Share:

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since first published.

 

Four members were approved to the Academic Senate’s Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee of the President after an extensive debate about its validity and practicality at its Nov. 18 meeting.

The new members are Loknath Persaud, Michelle Ireland-Galman, Philip Ricards, and Charlotte Williams.

Senator Loknath Persaud explained the purpose of the committee in order to give the potential members a clear idea of what they would be getting themselves into.

According to Persaud, the two things the committee would be addressing are whether the faculty has the power to evaluate the administration, and if so, what model would be used for the evaluation.

“We want to encourage all kinds of faculty to join the committee,” said Persaud. “We [want] to talk to the president to get his point of view.”

Some of the senators expressed concerns with the formation of this committee.

“I’m very nervous about the foundation of this committee, to the point of almost being opposed [to it],” said senator Dan Gallup. Gallup questioned the legal standing of such a committee.

Senator Yolanda McKay tried to sooth his fears.

“We are an advisory committee,” she said. “Everything we do is advisory.”

“I’m just wondering if this is the best solution,” he said. “I doubt that it is.”

Senator Stephanie Fleming worried about the message this might send in regards to Super-Intendant/President Mark Rocha.

“It feels very reactive to this particular president at this particular time,” said Fleming.

Others felt that having an evaluation of the president would be a useful tool to helping to better the campus.

“The evaluation process is not only for information, but also a vehicle to improve,” said senator Gloria Horton. “It will give the president the opportunity to recognize his strengths and shore up his weaknesses.”

Senator Lynora Rogacs echoed Horton’s sentiment, saying that the evaluation would be a good chance to reveal what needs improvement.

Academic Senate president Eduardo Cairo said that the administration shouldn’t be opposed to a faculty evaluation.

“Why can they not assume that the faculty will find something good?” asked Cairo. “It will shed light on areas to be fixed.”

Senate secretary Pat Rose said that the evaluation would be a tool that would benefit the administration.

“President Rocha has not had the advantage of this evaluation,” she said.

Follow: