Academic Senate Report to the Board

Meetings:

Reorganization Forum: I was able to attend one of the forums in which Dr. Laguerre shared with the campus community his vision for the Executive level reorganization. Those present were interested and inquisitive, asking several questions. While there are still some areas that are tentative, the proposal has taken shape and the campus is adjusting to the idea of future changes.

Plenary: I attended the Academic Senate for the California Community Colleges Fall 2009 Plenary session in which local senate representatives participate in break-out sessions and learn from each other. Additionally, the body deliberates and votes on many resolutions that guide the ASCCC throughout the year. I was able to represent the college by leading a discussion as a member of the ASCCC Faculty Development Committee.

Senate Joint Meeting with Educational Administrators:

Reorganization:

Dr. Laguerre shared with the reorganization presentation with the Academic Senate. There were several clarifying questions and a few good ideas that were shared. The Senate seemed keenly interested in the details in the organizational structure, in particular the scope and responsibility of the proposed Dean of Enrollment Management and that of Library and Academic Success. Dr. Laguerre laid out the timeline for our most recent hires for the Director of Human Resources and the Vice President of Finance and Administration as well as that of the other new hires within the proposed reorganization.

Full-time hiring priorities:

    The process: At Solano College we have a faculty hiring process that ensure faculty voice while at the same time recognizes the contributions of our Deans and the "whole-college" view of our executive administration. Normally, in spring data is collected and deans solicit division faculty input. Then over summer the deans prepare a report based on data and faculty input. In the fall, reports are finalized and prioritized by deans and the VP of Academic Affairs. Finally, the Senate discusses with the Deans in our joint meeting this prioritized list that is then put forward to the Superintendent/ President.

    The current situation: Last year, the college hired two nursing faculty and had one position pending. We experienced three retirements in 2008-2009 and now three more in 2009-2010. We are "down" a significant number of faculty. We recognize that these are difficult economic times, but I feel compelled to highlight that further reductions can have an impact ability to serve our students. It is vital that faculty hires come from our divisions. We should not let external forces entirely dictate faculty hires.

My comments become more important in light of the proposed Vallejo expansion that was mentioned, not necessarily formally presented, to the Senate for the first time. I am obligated to report to you that the idea of purchasing the former car dealership nearby generated much discussion. Senators had a myriad of questions ranging from how this purchase fits into the college's master plan and student needs to what has been done to research other facilities. If indeed we will use Measure G funds for this purchase, will we end saying to a particular constituent group… "we know that we had planned to redo your building, but now… there was this great deal…"

Solano College has recently been put on sanctions for a lack of productive dialogue, poor institutional planning, poor institutional effectiveness, and fiscal instability. Are we "living the standards"? We need to be on a track of consistency, transparency, reliability and integrity.

I know that Dr. Laguerre will bring about these conversations. I also know that faculty will be there ready to participate.

IPP and Strategic Planning update:

Speaking of planning, Rob Simas gave an update on the Integrated Planning Process and in particular the Process Evaluation and Review Team (PERT). This group is meeting and moving forward to ensure that Solano College has the necessary analysis to fully implement our planning processes. Mr. Simas also shared with us the information I'm sure you have on our upcoming discussions to discuss our Strategic Plan.