Wednesday, April 20, 2016

April 7 meeting: "geekdom"

     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.

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