Present – Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Peggy Codding, Peter Cokkinias, Beth Denisch, Marti Epstein, Danny Harrington, Teodros Kiros, Jeff Perry, Wendy Rolfe, Jackson Schultz. 

Management – Larry Simpson, Jay Kennedy, Mac Hisey, Kari Juusela, Darla Hanley, Jeanine Cowan, Chris Connors, Camille Colatosti, Nikki Kirk.

1. Larry opened the meeting. Berk days and snow closing are the issue of the day. 4.5 days lost due to closings. Make-up classes and Google hangouts solved some issues but the Berk days should solve the issues moving forward.

UEC: Parking during snow was a major issue. Parking garage? Reserving space in local garages? The MBTA was a nightmare, etc. When the college decides to shut down the notice should go out immediately, don’t wait until 9 pm.

UEC: Conflicting information about classes – using electronic means to get classes caught up. Now with Berk days there is extra time in some classes and shorter amount in Thursday classes.

UEC: Overcrowding is an issue with creating make-up classes.

Larry: With Berk days all faculty are paid when the schedule is changed – when Thursday becomes Monday; etc – both days are paid – Thursday and Monday classes have already been paid.

UEC: Popular garages around Berklee list could be sent out to faculty, a reminder about the Wage Works pre-tax paid parking. These things sent out to faculty will help with communication.

Larry: the problem with this semester is the amount of snow days in such a short amount of time. We don’t come to the decision to close lightly. Mayor, Boston Public, all things are considered before we close. It is hard to take the weather on the TV seriously sometimes since they are trying to insight fear with their broadcast. We have to make the decision based on what is going to happen – not what the TV thinks will happen. A team makes the call. The parking issues affect us all. When we are closed, we are closed – you are not required to work, either electronically or in person. Let me ask, “do we need these Berk days to make up the material.”

UEC: NO – we can get the material covered. Some classes need to be in class – technology courses need to be in class and working.

UEC: What about Saturday make-up classes? Have several Saturdays that are optional for faculty – rooms open on a first come first serve basis.

Larry: what I’m hearing is that the faculty can make-up the material.

Jay: We are going to come up with guidance – what are the expectations on both sides. Prepared ahead of time – in case of snow these are the expectations from the students and faculty … classroom information.

Mac: I’ll look into the parking scenario with the Christian Science garage and see what we can come up with. Aramark people were here and taking care of the students, sleeping on cots, etc.

Jackson: the Berk days are serving a purpose this semester but communicating about part-time getting paid and that they are not being penalized if they can’t make it would be a very good thing.

2. We discussed reappointment and salary negotiations.