New Course Evaluation Tool
New Course Evaluation Tool
On behalf of Kristina Madarasz, Institutional Planning Specialist.
Good afternoon,
The new Course Evaluation Tool, EvaluationKit was announced in December 2018. As previously communicated, EvaluationKIT integrates with Canvas and the administration of the course evaluation process will now be centralized in Institutional Planning, rather than within each individual centre.
Winter 2019 Course Evaluations
· Course evaluations using EvaluationKit will be implemented starting March 14th for all courses on a compressed schedule and the first week of April for all other courses. This remains unchanged from previous course evaluation practice.
· Evaluation questions used in previous years will continue to be used and will not be changed at this point in time.
· Only instructors on their evaluation cycle will be evaluated this term. This also remains unchanged from current practice.
For more information, you can review an FAQ that will continue to be updated as this project progresses. You can access it here.
If you have any questions about the course evaluation process, please contact Kristina Madarasz in Institutional Planning at Kristina.madarasz@lethbridgecollege.ca.
Kristina Madarasz
Institutional Planning Specialist
Institutional Planning, Reporting and Risk Services
403-320-3202 ext. 5291
3000 College Drive S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Volunteer LCFA/SA Launch Request
Looking for
Volunteers for the LCFA/SA Awards Launch
The LCFA/SA are looking for volunteers to help man a kiosk on Wed March 6th, 2019 from 1100-1300 to launch the LCFA/SA teaching awards.
Volunteers will be giving out popcorn in Centre Core and assisting students and faculty to fill out and submit the nominations.
We are looking for 2-4 volunteers to work 30 minute shifts over the 2 hour period.
People who are interested can contact Melanie Hamilton at melanie.hamilton@lethbridgecollege.ca or ext. 5409
Board Membership Opportunity
Board Membership Opportunity
South Country Treatment Centre is looking for a new Board member. If you would like to see more details of the role, please click the link below.
LCFA Jan 2019 General Meeting Recap
Jan 28th - General Meeting Recap
Faculty Newsletter
Jan 28th, 2019 – General Meeting Recap
Thanks to those who attended the general meeting, and to Jennifer Davis for providing some clarity around the process related to the extension of the presidents contract.
*Ron Macdonald Fund update
*International Students
*Board report
*ACIFA report
*ACIFA Conference
*Finance Report
*Negotiations report MOTION; To hold a special information session February 11th at 4:15.
*Labor Relations Complaint
*DL issues
The faculty association has donated $5000 to the Ron Macdonald fund in addition to the almost $700 raised at the used book sale before Christmas. There are still plans to do a Taco-in-a-bag in support of the fund.
There is a great deal of work being done to support students, faculty and staff as we all deal with the increase in international students. Many of these efforts are long term and will not be apparent to those working directly with students through this year. Contact the faculty association for more details.
Dr Burns has applied to renew her contract. The board has accepted the request and are seeking input to inform their decision. Faculty and AUPE staff are working together to produce a Google form to capture that input. Opinions and comments that are not directly related to the question will not be included. Information that is anonymous will not be used in the evaluation process, however the information going to the committee will be compiled on behalf of the whole faculty association and personal information will be kept confidential. The information will have to get back to the committee by February 8th , there was some discussion about why the urgency, it was stressed that Dr Burns had submitted her letter some time ago but the committee failed to recognize some requirements of the process. Please watch for the e-mail requesting your input.
Faculty Executive have been very busy with ACIFA. Friday January 18th, I attended a pre-budget meeting in Calgary with the Minister of Advanced Education. It was very clear that all the post-secondary institutions in southern Alberta have the same concerns and issues that we face at Lethbridge College. There was discussion around sustainability, options for efficiencies and even the government influence in the bargaining process. The government pledged to continue “stable and predictable funding” as they have provided over the last 4 years. Saturday January 26th 4 members of the faculty executive and negotiating team attended meetings in Edmonton. At professional affairs Cheryl was happy to see members of our association nominated for the provincial awards. The negotiating meeting was primarily a negotiating workshop
The ACIFA conference will be April 28th to 30th at Chateau Lake Louise. Information is available on the ACIFA web site. Lethbridge College Faculty association will be hosting the conference May 7th to 11th 2021 in Banff. We will be looking for people interested in working with the host committee. We would encourage those who might be interested in leading that effort to attend a workshop at the event this year. See Cheryl for details.
Cheryl was once again able to provide a very positive financial report. We have collected roughly 42% of our expected income, with that our strike defense fund for this year is fully funded as well as some other commitments such as the Ron Macdonald fund. Thanks to Cheryl for her continued diligence.
Kerry reported that negotiations have been difficult. The committee can count 720 man hours at the negotiating table and we return to the table in March. The negotiating process is somewhat different under labor relations legislation and with that the negotiating team felt it could share some information with the membership on the process. The following motion was passed;
That a special information meeting be held Monday February 11th at 4:15 for the purpose of updating the membership on the current state of negotiations.
Please attend the meeting where Kerry and the negotiating team are prepared to provide information and answer questions.
Administration have made a significant change (reduction) to pay on casual contracts. It is the opinion of our lawyer that this contravenes section 147 of the labor relations act which states an employer cannot change conditions of employment while negotiating. There will be a resolution meeting February 18thand if required a hearing April 8th for the Labor Relations Board to consider the matter. There was some discussion about the legality of the current letters that serve as contracts. We will ask questions of our lawyer on your behalf.
DL courses have been cancelled with very little notice. There has been discussion about striking a committee to address the questions around Distance delivery. Once the details are in place we will be looking for people to staff that committee.
Dic Charge reported the constitution and by laws revision is going well. Executive recognizes the approval process due to the large project undertaken here may prove to be time consuming. Currently the procedure for changing by-laws requires that we present the motion at the general meeting, supply the changes at least 20 days before the AGM and vote to approve the changes at the AGM. In light of the large project before the membership the By-laws committee along with faculty Executive provided the following motion;
MOTION; Move that the By-laws committee in conjunction with Executive council be allowed to convene a special meeting for the sole purpose of discussing, and ratifying the updated Constitution and By-laws.
We will provide information far enough in advance of the date to ensure ample opportunity to review the changes, and hope to ratify the changes at that time. The date of these events will depend on the continued progress of the committee.
Sincerely,
Kevin Wiber
President, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Instructor Center for Trades
Automotive Service Technician / Heavy Equipment Technician
403-320-3202 ext. 3264 or 3219
3000 College Drive S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
LCFA Board Report - Jan 2019
Board of Governors Report – Jan 2019 Faculty have grown more comfortable with the code of conduct policy. The association was surprised at a town hall meeting, to hear that the college needs to address 1077 disclosure documents. Lethbridge college faculty association recognizes roughly 375 members, including our sessional faculty. The college organizational chart shows 374 non instructional staff including administration. Faculty are curious who comprises the remaining third? Faculty continue to be concerned with the increase in foreign students. The international team has provided excellent opportunities for open dialog and continues to work toward solutions, however Faculty are concerned that the direct effect on instruction and classroom dynamics will affect domestic students and the reputation of the college while the solutions are being developed and implemented. Faculty continue to have concerns regarding the distributed leadership model. Several of the new people put in place have elected to leave the college and faculty are concerned about the optics related to the turnover rate in administration. At the same time administration continues to react to the issues as they arise and seem to be making progress in the development of the structure. Where the faculty association has generally been made aware of complaints, we are now beginning to hear positive comments about this process. There are rumors of developing curriculum that is better suited to university transfer which calls into question the qualifications of our faculty. Faculty have been removed from long term teaching assignments with this justification. As an association we believe faculty should be given the opportunity to upgrade in a timely fashion rather than replaced. Faculty continue to be suspicious of ongoing negotiations. Many associations at institutions across the province are feeling the same discomfort. Changes from the PostSecondary Learning Act to the Labor Relations Act have created some new bargaining conditions, including the complaint currently before the labor relations board from our own college. Discussions at the budget preparation meeting with Minister Schmidt indicate government involvement in negotiations has impacted bargaining across the province. Faculty have concerns, however the association overall seems to be quietly and efficiently working in the best interest of the students we serve. While we continue through the issues and concerns we want to once again recognize the communication and productive discourse we have enjoyed with Lethbridge College administration over all.
Sincerely, Kevin Wiber
LCFA January 2019 General Meeting Announcement
LCFA General Meeting Announcement
Lethbridge College Faculty Association General Meeting
Please join us for an LCFA General Meeting.
Agenda & Sept 2018 meeting minutes attached.
When:
Monday January 28th, 2019 @ 4:15 pm
Where:
IB1104
Topics that will be discussed include:
President Report – Kevin Wiber
FPDC Report
ELT Report
Board Report
ACIFA/Advanced Education Meeting
LCFA/SA Awards
ACIFA Conference
V.P., Administration – Ryan Kaupp
Safety Committee Update
V.P., Finance – Cheryl Meheden
Financial Report
V.P., Negotiations – Kerry Edwards
Negotiations Update
Welfare Update
Alberta Labor Board Complaint Update
By-laws Committee Update – Dic Charge
Please see attached for agenda and minutes from the Sept 2018 general meeting.
January 2019 - News Letter
A message from your LCFA President.
Faculty Newsletter January 2019
*General Meeting
*ELT report
*Pre-budget meeting
*Labor Board Complaint
*By-Laws “MOTION”
General meeting Monday January 28th IB1104 4:15
Please attend
Welcome back after what we hope was a relaxing break over the holidays. Now it’s back to the excitement as we work into 2019.
Things in the faculty office have been relatively quiet. We have not met with ELT since the last report but there are a few items left from before the break.
I attended a budget preparation meeting with the minister of Advanced Education, Marlon Schmidt Friday January 18th in Calgary. The meeting brought together representatives of many faculty associations from the south portion of the province to discuss the upcoming budget and post-secondary education. The concerns raised by the larger group echoed our issues and concerns. Issues raised included; the lack of full time continuing opportunities for sessional or casual faculty, Government influence in the bargaining process, significant growth in administration, opportunities for efficiencies and the potential impact of the upcoming election on post-secondary education.
The Labor Relations Board complaint is still waiting for resolution, February 19th is the next step in the process. There have been reports of further adjustments on new contracts, please don’t hesitate to share that information with Mike in the faculty office.
The By-laws committee has been working hard. The Constitution is almost ready to present to faculty, once that is done the group will move into the By-laws. As many of you realize, updating these documents is a big undertaking. The committee has put more than 200 hours into the project so far. There is an issue with moving the new document into service. The current bylaws require notice of motion at the general meeting in order to ratify the document at the annual general meeting. We recognize the significant time required for adequate discussion and don’t feel this time can be allotted at a regularly scheduled meeting. After discussion at the By-laws meeting, and further discussion at the executive council it was decided to ask for an exemption due to the dramatic nature of the renovation of the bylaws. Our request would be that we be allowed to present the updated Constitution and By-laws a minimum of 20 days before a special meeting called to deal with ONLY the constitution and bylaws. We felt this would allow adequate opportunity for faculty members to review the new document, raise any concerns and discuss solutions before ratification. The following motion will be discussed at the general meeting January 28th 2019;
MOTION; Move that the By-laws committee in conjunction with Executive council be allowed to convene a special meeting for the sole purpose of discussing, and ratifying the updated Constitution and By-laws.
Please attend the general meeting and be prepared to voice your concerns or support of the motion.
Negotiations is still moving slowly. The meeting with the minister indicated this is common across the province. The province has mandated no new spending to control costs and as a result we are struggling to find common ground. The committee is working hard to work out details that will be beneficial.
Cheryl continues to provide the best news, reporting a strong financial position. She will complete her report at the general meeting.
Kevin Wiber
President, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Instructor Center for Trades
Automotive Service Technician / Heavy Equipment Technician
403-320-3202 ext. 3264 or 3219
3000 College Drive S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Borrow a Textbook - LCSA announcement
On behalf of the Lethbridge College Students' Association.
Please click the link below for further details.
ACIFA Awards Application
WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR COLLEAGUES!
Did you know that ACIFA Awards Application deadline is January 4, 2019?
Do you have colleagues who are innovative and/or committed to teaching and learning? Wouldn't it be great to give them some recognition for all their hard work! Nominate them for the Distinguished Instructor Award or the Innovation in Teaching Award.
Are you working on a research project? Did you know that ACIFA has a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award? It's really easy to apply for this award if your project has already been approved by your institute or ethics review board.
This year we are introducing our new online application for each award.
If you require further information please email acifaawards@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Janice Kirchner
VP Finance & Records
Alberta Colleges & Institutes Faculties Association
218, 11010 142 ST NW
Phone: (780) 423-4440
Fax: (780) 423-4515
http://www.acifa.ca
Dec 2018 - News Letter
December 2018
Lethbridge College Faculty Association Newsletter
*Faculty Forum on International Students
*Collective agreement article explained
*100 Days survey results
*Ron MacDonald Fundraiser
*Negotiations
*Labor Board Complaint
*Finance
*General meeting
In response to faculty concerns International Services has agreed to hold a Faculty Forum on International Students. The forum will take place in the Fredrick’s Theater, Tuesday the 18th of December between 9 and 10:30 am. The reactions we are hearing in the Faculty Association offices indicate many faculty in their frustration are not aware of the supports being developed by International Services, and International Services needs to hear directly from faculty about their concerns. Please make a point of attending and speak up on the issues.
There was recently a notice from scheduling that in the New Year they will be scheduling blocked classes at the same time in the same classroom where possible. This is an improvement faculty have been seeking for some time. However providing enough space in appropriate classrooms means they will have to schedule classes from 8 am to 6 pm.
Scheduling is preparing for the creation of the 2019-20 academic timetable and there will be an important change to note that will impact some faculty. We will be scheduling between 8 AM - 6 PM and using fixed patterns for the next schedule cycle. This means that courses that are scheduled twice a week in 1.5, 2, or 2.5-hour deliveries will be scheduled at the same time and in the same room. The fixed patterns will be used for programs that do not have compressed schedules to accommodate practicums, specific space requirements, or courses that are scheduled for more than 5 hours per week. There will be no institutional block off on Fridays from 2-4 PM which will allow us schedule Friday’s more effectively. We will consult with service areas and plan that an appropriate level of services are available to students to cover the 8-6 scheduling.
Your Faculty Executive felt it was important to point out that according to the current collective agreement article 13.9, unless voluntarily agreed by the Faculty Member, no Faculty shall be assigned a teaching schedule spanning more than nine (9) hours in a day. This means you need to work with your associate dean to ensure you’re scheduled appropriately. It does not mean it can’t happen but you should be consulted and you need to approve the circumstances as they apply to you.
The 100 day survey on the distributed leadership model has been concluded. Our effort to test a new survey tool have not been very successful. The tool has been very restrictive and the reports generated are very general. As faculty have pointed out there are some inconsistencies in the way our questions where presented.
The results of the survey are not dramatically conclusive. The empirical evidence does seem to support the general feeling that centers where people have moved up from inside have had an easier transition than those areas where the management team is new to the college. Specifically numbers were highest in the center for Business Trades and Apprenticeship and the Center for Justice and Human Services. The Executive Leadership Team are currently working on those areas.
Some comments were personal and very critical of individuals, which was not our intent in developing the survey. The survey was intended to provide insight into the faculty perception of the distributed leadership model. There is a great deal of value in the majority of the comments and we will follow up with ELT on those issues. Thank You for your participation in the survey.
The Ron MacDonald Emergency fund has received a welcome injection thanks to Leslie McCoy and all who contributed time, energy and books to the book sale. Thanks to everyone who participated. Watch for news of a Taco in a bag coming up in the New Year.
Negotiations have been long and a great deal of work. As usual we hesitate to share incomplete details but suffice it to say the negotiations committee have been putting in lots of time and effort to defend the most appreciated components of the collective agreement. The college is also working hard to meet board and government mandates. Other colleges in the province who have settled have seen settlements of 0% and a second year at 0% with a potential wage reopener. It is a tough climate for all of us at the negotiating table.
The labor board complaint is moving to a resolution conference February 19th unless a settlement on the issue is achieved at the negotiating table. Talks are progressing to find a suitable resolution.
Cheryl continues to be the bearer of good news on the financial front. The first installment on our defense fund has been invested! Cheryl continues to encourage fiscal responsibility and the association financial position is improving. Cheryl will have more to report at the general meeting in January.
While you are busy marking and preparing for the upcoming classes as well as Christmas, please keep these guidelines in mind.
How long do I need to be absent from my usual work place before I send formal notice through My Horizons?
Greater than ½ day (>4 hours).
As a courtesy to your students and your colleagues, email your Administrative Support team member with CC to your supervisor prior to your absence if possible, including contact information in case of emergency.
What if I’m occasionally off campus for less than ½ day (<4 hours)?
You need not necessarily submit an online leave request but you must communicate with your supervisor and Administrative Support team member, making sure they have your contact information in case of emergency or in the event you are needed for participation in department activities (meetings, student issues/inquiries, tours, etc).
What about occasionally working from home?
We understand the need sometimes for working off campus (ie. marking, research, or other college-related work). Your supervisor needs to know about it and how to reach you. Time worked from home is still considered working hours and, as such, you need to be available by email and/or phone to handle inquiries, questions, etc.
Please add our next General Meeting to your calendars. January 28th at 4:15 in the IB Theater.
As the fall semester winds to a close your executive council would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Kevin Wiber
Lethbridge College Faculty Association President
Instructor Automotive Service Technician / Heavy Equipment Technician
Ph. 403-320-3202 ext. 3264
3000 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Leadership and transformation
Ron MacDonald Emergency Fund Book Sale - Thank You
Thank you for Supporting the Ron MacDonald Emergency Fund Book Sale
The team of faculty and staff from the Centre for Health and Wellness is grateful for the generous support of the college community for donating books to last Thursday’s book sale and for shopping the sale as well.
The event raised $634 for the Ron MacDonald Emergency Fund, and provided a great opportunity for us to gather as colleagues and friends.
Thank you for your support of this important fund for our students
Faculty Forum on International Students
Faculty Forum on International Students
In response to concerns arising around the enormous increase in international student enrollment, International Services will facilitate a
Faculty Forum on International Students
Tuesday December 18th
from 9 to 10:30 am
Fredrick’s Theater
Please attend, especially if you have international students in your class. Be prepared to discuss any pertinent issues and suggest solutions.
Kevin Wiber
Lethbridge College Faculty Association President
Instructor Automotive Service Technician / Heavy Equipment Technician
Ph. 403-320-3202 ext. 3264
3000 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Leadership and transformation
Nov 2018 - By-Election Results
Novemeber 2018 By-Election Results.
On Behalf of Donna Kalau
Hello everyone.
Thank you to those who came forward to let their name stand for Constituency #6 rep, Academic Council Alternate and Student Appeal Alternate. Elected or affirmed into those positions are:
Wendy Weninger: Academic Council Alternate
Lorraine Leishman: Constituency #6 Representative
Cindy Wilmore: Student Appeal Alternate
The vacancy on the Bylaw Committee starting January and running until April will remain vacant as no names were put forward. That vacancy also comes up for re-election at the next AGM. Thank you to those who came out to vote in this by-election.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me as your elections officer for this by-election.
Donna Kalau, CCYC, BSW, M.Ed
Instructor
Child and Youth Care Program
Ph. 403-320-3202 ext 5546 Fax 1-888-981-3924
3000 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Mo Chili Day
It's Mo Chili Day
There are faculty members working hard on our behalf, Thank you to all involved!
Mo Chili Day
Just a reminder that today is Mo Chili Day. There will be 20 pots of chili for your selective tastes to raise funds for Movember and awareness of men’s health issues. $5 gets a bowl (vegetarian, turkey, ground beef, steak, ground venison are all choices, and you can get it from mild to wild (1 alarm heat to 5 alarm heat). Please join The Hairy Cousin Gang Movember team in Centre Core from 11:30 – 2 or until we sell out.
If you can’t make it but would like to support our cause, please give to the team at: https://moteam.co/the-hairy-cousins-gang?mc=1– no donation is too small. You can give equally to all fourteen team members, or you can select one team member to get it all (https://mobro.co/13901732).
Used Book Sale
There will be a used book sale in the Cave on December 6th at the pub night. Funds raised will support the Ron MacDonald Emergency fund. They are still looking for more gently used books, you can donate in the library or the Faculty office.
Look for a Taco in bag coming up soon to support the Ron MacDonald fund as well.
Please remember to stop by the faculty office to vote in the By-election. Voting hours are 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Voting will close Friday Nov 30th, 2018 at 4:00 pm.
Nov 2018 - News Letter
A message from your LCFA President.
Faculty Newsletter November 2018
Your faculty association has been working quietly behind the scenes. Here are some highlights.
Faculty executive have been meeting with members of the Executive Leadership team. We have discussed many topics including improving the phone access from outside the college.
We have talked at length about the impact of the dramatic increase in foreign students. ELT recognizes the challenges for students, faculty and staff of the college. They are working hard to provide the infrastructure and support required for student success.
There has been some discussion around Canvas. Some faculty have asked that Canvas be closed in order to restrict student access until faculty have prepared the course materials. Others feel quite restricted waiting for the shell to open. It appears the solution is to open the shells earlier and ask faculty to close their own until they are ready. We would appreciate any feedback you may have on this.
There has been a lot of work on scheduling in an effort to provide fixed days for classes that suit that model. We will keep you updated as that process unfolds.
There has been a great deal of discussion around the new Code of conductpolicy. We distributed a joint statement in an attempt to answer questions that have arisen. A FAQ statement will also be distributed. The faculty office continues to work with members of the executive leadership team to understand this policy, representatives of ELT are prepared to answer questions at the general meeting in January if required.
The distributed leadership model is close to half a year old now. The faculty association will be sending out a very short survey to ask your impression of the results so far.
The ACIFA survey has been circulated. So far about 65% of faculty have responded, while that is better than most other institutions we can do better. Please take a moment to fill out the survey.
I attended ACIFA president’s council October 22nd in Calgary. There was a great deal of discussion around the negotiating process across the province. Many institutions are dealing with administrations who are handcuffed by government policy and political uncertainty. Settlements across the province generally offer 0% increases, many are taking three year contracts with wage reopeners built in. LCFA is participating in the development of the ACIFA defense fund which will provide some financial support to our members in the event a job action develops in the future. The president of Norquest College, Leslie Sayer, has produced a very good video which provides some historical context and related information. Visit their web site NCFA.ca and watch the video Building a Capacity for Bargaining.
There was some discussion around the Local Authorities Pension Plan. Most important the plan is strong financially. Now they are discussing a change to joint governance. This would limit involvement by the minister and make employers and employees the stewards of the plan.
Johnson Insurance did a presentation, they offer an insurance alternative to ACIFA members.
The ACIFA conference is scheduled for April 28th to 30th 2019 in Lake Louis. For more information see the ACIFA web site, ACIFAweb.com.
You will have a notice from Mike Mayo and Donna Kalau about a by-election. We have openings for a representative for Constituency 6 on the executive council, A member of the Student appeal committee, an alternate for academic council and a member of the by-law committee. We have some good candidates who have allowed their name to stand but we are always looking to get members involved. If you are interested in one of the elected positions or you have someone in mind please get nominations to Mike in the office by Tuesday November 27th. The election will take place November 28th, 29th and 30th by paper ballot in the faculty office.
We also have an opening for a faculty member to serve on the Convocation advisory committee. If this sounds interesting please contact Mike or myself.
The board of governors meet November 27th in the exhibition board offices. The open portion of the meeting starts at 4:30 in the Saddle Room for anyone who might wish to attend.
Cheryl has provided the following financial update;
The Lifeboats Have Landed
Further to my report at the last general meeting, where I compared our financial situation to a sinking ship, I am happy to report the lifeboats have found their way to solid ground. I am grateful that you supported the re-establishment of steadfast LCFA finances and by working together we have accomplished some pretty significant things. First, the amount you committed to founding the internal defense fund has been fully allocated and locked into an 2.75% interest bearing GIC for 18 months. This fund is protected with a new LCFA policy on internally restricted funds and their acceptable use. Second, the ACIFA defense fund has been accepted by all member colleges and went into effect this year. With collective contributions we will be fully funded to support job action in a way that would otherwise not be possible in such a short timeframe. Third, our financial house is in order and enjoying a strong phase of rebuilding.
Everyone on executive council has been mindful of our finances and the combination of less spending and more saving has landed us in a good place. I look forward to giving you a full financial report at our next general meeting January 28, 2019.
Thank You to Cheryl for her diligence and devotion to getting our financial house together.
Negotiations are ongoing. The faculty association has directed our ACIFA representative to initiate a complaint with the labor board concerning the reduction in casual contracts. If you have been personally affected we would be interested in your story for the labor board package. We will provide more information once the formal portion is resolved. We have 2 days scheduled November 21st and 22nd and a further 2 scheduled for December 5th and 6th. Kerry will update you where he can.
Dic Charge is once again trying to grow a moustache in support of men’s health. He and his team will be offering a bowl of chili and corn muffin with cheese and sour cream for $5, Wednesday November 28th from 11:30 to 2.
I don’t know the quantities or varieties just yet, but Mo Chili Day will be Wednesday, November 28, from 11:30-2:00 (or until the last bowl sells). $5 for a bowl of chili and a corn muffin, with cheese and sour cream. All proceeds to Movember – Do you know a man? Are you one? Encourage them to better health through exercise, good nutrition, and regular medical visits to their/your doctor. AND – when mental health issues crop up, be a man and get the help you need.
Leslie McCoy will be heading up a book sale December 7th in support of the Ronald MacDonald Emergency fund. For those who may not be aware, Ron MacDonald was a respected Faculty member who passed away too young, Linda Sprinkle offers the following description of the fund;
It evolved in 2003, when the Faculty Association voted in favour or renaming the “LCC Faculty Association Emergency Grant Fund” to the Ron MacDonald Emergency Fund.
The intention was to recognized financial need – a departure from the purely academic based scholarships they had been limited to previously. (Though there is the expectation that students who receive the fund are likely to graduate so if there are no grades in Colleague I look up instructors and ask via email what their opinion of the student’s likely success it. The response rate has been great.
At that time (2003) it was also determined that the Financial Aid lead be the person to administer and track – I send a report with numbers and basic demographics to the FA office each year – as that person would also be able to advise around loans and awards and general financial management. I require a budget and meet with each person who is identified by my staff as needing more than an emergency loan, or who would be in an even worse position if they were granted an emergency loan by the College. It can be pretty intense though I am friendly enough.
While I don’t give a lot of these away I do hit it every year (I also have access to an endowed fund for nursing students so I always take from that one if dealing with NESA or PNG students). Usually the amounts are not very high and the average number of hits is around 4-7 though this past year I only accessed it twice.
I have directed students at risk to Linda personally and have been very pleased with the assistance they received. If you have gently used books you could donate please drop them off in the library, and be sure to support the book sale.
Dic and his crew will also be raising funds for the Ronald MacDonald emergency fund through a taco in a bag sale. Dic hopes to have things ready for the end of classes, watch for more information.
The new LCFA website is updated regularly, the latest Board of Governors report from the association is included there.
Code of Conduct Information
On Behalf of Kevin Wiber, President of the LCFA.
There have been many questions around the “Code of Conduct” policy. Faculty executives met with members of the executive leadership team to ask those questions.
The policy has been mandated by the Alberta office of the Ethics Commissioner. Lethbridge College took the initiative to comply with the new Conflict of interest act as quickly as possible. The timelines for compliance were also mandated by the Office of the Ethics Commissioner. Once the policy was approved the College had 60 days to implement it, which is the reason for the strict timelines.
The College will be performing the primary assessments, which will allow the College to respond to situations that may fall outside the guidelines.
Disclosure is not conflict. Having a second job is not outside the guidelines, using college resources to do that job, or for personal benefit, is.
Faculty have questioned the information being gathered, the information being requested is necessary to confidently declare compliance. When a situation or behavior falls outside the guidelines the College will meet with the individual, discuss the issue, determine the correct actions to take and develop a plan to correct the issue. The faculty association may provide a representative at those discussions. The college policy is in place to protect the individual and the college in light of the new Provincial Ethics policy.
Please take the time to read through the information provided by Coreen Roth related to these issues. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the Faculty Association office or Human Resources.
Please click the link below for Administrations statement regarding the Code of Conduct Policy.
Nov 2018 By-Election Notice
Faculty Association Nov 2018
By-Elections
On behalf of Donna Kalau.
Hello Everyone.
We will be having a by-election in order to fill some vacancies that were left open after our last AGM elections and because of current staffing changes at LC.
The vacancies include:
Constituency #6 representative: Remainder of a 2-year term ending April 2020.
Nominations currently put forward: Lorraine Leishman
Academic Alternate: Remainder of a 1-year term ending April 2019.
Nominations currently put forward: Wendy Weninger
Bylaw Committee: Remainder of a two-year term starting January 2019 and ending April 2019
Student Appeal Alternate: Remainder of a two year term ending April 2019
There were people who identified interest in the vacancies since the last elections and I have confirmed with them that they are still interested in letting their name stand and that accounts for the two names currently put forward.
We will take nominations for the vacancies until Tuesday November 27 at noon.
Please send nominations to Mike Mayo and cc Donna Kalau. Any person nominated must accept that nomination in writing and Mike will contact nominees for that confirmation.
The by-election voting will commence next week and run November 28, 29 and 30th. Voting will be done by paper ballot at the LCFA office during office hours.
Voting will close November 30 at 4:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks
Donna Kalau, CCYC, BSW, M.Ed
Instructor
Child and Youth Care Program
Ph. 403-320-3202 ext 5546 Fax 1-888-981-3924
3000 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6
Board Report - Nov 2018
Nov 14th, 2018
Faculty report to the board of governors – November 27th 2018
Faculty are concerned about the implementation and implications of new policies.
The Code of conduct policy has generated a great deal of conversation and unrest around the interpretation of “perceived conflict of interest, or personal benefit”. Many faculty are concerned that the policy intrudes too far into their personal life, asking them to reveal aspects of their personal business or risk very severe sanctions. Another difficult aspect of the policy is the responsibility to disclose the perceived actions of others and the potential damage to workplace relationships. Many faculty are concerned that the policy could lead to disciplinary actions without representation.
There is unease among faculty concerning the rapid rise in foreign student enrollment. The College administration seems to be aware of many concerns and is working to provide support for both students and faculty.
The shared management system continues to have growing pains in the eyes of faculty. As the implementation develops, faculty are still asking who is responsible for what. The problem seems to be most severe where people new to the college have moved into leadership roles and the roles are less well defined.
Faculty continue to be restless concerning the on-going negotiations process. The negotiating team felt the reduction in pay for casual employees was an item that should be brought to the bargaining table, when we were unable to agree on that point we felt compelled to seek a ruling from the labor board.
Communication between the College administration and Faculty is strong. Our direct contacts are approachable and our discussions are frank and productive. We have confidence that together we can work to solve issues as they arise to the benefit of the broad college community.
Sincerely,
Kevin Wiber
ACIFA Instructor Awards
Instructor Awards
The LCFA would like to invite faculty to participate in nominating their peers for the following ACIFA awards.
Distinguished Instructor Award Application
Innovation in Teaching Award Application
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award Application
The awards will be handed out at the ACIFA Annual Spring Conference on April 28-30, 2019 hosted by Red Deer College. It will be held at Chateau Lake Louise. Please click here for details.