Los Angeles Mission College
Department of Life Sciences
Minutes
Friday, October 17,
10:30-11:30 am
Present: Par Mohammadian, Steve Brown, Maureen Hickey, Mike Reynolds (left early), Angela
Echeverri
1. Human biology – funding, # of sections, time/date, instructor, syllabus including labs
Mike stated that he would move the funds for two BIO003 sections to offer two Human Biology
sections in Fall 2015. The articulation/transferability application to CSU and UCs were just
submitted. Par stated that the course should be taught by a full time faculty to optimize the new
labs for the course. Mike recommended Par to teach Human Biology in the Fall 2015 semester. One
of the adjunct faculty who currently teaches a BIO003 course will teach anatomy.
(Mike had to leave early due to his flu).
2. Update on the faculty hiring prioritization process
Steve reported that the list will be finalized next Friday (10/24/14) and will be presented to the
senate in November.
3. Update on the TAACCC grant
Angela reported on the skilled nursing facilities she visited for the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
program clinical training requirements. She also added that the old microbiology lab (INST-2016)
and physical science lab and adjacent stockroom will be renovated to be used for the CNA program.
Par reported that the ECD for the CNA program is currently being reviewed by Dean Madelline
Hernandez.
4. Update on the cabinets for Anatomy
Angela met with Vice President Daniel Villanueva, Wally Bortman, Victor Renolds, and Deborah
Paulsen to discuss the possibility of transferring storage cabinets from INST-2017 to the Anatomy
Lab (CMS 102). Deborah Paulsen gave her approval to move four old BIO003 lab cabinets once their
contents are transferred to other cabinets. Victor Renolds agreed to measure the Anatomy lab on
10/17/14 to verify the cabinets can be installed in compliance with ADA requirements. Angela will
follow up with the facilities assure that the cabinets are moved in a timely manner.
5. Update on the order of the mobile cart for microbiology
The mobile backpack storage cart has arrived and been assembled. Angela used it for her
Microbiology class on 10/16/14 and indicated that the students are pleased.
(Angela had to leave to visit a nursing event.)
1
6. Review and approval of the online/hybrid course adds
Par reviewed the online/hybrid add procedure that previously was emailed to full time Life Science
faculty. Steve approved the process. Mike previously approved it via email. Par will post the
procedure on the Life Science Website.
7. Program review – Spring 2015
Par stated that the program review is very vigorous and we may have to survey faculty/students. It
was discussed that an additional meeting is required only to discuss the program review.
Mike will be asked to provide previous reviews including the goals and objectives of the
department.
8. Accelerated Pre-health courses
There has not been any update on this issue. (Last communication in presence of Mike Reynolds,
Steve Brown, Said Pazirandeh, Madeline Hernandez, Par Mohammadian): It was concluded that
Madeline Hernandez will consult with Mike Allen about funds, certificate, and eligibility
requirements to enroll in these courses. Possible CTE funds were also discussed). Steve and Par will
ask Mike to follow up with Madeline.
9. Unresolved issues below remain; Steve and Par will ask Mike to follow up with Danny
Villanueva.





Clocks behind the screens in the classrooms
Office bookshelves to be bolted to the walls
Floors in the BIO3 and Anatomy lab are not repaired
Update on Nadine’s request for cabinets
Emergency showers require containers to collect water
10. Steve stated that the platform for the floor model shaking incubator (in room 002) was placed
on the STEM “Wish List”.
Other items discussed:
Mike asked Par about the department’s SLO/PLOs; Par reported that the assessments are up-todate. Some assessments show “0” in the online system; however, they are assessed and Par has to
work with Nick Minassian to make copies of the SLOs to use for all SLOs in the same class.
Par reported about the biotechnology brochure that Wendie Johnson prepared. Steve liked the
idea and would like to teach the classes once we offer classes in BioTech. Par also indicated that
Cathy Brinkman inquired about the interest of the department offering related certificates. Cathy
will include funds for the BioTech certificate in the CTE Enhancement funds.
Par shared that she was approached by Lilit Haroyan about the STEM Reading Apprenticeship (RA).
2
Lilit indicated that WestED has received a grant to promote STEM RA and many colleges are
involved. She will send the paperwork to Par and Madeline. It is required that three STEM faculty
members are involved. Par has already been involved, Steve and Maureen also showed interest.
Angela reported that at the request of Mike Reynolds, she will evaluate two new adjunct
Anthropology instructors this semester.
3