STCC Professional Association

General Membership Meeting

April 18, 2007

Minutes

I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:29

Location: 13/114

Attendance: 23 members signed in

II. Reports

Secretary, Dan Emerson

A question was raised about the legal term "condition subsequent" - R. Rodgers explained that it referred to a legal agreement wherein a condition, if not met, reverts back to its original state. The minutes for the March 19, 2007 meeting were accepted and passed. A motion was made to applaud N. Camerota and the executive committee for their efforts to bring Deval Patrick to STCC. The motion was amended to include E. Henry Twiggs. R. Rodgers asked N. Camerota to draft a letter of thanks to Twiggs. N. Camerota narrated the events that led to Patrick's appearance at STCC and reiterated the importance of a letter of thanks to Twiggs. The motion to send the letter was seconded and passed.

Treasurer, Ken Czuchra

Before the treasurer's report, R. Rodgers asked for a moment of silence for the students and faculty of Virginia Tech. The treasurer reported that the only change since his last report was the receipt of the dues remittal for Fall and Spring. Our current balance totals $5408.08. The treasurer's report was accepted and passed.

MCCC Director, Roberta Albano

R. Albano reported on the Board of Directors meeting and the upcoming PHENOM event Wednesday April 25th. An email regarding this event has been sent out. She encouraged members to attend, but noted it would need to be taken as a personal day.

President, Rob Rodgers

R. Rodgers raised three main points to the membership:

1) MCCC Delegate Assembly - an email has been sent requesting delegates. We are looking for volunteers and can have up to 24. Contact R. Rodgers today if interested.

2) If there are P/T faculty or professional staff who have not received their March raise, please let R. Rodgers know. This does not include DSCE.

3) In light of VA Tech, R. Rodgers encouraged the membership to check in their building whether classrooms can be locks from the inside. We should talk about this with the President and security. Contact R. Rodgers with information including doors between classrooms and offices. A question was raised about not getting information about students because of privacy issues. The current policy is that faculty and staff do not need to know. A note was made to revisit the issue of privacy vs. need to know.

III. New Business

Steven F. Bradley, STCC Board of Trustees

Following the president's report, R. Rodgers introduced Steven Bradley to the membership. The following outlines the key points of his talk.

* Bradley greeted the membership on behalf of the B.O.T.. He noted that it is a reconstituted Board - given recent turnover - and that the Board had previously operated by "de facto rubber stamp."
* The Board has endeavored to change how it operates. Committees have been revamped and renamed to "get people's attention." The goal is to create ad hoc and standing committees that shift from reactive to an active and collaborative Board. In sum, he wants it to be known as a "hardworking board that requires a lot of time." Bradley also noted that President Rubenzahl is open to sharing authority - which makes the changes easier.
* Bradley also discussed the Strategic Planning Meeting (retreat) at the end of September 2006. Union representatives were invited and the suggestion of 360 evaluations was raised by R. Rodgers there. Bradley noted that at Baystate, 360 evals were standard, and the Board went on recording as supporting them. He also noted that a vendor has been selected for the process, and it will happen but the timeframe is still unsure. He reiterated that both Pres. Rubenzahl and the Board were open to it. There will be times when we'll be an opposite ends of the table, but we have shared interests too, and collaboration leads to respect.
* Bradley asserted that the Board has been more vocal, e.g. contract pay and fighting for funding. He noted that all are welcome to sit in on Board meetings.
* Bradley also narrated his own upbringing. He grew up in a single female headed household and attended Bristol Community College. That experience opened opportunities for him and he went on to UMASS after one year. Thus, he has a great affection for community colleges: "Everything I have in my life is a direct result of opportunities from public higher ed." He also thinks public higher ed is dramatically under funded, and we should fight for this together.
* Bradley stated that contracts should not be what defines our relationship - a statement which led to a round of applause from the membership.

The following questions/comments were raised after his initial talk:

* A comment was made regarding the fact that General Studies/Liberal Arts supports the rest of the school but does get a lot of that back. Bradley agreed. The discussion moved to the high school, and Bradley asserted that there are other things that are more important such as tech in classrooms, AC and buildings, a cafeteria and a student union. The high school should be segregated and not detract from STCC as a college. Other issues included a parking garage and the top two floors of building 20. The Strategic Capital Planning Committee is addressing these issues. R. Rodgers noted that an internal audit of programs will be available by the end of the semester. Bradley stressed the importance of knowing these costs and needs of the school. He also stated that it was a testament to our commitment to teaching that we will work/teach for our salaries. Discussion continued regarding the relationship between local businesses and our graduates.
* The issue was raised about the disparity between adjunct and full-time in terms of both pay and class size. At all other campuses, the class size changes will be effective September 2007; however, at STCC that change will not occur until 2008. Bradley stated he will follow up about it, and noted that instructors should not be punished for the failure of the college to fill classes. R. Rodgers commented that the budget is being balanced on the backs of P/T faculty.
* Regarding 360 evaluations, it was asked who will have the opportunity to view these results. Bradley answered with a discussion of how 360's function at Baystate where there is a selective selection of evaluators. Individuals receive their score back with comments and it becomes part of a professional development plan. It was asked whether VP's will take it seriously. These issues will be brought up to MACER.
* Bradley was asked if the Board is aware how negatively faculty/staff/and students feel about a high school on campus especially with issues of lack of space. Bradley responded that the Board is aware of space concerns and noted the need for a VP for facilities management. It is less clear to the Board that there is strong opposition to the high school. He stated that the city wants to grow the middle class in Springfield and sees the high school as a way to keep these residents.
* Lastly, the issue was raised about faculty salaries and the hiring of new people outside of contract. These new hires have a starting salary as high or higher than "old" faculty. Bradley gave the theoretical reasoning behind this trend as it applies to nursing. We will lose programs if there are no instructors. R. Rodgers responded with the 75% issue. And Bradley asserted that we needed to work together on these concerns.
* Bradley stated he is willing to come back and talk again, and the meeting dissolved into individual q&a at approximately 1:54.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 19, 2007 during the college hour.

Secretary,

Daniel Emerson