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MCC Daily Tribune

Sharing the Governance by Engaging the People

Here are a few more questions I've been asked about the Senate in recent weeks. If you have a question not answered in yesterday or today's Tribune announcements, please email me at acolosimo@monroecc.edu!

I've heard people mention 'SCAA' in regards to the Senate. What is that all about?

"SCAA" is the Senate's Special Committee on Administrative Affairs. It is a relatively unique committee among SUNY community colleges that has a few primary functions. It makes recommendations to administration about the hiring and/or appointments of positions from the rank of director and above. In addition, SCAA conducts department chair elections and collects feedback and provides recommendations on reorganizations. SCAA's workload can fluctuate quite a bit depending upon need. In the past few years, they have been among one of our busiest committees. They have participated in or conducted 50 searches and provided feedback and recommendations on 11 reorganizations in the past 5 years!

What does it mean to be a part of shared governance?

Shared governance is a process by which constituents work together in separate but complimentary roles to achieve the goals of the institution. According to MCC's Shared Governance Policy, it is based upon "a commitment to governance grounded in respect, collegiality, communication, and cooperation across all stakeholder groups." One way the FS has attempted to promote shared governance at the College is by inviting the Board of Trustees to participate in the Shared Leadership Coordinating Council, so that trustees have the opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with other shared governance groups and unions.

How is the Faculty Senate different from the Faculty Association?

The Faculty Association (FA) does great work for the College by negotiating safe and fair working conditions and ensuring the enforcement of the contract that covers professional staff and teaching faculty. In contrast, the Faculty Senate (FS) focuses on the development, implementation, and assessment of curriculum, recommendations regarding the development and implementation of academic policies and procedures, and providing recommendations in reorganizations and hiring and of the College from the position of director and above.

While we look at the institution through separate lenses, there are areas of overlap. Recently, the Faculty Association invited the Faculty Senate to join them in a vote of no confidence against Dr. Kress. The Faculty Senate overwhelmingly supported this measure after collecting feedback from our constituents and having hours of open discussion. Now it is time to participate in this democratic process. Voting for all FA and FS members ends today. Please participate. Details for voting are below.

  • Brighton: 11/20 from 10 am- 12 pm in 3-116
  • Downtown: 11/20 from 8 am -11 am in 561E
  • Absentee ballots must be sent to the Faculty Association via interoffice mail by the afternoon of 11/20. Absentee ballots must be placed in a sealed envelope and include your legible signature.

Amanda Colosimo
Faculty Senate
11/20/2018