CLASSIFIED SENATE

OF SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

MISSION STATEMENT:  We are committed to promoting the development of classified staff through       

                                                    the process of participatory/shared governance.

 

A meeting of the Classified Senate of the Santa Monica Community College District will be held in the Business Building 111 on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at 12:00 noon.

 

AGENDA

 

1.                  Call to Order

2.                  Roll Call

3.                  Public Comments

4.                  #1 Approval of Minutes               May 12, 2004 and May 26, 2004

5.                  Consent Agenda                           (All items considered in one motion unless

                                                                  pulled for discussion)

a.      #2 Title III and Title V letter

b.      #3 Congratulatory Letters

                                                              i.      Dr. Margaret Quiñones and Ms. Benita Haley

c.       #4 Shared Governance Review ad hoc Committee

d.      #5 Contribution to CSEW

e.      #6 Public Relations

f.        #7 Contribution to Social Committee

g.      #8 Classified Senate Officers Resolution

6.                  Officers Reports

a.      Secretary –

b.      Treasurer -

c.       Vice-President –

d.      President -

7.                  Special Reports

a.      Academic Senate

b.      Associated Students

c.       Committee Reports

d.      CSEA President

e.      Senate Past-President

8.                  Public Comments

9.                  Next meeting – July 14, 2004 in B-111

10.              Adjournment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        Vice-President

SUBJECT:                 Title III and Title V

 

Action Item No. 2

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate review and approve the following letter opposing Title III and Title V expansion.

 

Comment:  In continuation of the Classified Senate Mission and guidelines, we respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve the following letter to the US Congressman opposing Title III and Title V grants expansion.

 

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

May 12, 2004

 

The Honorable Henry A. Waxman

29th District, California

2204 Rayburn Building

Washington, D.C.  20515

 

RE:  Oppose the expansion of Non-Title IV eligibility to proprietary schools

 

Dear Congressman Waxman,

 

The “Expanding Opportunities in Higher Education Act of 2003” (H.R. 3039) introduced in September 9, 2003 creates a “single definition” of higher education institution in the Higher Education Act (HEA).  This change will make for-profit colleges newly eligible for Title III-A, Strengthening Institutions; Title V, Hispanic-Serving Institutions; and all other HEA programs.  Currently, proprietary schools qualify for the Title IV programs - primarily student financial assistance, TRIO and GEAR UP.  The inevitable and immediate result of this change will be reduced federal funding for community colleges.

 

As a recipient of Title III, Santa Monica College strongly opposes the expansion of nonTitle IV eligibility to proprietary schools.  The reasons are as follows:

 

No program in the HEA is more under-funded than is Title III-A, Strengthening Institutions, which community colleges have helped to build over more than two decades.  Adding a battery of new colleges will undermine this critical but fragile program.  While H.R. 3039 increases substantially the authorization ceiling for Title II-A, this is a hollow promise in the current budget climate. 

 

Title V, Aid to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), will also be severely negatively impacted by this change, for the same reasons as Title III-A.  Currently, 53 percent of all HSIs are community colleges, but that will change quickly under the “access” bill.  The universe of HSIs is increasing dramatically, as the demographics of the nation and higher education change.  SMC has recently submitted two Title V grants to create a Teacher Preparation Center and to address the needs of First-Time in College students.  Our chances for funding can be severely limited if this legislation is passed.

 

As non-profit institutions, community colleges are, by definition and legal standing, dedicated to serving public ends.  Proprietary schools are, by definition, committed to earning funds for owners and shareholders in addition to serving students.  Community colleges do not have the same access to private capital that proprietary schools do.  They struggle to maintain an open door by keeping tuition as low as possible. 

Acknowledging these basic institutional differences does not denigrate one type of college or the other, but it does suggest different policies.

 

In the very same legislation that Congress would grant proprietary school access to non-Title IV programs, 309 Title V it would eliminate the law that currently limits to 90 percent the amount of their revenues proprietary schools can receive from the Title IV student aid programs.  Title IV funds represent a small fraction of community college revenues-much less than 10 percent.  This is another reason why SMC opposes making for-profit entities eligible to non-Title IV programs.

 

Proprietary schools have argued that this issue is one of “status.”  If this is really the case, there are many other ways to address proprietary schools’ perceived lack of recognition.  If Congress wants to provide additional benefits for for-profit institutions, it can create a new program or programs and fund them.  SMC would not oppose such efforts.

 

The Classified Senate of Santa Monica College are a group of elected representatives committed to promoting the development of classified staff through the process of participatory and shared governance. As staff members of the College our main purpose is to serve the well being of the students who attend. 

 

On behalf of the executive committee of the Classified Senate and the entire Classified Staff of Santa Monica College, we urge the U.S. House of Representatives to reconsider this policy.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Classified Senate of Santa Monica College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 Congratulatory Letters

 

Action Item No. 3

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate review and approve the following congratulatory letters to Dr. Margaret Quiñones and Benita Haley

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve the following letters to Dr. Margaret Quiñones and Benita Haley for their recent appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger to the Board of Governors.

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 12, 2004

 

Dr. Margaret Quiñones, Chair

Board of Trustees

Santa Monica College

 

 

Dear Dr. Quiñones,

 

The Classified Senate would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your recent appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger to the Board of Governors.

 

We look forward to working with you to accomplish the Mission of Santa Monica College; to assist you in voicing and meeting the needs of all Community Colleges at the State Level; as well as, the continuance of Shared/Participatory Governance with all constituents’ representatives of the College Body.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Classified Senate

Santa Monica College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 12, 2004

 

Benita Haley

c/o Santa Monica College

1900 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405

 

 

 

Dear Ms. Haley,

 

The Classified Senate would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your recent appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger to the Board of Governors.

 

We look forward to working with you in bridging any communication gap; voicing and meeting the needs of all Community Colleges at state level; as well as, the continuance of Shared/Participatory Governance with all constituents’ representatives of the College Body.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Classified Senate

Santa Monica College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 Shared Governance ad hoc Committee

 

Action Item No. 4

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate approve the set-up of an ad hot committee for Shared Governance

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve setting up an ad hoc committee to review Shared Governance Policies. 

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 CSEW Contribution

 

Action Item No. 5

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate consider making a contribution to CSEW

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate consider making a contribution to the CSEW Committee in recognition of all classified employees during the events taking place the week of May 16 – May 22, 2004.  Amount not to exceed $150.00

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 Public Relations

 

Action Item No. 6

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate approve the appointment of a Campus Communication Committee

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve setting up a Campus Communication Committee and have the Chair of said committee be the Editor for any Public Relations mailings.

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 Public Relations

 

Action Item No. 7

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate approve the contribution to the Social Committee

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve a contribution to the Social Committee for the Classified Retirees Breakfast with a limit of $50.00.

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

CONSENT AGENDA ACTION ITEM

 

TO:                             Classified Senate

FROM:                       Executive Committee

PREPARED BY:        President

SUBJECT:                 Classified Senate Officers Resolution

 

Action Item No. 8

 

It is recommended that the Classified Senate approve the following resolution.

 

Comment:  The Executive Committee, respectfully request that the Classified Senate approve the following resolution in support of the Academic Senate Executive Committee.

                             

                       

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classified Senate Agenda

June 9, 2004

 

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CLASSIFIED SENATE OFFICERS

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate is committed to promoting the Development of Classified Staff; and

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate is committed to the process of Participatory/Shared Governance; and

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate promotes the participation in Participatory/Shared Governance; and

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate advocates the value & contributions the Classified Senate provide to the learning community, specifically through committee participation; and

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate cooperates with other organizations in the interest of enriching the educational environment by participating on a continuous basis in mutual events, attending other constituents’ meetings, and including other constituents at our meetings; and

 

Whereas, the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate on May 25, 2004 voted to “Announce the suspension of Senate participation on the Coordinating Council until the Senate can take action on its June 1st meeting”; and

 

Whereas, the Academic Senate made the announcement of it’s suspension to participate at Coordinating Council at its May 26, 2004 meeting; and

 

Whereas, the Academic Senate is pending a vote on a resolution to participate in a College-wide planning body once one has been established by the District Board of Trustees, based upon mutual agreement among the Administration, Academic Senate, Classified Senate, Faculty Association, California State Employees Association Chapter 36, and the Associated Students, and

 

Whereas, the Classified Senate Officers respect and understand the Academic Senate Executive Committee’s need to take action at this time;

 

Therefore, Be It Resolved That, until the matter can be brought to the entire Classified Senate, the Classified Senate Officers have decided to continue the Classified Senate’s participation in District wide Committees;

 

Furthermore, Be It Resolved That, the Classified Senate Officers are confident that this matter will be resolved in a timely fashion and that all parties will return to Council and/or a College-wide planning body established by the District Board of Trustees.