October 28, 2019FAEC Minutes 10/23/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2019  | Location: A 226  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Roark Atkinson, Eva Ogens

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

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1. FAEC Minutes Approved 

2. RCNJ’s Career Development and Faculty Scholarship

RCNJ employs career development rather than a post-tenure review process. If the provost envisions a post-tenure review process at the College he can only do that if he negotiates that with AFT. The language on the existing process can be found in the Career Development section of the faculty handbook.  The Career Development procedure is on hold when faculty are working without a contract.

According to the provost scholarship at RCNJ is defined broadly and the terms are vague.   This may be because the provost is applying his own conception of scholarship in the promotion and tenure (P&T) process. Even if each unit devised distinct criteria, this still would not make scholarship across units comparable.  Any criteria that aims to classify scholarship must be performed by committee in conjunction with the AFT and cannot be conducted in isolation. Additionally, there needs to be a re-negotiation of the faculty handbook and a revision of the promotion and tenure criteria within it.   

3. Presidential Search Committee

Susan Vallario informed FAEC that she will respond to the letter that it sent on behalf of FA regarding a request for additional faculty representation on the presidential search committee by the end of the current week. Vallario would like receive the names of the candidates within this same timeframe and will further discuss the process with the FAEC President. Vallario copied the board, and Hillary Goldstein with this communication.  The names of the candidates forwarded to the BoT will not be published in the FA agenda.  

Four schools have volunteered to send a representative to serve on the presidential search committee thus far.  FAEC plans to select the faculty members in keeping with the required number requested for the nomination. A total of three names will be forwarded.

The FAEC believes that the nomination form featured on the presidential search web page should not include questions that serve to vet any potential candidates and that the vetting procedure for nomination should be the purview of the FA.

4. Three Plus One Program Prospects

Concerns about the prospect of Three Plus One [TPO] Programs are evident among the faculty.  FAEC views attempts to tap individual units or convening groups for TPO’s as an inappropriate and problematic way forward. Furthermore, the question remains as to whether there is demonstrated interest in TPO programs from students enrolled in Two Year degree programs. The faculty requires input about this to act constructively toward developing potential TPO programs.  Students would need to apply at the end of this academic year to be eligible for aid for RCNJ attendance and inclusion in a TPO program.

The provost is proposing that students in TPO’s do not have to make-up for credit mis-matches at RCNJ based on the 3 credit granting structure at their two-year institutions.  Any plan to change a three credit course to a four credit course must go through the ARC approval process. TPO programs must undergo the ARC review process and the FAEC is prepared to request that any program that moves forward without adequate review be denied by ARC. Shared governance must be at the heart of any process for creating prospective TPO programs. 

Some faculty view the attempt to expedite TPO’s as part of a process to install numerical rather than real diversity at RCNJ. The administration continues to cite the absence of a transportation hub as a reason for the lack of diversity at RCNJ.  However, the push toward TPO’s is in part seen as an attempt to rectify this and ensure that “diversity numbers” are achieved as a means to secure diversity related funding from the New Jersey Governor’s office. The New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education’s outcomes based funding approach prioritizes degree completion and programmatic service to minority students, thus any potential funding from the governor’s office would not simply be tied to enrollment but also minority students’ graduation rates.   In discussions about prospective students’ successful completion of TPO programs a point must be made to ensure that such discussions are void of assumptions that minority students will fail to succeed simply because they would be emplaced in a new academic environment. This is an artificial construct because if white and black students do not succeed at RCNJ or successfully complete at the same rate it will appear that the service and support given to minority students is disproportionate.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:10 pm

 

Categories: FAEC MEETING MINUTES 2019, RAMAPO FAEC, Uncategorized

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October 28, 2019FAEC Minute 9/11/2019

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, September  11, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Eva Ogens, Scott Frees

Guest: Tamika Quick 

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

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1. FAEC Minutes Approved [needed]

2. Degree Completion Program and 3 + 1 Program

There is indication from the Provost that RCNJ will be entering into 3+1 program agreements with Raritan, Passaic, and Essex county Community Colleges.  FAEC contends that the 3+1 program should not include classes outside of the purview of the faculty. Faculty should not be hired without consulting RCNJ conveners and Deans.  Additionally, the program should not offer ARC approved courses without the vetting of the syllabus and proper assessment. Adjunct instructors must be assessed for their fit in the convening group, although currently this is currently only done via course evaluations. The community colleges have an interest in offering courses that will be on demand.   RCNJ faculty have expressed concern about the quality of the RCNJ courses taught at community colleges.

A cost benefit analysis of 3+1 programs must be considered as they would be operating in addition to more hybrid and online courses.  Any cost related burdens with the community college should be absorbed by the community colleges. The programs must benefit students in the institutions, as well as Community Colleges and RCNJ.  Concerns were raised regarding potential cannibalization and the logic of the 3+1 program should students determine it cheaper to remain at 3+1 community college for a third year rather than transfer to Ramapo through a 2-2 transfer arrangement.  Assumptions behind potential revenue enhancement for 3+1 programs must be thoroughly discussed and communicated among the faculty. Furthermore, if Bergen Community College signs onto a 3+1 agreement it will not be beneficial to RCNJ as it serves as a feeder school to RCNJ and would be a net loss to RCNJ.

Presently there is a generic job posting for adjunct faculty within the Anisfield School of Business although ASB faculty have not been informed about the call for adjuncts. It is unclear as to whether the call is for faculty to support a 3+1 program with Raritan Valley Community College. ASB’s program requires accreditation and therefore any adjunct hired for must be approved by the ASB’s faculty.  

Provost Becker commented, “we don’t have it all figured out” and that the details of any 3+1 program still need to be hashed out.  He assured that a 3+1 agreement would not pose additional strain on RCNJ’s infrastructure, that it could positively impact the picture of enrollment at Ramapo, and that he would like for RCNJ to be part of the process.  

President Mercer declared that he is “not worried” about financial dimension because should RCNJ split in the third year the 70% of the revenue would go to the community college while 30% would be seen by RCNJ for providing the curricula and vetting instructors. He explained that the 3+1 programs between community colleges and RCNJ would be exclusive since the graduation rate is high at RCNJ and this is viewed as a positive for the sending colleges.  He also mentioned that the 3 +1 program would support students of color in their educational pursuits citing that 36% of the students at Passaic Community College and 89% of the students at Hudson County Community College are students of color.

The NJ secretary of Higher Education prioritizes access to higher education and thus support for 3 + 1 initiatives.  

3. Degree Completion Program

The FAEC President raised the fact that RCNJ is trying to normalize the Degree Completion Program. However, there must be some course correcting as there are oversight issues.  The program is using ARC approved course numbers and there is no input from faculty or conveners regarding the courses taught in the program.  

4. Tamika Quick [ Multicultural Center Exploration Team]

Tamika Quick, requested that FAEC nominate at least two faculty members to serve on a multicultural center exploration team.  Under the purview of EDIC the team will gather faculty, staff and students to brainstorm about the development of a Multicultural Center at RCNJ.  There is currently no timeframe for when the Multicultural Center would launch, however the application for the project was submitted three years ago.

The team will be charged with: 

(1) Understanding what others are doing/have done in the development and operation of multicultural centers 

(2) Establishing the vision for a Multicultural center at RCNJ

(3) Establishing the guiding principles of the center

Tamika informed the FAEC that Marva Hawkins was hired as Director of Affirmative Action and that EDIC is place and fully staffed.  She also addressed the campus-wide perception that EDIC is supposed to do, “everything” regarding Equity and Diversity on Campus. He encouraged other campus programs, faculty, and students to develop and conduct initiative to enlarge diversity at RCNJ.   She explained that EDIC’s charge is in part to develop an action plan that to understand how to address the Strategic Plan goal #2.

5. Faculty Searches, Diversity, and Student Involvement with Search Committees

There may be some changes to the way that students engage in faculty searches as they may be permitted to sit on search committees bearing access to applications and the ability to read applications. This decision comes from the Provost’s office.  The FAEC upholds that students should not sit on faculty search committees, read applicant materials, or be involved in internal discussion while faculty are evaluating candidates. Presently, students sit on the committee for the vetting of honors students.

Diversity in Faculty searches must be revisited as faculty are concerned that some searches do not  include faculty with academic expertise with a particular departments and programs. The FAEC suggest that rather than replacing people with area specialization on search committees to achieve diversity, that search committees aim for diversity premised upon a mix of academic specialization and demographic diversity.

6. Program Budget Funding and Cuts

The Provost explained that he as allocated funding to Deans that reflects “more or less” what they received last year and that there was clear distribution amongst the schools for faculty travel funding.

Meeting Adjourned at 12 pm

 

Categories: FAEC MEETING MINUTES 2019, RAMAPO FAEC, RCNJ Faculty Assembly Minutes 2019, Uncategorized

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October 9, 2019FAEC Minutes 9/25/2019

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, September  25, 2019 | Location: A 220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Christina Connor, Eva Ogens, Scott Frees,   David Oh, Hugh Sheehy

Guests: Nicole Morgan Agard, EDIC; Tamika Quick, EDIC and Brittany Williams-Goldstein

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

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1. FAEC Minutes Approved [needed]

2. Bias Response Team

EDIC has requested that FAEC nominate faculty members to serve on the Bias Response Team [BRT].  The appointment process will involve the FAEC nomination of three faculty members to EDIC whereby one of the nominees will be selected to serve on the BRT.  EDIC did not declare whether the faculty member should be tenured or untenured. EDIC aims to establish the team immediately to form an exploratory committee which will shape the nature and charge of the BRT.  The volunteer position requires a one year commitment. The faculty representative will meet two times per month until the training for the BRT commences. A trainer from an external institution will be sought to illustrate best practice in assessing bias grievance incidents. EDIC intends that the faculty representative will serve in-part to communicate the BRT’s mission to the RCNJ community.  

FAEC stressed the need to clarify a formal charge and criteria for the Bias Response Team in order to identify potential appointees.  Requirements for the scope, membership composition and size of the committee was requested. FAEC recommended that aspects of the charge should include plans for  how the team will work with other parts of the college. Additionally, it was suggested that two faculty members are selected so that one member could serve as an alternate.

FAEC faculty representatives were asked to inform their units of the need for the BRT appointee and conduct an interest-check.

3. RCNJ Multicultural Center Planning

Regarding EDIC’s plans to establish a Multicultural Center, FAEC underscored that the starting point for this endeavor should be focused on articulating the guiding principles for the Multicultural Center to clarify its mission and purpose to the RCNJ community.  

4. Wednesday Meeting Block Schedule 

FAEC recommends that meeting block scheduling be reconsidered for faculty to be able to balance teaching and service commitments.    

5. Formalizing Communication and Taskforce Directives from the Provost’s Office

FAEC affirms the need for the Provost’s Office to formalize all communication relative to processes, procedures, and decisions that affect the College.  Discussion boards should not be employed as a primary means for dialogue or deliberation around issues that impact or involve The College. Informal online discussion board contents should not be used to represent or substantiate the positions, opinions, and input of the faculty.  FAEC maintains that discussion board contents are not a representative or valid means for establishing or proving faculty accord, particularly in instances when there is no indication of broad issue consensus among the faculty.   

Any task force formed by the Provost’s Office should operate with a formal charge and timelines that specify goals and objectives toward task completion.

6. Communication from administration to the RCNJ Community

FAEC observed that the State of the College address and the Back to School Reception were well publicized.  Notification for the Back to School reception was circulated via Ramapo Daily Digest on the morning of the event.

7. Informational Request for Clarity on Three Plus One Proposals

FAEC supports the formation of a college-wide 3 + 1 task force or committee to liaise between the faculty and administration.  The body would serve to report 3 +1 planning to the faculty, as well as to represent faculty concerns to the administration. The charge for a prospective task force should be decided by the faculty.  

FAEC suggests that any decisions around 3+1 require the following:

• Individual convening groups will not be tapped to create curricula or model programs 
• RCNJ faculty maintains curricular oversight
• Courses and curricula must legitimately improve educational access for students
• 3 + 1 agreements must generate short and long-term profit for RCNJ 
• Courses must mirror the quality and content offered at RCNJ 

FAEC recognizes the need for clarity on the status of any agreements with outside institutions relative to 3+1 programs.  There is concern that faculty and programs are being provided with differing information about the existing state and nature of RCNJ’s involvement with 3 + 1 proposals. Furthermore, engagement in 3+1 programs will impact RCNJ programs that are bound to accreditation processes.  

Faculty concerns are also centered on the following:

• Ensuring that cannibalism will not be an outcome of the implementation of 3 +1 programs
• Potential programs would require prospective students to assume more than 1 year of enrollment at RCNJ, thus resulting in 1.5 years or 1 year and summer enrollment to complete a 4 year degree
• There is no evidence of any cost benefit and cost benefit analyses are not being conducted

To address these and other related concerns, FAEC seeks to open discussion of these matters during Faculty Assembly to formulate a resolution that stipulates how faculty will proceed in our involvement with potential 3+1 planning.

8. The FAEC Presidential Nomination, Voting, and On-Boarding Process

Potential FA candidates will deliver speeches during the December 4th FA meeting.  A Qualitrics survey will be distributed among the faculty on the day after the December 4th FA meeting and faculty will have one week to register their responses toward a vote for FA President.  The winner of the vote will be announced by the end of the Fall semester.  The outgoing FA President hopes to onboard the new President over the Spring semester to ensure a smooth transition.

The FAEC will engage in advertising and campaigning to support a robust participation in the vote for the FA President.  The next FA President will be acting during the RCNJ Presidential transition. 

9. Presidential Search Committee;  Brittany Goldstein, President’s Cabinet

The Board of Trustees is commissioning a committee of thirteen college-wide representatives to serve on the RCNJ presidential search committee.

• The BoT specified that the committee of thirteen should comprise:
• Committee Chair, Susan Vallario
• 3 faculty representatives [including Library faculty and adjuncts]
• 5 Board of Governors representatives [including the immediate past board chair]
• 1 Dean [nominated by Dean’s council]
• 1 Student representative
• 1 Alumnus
• 1 staff member

FAEC has been asked to identify and advance up to 9 faculty nominees that wish to serve on the search committee.  The BoT will choose 3 out of the 9 faculty members that the FAEC nominates to serve on the committee. The BoT and EDIC will inform FAEC of any issues with nominees.

There was no criteria provided for the selection process.  FAEC recommended that criteria are established to pre-empt any potential discontent with candidates that are advanced and selected.  FAEC was informed that criteria should be designated by its members. The FAEC maintains that criteria specification and the decision for faculty nominations must come through FA and not FAEC.  Professors that wish to serve must make their case to FA.

The FAEC was informed that the committee will bear one less faculty member than in the previous Presidential search.  The 2004 Presidential search committee was composed of 17 members and the 1985 presidential search committee consisted of 7 members.

FAEC would like further justification and/or rationale for the following:

• The BoT’s faculty selection criteria and factors for disqualification of faculty nominees
• Details of the service commitment for each category of committee membership 
• The selection of 3 faculty members as opposed to 5 members of the Board of Governors 

Meeting Adjourned at 12 pm

 

Categories: FAEC MEETING MINUTES 2019, RAMAPO FAEC, Uncategorized

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May 1, 2019Faculty Assembly Minutes, 5/1/2019

Wed. May 1, 2019

Faculty Assembly

Minutes

Recorder: Hugh Sheehy

 

 

 

• Approve Minutes
  • March 13 Minutes Approved
  • April 3 Minutes Approved
• Report: FA President

The FA President reminded the Assembly that core function of the College is stated in the mission and that it should be preserved above other elements sacrificed in the name of increasing efficiencies.

 

 

 

• Report: College President

No report.

 

 

• Report: Provost

The Provost remined faculty to be proactive in pursuing a high response in online course evaluations.

 

Faculty CVs have put uploaded to SPOL. Faculty will receive messages linked to the webpage where they can correct any errors or address any omissions. Contact Gurvinder Khaneja if you need assistance.

 

The Provost characterized the looming structural deficit as a natural state of affairs resulting from increasing salaries and expenses and steady revenue streams. All divisions will be affected by cross-College cuts. The Provost encouraged faculty to develop new, attractive programs to bring students into under-enrolled courses. He urged faculty to imagine new programs that might attract new students to Ramapo, including Ramapo Online. He wishes to build Ramapo’s brand recognition outside the usual advertising and student-culling areas and believes that the new data science initiative will attract students from across the world. The Provost wants faculty doing exciting creative work and scholarship to think about how their scholarship might be used to promote the College. He invites faculty to reach out to him with any new ideas.

A faculty member pointed out that it is not in a faculty member’s job description to find new ways to market the College. He argued that more support, not less, for faculty scholarship is the best way to attract more students with better programming. The Provost replied that he hopes to restore and add to faculty support funds in the future, once revenues have been increased.

 

Stephanie Sarabia and Michael Unger introduced the Self-Study Draft and encouraged the faculty to review it. Faculty can report any errors or dead links using the Spring Cleaning Initiative.

 

• VOTING ITEMS(FAEC)

 

 

Discussion: The FA President opened the discussion by briefly explaining the history and rationale for each of the following resolutions. Faculty indicated they were prepared to vote.

 

• Data Driven Decision Making: Prior to making or suggesting substantial changes, the Faculty Assembly urges the Provost to provide the cost-benefit rationale and relevant data to support such changes.

 

Results: 98% Yes (115 Voting), 1% No, 1% Abstain

 

• Shared Governance: The Faculty Assembly urges the Provost to observe Shared Governance as prescribed by the Shared Governance Task Force report, and that appropriate constituent groups (e.g. FA, ARC, etc.) be consulted and/or informed of relevant proposals or changes.

 

Results: 97% Yes (115 Voting), 2, 1

 

• Mission:It is the Mission and Vision of RCNJ to be “the region’s premier public liberal arts college.”  The faculty cannot be solely responsible for furthering the Liberal Arts mission.  Beyond following enrollment trends and downsizing programs based on popularity alone, the Faculty Assembly strongly urges the College administration to identify specific ways to sustainably promote the core
  liberal arts.

 

Results: 91% Yes (113 Voting), 4, 5

 

• VOTING ITEM (MFSA)
  • African American Literature Line: If Ramapo College is to uphold its commitments to promote diversity, as stated in the Mission and core Values of the college, and in the objectives of Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan, then resources need to be allocated to preserving this position. The Faculty Assembly urges the Provost and President to reinstate African American literature as a tenure-track position at Ramapo College.

 

Results: Yes 86%, 11, 4

 

Endorsement of Solidarity Statement against Bias and Hate

 

Results: Yes 96%, 2, 2

 

 

• VOTING ITEMS(ARC)
  • New Minor in Public Health

Results: Yes 96%, 4

• New BS in Data Science

Results: Yes 51%, 36,13

• New MS in Data Science

Results: Yes 55%, 31, 14

 

GECCo Reps

Results: Yes 98%, 0, 2

Categories: Uncategorized

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April 25, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes | 4/17/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Sam Mustafa, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Eva Ogens, Catalin Martin

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

Guests: TAS Student

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I.  FAEC Minutes Approved

Voting items for May 1st FA meeting must be decided by next week 4/24/19.  

Graduate Student Council was last Thursday.  

II.  Data Science Program Tenure Track Positions

5 tenure-track lines were approved for the forthcoming Data Science Program (2 in Data Science, 2 in Computer Science, and 1 in Math) that the Provost has been endorsing and promoting.  TAS faculty from Computer and Math submitted an ARC application for a BS program and an MS program in Data Science which has been approved by the Graduate Council. The 5 faculty lines will support the curriculum for the program.  

III.  SGA Forum [attended by FA member]

The Provost explained that his desire to shift to a three credit system will enable students to obtain certificates and enroll in elective courses, allowing students more breadth of education that a four-credit system cannot provide for.  However, several students stated that they were minoring or double-majoring. Additionally, the implications of the three course load shift was not fully explained. Based on their responses during the event, Some students did not understand these implications and  there was no education in helping them understand. It appears that the Provost is interested in a move to a 3 credit system rather than restructuring.

During the SGA Forum Students from TAS mentioned that they were  informed by their dean that they would need a total of twenty three-credit courses or more classes versus their current course load should a shift to a three-credit system occur.

Currently the requirements for schools’ programmatic needs dictate students’ ability to enroll in certificates and take on additional electives rather.   Some programs such as nursing or business programs have accreditation requirements that bear structured course loads which may not prevent extraneous courses.

Many RCNJ students currently double major, enroll in certificate programs, and take elective courses toward these ends.  Limitations to students’ uptake of electives may be based upon the program’s needs or accreditation requirements that constrict extraneous courses.  This is not a college-wide issue but rather a matter of the needs-based structure of some programs.

For example many ASB students enter RCNJ as transfer students. These students may not have certain prerequisite courses which would allow them to pursue certificate or to have a minor.  

However, Freshman students in ASB have a different experience and can enroll in two to three electives.  Some courses could double count in business and other certificate programs. Such is the care whereby many ASB marketing students are also minoring in psychology.  The four to three credit shift could add classes while reducing the number of courses that students can take. The purview of the convening group should be made to assess prior performance with three versus four credit courses.  For programs such as Nursing this model simply adds credits but does not improve the major.

The number of core courses for some majors has not changed since RCNJ’s move from three to four credits.  There is concern that a switch to a three credit system will result in an increase in core courses. Too many classes were converted on a 1 to 1 many were three credits but became four credits without proper auditing or adjustments.  

The potential for shifting to a three credit system also raises concerns over what will happen with the General Education curriculum work that has been done.  Since the State’s exemption is indefinite for 128 credits but the move to a 120 credit model may only be important for community college cohesion and transfer student ease.  However RCNJ should not prioritize compatibility at the cost of the quality of education and the structure of curriculum.

During the student forum assumptions were made about faculty regarding class contact time. It was mentioned by some students that faculty do not use the full class time for teaching.  Faculty must be sure to take full advantage of class contact time and ensure that final exam time is used accordingly,

IV.  Teaching loads,  Course Capacity, and Cost Savings

The AFT informed the FAEC that even if faculty are on a 4/4 teaching load three preps is the maximum that faculty contracts provides for.  Lab courses constitute a 4th course for some full time faculty.

Class capacity sizes relate to the nature of classroom size that a course is assigned to and is not the ideal or recommended number of student enrollment for teaching effectiveness. Pushing caps up for first year seminar may jeopardize the very purpose for the seminar as a retention tool.  Making theses classes larger will not enable students to receive individualized support and attention. Cost savings in support of maximizing efficiency has been presented as the need for increasing class caps. At present o save one million dollars RCNJ would need to close 167 classes taught by adjuncts.  To save three million dollars RCNJ would need to close 500 courses.

V.  Shared Governance

President Mercer requested that the FAEC affirm the task force to promote diversity as defined within the strategic plan.

VI.  Special Faculty Forum, 2:30-4:00 pm, Padovano Commons

Meeting Adjourned at 12:00 pm

 

Categories: Uncategorized

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April 25, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes 4/3/19

DRAFT

Ramapo College of New Jersey

FACULTY ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

1 pm, Alumni Lounges

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I.  Faculty Assembly Minutes Approved

II.  Counseling Services, Judy Green

The Faculty Assembly was informed of the 20 minute suicide gatekeeper training that is available through counseling services. It is available for faculty to take in order to learn about advising and recognizing depression and suicidal students.  Counseling services, in conjunction with the FRC will offers a three hour campus connect in-person suicide prevention training for faculty. There is a nationwide uptick in suicides and counseling services on college campuses are overwhelmed. At RCNJ there is a 91% increase in students seeking services from the counseling center.  Counseling services is currently seeing students for up to 8 sessions for but exceptions are made on a case by case basis.

III.   Faculty Assembly President’s Report

Middle States self study Town hall April 17 2:30 pm in the Pavillion.  RCNJ’s mission and budget will be discussed.

Small class sizes, advisement,  and individualized attention are important for graduation and retention.  It should be noted that class caps are not the recommended class size but relates to classroom seat capacity and not quality or teaching and learning needs.  

RCNJ is home to the proportionately largest administrations of all New Jersey colleges. Considerations of the college community as a whole need to be at the fore when determining how to address budgetary demands.

The traditional undergraduate population is on the decline, especially in New Jersey.  RCNJ has seen an increase in the Asian-American and Hispanic-American student populations. The college also possesses the  lowest rate of African American students in the state of New Jersey. Overall, RCNJ’s l student graduation rate has increased.

The closing of programs that focus on minority and diverse groups sends a negative signal to the student population about who and what is valued.

IV.   The Provost’s Report

A.  Online Course Management System

RCNJ is making a move from the Moodle to Cavnas course management systems in the near future.   Although Moodle costs less than Canvas it requires support services. For Canvas support is built in and cost benefits have been considered.

B.  Online Course Evaluations

The current system allows student to see what students wrote on evaluations therefore a move must be made to online evaluations as student’s handwriting is detectable.   

Tae stated that in the October 31, 2019 the Provost’s assured that there will not be a move to online evaluations without some period of assessment.  Eliminating paper evaluations this semester is problematic as the response rate is very important for evaluation in promotion and reappointment considerations.

The system in place allows students to do the evaluations in the classroom.  Provost argues that using the software selected to facilitate online course evaluations the response rate can be seen by  faculty who can urge students to complete the evaluations.

It was suggested that some evidence or a plan is needed to introduce the course evaluations in first year seminar or General Education courses.   It is assumed that this would create a culture among students to complete them online. Data needs to be provided about students’ response rate.

C.  Cost Cutting

Academic Affairs is only part of the efforts if creating greater efficiencies, therefore cost-cutting and saving are necessary. The Provost stated that profitability of programs needs to be determined and that the 4 credit system does not provide for creativity and work beyond the classroom.  He argued that popular majors are credit intensive and changes need to be made to allow students to take courses beyond their concentration. The Provost also mentioned that small classes and low teaching loads are no longer sustainable.  The Provost stated “ No, I don’t want us to be on a 4/4 teaching load” and that the decision should be driven by pedagogy rather than a stiff system.

In pursuit of cost-cutting and greater efficiencies each unit  must report how they will cut expenses in the following ways:

• Increase class enrollments and optimize schedules so that classes fill
• Lower level courses should maintain 35 cap courses
• Upper level courses should maintain 30 cap courses
• Better management of available classroom space  is required since class size is dictated by room/space dimensions.

V.  Jason Hecht’s Presentation on Cost Cutting

The conclusion and recommendations of a 2003 FA Budget Committee presentation recommend that RCNJ’s culture should be one that prizes assessment and accountability where the colleges finances can be clearly presented and understood.  Budget reviews should be conducted to provide a thorough understanding of this.

VI.  Kristin Kenneavy

RCNJ is not ending the fiscal year in “the red”.  The #6 million in cuts is a projection for what needs to happen over time versus immediately.

VII.  Faculty Sentiments in Response to Cost Cutting and Greater Efficiencies Proposals

With the provost’s proposals to move to a three credit system students would need to take a total of five three credit hour courses to graduate on time.

As student success is an overarching goal RCNJ should avoid putting students at a disadvantage with a required 4/4 teaching load.   Teaching load should be tied to service and scholarship. There should not be a summary decision. A mixed system is possible but issues of equity and fairness would be problematic for faculty, especially junior faculty as seen inthe past.  The flex unit system was not equitable for everyone but our work was recognized and th schedule was conducive to campus activities.

At present RCNJ has a a higher graduation rate than most New Jersey state colleges and perhaps this is because the college maintains a 4 credit system and a 3/3 course load.  Additionally, RCNJ, TCNJ, and Stockton all have the highest graduation rates in New Jersey with a 4 credit model.

A move to a 4/4 course load would negatively impact faculty workload for most.  Faculty would be forced to cut back on quality and would have less time available outside of class.  

RCNJ’s students express that they are overwhelmed and overextended, student effort has declined, and many students work to pay for education.  Increasing the number of courses that they would need to graduate will not be helpful.

Rather than a blanketed approach we could limit the size of certain majors.  Chemistry, biochemistry, and nursing are the largest programs. Certification for many programs would not be possible if courses are cut.  

Suggestions were offered that a general survey needs be conducted rather than focusing on inputs for a self-selected group of SGA students in focus group regarding credit hour issues.

Some faculty expressed concern over the fact that five years have been spent on the new general education program and thus the suggestion that a shift to three credit system should be prioritized is problematic.  Retroactively justifying the three credit system without having it in effect is also problematic.

It is necessary for the administration to achieve political effectiveness.  What and who is the current financial situation an indictment of? What and who are the waning student enrollment numbers an indictment of?  These factors are all indicative that someone is not as effective as they should be politically.

VIII.  VOTING ITEMS: African American Literature (MFSA)

The proposed vote is about maintaining the line for the Tenure Track African American Literature position.  The voting Item was tabled in order to ensure that it can be registered electronically for the record, rather than take a hand count. Discontinuing this line sends a bad signal to current and prospective students, as well as prospective faculty. It is also noted that the temporary line cannot be converted to a tenure track line.  

Meeting Adjourned at 3 pm

 

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April 18, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes | 4/3/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, April  3, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Sam Mustafa, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Eva Ogens, Catalin Martin

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

Guests:  Provost Becker

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I.  Two Previous FAEC Minutes Approved

II.  Cost savings at RCNJ

Based on Provost Becker’s remarks, FAEC discussed possible ways that cost savings could be achieved.   

FAEC considered the possibilities associated with reducing adjuncts, moving from paper to online course evaluations,  generally reducing paper for various administrative tasks, and potentially reducing the number of employees within the Ramapo Foundation. It was discussed that there is uncertainty about whether these measures would truly alleviate any debts that RCNJ bears.

Dramatically increasing student enrollment was mentioned, however any drastic uptick in enrollment  would require RCNJ to reduce admissions standards. The caliber of students will be transformed and cause for increased remediation.

III.  Student Enrollment and Revenue Increases

RCNJ is trying to increase its undergraduate population from 946 new admits to 1000.  It is also understood that graduate programs help to offset increased expenses. At RCNJ the African American demographic is shrinking each year while the Asian American and Hispanic American demographic is growing.  It is suggested that the transportation link to areas of New Jersey such as Patterson are essential and be expedited to garner more African American students.

Feeder colleges, such as Bergen Community College (BCC) are considering the development of an RN to BSN program.  However, this would be detrimental to RCNJ’s ability to enroll students in its nursing programs. BCC’s proposal has thus far been turned down by the state.

IV.  Administrative Bloat at RCNJ

Ramapo is the least efficient college in the state of New Jersey as 24.4% of employees are office and administrative support.  FAEC suggests that reducing non-essential administrative employees could help satisfy cost savings. Additionally, is necessary to examine how administrative bloat impacts RCNJ’s budget through spending and allocation assessment.  FAEC suggest that before cuts to faculty and teaching are considered reducing administrative bloat should be prioritized.

Provost Becker mentioned that his goal is planning for and implementing greater efficiencies at RCNJ. He stated that revenue growth will come form online courses, partnered satellite programs, and graduate programs.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:00 pm

 

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April 8, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes 3/27/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, March  27, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Sam Mustafa, Kathy Zeno, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Eva Ogens, Catalin Martin

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

Guests:  Martha Ecker, AFT;  Michael Unger and Sarah Carberry

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I.  FAEC Minutes Approved

II.  Online Course Evaluations [Martha Ecker, AFT]   

Martha informed the FAEC of the Provost’s intention to proceed with implementing online-only course evaluations (eliminating paper forms) for Spring 2019.  Martha maintained that a threshold would need to be established on an aggregate, rather than individual basis. She also expressed that faculty should not be penalized if they do not meet this threshold due to missing/few online course evaluations.

It was discussed that when online evaluations were the default format and faculty needed to opt in for paper course evaluations a record of faculty that opted in for paper evaluations was established to demonstrate course evaluation format preferences.

Martha noted that the move to online course evaluations is proceeding without faculty negotiation toward an agreement or faculty buy-in.  She indicated that during a Communications meeting on 3/27/19 the Provost explained that online evaluations will save money.

The FAEC noted that the provost originally agreed that online course evaluations would not be implemented until there was a plan to ensure response rates.  There for the current decision to move forward with online course evaluation is occurring without a plan to understand and improve response rates.

The following Faculty Assembly and FAEC minutes document discussion of course evaluations:

• FAEC Minutes – October 17, 2018
• FAEC Minutes  – October 10, 2018
• FAEC Minutes – March 13, 2019
• October 31, 2018  – Faculty Assembly
• September 5, 2018 – Faculty Assembly

III.  Follow-up to Provost’s Faculty Assembly report

The next Faculty Assembly on April 3rd. should include discussion of the move to online evaluations.  

The faculty should vote on whether online evaluations should be immediately implemented  for Spring 2019, as well as whether the roll out for online evaluations should be conducted among tenured full professors until an adequate response rate is achieved.  The response rate for the previous online evaluations that were conducted for full professors were never assessed to determine the nature of the response rates.

IV.  Increasing the number of Faculty at RCNJ through the Implementation of Instructor Lines

President Mercer seeks to increase faculty to teach courses through the use of the instructor line.  Also, Martha from AFT is interested at capping the number of instructor lines. If faculty at the instructor line make up 5 to 15% of faculty this will create a two-tier system.  Any decision to employ more faculty should be driven by the curriculum. If RCNJ employs more faculty at the instructor line that receive benefits this would be a better than an adjunct system.  

V. Michael Unger and Sarah Carberry, GECCo  [General Education and FAEC Assessment]

It was discussed that the Provost may be concerned that the General Education course categories will become bloated and he may be under the Impression that we GECCo and faculty have lifted restrictions.  The process for removing restrictions includes a chain of approval that must be followed before the Provost can approve changes to the Gen.Ed courses.

Currently, General  Education classes must run once each year per an agreement that was endorsed by FA during came former Provost, Beth Foster’s tenure.  Additionally, deans and convening groups have historically handled scheduling rather than GECCo. Deans also perform syllabi audits. Michael and Sarah suggest that this should continue to be the case.   Furthermore, narrowing or expanding sections is up to deans. There will be more effort by deans to populate courses by increasing their capacity. A percentage of courses can be determined for General Education courses that can be allowed to run under the established capacity threshold [10% etc.].  Sarah will attend Dean’s Counsel to discuss the scheduling matters that the Provost mentioned via e-mail with deans.

At present GECCo has no policies but will be creating a manual over the Summer 2019 term.  The document will include written procedures for assessing course content in conjunction with outcome categories, as well as other processes that GECCo undertakes.

VI.  FAEC Assessment

By end of the semester FA and FAEC must  conduct a self-evaluation survey patterned on what has been done in the past for the provost and president. The general role of the FA and FAEC, as well as FAEC representatives can be evaluated.  The results of the evaluation are not the primary concern but rather the ability to demonstrate that the faculty had the opportunity to assess the role and functions of the FA and FAEC. FAEC discussed that evaluations instruments can be disseminated via a secured Qualtrics survey.  

Meeting Adjourned at 12:00 pm

 

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February 20, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes | 2/13/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, Feb  13, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Sam Mustafa, Kathy Zeno, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Eva Ogens, Catalin Martin

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

Guests:  President Mercer

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FAEC Minutes Approved

1.  RCNJ AFT contract and faculty teaching load

The current AFT contract establishes that faculty teach twenty-four credit hours per academic year.  Most faculty teach twelve credits per semester with a 3/3 course load.

Although Ramapo maintains a 3/3 course load this is inflexible as does not generally permit other options for teaching distributions such as a 4/2 or 2/4 course load. Furthermore, if faculty currently teach overload in the Fall semester, compensation for the overload is not made until the Spring semester (in cases of teaching 4/3).

Enabling faculty to teach a 4/2 or 2/4 course load is allowed in our AFT contract.  The AFT specifies the number of credits but not the number of classes taught. Therefore, the contracts do not specify that Ramapo faculty must teach a 3/3 course load.  This is an interpretation issue and there is no need to change policy. RCNJ’s programmatic needs may be driving the practice of the 3/3 course load. If faculty desire to make the system more flexible it will require greater complexity.

Having the option to teach a 4/2 or 2/4 course load should be an possible for faculty outside of the scope of overload teaching.  Additionally, the Provost was under the impression that the teaching distribution policy allows for flexibility and that this should be the case under normal circumstances.  Summer teaching does not count as overload as it falls under a separate contract. The business school does facilitate 4/2 or 2/4 overload teaching to meet its needs.

(The provost is determining the financial feasibility of people teaching a 4/3 course load with 3 credit courses.) Faculty with demonstrated scholarship may be able to maintain a 3/3 course load. In the past this system was in place at RCNJ through flex time and resulted in disadvantages for non-tenure track faculty who were made to teach overload courses. One criticism was that senior faculty monopolized four credit classes and junior faculty were stuck with a greater course load. It can be proposed to allow three credit online courses that offer  faculty get four credit teaching compensation. This would be attractive to students and also help faculty accrue a four credit courses.

2.  Class enrollments and the credit hour system

Deans may allow up to ten percent of the classes in their unit run under the minimum student enrollment requirement if the class is critical to the programmatic need(s).   

One and two credit classes are being restructured which can be the groundwork for shifting to a 3/4 credit hour mixed model. Courses with a great number of major requirements can be impacted by any changes.

Winter and Summer online are going to converted to three credit  courses in order to be marketable. Summer classes can also be introduced with a reduced term.   

It would not matter whether faculty or adjuncts teach these some of these courses as paying a full time faculty member bearing an Assistant Professorship for overload and paying an adjunct falls within the same pay range.  

3.  Satellite programs at Sussex Comm. College

Faculty would like clarity about the nature of the satellite program and how it translates at the RCNJ campus.  The e-mail that was distributed does not provide for enough detail and context. Furthermore, the provost has reached out to convening groups about the program and this has placed faculty in an awkward position. There is a need for communication about the program that provide thorough clarification of its functionality and objectives.

The satellite program poses logistical issues for the library and its fulfillment of subscriptions.  It also poses logistical issues for who will be hired to teach and when courses will be taught. It also bears implications for math and writing courses. It is understood that satellite programs are not restricted to majors.  It is maintained that it is easier to teach advance courses online rather than introductory or remedial courses and that tjis is a consideration that must be made within satellite program offerings.

Student Success has devised a list of courses that can be expanded online within the various disciplines and concentrations.

4.  New course and programs

A Faculty Assembly vote on the placement of new ASB minors in the catalog is postponed to March 13th, the first meeting in the Spring semester.  This can be advanced as an information item and even if the vote is postponed to the Faculty Assembly’s April makeup meeting this poses no problem as it is an information item and minor.  The minor is already in the RCNJ catalog as a hidden item that will be activated by the registrar once it is approved by the BoT.

The ARC Chair, Jacqueline Braun has two items to vote on for the next Faculty Assembly meeting.  One of her concerns for the next meeting is that faculty that are hearing about the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program for the first time will object to it.

5.  The FAEC addressed the following issues with President Mercer:

The Spanish for Healthcare and Human Services Certificate Program

Since introduced, this program has been orphaned since Continuing Education (CIPL) was dissolved and coordinating the certificate has been an issue.  Natalia Santamaria-Laorden is the only contact person for the program as well as the program coordinator.   Currently there is no way for students to declare this certificate so the registrar has to do this manually.

6.  RCNJ and its position as a Military-Friendly school

Accommodations should be made to students in the reserves or in other areas of the military on an as-needed basis.  This relates to testing and the fulfillment of coursework, and course activities.

7.  Healthcare and Pensions

Any pension changes impact health care benefits would be negotiated through the AFT.  Under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board(GASB) rules the pension issue would put RCNJ in the red if the college had to cover it.  President Mercer is unsure of how the state will balance the issue of funding pensions and health benefits

8.  The state of annual STEP and COLA increases

Not receiving step or cost of living increases takes much needed income from faculty salaries for each year of faculty members careers.  The Governor is opposed to such measures but the Senate democrats are in support of it.

9. New Jersey Secretary of State and Vocational Training

The Dr. Zakiya Smith-Ellis, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education’s remarks on the ramping focus on promoting and funding for vocational and training centric educational programs is concerning.  Such direction does not provide for the support liberal arts programs. The secretary is committed to producing a plan for higher educations in the next few weeks.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:00 pm

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February 20, 2019Faculty Assembly Executive Council | Minutes | 2/6/19

Faculty Assembly Executive Council [FAEC] Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, Feb  6, 2019 | Location: A220  | Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Attendees: Kathryn Zeno, Tae Kwak, Donna Flynn, Sam Mustafa, Kathy Zeno, Renata Gangemi, Christina Connor, Hugh Sheehy, Eva Ogens, Catalin Martin

Secretary: Nakia Matthias

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1.  FAEC Minutes Approved

2. Distribution of laminated ‘Hostile intruder/lockdown situations quick reference card’

Several faculty have not received the laminated yellow ‘Hostile intruder/lockdown situations quick reference card’ that was composed by Public Safety to inform the faculty of the recommended safety procedures for campus emergencies relative to such hostile intruder and lockdown situations.  

Furthermore, the document makes suggestions that some faculty and staff will not be able to follow due to the absence of window coverings [blinds or shades] at classroom doors. [Item #2: CLOSE THE SHADE/BLINDS ON THE DOOR AND WINDOWS TO DARKEN THE ROOM.]

In order to follow the recommendations accordingly the necessary materials/apparatus should be installed in classrooms.  This matter should be addressed to ensure that the safety procedures can be followed in the best interest of the campus community.

3.  Doctor of Nursing Practice [DNP] Program Nursing

The proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctorate program proposed by the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence. The program will undergo several review processes before it is approved.  FAEC acknowledges that the faculty would like to have the opportunity to discuss and learn more about the DNP offering. Although, ARC, the BoT, the provost, and respective offices in Trenton must review and approve the DNP program this process does not have occur in sequence.  

The FA scheduled for March 13, 2019 presents an opportunity for faculty to discuss and vote on the proposed DNP program.  The April 3, 2019 FA would likely be very late for this discussion and the progression of the review process. One of the issue to be addressed is the DNP’s classification as a clinical rather than research doctorate.  Upon approval the DNP program would be entered into catalog beyond 2019.A request will be made to ARC Chair, Jacquelin Braun to circulate information about the DNP program among the faculty prior to the next FA.

4.  Faculty Development Day

Three simultaneous panels scheduled for Faculty Development Day. FAEC encourages faculty to attend the events scheduled for Faculty Development Day.  

5.  Late Submission of Final Grades

Six hundred grades were outstanding and not submitted by the due date. Most late submissions were made by adjunct professors.  FAEC suggested better communication with and support of adjuncts to ensure they are meeting the deadlines final grade submission deadlines.  

6.  Five Year Career Development

FAEC discussed the procedure whereby tenured faculty submit requests for career development every five-years. It was noted that there is no real standard for selecting how career development committees are formed nor a clear understanding of how the provision of career development resources are determined.  Thus, when requests for career development are honored it is at the discretion of the committee’s members. Furthermore, there is no follow-up in the process to assess whether resources have been used for their intended purpose. The process was once suspended when faculty contracts lapsed but has since been reinstated.  Some faculty are not informed when they must submit packets for career development. The process is viewed as a means to encourage professional and academic development but bears no gatekeeping function. The career development process is distinct from faculty development.

7.  Economic Education Forum at the Meadowlands |  Chamber of College Economic Education Forum

President Mercer invited New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Zakiya Ellis-Smith to attend the Economic Education Forum where she discussed the connection between employment and education with an accent on experiential learning; making community college free as a priority of her office; advancing all forms of post-secondary education; as well as the state budget and funding formula.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:38 am

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