COLLEGE COUNCIL

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT

MINUTES

Monday, October 16, 2006, 2:30 – 5:00 pm

MAL Community Room

Members in Attendance:David Acquistapace, Gari Browning, David Bugay, Marjorie Cary, Denise Diamond, Juan Pablo Fausto, Juliann Hector, Pat Keller, Mary Lisi, John Loera, Jerry Patton, Diane Ramirez, Florante Roa, Terry Schukart, Maria Sheehan.

Guests:Matthew Breindel

Recorder: Revae Reynolds

Meeting was called to order at2:45 p.m.

Dr. Sheehan opened the meeting by reviewing the goalsCollege Council established for itself at the September 12 planning session. The last goal had to do with improving communication on campus, which is where this meeting today begins.

COMMUNICATION COMMITMENT REVIEW(Discussion)All

Dr. Sheehan asked whether communication was improving, specifically from the Office of the President. David Acquistapace reported that he is distributing College Council information to his Executive Committee. Dr. Browning confirmed the same for her area. A campus climate survey conducted by an outside agency was suggested. Matthew Breindel was asked to bring a sample of surveys to the next meeting. A campus survey is also an accreditation requirement, so we should construct the survey to accomplish both efforts. A survey done by an independent, outside organization can help identify areas of weakness and would be more likely viewed as objective.

There was considerable discussion about the appropriate use of email. It was suggested that email messages are easily misinterpreted. Issues are better addressed in person with the appropriate individuals. Considering the fact that some employees will be here for many years, it is important that relationships are nurtured and maintained. Usage of the phrase, “I take responsibility for…” can be a starting point for getting past a difficult situation and moving forward. It was suggested that email is useful for positive communications and disseminating information while conversations should be held in person. It was suggested that methods of communicating are important, but addressing the real issue is essential; people need to feel comfortable addressing issues directly. It was noted that groups on campus have limited opportunities to converse with one another. It was suggested that divisions meet in pairs and rotate throughout the year so that by year’s end, each division has met with each other division.

Dr. Sheehan suggested also looking for forums for administration and faculty to interact and suggested Academic Senate meetings might be such a forum. David Acquistapace commented that Senate meetings have full agendas. It was suggested that topic-specific meetings, on enrollment strategies, for example, might be a better approach.

COLLEGE COUNCIL ROLE AND OPERATION (COMMITTEE HANDBOOK) – SECOND READING (Action) All Sheehan

The Council reviewed, for a second reading, the College Council Role and Operation document. There was some discussion regarding the procedure for Academic Senate proposals to be presented to the Board of Trustees. A minor change was made to the language and the document was approved by consensus as of this date.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR (COMMITTEE HANDBOOK) – SECOND READING

(Action)All

It was noted that more than one group of stakeholders have felt left out of the calendar development process. All groups have equal responsibility for the development of the calendar, but, over the years, Academic Senate had taken the primary initiative. This document is being created to correct the balance of input. There was considerable discussion about the specifics of the calendar itself, whether or not fall semester begins before or after Labor Day for example, which impacts the number of Mondays in the semester and the resulting funding and scheduling ramifications. This document, however, is about the process of developing the calendar and, after minor changes to the language, the “Development of the Academic Calendar” was approved by consensus as of this date.

ACHIEVEMENT INDICATORS – FIRST READING(Discussion/Action)Breindel

This item was held over to the next Council meeting.

DIRECTIVES ESTABLISHING COMMITTEES & COUNCILS (COMMITTEE HANDBOOK ITEM) – SECOND READING(Discussion/Action) All

The question was posed, are there too many requirements for forming a committee? The response offered was that maybe forming a committee should be approached with this level of consideration. This list creates legitimacy for the existence of each committee. It was noted that there are other Ad Hoc committees, Work Groups, and Task Forces that should be added to the Committee Handbook. There was brief discussion about whether the Athletic Gender Equity Committee should be re-categorized as Ad Hoc.Dr. Sheehan delineated the individuals who will be responsible for providing this information about each of the Presidential committees. David Acquistapace will do the same for the Academic Senate committees. There was some discussion about the timeline for getting committee members’ names submitted to the Office of the President for publication the end of August each year. It became clear that this detail would require more discussion and was tabled for now in the interest of time.

REPORTS (Information)Fausto/Salcido

Mr. Fausto reported that the college had a successful homecoming celebration and the football team lost by only one touchdown. CoachellaValleyHigh School sent a 60-member band to play. The newest student club is National Organization for Women (NOW). This coming Wednesday, from 11:00-1:00 pm ASCOD is sponsoring “Love Your Body Day” and raising money for breast cancer research. This Friday, 18 students will attend a student leadership conference in Los Angeles. Their upcoming projects include afood drive for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Student Trustee, Jose Salcido, is submitting two questions for the Board of Trustees candidates’ forum. Publicity is accomplished by consulting with their sponsor, Bill Bailey, posters, and the Insider newsletter. It was suggested that the College Council minutes are another tool, as is the distribution of a flyer by the mail room.

CONCLUDING EXERCISE:

Clear: Methods of communication, improving communication, creating an Ombudsman, fostering a spirit of cooperation,conducting a campus climate survey, Council members’ respective roles, proper use of email, student activities, all agree that how we communicate is important.

Muddy: Market Basket committee, details concerning the academic calendar, need more student input, proper venue for communication on campus, effective ways to create communicative environment, and mechanisms to create an environment of trust and healthy communication.

Future Agenda

SPECC Report

College Council Mission Statement

Next Meeting

Monday, November 20, 2006

2:30-5:00 pm in MAL Community Room

Meeting was adjourned at5:05p.m.

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