FULL-TIME FACULTY SENATE
MINUTES of January 23, 2009
HBC 407  1:00 p.m.

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President Dan Dydek called the meeting to order.

Agenda
Professor Al Purcell moved that the agenda be approved.  Motion passed.

Minutes
Professor Mariano Diaz-Miranda moved that the minutes be accepted.  Motion passed.

President’s Report

Professors Mariano Diaz-Miranda and Jon Luckstead updated the Senate on the EVP/Provost Search.  The EVP/Provost search will resume this semester.  The job description is being reposted.  The hope is that interviews in April will lead to a timely hire.

The Professional Development Committee reported its findings.  Professional development will continue to use ACC’s fiscal calendar.  A 100% rollover of excess past credit up to 75% of annual required credit will be allowed.  Department chairs will decide if professional development completed at the end of August can count directly towards professional development in the new fiscal year beginning in September.

Early College Start: Dialogue with Senate

Dr. Luanne Preston, Executive Director of School Relations and Ms. Mison Zuñiga, Director of Early College Start presented information, including a seven page handout, and answered questions about the Early College Start program.  The faculty raised concerns about the rigor and quality of ECS classes. 

During the discussion on ECS it was noted that State Representative Fred Brown had sponsored legislation to reduce the Legislative Requirement in US History and Government.  The History Department contacted Representative Brown about the matter.  Representative Brown said that after a discussion with the Chair of the Texas A&M University Department of Political Science, he had agreed not to request a hearing for the proposed bill.

Renovations at Rio Grande Campus: Dialogue with Senate

Mr. William S. Mullane, Executive Director of Facilities and Construction and Project Managers Pamela Collier and Robert Ryland presented information and answered questions about the parking garage and gym renovation at the Rio Grande Campus.  The faculty raised such concerns as sound abatement, lighting, and the general issue of faculty input in the design process.  Mr. Ryland commented that the “Course Redesign Lab” would reduce the need for classroom space in the future.  Ms. Collier said that the parking garage is slated for completion in August 2009 and will contribute a net gain of about 450 parking spaces.  More information is at www.austincc.edu/faoadmin/projects.php.

The Need for an Ombudsman at ACC

Professor Domingo Alba presented findings of his investigation into ombudsmen at other institutions.  They serve as a key element in streamlined grievance systems and save costs in litigation.  He also provided information about his interactions with Gerry Tucker and presented a draft resolution for the establishment of an Office of Ombudsman at ACC.  President Dan Dydek formed an ad hoc committee to report at the next meeting.  Members include Professor Domingo Alba, chair, and Professors Steve Bradley and Don Becker.

Update:  ad hoc Committee on the TOPS Orientation

Senator Frank Cronin updated the Senate on the ad hoc Committee on the TOPS Orientation’s activities.  He will report committee findings to Stacy Wooten.  Professor Mariano Diaz-Miranda raised the possibility of paying adjunct faculty to help with orientations.

Other Business

Draft AR 1.06.006 (Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process), under consideration in the Policies & Procedures Committee, was briefly discussed.  It will be addressed at the February 27, 2009 Full-Time Faculty Senate meeting.

Adjournment
The motion was made and passed to adjourn.

Senators Present:
Domingo Alba, Ron Bass, Don Becker, Steven Bradley, Frank Cronin, Daisy Diaz-Alemany, Mariano Diaz-Miranda, Dan Dydek, Karry Evans, Devorah Feldman, Paige Fletcher, Alicia Garza, Theresa Glenn, Jon Luckstead, Tracie Nobles, Sylvia Owens, Ann Palmer, Kelly Petkus, Al Purcell, Stacy Stover, Deb Ziegler.

Visitors:
Jen Beck, Pamela Collier, Glen Hunt, William S. Mullane, Luanne Preston, Robert Ryland, Tim Self, Patti Singleton, Jeff Stringer, Larry Willoughby, and Mison Zuniga.

Submitted by Jon Luckstead, Secretary, Full-time Faculty Senate