The Cerritos College Faculty Senate held a meeting at the Cheryl A. Epple Board Room on Tuesday, Sept. 9, to discuss upcoming events and faculty issues.
Senate President Michelle Lewellen started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly talked about upcoming events, including the Transfer Awareness Mega Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Veterans Day Affair in November.
Erin Cole of the English department and Counselor Liz Page were appointed to the Web Standards Committee.
Lewellen and Vice President of Faculty Senate Timothy Juntilla were then appointed to the Presidential Search Committee after Athletics Director Dan Clauss expressed his concern for a diverse committee.
“A diverse committee is important for us. I just want to see that everyone has a say,” Clauss said.
Dean of Student Services Gilbert Contreras then led a discussion informing the senate that in order to help students feel more welcome, Judicial Affairs is now named the Office of Student Conduct and Grievances. “The OSCG strives to ensure safe learning environments so all students achieve success and ensures that students receive due process in student discipline cases,” Contreras said.
He also explained what to do in case of any potential disciplinary matters involving students.
Contreras informed Faculty Senate members to notify him immediately of the situation by submitting a Student Conduct Incident Report to [email protected], or, in case of any potential health crisis, send a Crisis Intervention Form to [email protected].
“If you see something, say something. We respond promptly to give the student the services they need,” he said.
However, he advised them to use their best judgment when taking disciplinary actions. “There is a need for classroom management. We’re not going to call campus police or judicial affairs every time.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. JoAnna Schilling added, “If it’s something quick, go to your dean; but if it’s serious, go to Judicial Affairs.”
Contreras continued to say, “The No.1 priority for me is a safe learning environment, but at the same time, the students have rights.”
The next Faculty Senate meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. in the board room.