Kenneth G. Cooper

The meeting covered various operational and strategic topics, including the implementation of an accessibility checklist for faculty, approval of several hiring committees and curriculum items, and the decision to table a resolution regarding an ethical investment policy. Discussions included the upcoming Academic Senate executive elections, the College Council charge, and logistical planning for Classified Appreciation Day. The Senate also reviewed an AI integration rubric for faculty, updates on enrollment and FTEF planning in light of college budget committee insights, Perkins grant timelines, and significant revisions to board and administrative policies regarding program curriculum development, teleconferenced meetings, and student probation and dismissal standards.

The March Town Meeting agenda included several key segments. Dr. Dyrell Foster provided welcome remarks and announcements. Updates were provided by the LPCSG President and Guided Pathways Coordinators, who presented on supporting student parents, including legislative updates (AB 2458, SB 271) and preliminary data indicating that approximately 9% of LPC students in Fall 2025 are parents. Other topics included a Wellness Stretch Break, an Information Technology Systems presentation by the Chancellor regarding enrollment fraud mitigation, helpdesk software replacement planning, application services status (CRM Advise and Recruit, MyPortal), and the future implications of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. Finally, Chancellor Ron Gerhard delivered a Budget Update covering the state fiscal environment, funding via the Student-Centered Funding Formula (SCFF), enrollment momentum, and the fiscal position of Las Positas College.

The meeting addressed several key areas, beginning with a presentation by the Executive Director of the LPC Foundation regarding endowment funds, including requirements for establishment and considerations for emerging endowments. Discussions included proposals for scholarship allocation and setting aside funds for a future endowment based on fundraiser results. The senate reviewed the LPC Mission Statement and Planning Priorities, specifically focusing on equity, student success, and wellness. Old Business included discussing food options for Classified Appreciation Day and the status of the Resolution on Retiree Healthcare Investments. Reports covered the AI Honesty committee's work on visual rubrics for AI allowance and the potential impact of Einstein AI on students. The Curriculum report detailed updates to CurrIQunet, the indefinite hold on CCN Phase III, and upcoming changes to attendance counting methods affecting funding starting in the 2027/2028 academic year. The Distance Education committee reported on investigating tools to safeguard against autonomous AI during testing and the rebranding of Follett Discover. Division reports noted inaccessibility issues with MyPortal and concerns regarding unfilled Assessment Specialist positions.

Key discussions included the approval of the Academic Honesty Statement and the Academic Integrity Statement, with clarification regarding references to permanent disciplinary records and potential coverage of AI-related activities. Consent items approved included the formation of hiring committees for Chemistry, Computer Science, and Counselor/Learning Disabilities Specialist roles, along with curriculum approvals. New business covered plans for Classified Appreciation Day, an update on the Common Course Numbering Update (Phase III pause), and proposed changes to Administrative Procedures (APs) and Board Policies (BPs). Old business focused on the AI Listening Group, including plans for a student panel and future faculty training, and a resolution draft concerning Retiree Healthcare Investments, with a request for increased transparency. The meeting also addressed the Proposed Contract, highlighting tentative agreement highlights such as counseling/librarian schedule options, AI integration, salary increases (some retroactive based on SERP uptake), and grade submission turnaround times necessitated by the winter intersession. Discussions also touched upon course capacities and seniority for part-time faculty. Reports included updates from the Faculty Association on contract ratification timelines and from CTE on the local needs assessment and apprenticeship processes. The Treasurer provided an update on establishing an endowment.

Key discussions included the creation of a college-wide definition for AI plagiarism/cheating, with plans for departments to create more specific policies. Concerns regarding AI centered on cognitive impact, plagiarism, faculty tool identification, copyright, privacy, and workload negotiations for content checking. The Senate discussed results from a Student Retaliation and Academic Freedom Survey. A new attendance accounting method, which standardizes apportionment regardless of course length, was reviewed. Progress on the Accreditation midterm report, due in October, was noted, with a focus on compliance with federal and state regulations regarding online class accessibility. Discussions also touched upon retiree healthcare investments, upcoming curriculum changes including new degrees, and the expansion of the Honors program with a new certificate of achievement starting in Fall 2026. Enrollment figures showed a 3% increase from the previous year.