Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 3-5-2020
/Meeting: Berklee Faculty Union Executive Committee
Date: March 5, 2020 at 1:00p
In Attendance: Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Utar Artun, Michael Johnson, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris, Larry Simpson, Jay Kennedy, Darla Hanley, Eileen Alviti, Mac Hisey, Matthew Nicholl, Tommy Neblett, Scott Edmiston, Michael Shinn, Carin Nuernberg, Mike Gello, Jerry Smith, Ron Savage, Lacretia Johnson Flash, Mike Carrera
Call to order 1:01p.
1. Global Health Crisis Planning
HISEY summarized College efforts in response to Covid-19, including canceling of official international business trips, effective immediately, and discouraging private international travel. College will require community members who travel to countries identified by CDC as either Level 2 or 3 to self-quarantine for 14 days. Further College action includes publication of a COVID website (berklee.edu/covid19) and formation of response teams and working groups to monitor developments and implement best practices.
SILVIO asked about travel restrictions over Spring Break, access to hot water in all restrooms, individuals with compromised immune systems, and extreme contingency measures.
HISEY noted safety is principal concern and response teams and working groups will handle specific circumstances and scenarios, such as coordination with third-party vendors (e.g., Aramark) and addition of hand sanitizer stations.
ALVITI discussed best practices for stress relief, and encouraged faculty to get in touch for benefits information and guidance. NICHOLL and NUERNBERG discussed division-specific considerations and potential alternatives to in-person teaching (e.g., WebEx). CARRERA introduced resource center to be published shortly on Berklee OL. GELLO summarized campus- wide efforts to disinfect, using “fogging” technique, and anticipated hand sanitizer dispenser installations. SMITH encouraged all individuals to take responsibility for surfaces they use and touch. BERRY discussed risk management, specifically how College insurance policies would respond to various circumstances (e.g., Berklee business travel). SIMPSON encouraged UEC to dispel rumors.
2. Campus Climate Survey
JOHNSON-FLASH summarized a forthcoming campus climate study, which will serve as an opportunity for community members to share perceptions and thoughts on campus climate, especially with respect to experiences of individuals of various identities, classes, and groups. External organization (HEADS) has been engaged to administer the survey to ensure anonymity. Notably, this is not a vehicle for reporting inequity. Survey will be administered over 3 weeks, beginning after Spring Break.
Meeting adjourned 1:55p.