Constitution and Bylaws

CONSTITUTION OF THE HARTNELL COLLEGE ACADEMIC SENATE

Amended March 31, 2022

ARTICLE I.  NAME

The organization shall be known as the Hartnell College Academic Senate (hereinafter referred to as the Academic Senate or Senate).

ARTICLE II.  OBJECTIVES

Section 1.  Purpose

In accordance with Title 5 §53200-§53204 of the California Code of Regulations, the Academic Senate is the recognized representative of the faculty concerning academic and professional matters.  The Senate shall participate in the formation and revision of District policies and procedures in all matters of an academic and professional nature.  In addition, the Senate will work to promote the general welfare of faculty, staff and students by promoting procedures that help to ensure quality instruction and that enhance collegiality and the professional standards of faculty.

Section 2.  Responsibilities

The Senate is responsible to provide faculty with a formal and effective procedure for participating in the formation of District policies on academic and professional matters. The areas of responsibility and authority derived from the Education Code are specified within Title 5, §53200, as the “10 + 1” and include the following:

1. Curriculum, including establishing prerequisites and placing courses within disciplines,

2. Degree and certificate requirements,

3. Grading policies,

4. Educational program development,

5. Standards or policies regarding student preparation and success,

6. District and college governance structures, as related to faculty roles,

7. Faculty roles and involvement in accreditation process, including self-study and annual reports,

8. Policies for faculty professional development activities,

9. Processes for program review,

10. Processes for institutional planning and budget development, and

11. Other academic and professional matters as mutually agreed upon between the governing board and the academic senate.

In addition, Education Code grants additional authority to the Academic Senate in the areas of equivalency for minimum qualifications and faculty hiring.

Equivalency: Education Code §87359 grants the Academic Senate the following powers

“...The process, as well as criteria and standards by which the governing board reaches its determinations, shall be developed and agreed upon jointly by representatives of the governing board and the academic senate, and approved by the governing board. The agreed upon process shall include reasonable procedures to ensure that the governing board relies primarily upon the advice and judgment of the academic senate to determine that each individual employed under the authority granted by the regulations possesses qualifications that are at least equivalent to the applicable minimum qualification specified in regulations adopted by the board of governors. The process shall further require that the governing board provide the academic senate with an opportunity to present its views to the governing board before the board makes a determination; and that the written record of the decision, including the views of the academic senate, shall be available for review pursuant to Section 87358.”

Faculty Hiring: Education Code §87360(b) grants the Academic Senate the following powers.

“...hiring criteria, policies, and procedures for new faculty members shall be developed and agreed upon jointly by representatives of the governing board, and the academic senate, and approved by the governing board.”

Section 3.  Powers

As described in Title 5, section 53203, and recognized in Board Policy 2510, the Senate is empowered to consult collegially, present recommendations to the Superintendent/President and, after such presentation, to lay its views and recommendations on academic and professional matters directly before the Board of Trustees.  In addition, the Senate is responsible to make appointments of faculty to governance, standing, selection, task force and ad hoc committees.

Section 4.  Affiliation

The Hartnell College Academic Senate shall be affiliated with the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to establish a formal and effective procedure for participating in the formation of state policies on academic and professional matters.

ARTICLE III.  ELECTORATE

The electorate for membership shall be composed of all academic employees who are employed by the college in full-time or adjunct faculty positions and whose primary responsibility requires regular and direct contact with students for the purpose of providing classroom education or related educational support.

ARTICLE IV.  MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Representation

The following shall make up the membership of the Senate:

1. All elected and appointed Senate officers

2. Faculty members from each Meta Major/area as defined below:

Ag, Business and Industry - Two representatives

Arts and Languages - Two representatives

Health Sciences - Two representatives

Social Sciences - Two representatives

S.T.E.M. - Two representatives

Library - One representative

Counseling - Two representatives

Adjuncts - Two representatives

At large- Four representatives

Section 2.  Terms of Office for Senators

Senate members shall serve terms of two years. Senators may be re-elected for multiple terms.

Section 3.  Declaring a Senate Seat Vacant

A Senate seat may be declared vacant for the remainder of the academic term when the Senator is absent for three consecutive meetings or a total of five meetings over a one-year period.   This Senator shall be removed from office by a majority vote of the Senate at any regular Senate meeting.   A Senate seat may also be declared vacant when a written resignation is received by the Senate President from a Senator.

If a Senate seat is declared vacant, faculty members in the Meta Major/area shall be notified and a replacement election will take place.  The new Senator will complete the unexpired term of the Senator being replaced.

Should a Senator be unable to attend Senate meetings because of special circumstances, the Senator shall send written notification to the Steering Committee requesting that the Meta Major/area hold a special election to select a temporary replacement.   Such requests must be made prior to reaching the number of absences required to declare the seat vacant as described above.

ARTICLE V.  OFFICERS

Section 1.  Positions

The officers of the Senate shall be a President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and Senator-At-Large.  The officers of the Senate shall be selected only from the full-time faculty electorate.  These officers shall perform duties as prescribed by this Constitution and By-laws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Senate. Duties of Senate Officers are delineated in the Senate By-laws.  The election of Senate officers shall be in compliance with Article VI of this Constitution.

Section 2. Recall of Senate Officers

Upon written petition to the Senate Steering Committee by at least five Senators or ten percent (10%) of the full-time faculty, a recall election shall be held by secret ballot at the next scheduled meeting of the Senate.  A two-thirds vote of the Senate will be required to recall an officer.  In cases of recall, a special election will be held to fill any vacancies created.

ARTICLE VI.  ELECTION PROCEDURES

Section 1.  Election of Members of the Senate

The Senate President shall notify each Meta Major/area by April 15 of the need for Senate elections and how many seats are to be vacated.  The Meta Major/area elections should be held no later than the first week of May.  The new Senators will assume office at the first regular meeting of the fall semester.

Section 2. Election of Senate Officers

A nominating committee for vacancies in Senate offices will be approved by the Senate at the first regular meeting in March.  The candidates for President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and Senator At-Large shall be selected from the full-time Senate faculty members.  The slate of candidates shall be announced by the second regular meeting in April.  Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the Senate at that time.

The election of officers shall be conducted by the first regular meeting in May.  Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the ballots cast by Senators attending the meeting.  New officers shall assume office July 1st following the elections. The officers shall serve a term of two years.

No officer may serve as a Meta Major/area representative. In the event that the new officer(s) have unexpired terms as Meta Major/area representatives, their positions shall be filled in accordance with Article VI, Section 1 of this document.

The Academic Senate President may be elected to serve no more than one term but may serve again as president after a one-term vacancy.  All other officers are eligible for re-election.

Section 3.  Election of Adjunct Faculty Senators

Election of adjunct faculty members of the Senate shall be conducted during the first two weeks of the fall semester or as needed to fill any vacant seat.

ARTICLE VII.  STEERING COMMITTEE

Section 1.  Members of the Steering Committee

The Senate Steering Committee shall consist of the President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Immediate Past President, and one senator elected from the Senate at large.  The Immediate Past President shall only serve for the first year immediately following their presidency.

Section 2.  Functions of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Senate between its regular business meetings, fix the hour and place of Senate meetings, make recommendations to the Senate, set the agenda for Senate meetings, and perform other duties as specified in Article 3 of the Senate Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII.   MEETING/OPERATIONS

Section 1.  Parliamentary Authority/Brown Act

In all matters of internal functioning not covered by this Constitution, the Senate shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, latest revised edition.  Notices for all Senate meetings will be posted in accordance with the Brown Act.

Section 2.  Meetings

The Senate shall hold regular meetings, not less than once per month, on a fixed day and time during the academic year.  The time and date shall be established by Senate President in consultation with the Steering Committee.  Special meetings of the Senate may be called at the discretion of the Senate President or when requested in writing by five members of the Senate with appropriate notification of all members per the Brown Act.

Items consistent with the functions and responsibilities of the Academic Senate may be placed on the agenda of the Senate by any faculty member or Senator through the Steering Committee at its regular meeting.  A simple majority of the seated Senate membership shall be considered a quorum.

Senate meetings are open to all members of the electorate, guests and the general public.  Only members of the Senate possess a vote.  Visitors, guests and faculty members may speak either at the time designated for public comments or at the time of discussion for an action item.  The speaker must be recognized by the Senate President and a time limit may be placed prior to speaking. All meeting protocols will be enforced by the Senate 1st Vice-President (or designee) as parliamentarian.

ARTICLE IX.  SENATE COMMITTEES

Section 1.  Standing Committees

Standing committees of the Senate shall include the Steering Committee (as described in Article VII), and other committees described within the Bylaws that pertain to the purpose and responsibilities of the Senate as described in Article II.

Section 2.  Faculty Appointment to Standing, Governance, Selection, Ad Hoc and Task Force Committees

The Senate shall confirm faculty appointments to all standing and shared governance committees.  Nominations for standing and shared governance committees shall be made by the Senate President in consultation with the Steering Committee.  Nominations of faculty for selection committees and other ad hoc and task force committees shall be in accordance with procedures established in the Senate Bylaws. Other committee structures (i.e. advisory, commissions, councils, etc.) involving the Academic Senate “10 + 1” responsibilities (Article II, Section 2) will follow the same procedures.  Faculty other than Senators may be appointed to standing, governance, selection, ad hoc, task force and other committee structures.

ARTICLE X. EMERGENCY ACTION

If action is required in order to conduct time-sensitive Senate business which conflicts with previously approved Constitutional requirements pertaining to timelines, the Senate will adjust such timelines, on a one-time basis, by majority vote. If such a change is made, the Senate shall notify the faculty of the change as soon as reasonably possible.

ARTICLE XI.  AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution can be amended by a majority affirmative vote of the full-time faculty, providing written notice of any proposed amendment was filed with the Senate President at least two weeks preceding the balloting.  Copies of the proposed changes must be sent to the faculty at least one week prior via a written or electronic secret ballot.

BY-LAWS OF THE ACADEMIC SENATE OF HARTNELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

(Amended May 16, 2023)

FORWARD

1. Curriculum including establishing prerequisites and placing courses within disciplines

2. Degree and certificate requirements

3. Grading policies

4. Educational program development

5. Standards or policies regarding student preparation and success

6. District and college governance structures, as related to faculty roles

7. Faculty roles and involvement in accreditation processes, including self-study and annual reports

8. Policies for faculty professional development activities

9. Processes for program review

10. Processes for institutional planning and budget development

11. Other academic and professional matters as mutually agreed upon between the governing board and the Academic Senate.

    1. Evaluation of equivalency for meeting minimum qualifications for faculty positions.

ARTICLE 1: Duties of Officers

President

1. Preside at all meetings of the Senate.

2. Represent the faculty at official college functions in person or by appointed representative.

3. Represent the faculty at all meetings including meetings of the Board of Trustees and Hartnell College Council.

4. Participate as an evaluator in the faculty tenure review process and minimum qualifications equivalency process.

5. Nominate all faculty appointments to Hartnell College committees (with consultation of Steering Committee) including college governance committees, faculty selection committees, tenure review peer evaluators, and task forces.

6. Be an ex-officio member of all Senate committees.

7. Direct the overall operation of the Senate and Senate office, and authorize the expenditure of Senate funds.

8. Represent the Senate as the official voting delegate, in person or by proxy, at all meetings of the State Academic Senate.

9. Meet on a regular basis with the President and Vice President(s) of the college to discuss matters of mutual concern with the Senate.

10. Carry out all directives of the Senate and serve as the chairperson of the Steering Committee.

11. Monitor minutes of other governance committees and articulate Senate concerns/positions where appropriate.

12. Organize Senate and Steering Committee meetings: prepare agendas, review minutes of previous meetings, coordinate the distribution of information to Senators, provide supplemental information needed for clarification of agenda items, and contact resource speakers who need to attend Senate meetings for informational purposes.

13. Be conversant about information of concern to the Senate.

14. Review and report on accreditation documents, grant proposals, and other documents sent from the college to various state agencies which require the Senate President’s signature.

15. Interact with Associated Students of Hartnell College, as appropriate.

16. Aid in writing position statements of the Senate and draft letters to the Superintendent/President and other college officials.

17. Provide information to Senators and to Hartnell College faculty on all matters of academic and professional concern including hiring policies, tenure review policy, equivalencies to minimum qualifications, sabbatical leave policy and Governing Board policies.

18.  During those times of the year when the Academic Senate does not hold regular meetings, the President and Steering Committee shall be empowered to make decisions for the Senate.

1st Vice-President

1. Act in the place of the President in the absence of that officer.

2. Succeed and fulfill the office of President for the remainder of the unexpired term in the event that office becomes vacant.

3. Act as parliamentarian at all meetings of the Senate.

4. Perform such functions and duties as directed by the President or Steering Committee.

5. Sit as a member of and regularly attend meetings of the Academic Senate, Senate Steering Committee and at least one governance committee or Senate standing committee.

6. Attend Fall and Spring Institutes and/or Plenary Sessions.

7. Closely work with the President to learn the functions of that office.

8. With the President, serve as an evaluator in the faculty tenure review process.

9. Serve as a member of the Steering Committee.

2nd Vice-President

1. Act in the place of the President when the 1st Vice President is not available.

2. Succeed and fulfill the office of the 1st Vice President for the remainder of the unexpired term in the event that office becomes vacant.

3. Perform such functions and duties as directed by the President or Steering Committee.

4. Sit as a member of and regularly attend meetings of the Academic Senate, Senate Steering Committee, and at least one governance committee or Senate standing committee.

5. Aid in drafting position papers or letters.

6. Attend State Senate Fall and Spring Institutes and/or Plenary Sessions.

7. Serve as a member of the Steering Committee.

8. Monitor attendance at Senate meetings.

Secretary/Treasurer

1. Assist the President with the preparation of Senate meeting minutes, the correction of the minutes and distribution as necessary.

2. As appropriate, prepare a tentative budget and present it to the Senate for adoption.

3. Periodically review expenditures of the Senate.

4. Sit as a member of and regularly attend meetings of the Academic Senate, Senate Steering Committee, and at least one governance committee or Senate standing committee.

5. Assist the President with updating the Academic Senate website and maintaining records of Senate actions.

6. Attend State Senate Fall and Spring Institutes and/or Plenary Sessions.

7. Serve as a member of the Steering Committee.

Senator At-Large

1. Perform such functions and duties as directed by the President or Steering Committee.

2. Assist with the orientation of new full-time and adjunct faculty.

3. Interact with Associated Students of Hartnell College and report as appropriate.

4. Sit as a member of and regularly attend meetings of the Academic Senate, Senate Steering Committee, and at least one governance committee or Senate standing or ad hoc committee.

5. Attend State Senate Fall and Spring Institutes and/or Plenary Sessions.

6. Serve as a member of the Steering Committee.

Immediate Past-President

1. Serve as a member of the Senate with full privileges, rights and responsibilities.

2. Serve as a member of the Steering Committee for only the year immediately following his/her presidency.

3. Provide the Senate with a historical perspective when such information is appropriate and/or solicited.

ARTICLE 2: Duties of Senators

1. Attend all Senate meetings.

2. Represent the needs and opinions of their constituents to the Senate.

3. Perform liaison functions with governance committees.

4. Serve on at least one governance or Senate standing or ad hoc committee.

5. Regularly inform their constituents as to the business and actions of the Senate.

6. Work to build collegiality among the academy.

7. Perform other duties as assigned by the Senate President.

ARTICLE 3: Duties of Senate Steering Committee

1. Give direction to the Senate.

2. Act as advisor to the Senate President.

3. Set the agenda for Senate meetings.

4. Recommend to the Senate faculty appointments for governance, standing committees, selection committees and special task forces.

5. Define the goals of the Senate each year.

6. Form and recommend membership of ad hoc committees with approval of the Senate.

7. Monitor and report on the activities of governance, standing and ad hoc committees.

8. Run Senate elections.

9. Attend all Senate meetings and communicate with the membership.

10. Schedule and attend meetings with college administrators as required.

11. Report on State Senate Fall and Spring Institutes and/or Plenary Sessions.

12. Assist with the orientation of new full-time and adjunct faculty.

13. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Senate and Senate standing committees at the end of each year.

14. Review the Senate constitution and by-laws each year.

15. During those times of the year when the Academic Senate does not hold regular meetings, the President and Steering Committee shall be empowered to make decisions for the Senate.

ARTICLE 4: Selection Committee Appointments

1. Faculty appointments to all selection committees must be approved by the Senate by a simple majority vote.

2. Nominations for faculty or administrative selection committee positions shall be solicited from the discipline or area faculty in which there is a vacancy.

3. Additional nominations may be made from the floor prior to the vote of the Senate.

4. Nothing in this process can conflict with the Hartnell College Hiring Policy.

ARTICLE 5: Academic Senate Standing Committees

In accordance with Board Policy 2510, the Academic Senate's primary function, as the representative of the faculty, is to make recommendations to the administration of the College and the Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters.  In order to fulfill this function, the Academic Senate establishes the following standing committees:

1. Curriculum Committee

2. Distance Education Committee

3. Full-Time Faculty Hiring Committee

4. Faculty Professional Development and Flex Committee

5. Program Planning, Outcomes and Assessment Committee

6. Student Success and Equity Committee

THE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Curriculum Committee is to maintain the quality and integrity of courses and programs offered at Hartnell College. All courses and programs are regularly evaluated for educational content, appropriateness, value to the students served, alignment with the mission of the college, and compliance with regulations. As delegated by the Academic Senate, the Curriculum Committee approves, for recommendation to the Board of Trustees, all new and revised courses and programs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing California Community Colleges.

Responsibilities

The functions and operating guidelines of the Curriculum Committee are determined by the Academic Senate and applicable sections of California Code of Regulations (Title 5) and the Education Code:

1. Review and approve all new and revised credit courses for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

2. Review and approve all new and revised noncredit courses for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

3. Review and approve appropriate requisites including prerequisites, co-requisites, and advisories for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

4. Review and approve appropriate online modalities for courses including synchronous and asynchronous online, and hybrid for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

5. Review and approve all new and revised credit and noncredit programs for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

6. Review and approve all course and program deletions/inactivations for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

7. Review and approve graduation and general education requirements for the associate degree for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

8. In collaboration with the Articulation Officer, review and recommend courses for submission to the UC and/or CSU system for inclusion on the transfer list of courses which satisfy general education requirements.

9. Review and approve high school articulation proposals for recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

10. Place all courses in disciplines for application of minimum qualifications.

11. Assign programs to meta majors and review program maps in support of Guided Pathways.

12. Review and approve policy changes pertaining to curricular issues for recommendation to the Academic Senate.

13. Support development of new curricula and dissemination of information about curriculum regulations and processes.

14. The Curriculum Chair will regularly attend and/or provide reports to the Academic Senate.

15. The Curriculum Committee does not approve Community Education courses. However, all proposed Community Education courses will be sent to the Curriculum Committee for review and to ensure that there is no conflict with credit courses.

16. Provide training to members in compliance with CCCCO certification requirements for delegation of local approval.

17. Develop and maintain resilient curriculum processes to improve the college’s ability to continue offering courses during disasters.

Membership:

Faculty chairperson or faculty co-chairs (elected by the committee in spring of even years for a 2-year term)

Vice-President of Academic Affairs or designee

Two Deans of Academic Affairs (committed to serving a 2-year term)

Dean of Student Affairs: Enrollment Services

At least nine faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate to ensure representation from each Meta Major and library and counseling faculty (3-year terms, staggered):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

Members above are all voting members. The chair/co-chairs only in the case of a tie. Due to the complexity of curriculum issues and the amount of advance preparation and reading needed, there are no proxy votes. Members must be present at the meeting to vote. A member may not send a substitute to attend and vote at a meeting that they are unable to attend.

Administrative Support:

The college will provide support staff to maintain course management software, record committee activities, ensure accuracy of data listed in the schedule of classes and catalog, and maintain the Curriculum Committee website.

FULL-TIME FACULTY HIRING COMMITTEE 

The Full-Time Faculty Hiring Committee is a standing committee of the Academic Senate, as established through mutual agreement between the District and the Academic Senate, whose purpose is to apply established criteria to make prioritized recommendations for the hiring of full-time faculty and forward those recommendations, on behalf of the Academic Senate, to the College Planning Council.

Responsibilities:

The functions and operating guidelines of the Full-Time Hiring Committee include the following:

1. Review requests for new and replacement faculty positions through the academic program review process and academic divisions program review summaries.

2. Review and critically evaluate supportive data relative to each new or replacement faculty position. Data are classified according to an internal process developed in collaboration with the Academic Senate President (or designee), the Vice President of Academic Affairs (or designee), the Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee),  the Associate Vice President of Human Resources & Equal Employment Opportunity (or designee) and the Associate Vice-President of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success. Support data include such measures as:  institutional need, impact of program, discipline trends in enrollment, completion, revenue/cost ratios, funding source, efficiency, percent of full-time instructors currently in the discipline area, program awards (degrees and certificates) and other available data that the committee deems appropriate.

3. Adhere to a voting process based upon the following considerations: 

• Each committee member is responsible for exercising his or her independent judgment in prioritizing each position

• To participate in the voting process, each committee member (or a proxy) must be in attendance for all meetings

• Voting will include all committee members

• Collaboratively, the committee will determine a Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 prioritization for recommended hires.

4. The tiered list of recommended full-time faculty positions will be submitted to the Academic Senate and Hartnell College Council.

5. The Full-Time Faculty Hiring Committee Chair will regularly report on committee activities during Academic Senate meetings and will ensure that minutes are posted in a timely manner to the college website.

6. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee will be conducted each spring semester and distributed to committee members, the Academic Senate and the Office of Institutional Planning, Research and Effectiveness.

Membership:

Faculty chairperson (elected by the committee for a 2-year term)

Vice-President of Academic Affairs, permanent

Academic Senate President (or designee), permanent

Vice President of Human Resources & Equal Employment Opportunity, permanent

Associate Vice-President of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success, permanent 

A combination of faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate to represent each Meta Major area, two per Meta Major (3-year terms, staggered):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

In addition, there are two faculty members representing Counseling, and one Librarian.
One Confidential staff member involved in recruitment activities from Human Resource/Equal Employment Opportunity, permanent
One student, 1-year term, appointed by Student Senate

Administrative Support:

The college will provide support staff to collect and organize requested data, record committee activities, and maintain the committee website.

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FLEX COMMITTEE

The Faculty Professional Development and Flex Committee serves to encourage and further the professional development of faculty which, in turn, promotes the College Mission and its goals.  In collaboration with the Professional Development Committee, committee members will establish a faculty development budget, review and allocate faculty development funds, plan flex activities, and establish criteria for approval of faculty development funds requests and flex credit. 

Responsibilities:

In order to meet its responsibilities, the Faculty Development Committee will:

1. Plan for faculty development and flex activities.

2. Develop criteria for allocation of faculty development funds.

3. Review and approve requests for faculty development funds according to established criteria.

4. Review and approve requests for flex credit according to established criteria.

5. Maintain records of committee actions and flex activities.

6. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee will be conducted each spring semester and distributed to committee members, the Academic Senate and the Office of Institutional Planning, Research and Effectiveness.

Membership:

Professional Development Committee co-chair (faculty member)

One faculty member from each Meta Major area (2-year terms, staggered):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

In addition, there is one faculty member representing Counseling and one Librarian.

PROGRAM PLANNING, OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

The primary purpose of the Program Planning, Outcomes and Assessment Committee is to facilitate both program planning and outcome and assessment processes and activities college-wide. 

Responsibilities:

In order to meet its responsibilities, the Program Planning, Outcomes and Assessment Committee will perform the following:

1. Facilitate college-wide discussions among instructional and non-instructional areas on the development and implementation of processes.

2. Develop and recommend the processes and documentation for instructional and non-instructional areas.

3. Review status/progress and make recommendations to the Accreditation Council.

4. Serve as a resource regarding program planning as well as outcomes and assessment issues.

5. Ensure documentation of Program Planning, Outcomes and Assessment Committee activities.

6. Ensure that all members of the Program Planning, Outcomes and Assessment Committee are knowledgeable concerning the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) standards and State Academic Senate positions regarding outcomes and assessment.

7. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee will be conducted each spring semester and distributed to committee members, the Academic Senate and the Office of Institutional Planning, Research and Effectiveness.

Membership:

Two faculty co-chairs, permanent

Dean of Student Equity and Pathways, permanent

A combination of faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate to represent each Meta Major area, two per Meta Major (2-year terms, staggered):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

In addition, there are two faculty members representing Counseling, and one Librarian.

One representative from each of the following areas: (3-year terms, staggered)

• Student Affairs

• Administrative Services

• Information technology

STUDENT SUCCESS AND EQUITY COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Student Success and Equity Committee is to research the literature, examine and develop resources as well as offer advice and direction to the Academic Senate on matters related to improving equity and student success at Hartnell College.  We commit to provide a student-centered design of the college experience to ensure that every student receives what they need in a tailored pathway to successfully achieve their varied educational, career and personal goals. We will promote an anti-racism and anti-sexism agenda. We will raise awareness to the historical context of inequity and promote evaluation as well as reform of policies and practices that produce structural inequity. We pledge to work to correct other forms of systemic oppression against students based on race/ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexuality, national origin, citizenship status, class, socioeconomic status, ability, language, religion, age, physical appearance, intersections of these identities, and others not yet identified.

Responsibilities:

In order to meet its responsibilities, the Student Success and Equity Committee will perform the following functions:

1. Members will address and make recommendations for student support needed at the college including equity minded teaching/learning practices and co-curricular programming designed to support course completion and success.

2. Shape and facilitate improvement of student services policies and strategies for students as they enter college; Members will advance recommendations and help facilitate more equitable policies and strategies to increase student completion and efficiency, increase transfer to 4-year institutions and improve employment subsequent to training and completion.

3. Advance recommendations made in the Student Equity Plan (SEP) to ensure continued improvement of both instructional and student services support at the college.

4. Update the required SEP overall long-term goals, develop the action plan, follow up on the plan’s activities, and contribute to mandatory reports. 

5. Collaborate with other campus stakeholders to promote opportunities for student success/equity.

6. Develop and help implement activities designed to improve equity in learning methodologies, enrollment services, pathways, instructional support, student services, and follow-up services.

7. Members will facilitate and support equity awareness through professional development focused on equity minded teaching and learning practices among Hartnell faculty and share strategies, research and information with faculty across disciplines.  Create campus-wide professional development activities designed to improve equity in learning methodologies,enrollment services, pathways and support, student services, and follow-up services.

8. Document committee actions and activities.

9. Members will set annual goals by the final meeting of each academic year.

10. Provide monthly reports for the Academic Senate and one or more governing councils (at least once per semester) on activities and their effect on student success and equity.

Membership:

Chair or co-chairs elected by the committee, responsible for planning, facilitating, and web site record keeping for the monthly meetings; reporting out to the Academic Senate and governance councils; and coordinating with the Professional Development Committee chair.

A minimum of nine faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate to represent each Meta Major area (2 year term):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

In addition, faculty members appointed should also represent Counseling and Librarians.

Part-time Faculty 
Education Centers - Satellite Campuses
Director of Continuing Education
Academic Follow-Up services Specialist or Early Support Program Rep
Office of Veteran Services
DSPS Representative
Student Senate
CSEA Representative
Dean of Languages, Learning Support & Resources or Equity Programs
Director of Academic Affairs, Student Academic Support or Representative
Director of Student Affairs, Office of Equity Program
Tutorial Services Coordinator

DISTANCE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Distance Education Committee functions to develop policies and procedures and promote practices that contribute to the quality and growth of distance education at Hartnell College.  With the understanding that faculty should have the primary responsibility for developing policies and promoting distance education practices, the Committee supports innovative application of technology and methodology to create accessible, inspiring, and measurably effective learning opportunities for an increasingly diverse student population.  The Committee promotes ongoing faculty development in order to ensure that faculty who teach distance education courses are able to provide high quality learning environments for Hartnell students. 

The Committee makes recommendations to the Senate, The Academic Affairs Council, the Hartnell College Council and various other pertinent bodies regarding policies and plans for all aspects of distance education, and collaborates with all campus constituencies to support distance education students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Responsibilities:

In order to meet its responsibilities, the Distance Education Committee will perform the following functions:

1. Provide a forum for dealing with evolving issues in distance and digital education and disseminates information about these issues to the campus community.

2. Develop and implement a comprehensive Distance Education Plan; monitor progress and update the plan regularly.

3. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, and the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) standards.

4. Comply with Title V mandates for reporting of DE activities to the Academic Senate and Board of Trustees.

5. Report, review and evaluate current practices in the development and delivery of online courses and how these practices impact student success. 

6. Make recommendations for improvement to the Academic Senate, The Academic Affairs Success Council, the Hartnell College Council and other pertinent bodies regarding distance education and other online delivery of instructional material.

7. Support faculty in development and delivery of online courses by facilitating faculty professional development activities and by establishing and maintaining best practices for online course delivery and recommended skills for teaching online.

8. Collaborate with the Curriculum Committee to ensure that DE addenda to the course outline of record meet Title 5 requirements for regular and effective contact and accessibility.

9. Collaborate on areas of mutual interest with other senate committees.

10. Ensure that DE Committee activities and actions are documented.

11. Complete annual and comprehensive program reviews for the purpose of planning, evaluation, and resource allocation (if applicable).

12. Conduct an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the Committee each spring semester and distribute results to committee members, the Academic Senate and the Office of Institutional Planning, Research and Effectiveness.

Membership:

Chair: Faculty member elected by the committee, 2 years

Faculty Distance Education Liaison, permanent (if applicable)

A combination of faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate to represent each Meta Major area, two per Meta Major (2-year terms, staggered):

• Agriculture, Business and Industries 

• Arts and Languages

• Health Sciences

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

In addition, there are two faculty members representing Counseling, and one Librarian.

Instructional Technologist, permanent

One member from Classified Staff, 2-year term

ARTICLE VI: Ad Hoc Committees

A Faculty Sabbatical Leave Committee may be convened to review applications for sabbatical leave and make recommendations to the Academic Senate and Board of Trustees for approval or disapproval of each leave request.  Article 7 of the contract between Hartnell College Faculty Association and the District sets forth the criteria and procedures by which faculty members may apply for sabbatical leave.

Applications are considered based on criteria set out in the HCFA contract Article 7 and those selected are recommended to the Superintendent/President for approval and submission to the Governing Board.

Membership:

The Sabbatical Leave Committee shall consist of the Vice President for academic affairs or designee, one dean, one presidential designee, the Academic Senate President or designee and three faculty members appointed by the Academic Senate. Faculty appointed to the Sabbatical Leave Committee serve a two year term.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs convenes the Sabbatical Leave Committee as necessary to review the applications within the established timelines in Article 7.  At the first committee meeting, the chair shall be elected by the committee.

PROGRAM EVALUATION COMMITTEE

A Program Evaluation Committee is tasked with reviewing data and making recommendations relevant to the establishment, modification, revitalization, or discontinuance of an academic program. The Vice President of Academic Affairs convenes a Program Evaluation Committee as necessary to review new program proposals or to critically review a program identified by a member of the program discipline, the program’s academic Dean, the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Academic Senate as “at-risk” due to long-standing trends noted through the annual or comprehensive review process.  AP 4021 establishes the criteria and procedures for establishing, revitalizing or discontinuing academic programs.

Membership:

Program Evaluation Committees will normally include the following members:

The Vice President of Academic Affairs as co-chair
The Academic Senate President or designee as co-chair
One Dean from the program discipline area
One Dean from another discipline area
One faculty member who teaches in the discipline area (the academic director, or program initiator, if applicable) appointed by the Academic Senate
One faculty member who teaches in a related and/or non-related discipline area appointed by the Academic Senate
Curriculum Committee Chair or designee
One student appointed by the Student Senate

ARTICLE VII: Amendment to the Bylaws

The Bylaws can be amended by a simple majority affirmative vote of the Senate, providing written notice of any proposed amendment was filed with the Senate President at least two weeks preceding the vote. Copies of the proposed changes must be given to Senators at least two weeks prior to the vote.