Berklee Faculty Union: Minutes

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
October 9, 2008
Present – Prince Charles Alexander, Charles Cassara, Peggy Codding, Peter Cokkinias, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dannny Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting and update the website, Peggy seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Some PT faculty are being asked to do service to help be converted … there is no guarantee. Some chairs are communicating misinformation; some are passing on the correct information, let’s talk to management regarding this idea.

3. Classroom issues for next semester … fewer rooms may lead to fewer sections in some departments – the issue, we can’t have overpopulated classes, just to make up for a loss of rooms. Lowering the FT course load may help the space and population issues.

4. A faculty member was told by the City-Music program that the union has set a cap for compensation … this is NOT TRUE, the union has no relationship with the City-Music Program. We will check into this further and get the correct information out there.

5. The three-year contract grievance update: our key witnesses were not able to testify, management’s lawyer put pressure on them, and we will present an additional argument on Nov. 7. The hours were available, the classes were there, and they were given to other faculty not on a three-year contract.

6. Department Reps – we have to check with more faculty and update all involved.

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
October 2, 2008
Present – Prince Charles Alexander, Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Peggy Codding, Peter Cokkinias, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio.
Management – Jay Kennedy, Amelia Koch, Darla Hanley, Jeanine Cowan, Rob Rose.

1. Jay opened the meeting – let’s introduce ourselves all around the room. Today is an open meeting with several possibilities: changes in academic procedures and policies, Ombuds position, Berklee Orchestra e-mail that went out seemed a little unclear whether there would be compensation, benefits study group update, confusion regarding wage renegotiation process, CRI.

2. The Ombuds position should continue, Dina Lynch will be leaving the college due to health reasons, but the position will continue. There was a meeting between members of the Executive Committee and Management regarding the position a few weeks ago, we should keep making announcements regarding the position and what we can use it for – publish the office, get the word out as an option for faculty and staff to use the office confidentially. We could use the information gleaned from the office to establish trends at the college. The Ombuds position could come to our Union/Management meeting. Regardless of how many people use the office to share their thoughts confidentially, it is qualitative, not quantitative – we need to fill the position in January.

3. Other topics: general college meetings seem to be scheduled during department meetings – could we get part-timers paid for attending some of these meetings? Some chairs do this now, what about a uniform approach throughout the college?

4. How will the economy effect our positions here – 403b, financial state of the college, general discussions, maybe an all-faculty meeting? Can we get Phil Lima in to share some information, Amelia could address the overall financial state of the college; the pension fund has had some additional contributions from the college as the baby-boomers have gotten older, the pension fund is a legal obligation of the college – so the college will be adding more funds as needed. Social Security is definitely a part of the equation – and it is intended to be. We need to get the information out to the faculty – maybe we could co-sponsor an event during BTOT, etc… Let’s bring Phil in next month.

5. How do spring schedules look right now, there may be a shift in some of the Ear Training classes, a lot of students placed into ET 2,3,4 – so we do not need as many ET 2 sections – apparently 16 less sections. Should not effect too many faculty members – maybe lose one class compared to last spring.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
September 25, 2008
Present – Prince Charles Alexander, Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Peter Cokkinias, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Dan Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Mike Scott, Will Silvio.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Prince Charles seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Charles passed out forms for the officers to fill out for the financial core member update. WE NEED THESE FORMS NEXT WEEK, if not sooner!

3. Update of by-laws and financial core member status has been sent to all mailboxes.

4. Update on the 3-year contract grievance, the date is tomorrow with a back up date in November.

5. We are still waiting on a date for the gender/salary grievance.

6. Salary analysis update – should we bring in a consultant to look at our faculty salaries from several perspectives? (gender, race, pt v. ft, age, compression, etc…)

7. Department Reps – currently checking with interested parties, more later …

8. Wendy moved to adjourn, Jeff seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
September 18, 2008
Present – Prince Charles Alexander, Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Peter Cokkinias, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Danny Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting and update the website, Marti seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. There is a little confusion regarding the promotion and self-evaluation process. 15 people have been promoted and also are up for re-appointment … they are currently being asked to fill out a self-evaluation. This does not make sense; we will be looking into this. The contract seems to be quite clear, a new contract comes with the promotion, therefore, the self-evaluation cycle begins anew.

3. Financial core member update – we reviewed the by-laws and the updates we have made. Rick made a motion to accept the amended by-laws and the financial core member updates, Beth seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

4. 3-year contract grievance update – the faculty member has lost the contract and as a consequence, health benefits … we are obviously taking this to litigation, the date is Friday September 26.

5. AFT-MA, Mike has been involved in addition to duties with our local. There are several issues regarding the upcoming elections, one of the VP’s would like to come to our local and share ideas regarding Question 1, the income tax repeal. Do we have a place in this discussion? We have always made a point to NOT be involved politically! We cannot control national or state unions, but we can control OUR local. Wendy made a motion to have AFT-MA use the US mail to contact our members. The Local should not sponsor an all-faculty meeting for an AFT-MA official to make a pitch for the state’s position on the income tax repeal referendum. Rich seconded and vote was unanimous.

6. Financial Core member update – Marti made a motion to pass this information on to faculty in writing, with language similar to Mike’s e-mail to all faculty last summer, Danny seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

7. The Newsletter should come out before the all faculty meeting, should we pass along the 990 information regarding the high VP salaries?

8. The audit is tentatively set for October 22 and the budget will soon follow.

9. Salary Analysis – should we hire an impartial consultant to go through our records, see if there are trends, etc… We have contacted AFT-MA for a referral; we should pay and keep this independent of management.

NEXT WEEK ….

Help with bargaining research – PICK a TOPIC for next week.
A. Music schools/Departments wages (Wendy and Jonathan)
B. Health and retirement employer contributions.
C. Private lesson length at other schools.
D. Pro-rated teaching loads - other colleges.
E. 12 classroom contact hours max. (Wendy and Marti)
F. Health benefits after retirement.
G. Faculty Survey – bargaining topics (Rick and Suzanne)

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
September 11, 2008
Present – Prince Charles Alexander, Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Peggy Codding, Peter Cokkinias, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Danny Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Rich seconded and the vote was unanimous.

2. Welcome back to returning members and welcome to new members.

3. Department representatives, we currently have them in each department, we are now twice as big and we need more! Let’s come back with a lot of suggestions for good people to get the word out – this is a bargaining year! They will also be the phone tree as we get involved with the bargain. We could bring them in to a meeting around November.

4. Ombuds position was almost lost – Peggy and Mike met with Carl Beatty, Larry Simpson, and Dina Lynch. The meeting went reasonably positively. The Union position: the position should be continued – Management position: the position is under-utilization and a high price tag. We could publicize the position more and hopefully expand the responsibilities. Some of our possible grievances are not exactly contractual; therefore, we need to have a place for faculty to be heard. Our recommendation is to have the Ombuds attend the Union/Management meetings every month.

5. Faculty language tutors are needed for the College Writing Center, this is additional work that is available to all faculty, a separate job that has nothing to do with Berklee, the pay is 1099 based. Danny made a motion, Rick seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

6. Constitution and By-Laws – see pages 4, 10, 11, 12, 13 … a continuation of our discussion from this summer regarding the financial core member, we will look at it this week and vote next week as an amendment to the existing document. We will then update the faculty on our progress.

7. Hourly rate resolution – we were able to get people who were promoted and/or converted back to their old hourly rate, retroactive to 2004.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
July 15, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Peggy Codding, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio. Guest,Haidee Morris, Esq., AFT Mass. General Counsel

1. Hourly rate/cirr com chair: Co-chair as faculty CRI. SVPAA still has power, advisory role only, no decisions, letter from Larry is subject to review by EC and counsel. Wendy made a motion: Management agrees to raise the hourly rates of all faculty whose hourly rates were lowered as a result of promotion or conversion, retroactive to Sept. 2004 and continuing through the life of the current Contract. In return, the union will agree that a faculty member may serve as co-chair of the CRI if the union receives a letter from the SVPAA stating that this position is purely advisory. The college will ensure the Union that the position will not conflict with membership in the collective bargaining unit. The letter from the SVPAA will be subject to review by Union counsel. Rick seconded, the vote was unanimous with Peggy Codding abstaining.

2. Ombuds position is now over, let’s renew the position – the union will write a letter to SVPAA. Marti made a motion to further expand the role, Danny seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

3. Haidee Morris – Core Financial Member – closed shop – you can have one, but you cannot force anyone to be in., they will be in the bargaining unit – but not members. They can only be charged for bargaining / AFT / MFT. Beck objector in the public sector.

4. Negotiating Team and ideas. Wendy/Jonathan – Benefits, Peggy Codding – Ombuds, newer EC members will attend for experience but not have a vote or speak during bigger meetings with management.

Research:
A.) wages across country
B.) benefits: what is majority of other schools’/businesses’ health care contribution, ours is 65% -- is 75% the norm? PT defined benefit? Employer gives 3% no matter what? FT same as PT equal contributions, etc… Cost of living increase or flat percent? Health benefits for retirees.
C.) 50 minute lessons – a committee should be formed to investigate how many schools give 1 hour lessons.
D.) Pro-rated teaching ½, ¾, FT … 1.5 or 1.0 = 12 contact NESC – 12?? AAUP = 12

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
May 1, 2008
Present – Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Danny Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein.
Management – Carl Beatty, Christine Connors, Jeanine Cowan, John Eldert, Kari Juusela, Jay Kennedy, Amelia Koch, Matt Marvuglio, Darla Hanley, Rob Rose.

1. Jay opened the meeting; Amelia is here to talk about the fall ‘08 salary increases. The budget office role is to track the CPI that determines the wage increase for fall. FT, CPI + .5 = 3.4 % … PT, CPI + 1.5 = 4.4 %

2. Faculty contracts are mailed out … check your mailboxes.

3. New conversions from part-time are being told that their contracts are not negotiable – and the union is preventing them from getting more money … this is not true!

The deans compare the faculty members to like situations – same rank, same experience, etc… maybe the faculty member is bringing in experience outside of Berklee … that leads to a higher rate. Balance is the key, trying to keep it within the division … needs of department, skill set, comparable to the rest of the divison.

Most conversions are around 1-2% above the minimum, some people have been given 7-8% above the minimum … there does not seem to be a pattern.

4. What about the part-timer hourly rate that will go down over next summer. Their much lower annual salary will determine the hourly rates. We have presented language to management last fall to alleviate this problem, and we intend to reopen discussions on that language/proposal early in the summer term.

5. Space issues, working conditions, what about the short-term plans for our classrooms. What we already have can be maintained at a higher level. Overhead projectors, pianos, sounds systems, bathroom conditions – we saw a sign on restrooms “out of bathroom tissue – use your own resources”

Darcie and Nate are tracking rooms with a ticket system that will allow management to see a pattern in the condition of the rooms. All rooms are being checked at every break to make sure that all things are working. Phones are now being installed in all rooms. This is a great opportunity to get faculty involvement regarding set-up, etc… also, procedures – we need to know who we are supposed to contact. Let’s get this in motion by fall.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
April 24, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Marti seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Congratulations to Rich and Haidee for an excellent newsletter, with excellent contributions from Diane and Beth.

3. Reflections from the past year from Mike regarding the current Executive Committee. Next week is the last meeting of the semester; it will be a Union/Management meeting with the topic of space. Rumor has it; management may have a few ideas to solve some of our faculty space issues. An administrator will be retiring in June who has been one the biggest opponents to faculty space issues; hopefully, we will be able to make progress.

4. Wendy made a motion to meet over the summer as an Executive Committee to organize for the next bargain, Jeff seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

Faculty opinion needs to be solicited. We need to get about 4 or 5 main topics to run with, research throughout the year, so we are ready for the next bargain. Wage comparisons, health plan contribution – we are at 65%, maybe other institutions are at 75%, 403b contributions – matching more than 3%, retirement issues in general, life insurance, disability. Each EC member could take a part of contract, look at it, learn it, and make suggestions regarding language, tighten things up, etc… three-year contract, wage negotiation.

5. Beth has an item regarding Whirlpool – 39 workers were fired for lying, they were caught smoking when they said they were not smokers, what about privacy, etc… How our benefits will be handled – more from an informational wellness program, not from a pressure situation. Jonathan and Wendy are our representatives on the Benefits Study Committee – they are our advocates.

6. Rick has the preliminary results from the faculty survey regarding space, not for publication yet … more results on the way.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
April 17, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber, faculty guests: Bill Banfield, Herman Hampton.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Marti seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Mike had a dinner meeting with Larry Simpson earlier this week. Paul Lyons is scheduled to represent management during the next contract negotiation. Larry has requested us not to make a big deal about the space issues that we have brought up over the past few meetings with management. We maintain the concern is coming from faculty not from the Union. Our next newsletter is focused on these Space issues.

If global policies are being changed, why is management not communicating with the Union?

The next item to be discussed is going to be student advising – not enough full-time faculty are interested, but not all full-time faculty have been asked. Part-timers will be compensated – a stipend rather than their hourly rate, about 25 hours total – $50 an hour, $15-$20 an hour less than our average hourly rate. Many issues need to be ironed out before we can agree. There are currently two systems of advising – Department advisors and Peer advisors. We need to meet with management to get more information, perhaps at a Union/Management meeting, May 1. Part-time pay for committees and meetings are inconsistent, sometimes $50, sometimes their hourly rate.

3. Constitution and By-laws – Mike gave a history of our Constitution and By-laws … we were presented with them in 1986. Times have changed – labor laws have changed – so we have updated our Constitution and By-laws. The main changes have been in election protocol, included stipends, expanded officers to include one from every division, Massachusetts conference attendees are approved by all faculty, elections are every other spring, an annual budget and fiscal report will be presented to faculty, outside audit and a faculty audit will continue – if we can find someone to participate.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
April 10, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.
Guests: Larry Simpson, Larry Bethune, Tod Oliviere, Mirek Vana

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Stephen seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Mike opened the meeting; the BAS on-line posting of recommendation letters is the topic, personal and private information being posted on-line without input from the faculty or the union. Larry Simpson, there are no new policies, the confidentiality of faculty recommendations is still in place – Larry Bethune will walk us through the issue. Tod and Mirek are here to discuss the process that changed the practice. A teacher will give a student a recommendation letter – if they have the letter, they can do whatever they like with it – if it sent as a sealed letter to the Scholarship Office – it is a confidential document. The policy has not changed – if it is electronic, the same rules apply, the student does not have to pick-up the letter, it can be sent directly to the Scholarship Office, electronic or hard copy. The letters are not required to be posted – the students may be posting on their own on a public website.

The original letter stated that there was to be a Web-based portfolio and that the letters will be posted on-line. If faculty do not want their letters to be posted on-line, they should send directly to the Scholarship Office. The concept of moving from analog to digital has led to a change in practice not a change in policy. The letter came from the Scholarship Office the day before the letters were due – what about all the letters that faculty had already written.

There was a tremendous amount of confusion in the students, what they need to do, the policies, their procedures, etc… The students can use Berkleemusic.com as a source, they can get training, it is not about how the website looks, there are resources available to them, what is looked at: the academic track record, faculty support, etc…

If there are to be global policy or practice changes, there needs to be interaction before implementation – the faculty union should be consulted, a dialogue can take place, the union can help communicate with the faculty – so the process will be more successful in the end.

Mirek has acknowledged all of our points – he had several conversations with faculty regarding the practice of putting portfolios on-line during the Audition and Interview process, however, he did not mention that the letters would be posted on a public website.

Lets not make the process of writing recommendations a pass/fail concept – if a faculty member really likes a student then they will write a letter for on-line, if not, then they will only write a hard copy.

Clarity about the policy is the key – if a faculty member hands the letter to the student it can be public – let’s communicate the exact policy to all faculty – make sure we all know. The real audience for these letters is Damien, Tod, and Mirek.

What about submitting the letters on-line – directly to the Scholarship Office, and any public information asked for specifically by the students to the faculty?

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
April 3, 2008
Present – Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Danny Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.
Management – Larry Simpson, Jay Kennedy, Bill Whitney, Darla Hanley, Greg Badolato, Rob Rose, David Berndt, Chris Connors, Carl Beatty.

Larry opened the meeting – the topic of space is still the main agenda item today. We made the decision to stay in the Back Bay, now we need to address our space issues. We have made improvements, they may not be as visible, so Jay will be addressing our accomplishments to date.

We have invested a lot of money on updating our current space – we have a six page document in the works: classroom standardization in regards to equipment, Nathan Goldstein is the classroom technology person, 61 general classrooms – we need about 10-15 more for the fall, the percussion department and the ensemble departments have been revamped, 7 Haviland – make an all academic building, the education division and Liberal Arts – from 22 the Fenway, 18,000 square feet – 11,400 usable, several buildings along Mass Ave 155, 163, 171, and 186 –no elevator, therefore not ADA compliant, maybe take one building down and start over. 75,000 square feet in total, most will be used towards academic needs. 7 Haviland may be available at the end of 2009 or the beginning of 2010. The plan is to move the writing division across the street, the Berklee row buildings. The technology division is next on the list, but that is furthest down the road – the idea is to build a Technology Building that would house all the studios, offices, etc… We need to do all of the above before moving on the Berklee superstructure.

What about the immediate needs of the vocal department, can we address their issues? Admissions is trying to address the incoming class – the target is 850 entering students, they are going to regulate the voice population – there is a bubble of graduating vocalists. What has happened this year will not happen again next year.

The long-term plan of the superstructure will address our issue of a state of the art performance facility here on campus.

Improvements are a long way off – historically the issues have been here, when will we get relief? The longer there is an issue, the more it hurts, the problems have been out there for a long time. The current administration is not responsible – but you have to deal with it. There is space out there, the staff gets their space, the administration gets their space … the faculty and the students have to suffer.

Roger capped enrollment at 4,000 to address some of our space issues, Valencia will take 200 off campus, we are making the effort. Next week there will be information being sent out.

It is not just the space – it is the allocation of that space. Some parts of the college are not having the same space issues that the students and the faculty have. The new VP’s get their space – the faculty and students do not!

What are the realities of reallocating space? You take away one room to give office space – some faculty schedules will need to change to accommodate any reallocation of any space.

The dean and the chair are having these conversations – we have been trying to find solutions, and sometimes the departments are not interested in moving.

5,400 square feet will be come available in August – 155 Mass Ave second floor.

Can we leave this meeting on a positive note – can we set-up a conversation with Jan and the voice department, to address their issue for fall of 2008?

Yes, we will do that!

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
March 27, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.

1. Rick opened the meeting by telling everyone that he heard that 2 of the 11 conversions for next year might be going to chairs returning to full-time.

2. Mike goes over the nominations for the upcoming elections. Rick asks if we should use the school email system for mass emails.

3. Executive committee members should bring concerns to the executive committee first to be discussed before issues are brought before Larry Simpson etc… Then the communication should come from Mike or Will. Also if you wish to send an email about a concern, members should make it clear in the email that you are speaking on behalf of yourself instead of on behalf of the union.

4. Topics for Union/Management meeting: Facilities issues revisited, new card locks and building restriction, Copy machine problems, etc…

5. Payroll issue resolution: The Union was able to get these faculty members the pay they had not received due to not being given proper raises. Their hourly rates were also adjusted. One member received money not received over 5 years. The grievants were notified of the resolution.

6. The Union received a nice thank you from Herb Pomeroy's wife in regards to the donation made by the Union to the Herb Pomeroy scholarship fund.

7. Mike has put Charles Cassara up for a MFT service award.

8. Faculty members are being told that they cannot cancel classes or make up missed classes. You are supposed to get a sub. This is completely false. The contract says the class or the material will be made up. You are not required to hire a sub.

9. Rick passed out a faculty survey that was generated by Suzanne Dean. Please look it over and send comments to Rick or Suzanne.

Nomination Meeting 03/25/08

1. Tom McGah opened the meeting and explained the election / nomination process. Also on the election committee, Michael Bierylo, Wayne Ward, and Neil Olmstead.

2. President – Mike Scott and Martin Dennehy

3. Treasurer – Charles Cassara

4. EVP – Jackson Schultz

5. VP FT – Danny Harrington

6. VP PT – Beth Denisch

7. Grievence – Marti Epstein

8. Secretary – Jeff Perry

9. Education Division Rep. – Pegging Codding

10. Performance Division Rep. – Wendy Rolfe

11. Technology Division Rep. – Steven Webber and Prince Charles Alexander

12. Writing Division Rep. – Jonathan Holland

13. 6 Councilors at large – Rick Applin – Rich Grudzinski – Michael Heyman – Tom Stein –Diane Richardson – Suzanne Dean – Peter Cokkinias – Haidee Lorre – Herman Hampton.

14. Motion to make the By-laws voted on during the general election, the motion was seconded, and it passed unanimously.

15. April 1st is the deadline for candidates to notify the Union Office. The slate will be sent to all faculty on April 8th.

16. The topic of a discussion board was discussed.

17. The topic of the recent BAS reference letter on-line posting was discussed.

18. Review of nominations.

19. Tom McGah closed the meeting.

No meeting - Spring Break

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
March 13, 2008
Present – Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Rich Grudzinski, Danny Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.
Guest: Mark Simos

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, with time allotted for revisions from the Executive Committee. Danny seconded and the vote was unanimous.

2. There is a sexual harassment charge against a faculty member; there will be a meeting with the faculty member and with management.

3. Mike nominated Charlie for an AFT-Mass distinguished service award, Jeff seconded and the vote was unanimous.

4. The newsletter could be dedicated to faculty space issues … and our rather inconclusive meeting with management last week. There have been issues with the 186 building in regards to fire codes, disability access, etc… this is not adequate space and because a department does not want it, they should not be punished. What about the decision making process? Who makes these decisions?

5. On Thursday April 10, there will be meeting in regards to unilateral change being made without input … the BAS issue, faculty space, payroll changes, etc… this needs to stop. This is a cheap way to do business; we don’t stand in the way of positive change for faculty.

6. The nominations meeting will be Tuesday March 25, 1-2 pm, in room 402.

7. We have a date for the second meeting for the 3-year contract grievance and a date for the gender discrimination grievance.

8. Mark Simos is a guest to discuss the discussion board concept. We can have a discussion board on our website, or we could set up one through Campuscruiser, what about our acceptable use policy? Mark has 20 years of software experience, in looking at the recent e-mail barrage, there are several issues that we can look at: conversations from faculty to faculty exchanges regarding best practices, what are the boundaries? There is a clear case to be made to set-up a forum for faculty to use, outside of the Union. We could direct faculty to this type of site as an e-mail barrage gets out of control. The Union’s job is to represent faculty in regards to wages, hours, and working conditions. We, as a Union, could present this to administration, using Campuscruiser for a faculty forum, and then the acceptable use policy would be enforced.

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
March 6, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Marti Epstein, Danny Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.
Management – Dave Berndt, Chris Connors, Jeanine Cowan, John Eldert, Jay Kennedy, Amelia Koch, Matt Marvuglio, Larry Simpson, and Bill Whitney.

1. Larry opened the meeting, topic is space, new faces here: Bill Whitney, VP of Real Estate, Chris Connors, AVP of HR, Jeanine Cowan, AVP of AA and Curriculum. AA has published a document regarding space and the needs of our college. The position of VP of Real Estate was created to deal with some of our issues – the charge is to develop new space. There are not a lot of options for new construction, we need to purchase other space, The Mason Buildings:155-171 Mass Ave, 7 Haviland Ave, 1096 and 1108 Boylston, etc., we need to get long term control of the space that we are currently using, rather than leasing the BAC, St. Cecilia’s, 867 Boylston St. Long-term we want to build new space not renovate inadequate space. We have suspended the superstructure concept at 130-6 Mass. Ave. These newer buildings have a few long-term leases that need to be honored, retail space, etc.

We need to re-allocate the current space that we have. 867 is on the way out, by the end of the semester, we lost two rooms in St. Cecilia’s, we are currently at 90-95% capacity, the industry standard is 70-75% … the chairs have been asked to address populations, classes, and class size. The reduction of electives is one approach; it is up to the chair – some electives are offered twice a year, maybe only once is more appropriate. As courses are dropped, we are looking at loss of work for our faculty. There are 23 new courses in the fall … we need to make room. Our annual fire drill (in 150 Mass) resulted in a fire code violation – file cabinets, desks, and chairs for students. Where are these furniture items going to go? The general feeling is the VP’s get their space; the faculty need to get theirs. The faculty are last on the list to get space and should be treated as equals … the classroom equipment needs to be kept up, it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse. Some of our classrooms do not have Internet access and this is not acceptable. If we push, we get pushed back. This is demoralizing, in 1140 there is no space to go in-between classes, no office space, materials spread around several rooms, not productive. We need our own space! They changed the locks at 155 Mass Ave building with no notice … we need to address this issue.

Minutes from the All-Faculty Meeting
February 28, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Stephen Webber. Faculty – Shelia Katz, Jimmy Kachulis. John Arcaro, Peggy Codding.

1. Mike Opened the meeting, over 100 responses to our “space issues” e-mail with more on the way. We are making progress on the survey that will be sent out to all faculty regarding space issues. This will be the agenda item next week at the Union/Management meeting.

2. The notice for elections will be sent out on March 10, we will have a nomination meeting, and then the elections at the end of April. Tom McGah will be heading up the Election Committee. AAA will be hired to supervise the election, just to be on the safe side, if there are any contested seats.

3. Voting items – Herb Pomeroy tribute concert on April 1, there is also a scholarship fund, we would like to contribute $1000. Rick made a motion, Jeff seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

4. AFT-MA Convention – faculty must approve the list. It is in Quincy, MA, May 2-3. We can send six; let’s have four with two alternates. Marti Epstein, Mike Scott, Beth Denisch, Suzanne Dean, alternates – Danny Harrington and Jonathan Holland. Jackson made a motion to approve the list of delegates, Rick seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

5. By-laws … discussion begins regarding tabling the vote today and possibly putting it on the ballot? Election procedures are set by labor law, not our by-laws … what about a time table, when do we need our by-laws approved before the end of the semester. Perhaps we can open up an Executive Committee meeting to all-faculty and get feedback. Post the date in the public calendar to get the word out. Jackson made a motion to have another meeting to discuss, Danny seconded, the vote passed with one opposed.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
February 21, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting and update the website. Marti seconded and the vote was unanimous.

2. When do part-time to full-time conversions occur – up to the administration. The number is determined by the contract, there are 11 left for conversion in September. Decisions are made by the administration … they look at the entire field of candidates and choose the best available.

3. The faculty lounge is available to both faculty and staff! The administration seems to believe that the Union is preventing the staff to use this space – this is not true – we support staff using this space!

Maybe we could get a better space for our faculty … there is no faculty lounge in 1140, space is at a premium, but there is a provision in the contract for “adequate” space. We need to file a grievance in support of office space and a faculty lounge for 1140 – there has been an explosion of students and faculty in that building. Space is an issue – facilities throughout the college need to be addressed – see St. Cecelia’s and the Annex. Maybe we could file an unfair labor charge or a continuing violation. We should document student issues, staff space vs. faculty space, office hours at Starbucks because there is no room, students and teachers in the hallway with their computers! Lets talk to our new attorney, Heidi Morris, about these issues; she is aggressive and will run with it. Let’s put this on the agenda for the next Union/Management Meeting – next meeting is April 6. How about an e-mail campaign to get the movement going, then hit them with a survey … horror stories on space issues.

Motion made to start this 3-fold process, hit the e-mail campaign, then the survey, then at the Union / Management meeting.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
February 14, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Michael Heyman, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website. Rick seconded and the vote was unanimous.

2. We are getting flooded with requests on information on the wage renegotiation. Each chair is handling re-appointment differently. We have 15 calendar days to file for wage renegotiation … the question is when does that begin?

3. Charlie passed out the faculty report for 2007-2008. 514 faculty, 223 FT (43%) and 293 PT (57%).

4. Wage renegotiation
FT for reappointment
a. in the self-evaluation by 11/1
b. request a meeting – with the SVP/AA or a designee
c. who is the designee? Send an e-mail/letter to Chair, Dean, and SVP/AA

FT – for promotion
a. process is the same, 15 days after notification of promotion
b. contact Chair, Dean, and SVP/AA – who is the designee?

PT – standard renegotiation
a. identify your group – when were you hired? List group for that year.
b. on or before April 1st. follow-up

PT – for promotion, same as FT.

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
February 7, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein.
Management – Stephen Crowes, Jay Kennedy, Amelia Koch, Matt Marvuglio, Larry Simpson.

1. Larry opened the meeting – Will conveyed a faculty issue regarding the Pay Card and some concerns. A faculty member made five trips and several calls to HR to receive their Pay Card, which only would give him $250 per withdrawal at the ATM. It took 45 minutes and several withdrawals to finally receive the paycheck! There are several significant issues regarding the Pay Card, Bank of America does not recognize the Pay Card as what it is and how to deal with it AND you cannot get an odd amount, like 19.99 – it must be 20. Management has no answers at this point, hopefully soon. Over 100 faculty are currently on the Pay Card system. Café 939 and the Bookstore will be cashing the Pay Card and we are working on other local business that accept the BerkleeCard to be included on this list.

2. Team Teaching – Beth discussed that there is an interest to have faculty members come into other classes, to share their thoughts and ideas, History of Music teacher coming into the History of Art class, etc… Matt mentioned that some team teaching is going on in EN111 through block scheduling. Management is not opposed to the idea, lets look at it.

3. Commuter costs pre-tax for faculty? HR has said that it is not possible due to the Union contract and this is NOT true – let’s have a look at this, table discussion for today.

4. Security update – Wendy gave an update on 1140 Egress assistants and evacuation plans. Documents on procedures are being created as we speak.

5. For the next session, can we discuss the Faculty Advising topic.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
January 31, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Stephen Webber.

1. Relief Money – faculty member’s home has burned down with equipment inside, and there are other issues regarding health. We would like to contribute all of our budgeted relief money ($1000) to this individual. Rich made a motion, Denise seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. AFT Higher Ed Convention in Washington D.C., March 27-29 – let’s send four people, Mike Scott, Marti Epstein, Jonathan Holland, and Rick Applin. Jeff made motion to accept the list, Rich seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

3. AFT-MA Convention – faculty must approve the list. It is in Quincy, MA, May 2-3. We can send six; let’s have four with two alternates. Marti Epstein, Mike Scott, Beth Denisch, Suzanne Dean, alternates – Danny Harrington and Jonathan Holland. We will put these names before faculty at the All-Faculty Meeting in February.

4. Date for all faculty meeting – February 28th. Wendy made a motion to accept the date, Rich seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

5. Elections 4/22 – 24. Tuesday and Wednesday 1-2 pm, and Thursday 1-5 pm. Wendy made a motion to accept the dates, Rick seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

6. 3-year contract grievance arbitration is Monday, February 4th. It should take all day. We are hopeful for a positive result.

7. Advising discussion – Stephen opened the discussion. One of the two major initiatives from Roger … A&I and Faculty Advising. Maybe we should be the ones to bring faculty advising up – take a proactive stance. A&I is a paid component, we do not want the Faculty Advising be a service to the college issue. This could be a combination of workload and compensation. Could we make it a volunteer program, like the A&I. Many issues regarding this topic. Lets table the discussion.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
January 24, 2008
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Stephen Webber Guest: Peggy Codding.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Marti seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. By-Laws update – a three hour meeting outside our weekly meeting led to the completed and revised edition of our Constitution and By-Laws, there was a majority of the Executive Committee present, and they voted unanimously to accept them. We will shoot for the second or third week in February for an all-faculty meeting to ratify, both electronic and hard copies will be sent to all faculty prior to the meeting. After approval, we will file them with AFT and the AFT Mass.

3. Snow day for BTOT – part-timers missed the opportunity to earn six hours of work. Past practice of payment for snow days does carry weight and Larry Simpson wants to make a deal. For those part-timers that attended Tuesday, you will be paid for five hours that was snowed out on Monday.

4. 3-year contract arbitration – the meeting with our new lawyer is scheduled for today – the date for the hearing is February 4. Jeff Jacobsen has retired as of December 28th, Joe Latieri is our new attorney.

5. Gender discrimination grievance – Mike met with Larry Simpson regarding this issue. Joe likes the case, he has looked at the numbers, and we have 30 days to file the grievance.

6. Union BTOT presentation/benefits – it will move forward, a special time and location TBA.

7. Date for all faculty meeting – hoping for the end of February.

8. Elections – information will follow.

9. FYSAP – next week.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
December 13, 2007
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Stephen Webber.

1. Mike opened the meeting.

2. The benefits survey is out – 80 responses so far, a BTOT session is planned as well. The responses in this survey will be used to guide us through the next bargain, equity for part-time employees is one concern. Another issue, staff members get benefits immediately, faculty have to wait for two years. There seems to be a college-wide issue around benefits, staff have issues as well.

3. Update on grievances … gender discrimination and ethnic discrimination grievances will be moving forward. Mike will be representing both faculty members through this process. We can work with a sub-committee, perhaps through Myra Hindus, to educate faculty on these issues and work out issues in the classroom before they become issues.

4. Several full-time Performance Division faculty members have been threatened with non-reappointment – these are senior faculty members with 30+ years of service, possibly being moved out of their departments – perhaps due to their high salaries? The concept here is that the faculty members are not getting enough students – it is the responsibility of the employer to provide work, not for the faculty member to seek out students or recruit them. The performance division may have a proposal in the works that will address some of the recruitment issues involved with the instrumental make-up of the college.

5. Mike made a motion to support the proposed change to Direct Deposit for all members of the college. 14 voted in support of the motion and 1 abstained.

6. Wednesday January 16th 5-8 will be the meeting on Constitution and By-laws.

Minutes from Union / Management Meeting
December 6, 2007
Present – Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Richard Grudzinski, Dan Harington, Jonathan Holland, Haidee Lorrey, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz, Will Silvio, and Stephen Webber.
Management – Greg Badolato, Larry Simpson, Jay Kennedy, and Darla Hanley.

1. Jackson opened the meeting. Admission policy regarding students with learning disabilities. What is best? Are we doing a favor or are we doing a disservice. Admissions staff members should be involved in a meeting and perhaps Bob Mulvey and Myra Hindus should attend as well. A lot of extra time can be involved for the faculty member with these students in a class. Is this the right environment and school for some of these students? We want to admit students that have a potential of success. If we are going to bring more of these students into the college – we as faculty member should get training on the specific issues.

2. Space Update – a premium for sure. Bill Whitney is the new VP for Real Estate. Academic Affairs space initiative: Jay starts with a reminder about course evaluations, faculty should remind their classes to do the evaluations. Berklee is in the process of obtaining building in the area. New spaces: 7 Haviland (Fenway Health Clinic), 1096 Boylston (Jack's Drums), 1108 Looney tunes building, 939 Boylston (the Café) Coffee shop plus performance venue and student activities on the second floor. 186 Mass Ave. info tech building. (acquired or leased)

Jackson asked what the Fenway Health building would be used for: Larry says that at first it was going to be a tech center.

Beth asks if there are any ideas about private faculty offices for full-time.
Larry says not at this time.

Marti asks about the skyscraper on mass Ave. Larry says the college is not sure what the space will be used for. Jay adds that several things have to happen before any of this happens.

Danny talks about the hallway in the writing center. He brings up the lack of meeting space for faculty with students. These are immediate needs. We don't have offices; we have places to keep our stuff.

Larry says we are on the same side. These space problems would not be a problem if the college had not grown so fast. Roger is the first person to say we do not need to grow any larger.
Jay says they have requested for 46000 square feet for faculty offices. Certainly one of the priorities is to alleviate the space issues in the faculty center.

Minutes from Union Executive Committee Meeting
November 29, 2007
Present – Rick Applin, Charles Cassara, Suzanne Dean, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Rich Grudzinski, Dan Harrington, Michael Heyman, Jonathan Holland, Jeff Perry, Diane Richardson, Jackson Schultz, Mike Scott, Will Silvio, Tom Stein, Stephen Webber.

1. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meetings and update the website, Marti seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

2. Grievance update: two filed, a gender discrimination case and an ethnicity discrimination case.

3. The Benefits Study Committee: a survey will be sent out to faculty to see if the cafeteria-style plan can be implemented. How many faculty are using benefits and what benefits are they using? The goal is equity across the board between part-time and full-time faculty. Maybe the Executive Committee should send out a letter to support the survey.

4. Charles discussed the Fiscal report and the proposed budget. The fiscal report will be posted on-line by the government. The income and discretionary funds were discussed. The delegates for the annual convention for both the AFT and the AFT Mass are being limited from 8 to 4. There may be a $20,000 surplus with the current proposed budget. What about sending more delegates to the conventions, maybe 6? What is the advantage of sending more --- a larger presence, a way to network, more information for our Executive Committee, and we can include newer members.

Rich made a motion to accept the Fiscal Report and accept the Budget as amended, Rick seconded and the vote was unanimous.