Taft College Academic Senate Minutes
Monday, May 6, 2013
Cougar Conference Room
Attendees: President Tony Thompson, Vice President David Layne, Secretary Linda West,
Jennifer Altenhofel, Kanoe Bandy, Dave Berry, Wendy Berry, Eric Bérubé, Paul Blake, Darcy Bogle,
Kamala Carlson, Chris Chung-Wee, Bill Devine, Candace Duran, John Eigenauer, Sharyn Eveland,
Tori Furman, Greg Golling, Gary Graupman, Jessica Grimes, Dan Hall, Brian Jean, Craig Johnson,
Diane Jones, Kelly Kulzer Reyes, Tim Markowitz, Julián Martinez, Mike Mayfield, Michelle Oja,
Harold Pease, Joseph Polizzotto, Robin Polski, Juana Rangel-Escobido, David Reynolds, Jeff Ross,
Becky Roth, Sonja Swenson
The meeting was called to order at 12:14 p.m.
Public Commentary
None
Review of April 1, 2013 Senate Minutes
A motion was made by Michelle Oja and seconded by Jennifer Altenhofel to approve the minutes as
presented. The motion carried.
Budget Subcommittee Report
David Layne
David Layne reported that we’ve received some good news from the state regarding funding. Although it
isn’t confirmed, it appears we may be looking at a more than a 1% COLA increase and there may be
some back funding.
Kanoe Bandy asked if there was discussion regarding the reinstatement of programs that were lost as a
result of budget cuts. Dave stated that requests for reinstatement of programs should be included in the
program review process.
Curriculum Committee Report
David Layne
David Layne reported that the curriculum approval process is moving forward, although getting action
from the Chancellor’s Office is a slow process. Dave also reported he would be attending the Curriculum
Institute in July.
Dr. Maloney’s Letter of Response to Senate Letter
Tony Thompson
Tony Thompson read Dr. Maloney’s letter written in response to the letter from the Senate expressing
concern regarding the lack of shared governance exhibited in recent decisions made by the
Administration. Examples cited were: the decision to hire a police officer and the decision to reorganize
the reporting relationship of the TIL and Childcare programs.
In the letter, Dr. Maloney stated that many expressed concern about safety on the Taft College campus
after the shooting incident on the Taft Union High School Campus and requested the administration
take action. According to Dr. Maloney, the Board of Trustees expressed a need to respond to the
concerns. As a result, the District contract with the Taft Police Department to maintain a presence on
campus. Dr. Maloney stated the need to engage in dialog and shared governance as a campus safety
plan is developed and implemented.
The letter goes on to state that she believed the appointment of the Interim Vice President of Finance
and the resulting reorganization complied with past practice at the college, but felt the action should
have been discussed more thoroughly with all stakeholders. The letter states that she takes the practice
of shared governance very seriously. Dr. Maloney told Tony that when the new Vice President of
Student Services is hired, stakeholders who have been moved under the V.P. of Instruction will be
involved in discussions regarding whether to move their reporting relationship back under the V.P. of
Student Services or remain under the V.P. of Instruction.
Senate reaction regarding Dr. Maloney’s response was mixed. Concern was expressed that the response
simply justified the decisions that were made without collegial consultation. It was also noted that the
response didn’t address budgetary constraints after furloughs were imposed. Some felt the Board may
have applied more pressure to address safety concerns than the Senate was aware of; although, it was
expressed that there may have been other avenues to address the Board’s safety concerns. Some felt
the response demonstrated Dr. Maloney’s ownership of the lack of consultation and expressed her
desire to work with the Senate to move forward in a positive direction.
It was suggested that we need to agree on the definition of shared governance and determine how
we’re going to achieve it. At one time, decisions impacting the campus were vetted and approved by the
Planning Council. That no longer appears to be the case. It was suggested that we need to review the
charter of the Governance Council. Another suggestion was to add a standard item to the Senate agenda
reporting what is discussed in Governance Council meetings.
IT Update from Adrian
Tony Thompson
Tony reported that no IT update is available at this time. Adrian has updated Dr. Maloney regarding
completion of goal targets, but hasn’t reported back to the Senate.
Associate Dean of Instruction Position
Tony Thompson
Val Garcia is scheduled to begin work at Porterville College on June 1st, and the district will be moving
forward to fill the associate dean position. Dr. Maloney and Mark Williams will get together and discuss
how our needs could best be served by that position and the Student Success Initiative. There is
currently no timetable for filling the position. Mark also plans to consult with Division Chairs regarding
position duties. Brian Jean suggested that Mark also consult with grant coordinators since we need to
determine how the grants are currently being implemented. The grant fiscal year runs from October 1st
to September 30th. Brian also suggested we wait until fall to fill the position since the current grant
coordinators can keep things going. Brian cautioned that changing the duties of the position could also
change the funding source.
VP of Student Services Position
Tony Thompson
Plans are to advertise for the position on July 1st and fill the vacancy by December 31st.
Other
Tony reminded the membership of the End of Year Dinner coming up later this month. Patti Bench will
be honored this year.
Tony asked for volunteers to serve on the Research Analyst screening committee.
Tony announced this is the last Senate meeting for Dave Berry, who has resigned. Terri Smith has been
hired as Dave’s replacement.
Diane Jones thanked Tony for his work as Senate president.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Linda West