I had trouble maintaining consciousness during this meeting. It was hard to take notes. When the meeting was over, I fled the building, the college, the city. (Thank you, Melanie, for your notes.) In truth, I'm having trouble maintaining consciousness even now, so faintly does the moment inspire. —RB
School Reports
I raised the
“awareness week” issue. I said something like:
The events of this program seem to reflect a peculiar and perhaps obnoxious understanding of the sexual assault issue, for they seem to focus entirely on what women need to do—as if the attitudes and practices of men are irrelevant and that men have no role in the discussion—and it seems to feature a speaker of dubious quality. Janine Scarlet, we learn, is a proponent of “Superhero Therapy,” which is associated with geek culture. To get a sense of her approach and nature, one might view one of her YouTube videos in which she helps people (of geekdom, I think) “cope with celebrity deaths.” I suggested that, as a body, we should urge organizers, in future, to consult with available faculty experts. I located this issue in the larger phenomenon of “anti-intellectualism” at the college. I was referring to the college President and his judgments/values.
The subsequent
discussion was, I think, not hostile to my/our point (Brittany weighed in,
blasting Title IX), though most senators stared blankly as though they had been
hit upside the head with a brick.
Kathy
supported our view and will attempt to communicate our sense that, in future,
the relevant faculty experts—e.g., those in our School—should be consulted in
determining events, etc. Not clear what other senators were thinking, if
anything.
Somehow, Kathy
mentioned an episode at the recent board meeting. A certain trustee (Wright)
“questioned the validity of the equivalency of the new math hire. Kathy and
others at the meeting emphasized to the board discipline experts should be
trusted with these decisions.” I noted that Wright has a pattern of spasms of
micromanagement. (Note: I’m here quoting Melanie’s notes.)
Melanie, of
Reading, announced National Library week.
“The LGBTQ
student club has been meeting each week. It is very successful. The club had
over 270 students stop by their table during Preview Day. Tony Lin and Brooke
will be working to put together Safe Space Training.” (Melanie.)
 |
| Shadow Quill is an alter ego of Dr. Janina Scarlet, a registered psychological assistant at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego. She is also a scientist and an adjunct professor at Alliant International University, San Diego. |
Kathy’s report:
she updated us regarding security on campus. Security monitors (for after hours
only) will be installed at key spots on campus, including the child development
center. Such installations will be extended sometime in future.
Evidently, a
mechanism whereby instructors can lock classrooms from the inside has been
identified, and it is “ADA compliant” to boot. (You shoulda been there when
Diana got some guy’s belt and wrapped it around the door closer of one of
B209’s doors. This, she declared, will thwart any “active shooter.”
But no. Somebody
on the other side of the door pushed through without difficulty. The belt
looked ridiculous.
Some doors have breakable
glass that fails to prevent ingress. Such glass will be replaced with
super-duper glass.
At one point,
Kathy said something about administration’s pattern of lack of consultation;
they offer mere “lip service,” she said. This seems to be a theme with her
right now.
Good.
Somebody updated us
on the ongoing Blackboard/Canvas debate. In past, discussion has been pretty
one-sided against Blackboard and in favor of Canvas, but other voices are being
heard now, it seems. Not sure where this is heading, since the committee in
question has already weighed in in favor of Canvas.
“Kathy discussed
Canvas - says the union has slowed down the process a bit - wants to make
sure there is enough money for training of faculty. If you would like to
be part of the trial pool, let Roopa M know.” –Melanie
VP Bob U reported
on activities of the “calendar committee.” It sounded as though the two
colleges are playing nice and rapidly arriving at a particular calendar for
Spring (Fall is already set in stone, I guess).
There’s been a change re Cesar Chavez day (I
do believe that the district recently discovered that it has long violated
state law about celebrating this holiday. Oops.) There’s some issue about when
to have a holiday for Presidents’ Day. There’s a big change afoot re Spring
Break (in order to better accommodate 8-week classes).
“Spring break
will be March 17-25 to even out the 8 week courses. Commencement will be
the last day of finals.” –Melanie
Bob was amused by
this odd spasm of harmony on the committee. We had a “Kumbaya moment,” he said.
“Basic Skills -
IVC awarded the 3 year grant for Transformational Basic Skills. Angel
Hernandez will be the coordinator. Brooke will be the new Basic Skills Coordinator
in Summer’s place. The kickoff meeting for the grant is Wednesday April 27th.”
(Melanie)
Re the cafeteria
committee: Diana, who is not on the committee, carped about dirty tables and
chairs.
Nothing new on
Early College.
Diana, our
“courses” maven, noted requirements on CTE faculty. Help is available.
Cheryl announced
the availability of training sessions for doing SLOs and the like. “The new
TrackDat is better,” she said. I heard a groan.
“Data transferred
from old version to new version without any problems.” (Melanie)
Diana, again as
Curriculum Chair, reported on the situation regarding our college’s native
“general ed” pattern. It hasn’t been reviewed in “six years,” and that won’t
do. In particular, the courses can’t go above 60 units—and our pattern entails
exceeding that number. Evidently, existing patterns devote 45 units to GE,
leaving too little for the degree specialty. “We have a bloated GE,” she said.
“We need to reduce units.”
She discussed
various approaches to this; some of these have sparked controversy. For
instance, it seems wrong, and contrary to how we see ourselves, to remove
“American Institutions” from the list. We’ve heard such remarks from faculty,
she said, and so it’s clear that there’s need of further discussion on the
committee.
“I’m asking you,”
said Diana, to help out with this. You should be hearing from your School Rep.
Each School needs to consider this issue and come back with feedback. The
committee will return to the senate with recommendations.
Re the Curriculum
report, Melanie’s notes seems more helpful:
“Diana H. -
Native GE - ( for our AA). Our GE pattern was up for review. State
demands local degrees, which includes the native GE pattern. We can’t have
more than 60 units. Our native GE has 45 units, which doesn't leave many units
for some majors - only 15. We need to reduce our native GE. She came back
with six options of removal. She heard that some were upset with some of the
areas being suggested for removal. So the curriculum committee will discuss it
again about which to remove. She is asking for more recommendations. She
will bring back the new recommendations for the next meeting. We need to
discuss this at our school level with our curriculum rep … so she [Diana] knows
what recommendations we would like her to take to the next curriculum meeting.”
DIANA: next issue: which courses will remain
in each section? Territoriality raises its ugly head, she said.
PROGRAM REVIEW: any changes to chart? Please
write to Craig H and Kathy to bring it back here.
Board policies:
Blah blah blah
We unanimously approved Dan D for search
committee for Director of Purchasing, Contracts, and Materials Management—or
some such thing.
SENATE ELECTIONS: Kris Loeffler has been
nominated, accepted nomination for curric chair. She was approved.
Academic Affairs
chair: Brett nominated, accepted.
Nominees for past
president: Lewis Long
Basic Skill
Coordinator –volunteer: Brooke Choo
Basic skills
grant coordinator: Angel Hernandez
Selecting department chairs. Do any of your
departments have mechanisms or procedures (etc.) about chair selection? If you
have anything in writing, we want it! Looking for best practices.
Spring plenary:
Music: a few
subjects, associate degree for transfer, serve students badly who wish to stay
in that area. Chemistry. ADT not good for chem majors. Similar problem obtains
in music. Resolution: enjoin the state to make another exception for music and
other subjects. Support? Yes.
BP-4011 Employment Procedures for
Administrators and Managers
Near and dear to
(Kathy’s) heart. Want to support (the revision). (Current policy is woeful; as
I recall, it is heavy on administrative participation, light on faculty
participation. It’s just a rotten policy.)
BP-4011 Employment Procedures for
Administrators and Managers
BP and AR 4090
Evaluation of Administrators/Classified Management Personnel
All approved.
Re the upcoming senate elections: it is
important that everyone vote. We want approbation, not apathy.
Melanie writes:
“Please vote for Kathy and Bob if you are in favor of them returning as
President and VP of the senate in the upcoming senate elections even though
they are running unopposed. This shows unity and affirmation not apathy so they
have strength in their voice to advocate for us.
