Joint statement about the FPC from Faculty Senate President David Rollison and COM Superintendent/ President Dr. Frances L. White

Members of the college community know there has been a need for clarification about the relationship between participatory governance as regulated by Title V and the Modernization project resulting from the Prop 39 facilities bond.

At President White’s request, David Rollison and John Sutherland, representing the Academic Senate, met with Dr. White and Dr. Blackman to discuss this issue and clarified that the Facilities Planning Committee (FPC) is a governance subcommittee of the Institutional Planning Committee (IPC) and is the conduit that links the college constituencies to campus facilities planning.  However, the FPC is not a subcommittee of the DMC nor does it align legally with Prop 39 dictates, regulations or statutes.  Consequently, and in an effort to acknowledge the role and relationship of the FPC in the bond modernization process, the FPC, in consultation with the IPC, is a communication conduit between the DMC and the college community.

As construction projects proceed, Title 5 guidelines will ensure that end user groups are made up of the appropriate constituent groups to provide further input, planning and recommendations to the DMC.  Individuals are encouraged to participate in the end user group process.  In addition, the FPC will ensure that everyone’s views are heard.  The DMC, meanwhile, will seek to expand its membership to ensure greater participation of college constituents by way of the appointment process outlined in the participatory governance system.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in these matters.

Frances L. White, Ph.D.                                                       David Rollison, President

Superintendent/President                                                       Academic Senate

back to top

New Senior Director of Enterprise and Learning Technology In 2005, the Technology Committee recommended that the District hire a new Director responsible for the management and implementation of a Learning Technology-Mediated Support Center.  The purpose was to support technology learning and training for students and faculty, and to provide staff technology support.

In creating this position to respond to that recommendation, and after carefully considering the growing technological needs of the College of Marin, the College has expanded the role by combining the management of administrative and academic technologies into one position.  Accordingly, the College created a new position, Senior Director of Enterprise and Learning Technology.   The Senior Director of Enterprise and Learning Technology will oversee the College's Information Technology operations as well as address other recommendations in the Technology Plan under the director's purview. 

This fall, the College will begin a full search in anticipation of filling the position on a permanent basis.  In the interim, the College has appointed Rick Sapanaro to the position.  You can contact Rick at ext. 8125.  His office is in IS 207 at IVC.

back to top

COM’s Intensive English Program offered exclusively at IVC

The article about IVC in last week’s Monday Briefing inadvertently omitted mention of COM’s popular and successful Intensive English Program (IEP) offered exclusively at IVC. The Intensive English Program is fee-based and designed for foreign students and residents preparing to enter American colleges or universities. Students born in the following countries attended the Intensive English Program in spring 2006:  Thailand, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Chile, Indonesia, Italy, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Canada, China, Mongolia, Korea.

While IEP is fee-based, students can apply for grants to help cover costs. For this fall 2006 Semester, 23 students received a total of $35,300 in awards from the Marin Education Fund to attend IEP. The total amount that the Marin Education Fund has given for fall 2006 and spring 2007 is $62,500. The grants ranged this semester from $700 to $2300 depending on whether the student is attending one-quarter, one-half, three-quarter, or full time. Included in the grant is a book voucher to defray the cost of textbooks.

Applications for spring 2007 grant applications will be available mid-October in the IEP office (Ohlone 141) at IVC or ESL office (Harlan Center 123) in Kentfield. A similar amount will be distributed for spring 2007. More information about IEP is available online at www.marincommunityed.org

back to top

KUDOS

At the National Naval Officer’s Association (NNOA) 34th Annual Conference, COM’s Maintenance Supervisor Don Flowers recently received a highly prestigious certificate of recognition from Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter. Flowers retired from the Navy as a Captain in 2000 after providing 38 exemplary years of service. He is the first African-American member of the NNOA to receive this award. Flowers’ personal decorations also include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) among others.

back to top

Upcoming

August 2006 Flex Activities for Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend Flex activities the week beginning August 14. Complete workshop information and updates are posted on the online Faculty & Staff Calendar (Go to the “Faculty & Staff” link under the Calendar of Events section on the College Homepage). All workshops are open; no registration is required.

Is GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for Your Discipline?

10:00-12:00 & 1:00-3:00 PM, Tuesday, August 15th, SC 145

GIS is being used across a wide range of disciplines from elementary through graduate school. This workshop will introduce you to the ways in which spatial data and information contribute to the understanding of the world & how it can be applied to diverse academic subjects. See complete workshop description on the online Faculty & Staff Calendar.

Department Chairs Meeting

12:45 – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 15th, AC 108

**Mandatory for Department Chairs.

Cal-STRS Retirement Checkup

10:00-12:00 PM, Wednesday, August 16th, FH 110

Retirement planning information for STRS members -- What do I need to know? What major decisions need to be made? By when? How? Presented by Paul Gillies, Cal-STRS Counselor

Cal-PERS Retirement Planning Workshop

10:00-12:00 PM, Wednesday, August 16th, FH 120

Retirement planning information for PERS members.  How are retirement benefits calculated? Best date to retire?  Know your benefits and how best to plan!  Presented by Tom Holley, CalPERS Representative

Preventing Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation in the Academic Environment

9:00-12:00 Noon, Thursday, August 17th, OH 96

Learn how to best avoid liability based on alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.  Know your rights and responsibilities. Presented by Cynthia O’Neill, Liebert, Cassidy & Whitmore.

** Mandatory for Department Chairs. Highly recommended for all College of Marin employees! **

UPM Legislative & Collective Bargaining Update

1:30-3:30PM, Thursday, August 17th, FH 110

Presentation and update on current and proposed legislation and bargaining regulations that impact faculty.

College Convocation

10:00 am - Noon, Friday, August 18th, Fine Arts Theater

The President’s Annual College Convocation for faculty and staff. This is a mandatory Flex activity for faculty. Staff are encouraged to attend Convocation as office responsibilities allow. Please consult with your supervisor.

Academic Department Meetings

1:30-3:30 PM, Friday, August 18th.

Check with your Department Chair for location.

Together, we can make great things happen!

Frances L. White, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President

back to top