June 17, 2020

Campus Facilities Notes from June 17, 2020 

---

Review and approve notes from May 05, 2020 and June 10, 2020

The meeting notes were tabled for approval at the next meeting for edits.

There was a discussion on a request to recording this governance group meeting. Currently no governance group meetings are recorded as notes are taken. Exceptions are meetings covered by the Brown Act. As the college moves toward strengthening inclusion and equity of participation in governance group meetings, it is important to have a safe space for members and guests to share thoughts and ask questions. Having meetings recorded may result in an unintended consequence of restricting participation. For example, new committee members or those who are less comfortable in public speaking may feel that this a barrier to inclusion, equity and may not feel able to fully participate.

Best practices for student voices in shared governance

Kolar presented the Best Practices for Student Voices in Shared Governance for review and asked for the team’s support. She shared that the spirit of the document comes from the desire for all members of the De Anza College community to engage in mutually meaningful participation in the process of shared governance. She spoke to maximizing and improving shared governance by strengthening student participation. The EAC (Equity Advisory Council) committee is a good example of this by encouraging ongoing attendance and participation. Kolar highlighted the responsibilities of each party and spoke to the student outcomes. She drew special attention to the impact power dynamics have on students’ comfort levels. Governance groups need to approach DASB to ensure they are aware and can fully participate in decisions. Tina Lockwood volunteered as the shared-governance mentor.

The members congratulated Kolar on her presentation and gave their full support to the document. Guest, Kaufman, added her appreciation and support to Kolar and the best practices document. Students are ‘voting’ members although decisions are made by consensus. The membership is posted on the website so the team knows who is eligible to vote.

Governance Annual Reflections Questions and Update

The team reviewed the Annual Governance Reflections Questions and made edits and additions. Specific information was added regarding record attendance at recent Campus Facilities meetings, the mission of the committee was discussed in regard to recent bond funding, equity considerations and long-term recommendations for buildings and grounds that will impact the entire campus community. Other additions included the importance of more inclusion of faculty, staff and student voices in the planning processes to fulfill the mission of long-term recommendations for physical plant facilities and campus commitment to equity. Also discussed was the desire for improvements in the communication process, dissemination of information, improved sharing of notes, meeting dates and clear and timely notification of documents on the agenda. This will allow for more time for thoughtful evaluations and recommendations.

Back to campus work plan

There was not adequate time to review the back to campus work plan.

Present: Acosta, Burdick, Cini, Cosgrove, DaSilva, Gannon, Gibson, Grey, Holt, Kaufman, Kolar, Lam, Lockwood, Mendoza, Michael, Smith, Sullivan

Notes: Gore