General Assembly

Minutes from March 9, 2006

General Assembly Meeting

March 9th, 2006

Johnson 200

Notes by Kenna Cottrill

Matt Kuzio welcomed everyone to the official student forum. The General Assembly is a place for students to bring up issues and policy change. The General Assembly recognizes that the student body is one of many forums that form the community. This is a forum for students to work with other students and administrators.

Kara introduced herself and Matt. The General Assembly is hosting the Town Hall with President Chan to increase communication between students and administration. Although the meeting did not actually meet quorum because there were not enough Senators present, these minutes will be posted for student information.

President Chan noted that Kara and Matt asked him to try this format. He will start with opening remarks which will give a briefing on where the College is right now. There is a lot going on on Campus. As everyone knows, the Board of Trustees appointment Susan Prager as the College’s 13^th president. The Board is very excited; Prager is excited and extremely busy because she has another job. The College will be in a huge process of transition, but the senior administration team is used to transition, and will be very involved in this transition. President Chan hopes others will also get involved. Everyone is working on developing briefing notes and binders, which will bring her up to date, and give her an overview of issues on campus and the wonderful things she can look forward to. It will be a very exciting time over next 3-4 months. Prager will arrive in July, but we can expect to see her on campus. She is eager to engage and become part of Oxy as quickly as she can.

On the student front, this has been a terrific year. President Chan highlighted Patrick Dixon winning the Marshall Award. This is the 9^th Award for Oxy. It is the most prestigious post graduate award. A Marshall Scholar can go to Oxford or Cambridge for 2 years. Patrick’s desire is to use mathematics to assist with social and health problems. One of the other highlights of his winning of this award is that he is a transfer student.

Oxy has 4 Truman finalists; we will know more soon. Additionally, there were a record number of Fulbright Scholar nominations. The College expects to see awards going to students in spring. Student Awards are exciting for faculty as well because they are acknowledgment of hard work of faculty is doing working with students. President Chan reminded faculty in the room to continue their work with first year and sophomore students to get them ready to dream those dreams in their junior and senior years. If students start dreaming in their junior year, it might not be enough time to win these prestigious awards.

The old tennis courts have been removed and the College has broken ground for the new residence hall. It should open in Fall 2007 and will have 274 beds. It will be a first class residence hall. President Chan did apologize to those who live around there—construction does early, especially for students. There are a few permits that the College is still waiting for, so some work has not begun. President Chan noted that there is going to be noise, trucks, and dust. There may be parking issues for some people. He apologized again in advance and asked everyone to be prepared.

A few weeks ago, Oxy filled Thorne and previewed “Walkout”, which is an HBO film that will premiere on March 18. It is a film about the 1968 student walkouts of east LA. It was directed and produced by Edward James Olmos. It features a terrific group of high school students—particularly one of our own, who was a central figure in the walkouts, Paula Cristostomo. These students made significant change. Paula was 17 when she and her colleagues led walkouts and this film focuses on her. It’s a terrific, passionate film, and gives many reasons to recommit oneself self to the College’s mission of excellence and equity.

Founder’s Day is coming up on April 4. The speaker will be Mayor Villaraigosa who will receive an honorary degree at that time. He wanted a degree in April, because he wanted Oxy to give him an honorary degree first; he’s receiving an honorary degree from USC in May. At the same time, there will be an honorary Degree given to Eugene Weber who is a world renowned historian

On the Faculty side, the College has just about completed searches for 8 members faculty for next year. Dean Frank is at Faculty Planning Committee (see notes from February 22, 2006 for more information on the FPC) meeting today that could not be cancelled, which is why he’s not with us. The Faculty Planning Committee is already looking at next year’s hires. Oxy hired 14 faculty this year, will hire 8 next year. Hiring 14 this year leaves Oxy with a net gain of 5 faculty members—due to retirements and other people just leaving, only 5 faculty are added. Oxy has fabulous candidates. Now, the Faculty Planning Committee is reviewing applications, going to conferences, and then inviting candidates to come to campus, interview and do teaching demonstrations. President Chan thanked the faculty who has been working hard to get new faculty here.

At the faculty retreat this January, there were great conversations about teaching for mission and how to be better teachers for mission. Faculty spent a lot of time talking about this, and what it mean to be an Oxy faculty member. Also, faculty spent half the day discussing the core program, which is being revised now.

In Student Affairs, there are all kinds of things going on. President Chan highlighted the reorganization of Emmons which will bring counseling onto campus and include the hiring of a full-time psychologist. This will provide more control over that part of our work and should improve services. There are lots of new people in student affairs, including Jonathan O’Brien, the new Senior Associate Dean of Students who was recognized specifically.

On the money side, President Chan has been out raising money. He noted that he’s found that one of the interesting things about being Dean or President is raising money. It’s difficult to have dinner with someone you don’t know and ask them for a million dollars. But, this money that is being raised is an endorsement of what students, faculty, and staff are doing. When alums are excited about being alums and donors, it’s because of all the hard work of people on campus. The College has raised well above the goal that was set and more information will come later. This money should help the college support more scholarships, etc.

In Admissions, President Chan introduced Bill Tingley who noted that Admissions is in the midst of reading applications. Although Admissions expected a drop in the number of applications after years of skyrocketing application increases, this looks like another record breaking year in terms of applications—5300 for 445 spots. This is a 3% increase over a year, and a 184% increase over 9 years. Admissions is in the final two weeks of selection of the new class and will mail decisions to applicants on March 23. Admissions staff will be on the road in late March and April for admissions events. This promises to be a fabulous class. President Chan noted that Bill’s team is doing an incredible job.

President Chan updated the group on what is going on with ITS & Library. As most people know, after 35 years of stellar service, Tom Slobko announced retirement earlier this year. Tom has spent the last 26 years as the Chief Information Officer (CIO). More honoring will come later in the year. President Chan noted that one of the wonderful things about Oxy is that so many people spend decades here. Particularly for a man with so much talent who could go anywhere for more money, it is a tribute to his dedication to Oxy that he stayed. President Chan noted that the College had consultants come to study ITS and Library Services. Right now, the Librarian reports to CIO. As part of the recommendations, the College Librarian will now report to the Dean of the College. The CIO title will be changed to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and will report to the President. Significant resources are being allocated to ITS because it is in crisis. ITS needs more help so the budget has been increased. They will increase their staff by 3-4. The search for the College Librarian will be looking for someone who can be and intellectual leader and library leader. The search for the CTO will also occur in the next 6 months also. President Chan noted that, like most external reviews, some recommendations were right on and some recommendations were wrong for Oxy.

President Chan then turned to the issue of Campus Climate, which continues to be a concern for him and many others. Faculty and staff have tried to think about how to be a better community. He is still concerned that he hears that people feel a right to say very insulting things—in class, in peer groups, in the library. Sometimes, they are considered jokes. President Chan wondered: How do we give voice to theses things—how do we look in the mirror too? He will begin working with a group of students and Dean Avery to give voice to talk about ourselves and constructively move campus climate forward rather than students just being insulted. He doesn’t want to just say “that’s terrible” but rather move towards “what do we do about it.” President Chan encouraged everyone to join him in thinking about how we continue that conversation, not just talking but making a commitment to listen and to stand up and say “That’s hurtful” and balance it so that people do not get defensive. Any help people want to give would be greatly appreciated. President Chan wants to give voice to that concern and to goals of the college. He recognizes that the College must continue to work on it. He noted that community members need to continue to remind ourselves to pay attention. He acknowledged that this is a community of wonderful people and we need to keep moving ahead.

The Budget for next year was approved last Tuesday.

For this year’s budget, more funds were given to: faculty research, fitness equipment, programming money, extend hours of Cooler (until 3 AM on weekends), club sports for uniforms and equipment, and an imaging system for registrar.

Developing the next year’s budget is an important and difficult task. The Planning and Budget Committee, comprised of faculty, staff, administration, and students deals with issues such as tuition, where money should go, and provides consultation for what will go to Board of Trustees. This group has lengthy and important discussions.

Tuition Increased by 6.76%. Oxy is finding out from sister colleges that they are raising tuition more than that. College’s tuition rates tend to run double the inflation rate. The College is committed to moving scholarship money to match it the tuition increase. Students can keep their amount. President Chan knows this is a significant amount, and wrote to parents and students to explain it over the winter break. The tuition increase provides a pool of money for next year’s programs. The Planning and Budget Committee suggested that the College put as much money as possible into faculty and staff salaries. There will be a 4% pool for salary increases. This will be available to administrators to give to staff, but it doesn’t mean everyone gets 4% raise. Departments will need to look at adjustment issues, and examine those salaries that are “out of whack.” With faculty, there is a comparison group, and fixing the differences between associate professors and full professors. 2% of the pool is for faculty adjustments.

There are a few areas in crisis. Study Abroad was given a couple hundred thousand dollars, bringing it up to 1.6 million. This doesn’t allow the College to do everything it wants for Study Abroad, but it is better. President Chan reminded the group that it was not reasonable to throw all money into one program.

$400,000 was given to ITS, which, among other things, will provide for a dual connection to internet. Students requested this because it is not reasonable to be off the internet. If one provider goes down, then the other provider will pick up the connection. $50,000 spent on this dual connection. This will add significant improvement to safety and security on-line.

2 positions were funded for Student Affairs, which took huge cut in staff in 1990’s. Student Affairs is not able to do all things they want to do and need people to do the work. Some graduate student position money was also provided.

A modest sum of $50,000 was given to Athletics. This will add a full time softball coach. The College needs full time female sport coaches. The softball team has a great field, and they need a great team, thus need great coach. This will also fund another trainer which will help club sports, dance team. This is a medical necessity. With 500 students playing club sports, there must be a trainer.

As mentioned earlier, in Emmons, there will be a new psychologist hired for about $150,000

Major Renewal and Repairs, which provides money to remodel buildings, purchase vans, etc., should be $4.5 million a year. It is currently at 2 million. The Board of Trustees have mandated that this fund must be increased over next few years. $400,000 will be allocated for for next year, bringing it up to $3.2 million. $400,000 of the total will go to ITS for computers. The rest goes to repair. President Chan noted that the most difficult thing about this fund is that most people probably are not going to notice where this money will be. It won’t seem like things are changing if a building gets new paint, for instance.

In addition, money allocated to 2 incremental faculty positions. Currently, the pay rate is less than competitive and there are not enough faculty positions. There is now a plan to add 2 more faculty positions every year.

President Chan then opened up the Town Hall for questions.

Rozell Hodges asked President Chan to talk about tennis courts, because according to SCIAC, the institution must have 6 tennis courts and seating. President Chan noted that a few thousand dollars had been allocated to the tennis program. The four tennis courts we have will be refurbished and 2 more built after the Master Plan is approved. Someone gave generous gift in honor of one of trustees to build tennis courts. As soon as city approves the plans, the courts will be started.

Rozell also asked about uniforms. President Chan noted that the coach had been allocated money for uniforms.

Rozell also noted there had been a problem with the coaching; that some members have issues with coach. They have gone to Athletics director, but where else can they go? President Chan encouraged them to continue to work with Dixon Farmer, and if that doesn’t work, it needs to go to President Chan. He also noted that since it was a personnel issue, it is confidential and needs to occur in a private conversation.

Logan Clark referred to the increase in tuition and asked how financial aid would raise with that. She also wondered how this would be applied to incoming students. President Chan noted that whatever a student is eligible for, Oxy provides the same amount. This applies to everyone. He also noted that there is a personal contribution gap that students themselves have to pay for.

Bill Tingley noted that Oxy’s goal is to make it possible for continuing students to continue in school with the College providing appropriate financial aid commensurate with what they came in with. He noted that sometimes need changes. The packaging formula Financial Aid uses remains the same. Federal and state monies are not increasing as same rate as college. College must provide more money in order to provide same financial aid pricing as what students are used to and to be competitive with other schools. The College will work hard to maintain quality of financial aid to be competitive, and allow families to send their kids to Oxy.

Ali Raymond referred to the money going into Student Affairs and wondered how that would affect the ICC. President Chan said that in the ICC budget, there is money for an administrator, an administrative assistant, and then $100,000 for programming. How the ICC uses that money is up to the Director of ICC. The Director of ICC position is a permanent position, and as soon as a new director is hired, that person will determine how to spend the money. Previously, the ICC was grant funded. The College has given the ICC a stable budget so it can do programming it needs to do. The money is already there.

Valerie Savior had two questions: First, what is the plan for the Child Development Center? Second, what is the status of dynamic planning?

President Chan noted that the College received a gift for Child Development Center. Now, the College needs to review next steps. The Center will be moved somewhere, but that needs to be figured out. The plan is to review the Center in next 6 months with community, faculty, staff, and administration. What should it be doing? How big is it and should it be? Where should it be moved? There are 3-4 pages of questions to answer. The Trustees are not interested in spending more money, so the amount will be the same. Harold Hewitt needs to talk to Tamara about it, and he plans to meet next week with her.

As for Dynamic Planning, the College is still committed to the three parts: interdisciplinary curriculum, internationalizing the curriculum, and Oxy in LA. Work will continue on that, and President Prager will choose which direction to go. She may want to come to understand it and then influence strategy. President Chan noted that the three parts will still make sense to him as he moves back to being the Dean of the College.

Patrice Hall referred to the fact that the Study Abroad Program received more money. She wondered if it would really will make a difference and allow more people to go abroad since the class of 2008 is bigger? President Chan acknowledged that the proportions of those going abroad will be the same for the bigger class of 2008. The changes will help in future because the money will stay in budget. Chan noted that this is a very important program. Although the fiscal condition of the College is in good shape, there are limits to how to spend money on certain programs. He would like to find clever ways to send students abroad for cheaper. He did acknowledge that the International Programs Office is doing a great job sending students abroad.

Mark in Facilities thanked Kenyon, Harold, and Jim for Major Renewal and Repairs funding. Although it’s still a drop in the bucket, he appreciates the enthusiasm for more money. President Chan noted that the College would like to increase it each year. Even if the College had $4 million a year, it’s still a drop in the bucket. He noted that the renovation of Erdman alone is $4-6 million. The College needs Prager to raise money, as much as it needs her to be here on campus. The improvements that need to be made on the campus will never be done on the budget we have; we need money to be raised. Because campus is 100 years old, it has stuff to do!

Jake Stevens noted that with the success of national awards, how important it is to the College to hire someone. The success was due in large part to former director of National Awards. Now, this is in jeopardy, Career Development Center is working on it, but they are busy. What is the College’s future commitment? President Chan noted that there is money for a position in the budget. He doesn’t have answer for where search is—Dean Frank would. Someone will be hired. The college is committed; Joanne Wall was hired on as a consultant. The Career Development Center can take some slack but are busy and cannot do this much longer. President Chan will ask Dean Frank about it .

Soledad, a student, referred to faculty attendance at workshops and wondered how faculty were selected to attend these workshops. President Chan noted that the Center for Teaching Excellence hosts workshops that faculty are invited to. Also, all faculty go to retreats. He also acknowledged that nothing is mandatory, including going to class.

Rachel Johnson wondered what would happen to Dr. Maeda’s Interim position and the commitment to filling it next year. President Chan acknowledged that he had no idea. President Prager and Chan will have to work on this. He trusts that the new president will have initiative to continue this; Prager is committed. He imagines she has good ideas about this and the College won’t let her forget about it.

Rachel Johnson also wondered if staff diversity training was required. President Chan reiterated that nothing is mandatory or required.

Sunshine Purvis asked President Chan to speak about findings from the ITS consultants. President Chan noted that all the recommendations are being seriously considered, in terms of structure, positions, etc. Again, some recommendations are on target, and some are not. He also recommend that Sunshine and Tom get together to speak about it. The report was sent out to everyone. He assured everyone that the report won’t go into archives and collect dust.

Liz Powell asked about the tuition increase and her concerns that the College is pricing out students from middle and lower classes. She’s concerned that with federal funding not increasing, College will be unable to bridge the gap. What’s the plan? President Chan explained that this is a “Price tag sticker issue.” The cost of tuition is what student pays, not the price. The College needs to provide scholarship money for some students to get here. He encouraged her to try not to worry about sticker price, but rather worry about funding discount process. The College is committed to getting a full range of students; the College monitors it every year. The College pays attention to the distributions of academic classes in terms of socio-economic status, race, gender etc. This would be a topic of discussion if it’s not equally distributed. He did acknowledge that if the College commits money to scholarships, then money is not available for other things. Admissions is always conscious about raising tuition. The anticipated discount rated for next year will be 35.5% for entering students.

Matt Kuzio wondered how student can get copies of the ITS consultant reports. President Chan noted that it was not sent to students, but they can email him. Matt also wondered get copy of budget? Harold Hewitt expected that it would be available on the Planning and Budget Committee website, but would need to talk to Woody Studenmund.

Matt also asked how President Chan would form the group of students to work on diverse dialogues with Dean Avery and himself. President Chan had been invited to Pauley Hall to start the conversation there. He also quad sits with Dean Avery periodically, so students can talk to them about it there. He wants the group to be made up of people who think about issues, and try out things. He clearly stated that he was not forming a committee.

Dean Avery noted that she is working with Kikanza Nuri Robbins to form multi-constituent groups to work on climate issue and deal with the issues. Matt was recommended to be on committee which would work with faculty and staff.

President Chan wondered if there are ways community members can communicate with each other and challenge each other to interact better with each other. If some things is insulting, he does not want anyone to just sit around and think about it. He would like people to be in dialogue with others. What are some options: blogging, or Facebook?

Matt also followed up on the new positions in student affairs, wondering what they would be. Dean Avery noted that the staff is working on it now and trying to make it make sense. President Chan noted that this is the same with 2 faculty positions; the faculty will determine where those positions go.

Matt closed with the information that ASOC had a major hand in many of the budget changes, including longer Cooler hours, fitness equipments, and club sports funding. President Chan reminded students that their participation was key!

The meeting closed at 12:56 PM with President Chan thanking everyone for a wonderful year and all the support!