SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - EAST
CONGRESSIONAL YEAR 2007-2008
GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 27, 2007
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Anderson, D.
Anderson, P.
Aretz, M.
Banks, J.
Bealle, P.
Beodeker, R.
Boecherer, M.
Buck, L.
Carson, P.
Cash McConnell, K.
Conzen, C.
Cummings, K.
Czura, A.
DelaRaba, S.
Dereme, T.
Eaton, C.
Fanning, S.
Flinter, W.
Frey, D.
Freilich, R.
Green, M.
Haff, J.
Hawkins, J.
Hennessey, L.
Joyce, E.
Koukounas, T.
Kulis, C.
Levine, J.
Lizak, L.
Lourenso, F.
MacDonald, R.
McCall, M.
McCarthy, A.
McHeffey, T.
Miller, M.
Millet, J.
Mizdal, R.
Moritz, M.
Napoli, A.
Painchaud, S.
Palumbo, N.
Pestieau, J.
Reese, M.
Rogers, K.
Russell, S.
Russo, L.
Shearer, J.
Southard, P.
Walters, E.
Wittmann, H.
Wood, G.
Ex Oficio: Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, President
Other Members Present: Jeffrey Kluewer, Chair, College Governance Council
Chairperson Reese called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and welcomed the members to
the Congress meeting.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Reese asked if there were any corrections to the October 23, 2007 Congress
meeting minutes. Prof. Rogers reported that there were a couple of editorial changes in the
minutes and will forward them to Lucille Sirianni, Secretarial Assistant. Prof. McConnell made
a motion to approve the minutes with the editorial changes; the motion was seconded by Prof.
Haff. The motion to adopt the minutes was approved unanimously.
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 2
CONGRESS STANDING COMMITTEES REPORT
Executive Committee
-
-
Elect a Member-at-Large: Prof. Reese reported that there is a vacancy for the
member-at-large. The role of the member-at-large is to provide support to the
Chair for Robert’s Rules, and attend some of the college-wide meetings if there
is a need. Prof. Rogers nominated Prof. McCall. Prof. McCall stated that she
will resign from the position as Chair of the Planning Committee and Prof.
McHeffey will be the new chair. Prof. McCall accepted the nomination of
member-at-large. Chairperson Reese cast one vote.
Chairperson Reese congratulated Prof. McHeffey for taking on the role as Chair
of the Planning Committee.
Touchstones: Chairperson Reese announced that the Executive Committee
of the Eastern Campus Congress would like to recognize the following members:
 Professor Jean Nicolas Pestieau, is scheduled to do a college-wide
presentation – From Global to Local: Tales of the Education of
Mathematicians Abroad, on Thursday, November 29, 2007, 4:00-5:30 p.m.,
in the Faculty Dining Room, Babylon Student Center.
 Congratulations are extended to Professor Phoebe Smith for receiving a
“Striving for Excellence Professional Development Award” for a poster
presentation at the National Association of Biology Teachers.
 Congratulations are extended to Professor Cynthia Eaton for her professional
work with the Teaching Learning Center’s programming efforts.
 Professor Dan Giancola was recognized for the community poetry/reading
slam at the East Ender’s Cafe in Downtown Riverhead.
 Professor Richard Mizdal is scheduled to have an opening show at the
Jamesport Manor Inn, in Jamesport.
Academic Affairs Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution to Change the Computer Art Curriculum: Prof. Lourenso
reported that there is a change in the curriculum for Computer Art and Graphic
Design due to the change of CA16. Prof. McCall made a motion to adopt the
resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Lizak. The motion to adopt the
resolution was approved unanimously.
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 3
Proposed Resolution to Change the Graphic Design Curriculum: Prof. McCall made
a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded by Prof. Lizak. The
motion to adopt the resolution was approved unanimously.
Planning Committee
Prof. McHeffey reported the following items:
- The committee met on November 15, 2007.
- Prof. McHeffey announced that he is glad to be the new chair.
- Prof. McCall updated the members on the new Library Learning Resource
Center, which is moving along nicely.
- Prof. Lizak shared some information on the egress project.
- The committee discussed the greenhouse and maintaining standards.
Campus Environment Committee
Mr. Palumbo reported the following items:
- The committee met.
- The green shopping bags are being sold as part of a fund-raising effort for a
scholarship. The bags are $5.00 each.
- The committee is discussing other initiatives.
- The committee is thinking about establishing another fund-raising program.
- The ink jet cartridge recycling program is being utilized on campus.
Resolution
Proposed Resolution Regarding the Commitment to Climate Neutrality: Mr.
Palumbo reported that the resolution urges the President to sign the Commitment to
Climate Neutrality sponsored by the organization of American College and
University Presidents. There are 434 institutions that are participating in this
program. Mr. Palumbo asked the members for their support. A motion was made to
adopt the resolution by Mr. Palumbo; the motion was seconded by Prof. McCall.
Prof. Bealle questioned what it means to be neutral if new facilities are being added.
Mr. Palumbo reported that the campus can reduce the environmental impact. Also,
there are educational programs that are available. Mr. Palumbo reported that
construction projects can be done with the goal that accounts for this effort. Parts of
the campus can be set aside so that they are not developed. Some of the members
felt that they would like to see something before they make a commitment. Mr.
Palumbo reported that the college has a year to make an assessment and two years to
develop a plan. A discussion ensued regarding whether or not there are any monetary
benefits for this commitment. Mr. Palumbo reported that the college can benefit
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 4
from the grant. The members were urged to visit the website at
www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org. The motion to adopt the resolution was
approved 47-0-4.
COLLEGE-WIDE COMMITTEE REPORTS
College Curriculum Committee
Resolutions
Proposed Resolution to Adopt PC11, SO11, AN11, HS11, HS33, HS34 Course
Revision: Prof. Eaton reported that all of the courses include a prerequisite of RE10
or EF02. A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Prof. McCall; the motion
was seconded by Prof. Lourenso. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved
50-0-1.
Proposed Resolution to Adopt Music Expedited Curriculum Revision:
Prof. Eaton reported that the revision included having a grade of C or better in
MU40, MU41-44, MU26-29 and MU87-88. A motion to adopt the resolution was
made by Prof. McCall; the motion was seconded by Prof. Napoli. Some of the
members questioned why the campus was voting on this resolution. Prof. Eaton
reported that the passing grade is D. The motion to adopt the resolution was
approved 42-1-8.
Proposed Resolution to Adopt the Visual Expedited Curriculum Revision: A motion
to adopt the resolution was made by Prof. Lourenso; the motion was seconded by
Prof. Napoli. Prof. McCall questioned what expedited curriculum revision meant.
Prof. Lourenso reported a slight change in the curriculum. She stated that changes
need to go to the state. A couple of courses will be changed from 4 to 5 contact
hours. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved 46-0-5.
Proposed Resolution to Adopt EG66 Film as Literature Course: A motion to adopt
the resolution was made by Prof. McConnell; the motion was seconded by Prof.
Napoli. The motion to adopt the resolution was approved 50-0-1.
Proposed Resolution to Adopt EG33 Structure of English Course Revision: Prof.
Eaton reported that most colleges give credit for the EG33 course. A motion to
adopt the resolution was made by Prof. Napoli; the motion was seconded by Prof.
Banks. Prof. Napoli stated that it would be helpful to indicate the English faculty
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 5
who have deliberated on and supported this course. He questioned if the English
faculty supported the other course EG66. Prof. Eaton reported that the course was
not voted on. Dr. Beodeker questioned the transfer process on this course. Dr. Joyce
reported that the course was started on the Grant Campus. The motion to adopt the
resolution was passed unanimously.
College Academic Standards Committee
Prof. Bealle reported the following items:
- The committee met on November 1st and will be meeting again on Thursday,
November 29th.
- The committee completed minor catalog changes.
- The committee identified areas in appropriate sections of the catalog to which the
faculty have ownership for academic issues regarding the attendance policy.
- The committee is working on this year’s agenda.
- Subgroups are being developed for the following areas:
- . Develop guidelines for the “Incomplete” grade
. The academic standards committee process. How do we communicate to
faculty?
. Notebook computer usage in the classroom
. Guidelines for technology use in the classroom
. Breaching of academic integrity in the classroom
Prof Russell reported that the Academic Standards Committee developed
guidelines for the Incomplete grade. He will forward the document to Prof.
Bealle.
Prof. Napoli stated that he would like clarification of the “W” grade. He felt this
was a critical issue. Prof. Napoli reported that the course completion rates are
below the national average. Prof. Bealle stated that the Academic Standards
Committee could develop guidelines for the W grade. Prof. Bealle requested
information on this item. Prof. Napoli referred her to the college website for the
National Benchmark Survey and the Mission Review document. She will bring
the information back to the group. Prof. Napoli felt that a student could get a W
grade from one professor and not another.
Developmental Studies Advisory Committee
Specialist Frey reported the following items:
- The committee met on November 8, 2007.
- Dr. Jian Zhang, Chair, is going on sabbatical.
- The PC11D course is designed as a co-requisite for the students taking PC11
and RE10 at the same time. Prof. Green reported that the course is meeting for
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 6
four hours instead of three hours.
- The committee also discussed another pilot course RE08 at the Grant Campus.
The course is for students who scored between RE09 and RE10 on the
placement exam. The students would be able to complete both courses in one
semester instead of two semesters.
- SCCC is collaborating with Landmark Community College, a two-year college
in Vermont, for a math pilot project which is designed for LD students and
ADD students. Debra Wilson is the key person on this project and will report
back to the committee.
- The committee is scheduled to meet on February 14, 2008.
Prof. Rogers questioned if anyone had any recollection of RE08 going through
the Curriculum Committee process. Specialist Frey corrected her statement
and announced that the course is a Special Topics course not a pilot course and
it did not have to go through the process.
Specialist Frey reported the following:
. RE08 is for students who scored 63-68 on the CPT test.
. RE10 is for students who scored 65-75 on the CPT test
. A discussion ensued on the CPT reading scores.
Prof. Joyce questioned if RE10 is a prerequisite for all PC11 courses, would
that block students from taking PC11D if they didn’t take RE10.
Prof. Eaton will contact Prof. Good regarding PC11D and get back to the
members by e-mail.
-
-
Governance Council
Jeffrey Kluewer, Governance Council Chair, gave an overview of the Collegewide Governance Council.
The Governance Council has been established for less than a year.
The Eastern Campus membership includes Mary Reese and Leslie Buck. Prof.
Czura is a past member and is currently serving as the Alternate.
One of the reasons for having the Council is to have a place to send resolutions
when they are passed by all three campuses. A mechanism to pursue
recommendations that faculty make to administration.
The President has supported, encouraged and recognized this Council and has
already responded to college-wide resolutions that have past by all three
governance bodies.
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 7
-
. Recommendation of the Distance Education Course Management platform.
. Unauthorized change made to the college catalog on the absence and
attendance policy.
These resolutions came to the Council and they were sent to the President.
Search Committees:
. The President has agreed to the following items:
. For college-wide administrator searches the Governance Council will have a
representative on that committee. There were faculty on the committees, but no
governance representation.
. For campus administrator searches, the campus governance body will have a
representative on all of the search committees.
This issue addressed representation and gave the governing body reporting
responsibility.
- Chairperson Kluewer stated the two out of three rule does not apply. What
happens when two campuses pass a resolution and the third campus does not?
There is an impasse. How do you go about providing consensus among the
governance bodies?
- Mediate:
The Council is addressing mediation now, e.g., minus grade. How will the
Council proceed when there is an impasse? The Council is working on by-laws.
- Membership of the Governance includes:
. Six members - two from each campus: the governance body chair and another
member as selected by the campus governance
. Chair from College Academic Standards Committee
. Chair from College Curriculum Committee
. College delegate to the Faculty Council of Community Colleges (FCCC)
- Prof. Art Lundahl is the delegate representative of FCCC. One of the functions
of the Council is to select the next delegate for FCCC when there is an opening.
- The Council can initiate proposals by creating sub-committees to address issues,
e.g., developmental studies issues, college seminar, etc.
- The Council can initiate proposals by creating sub-committees on issues, e.g.
writing across the curriculum. The Council does give the faculty the means to
make recommendations.
- The Constitution is written so that the Council cannot act on its own. There must
be an agreement by all three governance bodies before it can move forward.
- Communication:
. The Council is trying to be a central location where faculty can be informed of
what is going on at the college.
. The Council is researching who is on committees and what are their charges.
This item is in the preliminary stages.
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 8
Chairperson Kluewer opened the floor for questions and comments.
Prof. McCall expressed her concern that there is a gap of communication
between college-wide committees that are being proposed and dealing with
issues. She suggested that the College Governance Council include discussions
with appointed committees. A discussion ensued on how people are chosen for
committees and how they are unaware that they have to report back to
governance.
Professional Assistant Hennessey questioned if the Council was on the web site.
Chairperson Kluewer stated yes, and the agreement about the search committees
is on the site.
Prof. Rogers questioned if the meetings are opened to the faculty in general.
Chairperson Kluewer stated yes, the meetings are opened to everyone. Prof.
Rogers questioned if the meetings are rotated among the campuses. Chairperson
Kluewer reported that the meetings are held in Selden, they have not rotated
meetings. Professional Assistant Hennessey suggested using the Distance
Education classroom. Chairperson Kluewer is considering this suggestion.
Prof. McCall stated that she would like to advocate that when people are
appointed to extra positions on this committee consider the fact that there are
three campuses. Chairperson Kluewer felt that it was possible to arrive at a
consensus. If the Council is speaking for the College there should be consensus.
This is accomplished not by voting, but instead by agreeing. If there is no
agreement, the council will not proceed on the item.
Distance Education Committee
Prof. Eaton reported the following items:
- Update on course Management System:
. The decision regarding the Course Management System was delayed. The
committee will not know until December 7th which course management system
will be adopted by the College.
. Dr. Manning will review the information.
. The decision regarding Blackboard was almost unanimous.
. The committee voted for Blackboard, because it was taken into account the
number of faculty who knew Blackboard.
. All systems offer some items which are compelling.
. Training will be offered in January.
. The faculty peer program will be expanded. There will be assistance in
training in Blackboard or Angel.
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 9
. More information will be forthcoming.
COLLEGE REPORT
Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, President, reported that there was no real report today.
She highlighted the following items:
-
Library/Learning Resource Center: The Library/Learning Resource Center for
the Eastern Campus is on the agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting.
Health and Sports Facility: The Health and Sports Facility is being discussed.
Culinary Arts Center: The Culinary Arts Center will open in January 2008.
Dr. Pippins opened the floor for questions and concerns.
CAMPUS REPORT
Dr. Walters addressed the Congress with the following items:
- Welcome Back: Dr. Walters welcomed the faculty back from their Thanksgiving
break.
- Announcement: Dave Bergen is the Associate Dean for Educational Resources
and will now be stationed at the Culinary Arts Center. He will function as the
key building administrator and will be working with the director and other key
officers. Dean Bergen will increase visibility of the center and draw in more
activity in the area.
- Budget: Dr. Walters is involved with the budget planning process. Progress has
been made in the academic area. Discussions have started with the other units.
Dr. Walters plans to compile the information and meet with budget managers to
identify and re-prioritize items. The Budget presentation is scheduled for
Wednesday, January 30th.
- Searches: Dr. Walters announced that there are three major searches.
. Sociology: The committee identified the finalists and will start the
interviewing process late this week. This position is anticipated for the spring
2008 semester.
. Communications: A college-wide search committee was set up and this
process will start shortly. The position is anticipated for the fall 2008
semester.
. Director of Instructional Support Services: This search will be started in the
spring semester. The anticipated start date is for the fall 2008 semester.
- Promotions: There are eight full-time faculty members who are candidates for
promotion for the fall 2008. To date, Dr. Walters has met with all of the
candidates except three. All of the candidates will complete an initial interview
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 10
-
-
-
to determine what information will be brought forward. Dr. Walters plans to
meet with the Faculty Association representative to discuss the process.
Legislative Presentation: Dr. Walters attended a legislative meeting with the
Budget Finance Committee in Hauppauge, with Vice President Stein and the
other two executive deans for a presentation. The group discussed the following
information:
. The condensed version of the PowerPoint presentation was shared with the
committee and was well received.
. The most intriguing questions centered on the following:
- The percentage of incoming students that tested for in-depth courses.
- What program initiatives are in place?
- The increase in trends is it unique to our campus or a national trend?
Dr. Walters will be meeting tomorrow with the Economic Development for
Higher Education Committee. They will have more detailed questions for the
college and the campus.
Culinary Arts Center: Dr. Walters and a group of campus representatives are
meeting regularly to discuss ideas and concerns before the opening of the
Culinary Arts Center in January. Dave Bergen, Associate Dean for Educational
Resources, is working closely with the program director and team members
making sure the logistic items are in place for spring 2008.
Enrollment: Dr. Walters thanked the faculty who participated in Priority
Registration. He personally thanked Prof. Green and Dean Shearer and the entire
team for their efforts. Dr. Walters encouraged the members to stress to students
the advantages of registering on time. The campus is trying to make a concerted
effort to ease the burden of students coming in late to get schedules that are not
conducive to their lifestyles. Dr. Walters will provide more information on
enrollment numbers. He asked the members if there were any questions.
Prof. McCall reported that she provided information for a grant proposal on a
Diversity Enhancement Project. It was announced that it would not take effect
until this semester when the information would be reviewed. She has not heard
anything and is curious about the status of this item. She would like to have a
non-traditional art class about diversity. Dr. Walters stated that he will check on
the status of this item; however, he is not familiar with the process.
Prof. Banks reported that Dr. Philip Christensen is in charge of this project along
with Sandra Wilson. From what he understood, this topic was being discussed
with Ellen Schuler-Mauk to ensure it is in concert with what the union believes
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 11
is necessary for the project to proceed. Prof. Banks did not get feedback on this
item yet. A discussion ensued about the faculty member stipends. He said the
proposals are being researched again because of the limited amount of funds.
Prof. Napoli questioned why the search committee for the Communication
position is college-wide and not the Sociology position. Dr. Walters reported
that the Communications and Sociology positions both have college-wide search
committees. He stated that when you look at a legitimate committee, in order to
get to that outcome, you can draw in other faculty members from the Ammerman
and Grant Campuses. He went to the initial campus dean requesting a list of
faculty members from this discipline to serve on this committee.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no report.
NEW BUSINESS
Prof. Kulis reported that she received a note from a colleague from the Selden
Campus requesting her to pass around a petition regarding commencement. She read
the petition aloud and requested that the college change the time of the ceremony.
The members were asked to see Prof. Kulis if they are interested in signing the
petition.
Prof. Banks reported that he started an Angel Tree in the Peconic Building, which
will provide gifts for underprivileged children.
Prof. Lizak put a flyer in the Orient Building mailboxes requesting donations for the
Orient Building staff. Prof. Rogers thanked Prof. Lizak for taking on this project.
SUNSHINE FUND
There was no report
A suggestion was made to have the Sunshine Fund acknowledge Junius Atkins,
Custodial Worker III,
Congress Meeting
November 27, 2007
Page 12
GOOD AND WELFARE
No report.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting 5:03 p.m. by Prof. Rogers; the motion was
seconded by Prof. Green. The motion was passed unanimously.
Lucille Sirianni
Recorder