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May 30, 2008

Call to order:  F. van Hartesveldt called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. in 510 Main.

Present:  N. Alexander, R. Barnhart, F. Conner, D. Cope, L. Crossman, K. Danko, M. DeVivo, B. Foster, D. Godfrey, S. Knoppers, R. Montes-Sutton, B. Morris, J. Neumann, J. Russell, J. Spoelman, A. Saldivar, F. van Hartesveldt. 

Absent:  W. Acevedo-Ferrer, J. Berlin, L. Burris, M. Campo, J. Doane, H. Hoare, D. Huisman, B. Keelean, P. Laureto, B. Manker, M. Parsons, R. Ralya, D. Terhune, D. Wabeke, T. Walwood, F. Zomer.

Approval of agenda:  Approved as written. 

Approval of Faculty Association minutes from May 2, 2008:  Approval of the minutes is postponed because there is no quorum.  Because we have no quorum today, no formal action may be taken on any matter. 

Faculty presentations from the floor:  B. Manker had hip replacement surgery but is back on campus.  D. Cope’s father passed away.  B. Foster announced Legislative Day for June 17.  Those interested in attending should contact her.  RCC would also like a donation to fund boxed lunches for the day. 

President’s report: 

• Faculty council representatives whose terms will expire in August are reminded to initiate elections of new reps.  J. Hayes, English, can no longer serve. 
• A recent disciplinary action against an adjunct faculty member for inappropriate comments in the classroom resulted in the faculty member not being rehired.  F. van Hartesveldt submitted a letter to the faculty member’s HR file suggesting that less severe consequences could have been given because she is an excellent teacher.  Less severe consequences would be consistent with progressive discipline in a similar disciplinary action in 2007.
• A 3rd party neutral hearing is scheduled for Monday regarding grievance 174 regarding the GRCC tuition benefit as it applies to adjunct faculty. 
• Seventeen faculty members were released from attending commencement this year. 
• Reorganization is underway in Workforce Development.  Some people will be affected and the effects will be negotiated.

Discussion item:

1. GRCC Presidential Search
• Today’s meeting was called because of faculty concerns about the GRCC presidential search.
• F. van Hartesveldt met with G. Schenk, the Board of Trustees (BOT) chairperson, to discuss the role of faculty in the search process.  The search committee includes only one faculty member.  G. Schenk responded that the BOT wanted to conduct the search efficiently so opted to go with a small group.  They hope to complete the process by the end of summer.  A number of faculty members have requested that faculty be more involved in the search; G. Schenk responded to each individual.  Additionally, the BOT is not interested in increasing the size of the search committee, but is happy to hear from faculty members.
• L. Foster is the faculty member assigned to the committee.  In response to comments that she is more of an administrator than a teacher, she has told F. van Hartesveldt that two-thirds of her workload is teaching.
• Suggested that the Faculty Association in conjunction with the AGC invite potential candidates to meet with faculty and issue a recommendation to the BOT.
• G. Schenk also stated that candidates who do not recognize the importance of faculty at GRCC would not be selected.
• Suggested that a special committee of various faculty members be appointed.  This committee would meet with the candidates.
• Suggested that the BOT’s timeline is rushed and flawed.  Discussion took place about the hiring of President Olivarez – there were people from all over campus and the community on the committee.  The large involvement validated the hiring. 
• A. Mulder, the interim president, has stated that she can stay on as long as needed, so the process doesn’t have to be completed during the summer.
• It is believed that the BOT did not know President Olivarez was leaving before his announcement. 
• Suggested that faculty members can attend the BOT meetings in June and July, but this process does not allow faculty to review the applications. 
• Concern was expressed that only one comment from the faculty forums was incorporated into the job description. 
• Concern was expressed regarding the emphasis on Workforce Development, even though more students are enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences.
• In the past, faculty council members traveled to campuses of candidates.
• Qualities that faculty members are looking for in candidates include fundraising, support of Liberal Arts, demonstration that academics are a priority, and a non-confrontational leadership style. 

Next Meeting:  Monday, June 16, 2008, 8 a.m. 

Submitted by K. Danko, Secretary.