1.1       The articles and provisions contained herein constitute a bilateral and binding agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Agreement”) by and between the Board of Trustees of the Santa Monica Community College District (hereinafter referred to as “District”) and the Santa Monica College Faculty Association (hereinafter referred to as “Association”).  “Parties” shall refer to the District and the Association.  “Tenured” shall refer to full-time tenured faculty.

1.2       This Agreement is entered into pursuant to Chapter 10.7, Sections 3540‑3549.3 of the Government Code of the State of California (hereinafter referred to as “Act”).

1.3       This Agreement shall remain in full force and in effect from August 21, 2007 through August 23, 2010.  Except as specifically provided for in this Agreement, there shall be no reopeners during the term of this Agreement.

1.4       If no successor Agreement is reached by August 23, 2010, the District and the Faculty Association shall utilize the services of a private mediator/facilitator upon the request of either party should such party in good faith believe that the parties will be unable on their own to complete negotiations for a successor to this Agreement.  Facilitation shall continue until such time as a new Agreement is reached or until both parties invoke the statutory impasse proceedings.  This provision shall not preclude the utilization of a facilitator at any other time during the negotiations for a successor contract.  A written Agreement stating the amount to be paid for such facilitation shall be signed by the facilitator, the District, and the Association prior to any facilitation services being rendered.  Mandated cost recovery reimbursement provisions will be utilized to the fullest extent possible.  The District and the Association shall prepare a written Agreement stating the allocation of any costs denied.