2006‑2007 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
Sixth Meeting of the 2006‑2007
Faculty Senate
March 1, 2007
2:30 p.m. Room KSC212

Official Minutes

Guest: David Matus, Director of Facilities, and newly hired Building’s manager, Bob Mativear, addressed Faculty Senate and answered questions regarding campus cleanliness, repairs, etc. He reported the challenges of relying on a large percentage of temporary staff, processes that require time in terms of acquiring bids and district approval, but he did mention that KSC and parts of E-building have been approved for new carpeting. He also said to please complete a survey that will be distributed soon regarding facilities, maintenance, etc.

1.  Call to Order:

a.   Members Present:  Paul Cornell, Jim Rubin, Tom Powell, Chris Scinto, John Chavez, Sherry Loch, Jane Marks, Jim Patterson, Kevin Arps, Stacey Rannick (subt.)

b.   Guests:  Marilyn Cristiano, Judy Galbraith, Sue Van Boven

2.   Approval of Agenda / Approval of the February 2007 Meeting Minutes

3.   Officer Reports:

a.   President Jim Patterson:

1. The Gov. Board amended and approved the Blue Ribbon Report. We will wait and see how that affects business at PV
2. At the FEC meeting, legal council, Mike Napier, mentioned that the amendments to the Blue Ribbon Report violate the RFP. The FEC sent a statement to this effect to the Board.
3. The Chancellor’s “Maricopa Experience” is designed to streamline processes such as having only one application for financial aid and one standard student information form.
4. Medical coverage will increase about 4% this coming year.
5. Jim P. will be co-chairing a committee to decide the purpose of the Library (which is still under negotiation for purchase). Faculty interested in serving on this committee should contact Dr. Kickels.
6. Faculty Mixer – March 8 at 5pm
7. Jim P. is continuing to meet with Bob to discuss committees and faculty responsibilities.

b.   President‑Elect Jeff Lace:

1. No Report

c.   Treasurer Paul Cornell:

      d.   Secretary Jim Rubin:

(1)   Secretary Jim Rubin had no report.

4.   Old Business:

1. Students Scholarship – Duedate is March 2 and there have been only one application turned in.
2. College Plan – Jim P. recommended that the new Senate in May make this their first agenda item.

5.   New Business:

a.   Golden Gavels Report – see below
b.   Budget Committee Report – Sue Van Boven reported that the committee continues to meet with Jane and progress is being made.
c.   FEP – Sue Van Boven answered questions
d.   Faculty Development Survey – Jim Rubin distributed survey and asked Senators to solicit feedback from their divisions.
e.   Tom Butler FPG report – see below

6.   Adjournment:

1. The Faculty Senate Adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
2. Next meeting – April 5, 2:30-4:00pm in KSC212

Tom Butler’s FPG Report:
12 PVCC faculty have indicated an interest in applying for FPG Summer Projects.
 This is a typical number for PVCC.  However, among Reps from other campuses,
there is a sense that applications are down, due, perhaps, to the negative
publicity regarding alleged presidential misuse of travel funds, and due
to the Chancellor's ongoing prohibition on international travel.

Faculty are being advised not to write Summer Project Proposals that include
international travel.  Certain other Faculty Professional Growth activities,
(where faculty accompany studying students, for example) will be granted
permission for international travel on a case by case basis by the Chancellor.

Historically, faculty on sabbatical have been allowed to access FPG funds
for travel and conference fees and Summer Projects.  The Faculty Association
Lawyer has opined that that cannot be done, according to RFP.  Historically,
FPG has interpreted the relevant RFP language differently.  The FPG is concerned
for those on sabbatical now who expected to access this benefit, and for
those awarded for next year. It is being discussed between FPG and the Faculty
Exec. Council.  FPG wants to know if the opinion of the lawyer was a formal
written opinion.

Thanks.
Tom Butler

(From John Nelson)

The Golden Gavels met on Friday, February 16th and worked on an "Action
Plan" we can submit to the President, Vice-Presidents, and the Deans. 
The plan calls for changes in three areas:  Strategic Planning,
Budgeting, and Professional Courtesy.   Here are some highlights without
going into too much detail:

--In the Strategic Planning portion, we are asking that this committee
be re-activated, and we are calling for a faculty driven Capital
Development (Bond) Committee.

--In the Budgeting portion, we are proposing that the PLT be abolished
and have a new name:  Budget Review Committee.  This new Budget Review
Committee will replace the old PBRC.

--In the Professional Courtesy portion, we are going to question the
need for the President's Executive Assistant position.  Also, we will
question the professional courtesy of two members of the administration
who have been confrontational with faculty members.

The Golden Gavels will meet on Friday, March 2nd, to review this
document and finalize our plan.

Faculty Convocation Survey
Please survey your division members for feedback regarding the timing, format, and venue for Faculty Convocation.

Please return to Jim Rubin by April 5, 2007.
Thank you.

1. In regard to timing, what are your preferences for holding the Convocation on the Friday of the first week of accountability in August? In January? Other suggested dates?

1. In regard to format, what is your preference for external (not an MCCD employee) speakers versus an internal speaker? What is your opinion about replacing a speaker with short presentations from recipients of Learning Grants, Summer Projects, and Sabbaticals, if they relate to general teaching and learning principles?

1. In regard to venue, what is preference for holding the event at one of the MCCD colleges versus an external location such as a resort?

1. What are your suggestions to increase the outcome of Improving/Enhancing Teaching and Learning?

1. What are your suggestions to increase the outcome of Increased Networking Opportunities?"