Alsoparticipated in other statewide forums, and will publish an article inRostrum, September 2004.
Whereas, Faculty professional development is a central force in directing the future of each California community college and its educational programs;
Whereas, Faculty professional development is a method of unifying the faculty in creating a strong academic community and enables colleges to integrate and prepare a large number of new faculty members to teach effectively, meet their shared governance obligations, further their cultural awareness, and ensure the safety of students and colleagues;
Whereas, Faculty professional development enables the faculty to maintain subject expertise in a rapidly changing world by attending conferences and training sessions, working with our transfer partners, and securing grants and other funding to increase financial resources to develop new programs; and
Whereas, Faculty professional development enables the community college faculty to learn innovative methods of teaching to meet the needs of our changing and increasingly diverse student body, including the diversity of their academic preparation, cultural identities, learning styles, and disability needs, thereby encouraging access and success for all students;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate communicate in all appropriate venues the seriousness of the current proposed budget cuts instate funding for faculty professional development and their effect upon our students' educational experience; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate actively and strongly support the reinstatement of staff development funding in the 2002-2003budget.