Re: [Google Group CCCSenates] Re: Query Regarding Tenure Review, Academic Se

[Stev...@aol.com]

The Woodland College example practically sends shivers up my spine.  I agree with those who say the senate should not be involved.  That is, unless the senate is the collective bargaining agent for the faculty.  Does that situation exist anywhere in the CC system?  Otherwise, GET OUT NOW, before it's too late. 

 

As Beth pointed out, the senate can and should work with the bargaining agent to establish the evaluation PROCESS.  That process should then be part of the collective bargaining agreement.  Theoretically, that process could (and apparently does in some places) involve the senate.  But why would you want it to?

 

Ignoring the very scary prospects of a lawsuit, it still seems like a bad idea for the entire senate to review the recommendations of the tenure review committee.  The committee has been given the responsibility for evaluating the candidate, presumably using classroom observations and student evaluations, and relying on the professional expertise of members in the same or a related department.  What information would other senate members have that could possibly justify overriding the recommendations of the committee?  Would you want YOUR evaluation to be subject to such a review? 

 

I could see the senate playing a role in an appeal process, but, even then, not involving the entire senate.

 

Steve Gold 

Cypress College (retired)

 

In a message dated 2/24/2010 3:41:49 PM Pacific Standard Time, gjga...@gmail.com writes:

This has been a very hot issue at our college, Woodland Community College.  As a senate, we review the recommendations of the tenure committee, and ask questions of them.  Then we meet in closed session (which IS allowed under the Brown Act) and make a recommendation to the trustees to grant or deny tenure.  Most of the time, it is pro forma; the senate accepts the decision of the committee.  Most of the time, but not always.  Last year, at out sister college, the tenure committee voted to deny tenure, the senate voted to recommend it, and the trustees decided to deny.  At our college this year, we have the opposite; the committee strongly recommended tenure, the senate voted to recommend no tenure.  In my opinion, these events demonstrate a problem with the process, which for us is fairly restrictive in what information we can collect. 

 

[Alfred Hochstaedter]

Very well stated, Steve. Much much better than my earlier replies.

 

-Fred Hochstaedter

MPC Academic Senate President

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[Cherie Dickey]

You can take the Past President out of the Senate, but you can't take the Senate out of the Past President.  Thanks for all of your input, Steve (Cypress College Senator Emeritus) and for staying involved in your retirement.

Cherie Dickey
Cypress College
Curriculum Chair

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From: ahochs...@mpc.edu
To: cccse...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Google Group CCCSenates] Re: Query Regarding Tenure Review, Academic Se
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:54:38 +0000

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[George J. Galamba]

This is the most provocative dialogue I've ever seen on this listserv.  Although I value all the opinions I've heard, are there any publications on the role of the senate in tenure from the State Senate, the AAUP, etc?  In my career, I've only taught at the CC level (except for a Fulbright stint in Yugoslavia years ago.)  What is the relationship between senates and tenure for our colleagues at four-year institutions?  I have always been under the impression that the decision of offering/denying tenure is a fundamental responsibility of senates--but am beginning to believe I may be wrong.  The concept of turning tenure decisions over to the union instead of the senate seems anathema to me.  I can't imagine the senate not having a role, but I agree that the role should be carefully defined and based on objective criteria.  I believe that the role of the union is job and working condition protection; the senate should focus on the curriculum and ensuring that those who are honored the award of tenure are worthy of it.  (Clearly not the prevailing opinion.)   

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[Stev...@aol.com]

George,

 

I'm talking too much, but I think a clarification is in order.  I think what most of us are saying is that tenure recommendations should be made by small committees made up principally of faculty and charged with thoroughly evaluating the merits of the candidates.  The senate should not be second-guessing those committees.

 

The job of the senate should be to work with the union to design the process, ensuring that the rights of the individual are protected while also ensuring that only quality instructors are granted tenure.

 

The union then has the responsibility to negotiate with the Board to incorporate the process in the district/union contract.  I suppose the process could be just a district policy, but I think having it in the contract provides better protection for the tenure candidate.

 

But you're right, I think the senate has a responsibility to ensure that the tenure process is good for the academy.

 

Steve