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December 2001, Volume 12, Issue 2 - "The Era of Good Feeling" |
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by Ken Mason
As a result of the recent agreement between the District and the Faculty Association an era of good feeling has erupted. For sure several minor issues of understanding are still to be resolved. On the whole much has been accomplished. This, and I think we would all hope, should allow a new cooperative spirit and working relationship between the District and the faculty.
For the first time in a number of years the faculty and the District have come to a point in which both sides appear to be willing to make substantial agreements beneficial to employees, students, and community. After all the college is people and a good working environment generally translates into a good healthy institution. This is a grand achievement for both sides.
But what does it really mean. Let us for a moment put aside all the hype and concentrate on accountability and responsibilities of faculty and the administration. Both sides are obligated to shoulder the burden of maintaining and strengthening this good relationship. This can be achieved in several ways, including constructive and rather sweeping set of policy changes.
While the Faculty Association's primary goal is to improve working conditions there are limits. It can only, for example, assist in establishing a climate for which the Academic Senate can achieve its primary goals in the realm of academia. This requires a host of committees charged, among other things, with the endless task of reviewing and improving administrative regulations. And under California law (AB1725) the District is supposed to support the interests of its faculty in their participation in the decision making processes.
While the District has provided some support, unfortunately financial and material backing of the Senate and its many activities has fallen short of expectations. Senate officers need time to perform their tasks. Indeed, lack of support in the past led the Faculty association to provide funds for the Senate and talks are currently under way to provide additional monies. But where is the District's obligation here? Is the district willing to come forward in the spirit of cooperation to do its part? Are we all not committed to making shared governance a reality at SMC?
Working together to improve the academy means a greater commitment and mutual support of shared governance. All of us as faculty need to encourage the district to be more supportive of the faculty's academic interests and concerns.
Arguably we are in the pivot of opportunism at SMC. There appears to be great community support for the Bond, a reasonably good contract with the faculty has been agreed upon, and we as faculty all wish that a good contract be signed between the District and our friends in CSEA. We can build upon those successes, and there is no real reason why they should stop with faculty and classified labor agreements.
With the District's unquivering support, shared governance can become more than just an empty phrase at SMC. It could be history in the making, with all the various parties pulling together and making substantial contributions towards assisting SMC achieve its academic goals. And both sides do appear to be willing. Let us all encourage the district to support the Academic Senate's desired financial and administrative needs and make this "era of good feeling" a true reality.
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