Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 11-7-19

Meeting:           Berklee Faculty Union and Berklee College Management

Date:                November 7, 2019 at 1:00p

In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Peg Codding, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Utar Artun, Peter Cokkinias, Michael Johnson, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris, Michael Shinn, Scott Trach, Andy Vores, Jay Kennedy, Darla Hanley, Matthew Nicholl, Lori Johnson, Mac Hisey, David Ransom, Patrick Foley

Call to order 1:05p.

1. Update on Disability & Accessibility Strategy

Scott TRACH, Associate Dean of Student Advising and Success, summarized recent activity in Office of Disability Services:

a) full-time testing center and new student access coordinator (Shannon Glynn)

b) donor-funded academic coaching position (Tasha Chemel)

c) post-graduate fellows (2) and graduate student intern

d) disability accommodation process articulated

e) ongoing meetings with individual departments

TRACH further summarized near-term strategy and planning:

a) community forums to comment on draft of department vision and strategy

b) potential change of department name, to reflect full scope of activity and industry convention

Discussion followed on testing center capacity and usage, opportunities for faculty education and training related to student support and accommodation, preferred method to contact Office of Disability Services (disabilityservices@berklee.edu).

2. Update on recent assaults on campus

David RANSOM, Senior Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, summarized department responses to recent assaults on campus:

a) increased neighborhood presence and patrol 

b) increased presence of “high profile” detail (2 officers) on Mass. Ave., generally 10a-2p and 6p-10p, Mon–Thu

c) coordination and discussion of best practices with local programs (e.g., Pine Street) and institutions

d) employ procedures to place individuals of concern (i.e., those who endanger themselves or others) in treatment programs

Discussion followed on security escort services, potential risks associated with soup kitchen at Saint Cecilia Parish, training sessions (e.g., Active Shooter training), efforts to safeguard building access on campus, protocol for confronting individuals unauthorized to be on campus, and number of security personnel, including sworn officers, patrol officers, and contract security.

Meeting adjourned 1:55p.

Minutes from All-Faculty Meeting 10-31-19

Meeting:           General Membership of Berklee Faculty Union

Date:                October 31, 2019 at 1:00p

In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Peg Codding, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Utar Artun, Alicia Bower, Michael Johnson, Stephanie Reich, Vanessa Morris, and 13 BFU members.

Call to order 1:04p.

1. Presentation of Budget (FY20)

SHRYOCK summarized contents of budget for Fiscal Year 2020. Discussion followed, specifically on office manager position, consultant position, potential use of Union funds to support faculty development activities, accidental death & dismemberment and worker’s compensation coverage, line item for gifts, placeholder for potential Union-commissioned study on pay equity, and potential use of Union funds to support study of air quality in Berklee facilities.

MOTION:         “To approve budget for Fiscal Year 2020.” (CODDING)

SECOND:         D. SCOTT

VOTE:              27 for, 1 opposed; motion carries

2. Earned Sick Time

SCOTT summarized ongoing efforts to clarify Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law. Discussion followed.

Meeting adjourned 1:46p.

Minutes from Union Executive Meeting 10-24-19

Meeting:           Berklee Faculty Union

Date:                October 24, 2019 at 1:00p

In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Dennis Cecere, Peg Codding, Marty Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Peter Cokkinias, Michael Johnson, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris, Mike Scott

Call to order 1:05p.

1. Review of minutes

MOTION:         “To approve minutes of Union Executive Committee meeting on October 17, 2019.” (URIE)

SECOND:         PONS-LEONE

VOTE:              unanimous approval, motion carries

2. Department Representatives to Union

List of current department representatives to Union distributed, which designates individuals no longer actively representing their department. SILVIO solicited recommendations for new representatives. 

3. College’s PFML notice

Discussion of College’s efforts to satisfy notice requirement for Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law.

4. College’s unwillingness to assist faculty member

Discussion of College’s unwillingness to assist faculty member re-applying for artist visa.

5. Concerns in Brass Department (confidential)

6. Union Meet-and-Greet

SILVIO proposed a Union-hosted meet-and-greet event for new faculty (i.e., less than 5 years of service). D. SCOTT and others volunteered to organize the event. 

7. Upcoming Union-Management meeting (confidential)

8. Presidential Search Committee

SILVIO expressed concerns with constitution of Presidential Search Committee to replace Roger Brown. He will send these to Marty Mannion, committee chair, as well as Berklee faculty.

Meeting adjourned 1:52p.