November 6, 2002
Minutes: Faculty Senate
Highline Community College

Present:
Chair: Phil Droke
Glen Avantaggio, Jean Harris, Rod Fowers, Gloria Rose Koepping, Geoff Turck, Sharon Hashimoto, Gwen Spencer, Michael Cicero, Tracy Brigham, Rebecca Sliger Michael Allen, Dean

Agenda

 AAS-T Degree – Feedback

Michael Allen discussed the new AAS-T degree with Senate members, soliciting feedback. He stressed the need for feedback from the Divisions where the residency requirement was concerned. Senate members from the several divisions reported that Social Sciences were not opposed to the new degree and Arts and Humanities made a positive response to the program and the residency requirements. The Health, Education and Physical Education division saw no problems with the new degree as did the Business division.

The major question concerned the 23 hours needed for the award of the degree at Highline and this measure passed.

Michael Allen explained that the State favors making the AAS-T degree more transferable rather than terminal. In this manner, students could obtain a two year AAS-T associate degree, transfer to a four year institution and secure a four year, bachelor’s technology degree. The quantitative skills requirement was noted on page 7 of the handout given to Senate members.

Michael Cicero from the Business program stated they did not support the exchange of the AAS degree for an AAS-T degree and several questions were asked at this point in the discussion. It was mentioned that that some colleges already supported the AAS-T degree program and the Faculty Senate recommend the degree in principle.

Therefore, Senate members planned to go back to the Divisions and solicit pro’s and con’s of the AAS-T degree as options.

Gwen Spencer mentioned that the AAS-T degree would definitely impact the Math Department.

Michael Allen stressed that he needs a decision by the end of next quarter.

Old business:

Glen Avantaggio needs three people for the health and safety committee. A member from Social Sciences is needed and they do not need to have tenure.

A member is needed for the Commencement Committee. This is a two year position with Barbara Smith being one member so one more member is needed on the committee.

It was announced that the Senator at Large is Rebecca Sliger.

It was announced that the Faculty Association for Community College Commision will have an assessment conference at the end of April, beginning of May, east of the mountains.

There will also be a conference at North Seattle Community College next fall quarter on computers in middle ground usage.

Also announced was the fact that running start students get to register first.

State-wide community college salaries; Tacoma Community College faculty members make top salaries, $66,000.00/year and Highline faculty top salaries are $54,000.00/year.

Green River Community College is going to house international students in dormitories.

Respectfully submitted,
Judy Johnson-Wise