luis Ramirez resigned from his V.P. position and returned to the faculty ranks as a counselor. He is being replaced on an acting basis through the end of the fall semester by David Green, our former compliance officer.

-Maury Pearl, former Associate Dean of Institutional Research and Planning, was appointed as Interim Dean of Technology by President Barrera.

New Faculty Member

Daniel Seymour, former Executive Dean at City College, has joined our Business and Law Department as an Instructor of Business.

L.R.C. Computers

The LRC commons has 70 new computers with CD-RW/DVD-R and A drives.

Upgraded computers were installed in Room 234 and the writing lab.

If you need software installed on the computers for your classes, contact Maury Pearl.

Encourage your students to use the facilities when possible to help increase our non-credit enrollment.

California State Budget

The state budget was passed in early August. Key elements of the budget include:

-A student fee increase (from $18/unit to $26/unit)

-Funds for growth of 3.65% (will benefit LACCD)

-Funds for equalization ($80 Million statewide, will not benefit LACCD)

-COLA of  2.41%

-Partnership for Excellence reduced $31.4 Million

-Block Grant for instructional equipment and scheduled maintenance $49.9 M.

District Budget Committee and Resource Analysis Report

LAMC ended the 2003-04 year with a balance of $962,412 in unrestricted funds. Our final unrestricted budget for 2004-05 is $20,287,820, about $336,521 less than in 2003-04. One of the causes for the smaller budget is our decrease in non-credit enrollment (see below). Due to higher expenditures during the 2004-05 year, the administration is projecting a deficit. Dr. Karen Hoefel met with Resource Analysis on August 4th to discuss the expected budget shortfall for this fiscal year.

Flex Day

            Our mandatory Flex day took place on Friday 8/27/04. There was a Flex day on Thursday evening for adjunct faculty. Both events were very well attended. This academic year LAMC will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. In honor of this occasion, the AFT President (Maria Fenyes) and the Senate President (Angela Echeverri) gave a joint speech titled: “Mission College: Three Decades of Partnership”. The speech text and slides are posted on the Senate website. Mike Climo gave a presentation on the implementation of the Technology Master Plan. Other highlights included speeches by Dr. Barrera, Dr. Hoefel, a presentation by the Diversity committee, and a workshop on sexual harassment.

OTHER INFORMATION ITEMS

Non-Credit Enrollment Declines at LAMC for 2003-2004 (Attachment A)

            Last year LAMC experienced a dramatic decline in our non-credit FTES compared to the previous year (925 versus 1476).  The loss of revenue is close to 1 million dollars, since each noncredit FTES is funded at about $2000. However, the revenue loss is spread over a three-year period. Mission College has one of the highest percentages of non-credit FTES in the district. In 2002-03 the percentage of non-credit FTES was almost 3 times the district average (21.7% for LAMC versus 7.7% district average). Most of the non-credit FTES at LAMC is generated by the computer commons and labs in the LRC. The replacement of these computers over the summer may help reverse this trend. Other sources of non-credit FTES include tutoring, non-credit ESL, citizenship, classes for seniors and parenting. The reduction of the tutoring budget last fiscal year did not help the situation. Dr. Barrera is in the process of forming a task force to try to address the problem with non-credit enrollment. The administration recognizes that our percentage of non-credit is very high, but feels we cannot afford to lose such a large amount of funding at once. Dale Newman, Sonia Soto-Bair, and I have volunteered to serve. Let me know if you are interested in serving on this task force.

Credit Enrollment Declines at LAMC for Fall 2004 (See attachment B)

Average class size at Los Angeles Mission College one day prior to the start of the fall semester was 25.9, the lowest in the LACCD (District average was 31.4).  Average class size is also 4.0% lower than it was last year, down from 27.0.

On 8/30/04, our total credit headcount was also down from last year by 4.9% (7069 versus 6720). If this trend continues and is not reversed, we will not be able to meet our credit targets. This means we will lose a significant amount of base revenue as well as growth funds from the state. Seven out of nine colleges in the district have seen increases in their average class size. Only West is experiencing larger declines in credit headcount. All LACCD colleges started the fall semester on the same day and are subject to the same fee increases, so it is unlikely that the declines are due solely to these factors.

A number of issues may have contributed to these declines. One of the most significant ones is likely to be the first time enforcement of prerequisites for classes in a wide range of disciplines. One example is Accounting, which has suffered a sudden and severe drop in enrollment (over 50%) due to the enforcement of a Business I prerequisite for Accounting I from a 1991 PNCR. The instructor was not aware of the prerequisite and it was not listed on the final galleys for the fall schedule. This has resulted in the cancellation of one Accounting I section and the likely cancellation of a second section (out of 3 sections). A significant number of other disciplines are facing similar declines related to the change in prerequisite enforcement, including Administration of Justice (-19.3%), Computer Science (-6.6%), and Food Service Management (-19.4%). Such drastic drops in enrollment and the cancellation of many classes affect the integrity of our programs, the ability of our students to graduate and transfer, and the financial stability of the college.

            Additional factors that may have affected the Fall 2004 enrollment include the late publication of the schedule of classes (in June), the lack of assessment tests for several prerequisites that were not previously enforced (e.g.: Spanish 1 and higher), and the short period for in person registration, which started on 8/23/04.

Advanced Classes

            Advanced classes have lower enrollment requirements to prevent cancellation (8 students versus 15 for non-advanced classes). According to the contract, the President (or designee), AFT chapter President, shall after consulting with the college Academic Senate, determine which classes are “advanced”.  The current guidelines in use at LAMC state that advanced status may be designated to courses that have two validated college level prerequisites, which satisfy graduation requirements.

Angela Echeverri met with Dr. Martha Soto to obtain a list of advanced courses on file with Academic Affairs at LAMC.

The advanced classes on record are:

Italian 3 and 4

Engineering 121, 151, 152, 220, 240, 243, and 281

Food Service Management 108

English 102, 200, 208, and 240

Math 215, 225, 227, 235, 238, 240, 245, 260, 265, 266, 267, 270, 275, and 291

Biology 6          Microbiology 20 Physiology

Chemistry 65, 52, 101, and 102

Physics 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7

If you feel you have an advanced class that is not on this list please contact me.

The Academic Senate may revise this definition at a later date.

Faculty Leadership Institute 2004

            The 2004 Leadership Institute was held in San Jose from June 23-26h. Mike Climo and Angela Echeverri attended the Institute. Most of the workshops and discussions we attended centered on the following topics:

Shared Governance Scenarios and Guidelines

Resources for Local Senates

Legal Issues for Local and State Academic Senates

Curriculum Issues for Local Senates

Legislative issues for Local Senates

Funding for Community Colleges in 2004-05

Anyone interested in materials from the workshops may contact Mike Climo or Angela.

Curriculum Institute 2004

            Angela Echeverri was awarded a scholarship by the State Senate to attend the 2004 Curriculum Institute. The meeting took place in San Jose from July 15-17th. Workshops attended include:

Math/English Associate Degree Requirements

Curriculum Clarifications: Repeatability, credit versus non-credit and not for credit, etc.

Pre-requisites: Establishment, validation, and resources

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Development, Continuance, and Discontinuance

Assigning Courses to Disciplines

Anyone interested in materials from the workshops may contact Angela.

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1.         President Echeverri noted that a new VP of Student Services would probably be appointed by the end of the Fall, 2004 semester.

2.         P. Flood asked the faculty to extend a warm welcome to Daniel Seymour, the faculty transfer from City College. She stated that he is an oft-published author, former director of a foundation, and brings a wealth of experience. Echeverri noted that his salary would be paid by contributions from the District over the next three years. Year 1: 100%. Year 2: 2/3 Year 3: 1/3 after which the college will assume the entire expense.

3.         There was discussion amongst all present regarding the drop in enrollments. Among the topics discussed were: reduction of tutoring budget, loss of addiction studies, decision to stop mailing class schedules as well as the addition of a charge for both schedules and catalogs, the enforcement of all prerequisites, lack of cooperative education director, the decision . Zandalasini expressed concern that construction of the new parking structure might have an adverse impact on future enrollment. Kubicki noted that the prerequisites were not in the Fall galleys and we should have a moratorium on their enforcement.

A MOTION WAS PUT ON THE TABLE:

Because of the sudden and dramatic drop in enrollment, the enforcement of all prerequisites and co requisites not approved by department chairs will be suspended effective Spring, 2005.  MSP: Kubicki & Fenyes/Orozco

Discussion of motion:

Saldivar asked if all students were getting equal treatment.

Barbato, speaking against the motion, stated that we should fix the process and get guidance from Academic Affairs for improving placement exams. Fenyes replied that the action in this motion will be damage control for Spring 2005 because Barbato’s suggestions wouldn’t happen by Spring, 2005.

VOTING: yes, 17

                   No, 0

                    Abstain, 1

Echeverri had to leave at 2:45 PM, and L. Barbato took over as chair.

THE FALL MASTER CALENDAR 2004-2005 WAS APPROVED. MSC: Dirks/Cantrell

 

B.         M. Long gave the Treasurer’s Report.

The balance in the Carla Bowman scholarship was $4,053. The balance in the David Lee Moss scholarship was $553.26. The balance in the academic senate checking account was $1,127.87. The following disbursements were made: $25. (academic senate gavel), $300(scholarships-3 @ $100 each), and $300 graduation hospitality room).

Long announced that dues for this year were $25.

 

IV.       Public Address

A.        E. Saldivar, Student Trustee, presented a proposal to solicit money to pay the ASO fees for fourteen students who want to run in the new student government election. The results of last year’s election were ruled null and void because the winners had not paid their ASO fees. Walker noted that this meeting was not the proper forum for such a request. Barbato suggested soliciting after the meeting. Fenyes asked if the senate could sponsor the students.

B.         D. Ayers asked faculty to place currently used texts on reserve in the library. Fenyes expressed concern that the books might be sold at a later date. Ayers will inquire. M. Climo announced that President Barrera had met with the chairs and

Administrators of the Shared Governance Committees to begin a review process of their structure. He suggested that the senate should evaluate this structure before Barrera convenes another meeting on 10/27/04. She wants to complete the review by December. Climo also noted the there has been a lack of marketing and advertising of our college.

C.         S. Lampert asked for sponsors for the “5K Walk of Ages” to take place on

                        Sunday, December 5 at 8:00 AM.

D.        C. Dirks spoke about Mobilization issues. He asked faculty to send students to any Political Science class on 9/8/04 or 9/9/04 to sign up to be poll workers. Students will receive $85. Please do not give exams on those two dates.

E.         C. Dirks noted that his son, Darwin Dirks, was denied his appeal to take classes at  LAMC. The committee would not allow a parent or the instructor to be present at the appeal. The appeal was re-filed, but won’t be heard until the end of the Fall 2004 semester. Barbato suggested that Dirks write up his concerns as a motion and bring it to the October meeting.

F.         E. Cantrell announced the “We Give Thanks” celebration, a dinner-dance

which is to take place on Friday, November 19 in the Campus Center. Invitations will be in faculty mailboxes soon. Proceeds go to the Scholarship Fund.

 

V.        Reports of Committees

            A.        Institutional Effectiveness: No report

            B.         Resource Analysis: No report

 C.        Staff Development: Jordan thanked Echeverri and Fenyes for their Flex Day Joint Senate/AFT speech; he also thanked Fenyes and

                        Cassara for their Adjunct Workshop.

D.        ITAC: Transition from CC: Mail to Outlook Express will happen this semester. Committee meets on 9/14/04 and 9/28/04.

E.         Educational Master Plan: Preliminary research and fact-finding by the four sub-committees has been completed and the draft versions are on the senate website. The sub-committees worked during the summer and came up with draft objectives which will be brought back to the a special session of the entire committee on September 13 at 2:30. The goals will be reassessed and sent back to all departments/units with a call for strategies for their implementation. The next regular meeting is Monday, September 27 at 2:30 in CC1.

 

 

 

 

VI.       Reports of Senate Committees

A.        Curriculum: Please use current forms, which are on the website. State Articulation is looking at sciences now, and will start rotating courses. Adjuncts can receive compensation for doing course outlines

                         One course outline=10 hours @ non-hourly rate

            B.         DAS: no report

C.         EPAC: The committee met on May 18 at Trade. S. Soto-Bair submitted  the following report.

Consultation Issues-Informational/Discussion

Credit for courses taken at Institutions of higher education outside of the United States where English is not the legal language: further discussion with input from LACCD English Council (English, Speech).

Academic Rank Policy from 1986: Language on the 1986 statement is to be cleaned up and resubmitted to the committee. There will be a request for feedback form local campuses.

AAUP Statement on Academic Freedom and separate statement on Professional Ethics: discussion to continue.

Policy on the Prohibition Against Instructors Selling Textbooks and/or Instructional Material: referred to local campuses for discussion.

Equivalency petitions:

1.         English  3 applicants: Support Discipline

2.        Business/Acct.   1 applicant: Discipline has not met in 5 years: applicant approved 

3.       Sociology            1 applicant: Support Discipline

4.       Speech    3 applicants: Support Discipline

Process of Establishing new Disciplines in the LACCD: to be reviewed for Fall decision. Alternate Titles – Request from Human Resources for further action: example Psychology name changed to Behavioral Science – discussion to continue in Fall.

 

VII.      Old Business

A.        Relocation of Disciplines: Barrera and Farmer have asked the Senate and AFT to draft a proposal to modify department structures.

 

VII.      New Business

A.        Academic Rank: needs to be re-evaluated and re-instituted through Senate.

Our catalog is outdated. M. Long stated that the committee met on 8/31/04, but the membership was unclear about the process.

            B.         Establishing and Discontinuing Programs: (already discussed)

C.         Changes in Adjunct Hiring Process: Echeverri  informed us that the recruitment and selection of faculty has been decentralized. The district will maintain a list of people who complete and submit the “Intent to Hire” form. The district will still maintain the verification process. A workshop will be held, probably in October, to acquaint faculty with this new process. Gordon asked if the selection was limited to those people who are on file at the district. He was informed that this was not the case. Dirks noted that hiring decision should be made not only by department chairs, but also by faculty in the discipline. He will present a motion at the October meeting. Soto-Bair wanted to know the composition of the committee. Fenyes noted that this process does not apply to last minute hires; there still needs to be a review of qualifications. Lampert asked if the packet would go from our campus to the district. Echeverri noted that there is a new one-semester provisional equivalency process that went into effect on July 1, 2004.Barbato suggested the Senate ask Bill Farmer to get copies of the new procedures for all department chairs before the October workshop so that they have time to review it.

            D.        Advanced Courses: (already discussed)

E.                  Walker brought up the lack of budget for assessment. She will ask for  money for readers again this semester, bur she recommends the establishment of a Budget Committee on this campus.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:30 PM.