Herbert Cortez

The commission reviewed an overview of the Ralph M. Brown Act and discussed meeting protocols to ensure fair and orderly proceedings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a redistricting orientation, which included a review of 2020 Census data, the legal requirements for redistricting, and the identification of communities of interest. The commission also discussed the upcoming meeting schedule and potential next steps in the redistricting process.

The commission reviewed its charge and facilitated introductions for members and district staff. The agenda included the adoption of a resolution authorizing the use of remote teleconferencing provisions in accordance with Assembly Bill 361. Furthermore, the members discussed the schedule for upcoming meetings.

The Monterey Peninsula College Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap to expand access, advance equity, and strengthen student success through innovation and partnerships. It focuses on five key goals: Equity in Access, Equity in Support, Equity in Success, Innovative Environment, and Campus Community. The plan aims to position the college as a regional leader in higher education, fostering an inclusive culture, and preparing students to achieve their goals and contribute to an increasingly connected and complex society.

Opening business included public comments regarding the SU26 Online Teaching Conference availability and updates on the TRIO SSS program recruitment. A discussion arose regarding the potential purchase of a ceremonial mace, with a suggestion to allocate funds elsewhere, such as acquiring a 3D printer for ceremonies; this topic will be added for future discussion. The President's Report was presented. Updates were provided for several Academic Senate Goals, including Bylaws Update, Committee on Committees, Committee Culture, Voice in Motion, and Prepare to Lead. Actions approved faculty members to serve on the Hiring Committee for the Interim Supervisor, Custodial position, and the Student Services Advisory Group, as well as the Continuing Education Committee. New business featured a first read of a Joint Senate Resolution, with discussion encouraging divisions to review the resolution before the next meeting, and a suggestion for the Board not to hold voting meetings during spring or summer break. Updates were received on Academic Affairs.

The meeting included public comments on the Equity-Minded Campus Initiative (EMCI) teaching tracks, fundraising for Continuing Education scholarships, and a request to introduce a resolution to name the new Welcome Center after Larry Walker. Key actions involved approving the agenda and approving faculty members to serve on several hiring committees, including those for Unit Office Manager, Vice President of Administrative Services, Manager, Facilities Operations, and Instructional Designer. The Senate also approved members for the Event Collaboration Taskforce, the Sign Language Discontinuance Committee, and the Online Education Committee. New business featured a review of the Faculty Sabbatical Handbook and a presentation on the spring 2026 Academic Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG) priorities. Updates were provided on established Academic Senate goals and the upcoming ASCCC Area B meeting.