Whereas, The California Community College System has experienced great disparity in funding compared to the UC and CSU systems;
Whereas, The lack of equitable funding results in a decreased ability of California community college students to reach their education goals in a timely manner; and
Whereas, A California community college education is the most cost effective higher-education opportunity in California and addresses the needs of its diverse student population;
Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges is slated for a 45% reduction in funding in the Governor's proposed 2003-2004 budget;
Whereas, The work of the Academic Senate is mandated by law; and
Whereas, Completing the work of the Academic Senate without sufficient funding would amount to an unfunded mandate;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges continue to work with the Governor's Office and the Legislature to ensure full funding for the Academic Senate; and
Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has consistently advocated that colleges create and honor sound processes that incorporate concern for excellence, integrity and fairness;
Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges should model in all its own processes these same principles of excellence, integrity and fairness; and
Whereas, The legitimacy and credibility of the Academic Senate as an academic body rest upon its commitment to these principles in all its affairs;
Whereas a majority of resolutions are written at area meetings currently held two weeks prior to plenary sessions, and
Whereas delegates to the plenary sessions must gather input from local senate members concerning these resolutions, and
Whereas more time is needed for delegates to adequately study resolutions and communicate with local members,
Whereas there needs to be time for local senates to act on issues raised at area meetings before their representatives attend the statewide meeting, and
Whereas representatives of local senates need to be afforded maximum opportunity to attend area meetings without conflicting with vacation time,
Resolved that the Academic Senate urge the Executive Committee to schedule area meetings so as to avoid conflict with spring break.
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges passes numerous resolutions every year, and
Whereas many issues resurface year after year, and
Whereas local senates and the Executive Committee have need to review and be cognizant of past resolutions, and
Whereas this information has been archived by the Executive Committee,
Resolved that the Academic Senate direct the Executive Committee to publish the resolutions archive and the index of publications online, and
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges now has a thirty-year record of tough, successful, and rewarding duty on behalf of its faculties and students, and
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges' singular commitment to high faculty standards and quality education for community college students has served well the local communities for which community colleges exist, and
Resolved that the Academic Senate change the Senate Rules as follows:
a. Create a new category of committees called "Operational Committees."
b. Change the name of the Nominations and Elections Committee to Elections Committee and put it under "Operational Committees."
c. Put the Resolutions Committee and Budget Committee under Operational Committees.
d. Add Curriculum Committee to the list of Standing Committees.
e. Change the name of the Vocational Education Committee to Occupational Education Committee.
Replace the resolve to read:
Resolved, that the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges alternate locations of the spring and fall plenary sessions by calendar year taking effect in 2006 with the spring and fall sessions happening in the North followed by the 2007 sessions occurring in the South.
Whereas, Elections for the officers of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges have traditionally taken place in the North; and
Whereas, Fairness demands a more equitable arrangement;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges alternate locations of Spring plenary sessions, when the election of officers and representatives takes place, between the North and South.