Springfield Technical Community College

The meeting included a review and discussion of the Student Bereavement Policy, which involved extensive discussion regarding granting students up to five days of non-consecutive leave, implications for faculty adherence, and potential conflicts with the Student Code of Conduct. The MCCC Chapter President agreed to take under advisement the request for a view regarding the collective bargaining agreement. The second major topic involved Food Services on Campus, clarified as an operational feedback item rather than a policy recommendation. Discussions covered historical frustrations with options and costs, and clarifying definitions of 'affordable' or 'healthy' food. The Council also noted a new item regarding Campus Communication/New Employee Hires would be addressed at the next meeting.

The Shared Governance Council (SGC) meeting focused on the review and discussion of several recommendations. Key discussions included the Withdrawal Policy (FY23-04), which centered on transferring ownership of the withdrawal process to students, necessitating agreement on training and communication protocols, and ensuring alignment with contractual obligations concerning academic freedom. The SGC also addressed the Smoke/Tobacco-Free Campus Policy (FY24-01), agreeing to specify 'Smoke' in the title and acknowledging that enforcement language must align with impacted bargaining agreements. Furthermore, a potential policy regarding Spanish/Language Resources Translation was discussed; it was determined that the proposal required further development, consultation with key staff, and proper routing through the Academic Affairs (AUC) and DEI committees before reaching the SGC. Informational updates were provided on the Tenure process, with recommendations set to be forwarded to the Trustees.

The meeting primarily focused on the review and discussion of the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) proposal (FY24-02). Key discussion points included the existing policy framework for awarding credit (e.g., AP, CLEP, challenge exams, valor act), potential impacts on financial aid eligibility, adherence to NECHE Standard 4 regarding credit limitations, and the specifics of faculty evaluation versus administrative approval for CPL portfolios. There was debate over whether the process should specify evaluation by faculty in each area or if the CAO should sign off on curriculum components. Due to the need for further clarification on system processes, implementation details, and NECHE standards compliance (specifically the 50% credit limitation), the council agreed to table the proposal. Other administrative matters included noting that the minutes from the February 2024 SGC Meeting required no edits. Next steps involve taking the CPL proposal back to Academic Standing planning, with a potential reintroduction in September, and addressing upcoming NECHE reports related to Governance and Facilities/Infrastructure due August 15, 2024.

The meeting covered several significant discussion points. Review of previous minutes from May 2024 resulted in requests for greater detail in the discussion/comments section of agenda items. Key outstanding items included the Commencement Regalia proposal, which was clarified as operational rather than policy-based, and the Credit for Prior Learning Recommendation, where faculty and deans were designated for defining criteria and assessment, with final approval by the Division Dean. The council also reviewed a draft flowchart illustrating the shared governance crosswalk for policy, program, and curricular development, referencing NECHE standards and historical examples. Specific feedback was provided on the draft flowcharts, particularly concerning the representation of prior work, dissenting opinions, and the roles of various constituencies in policy development. A separate, broad conversation revisited the Revised Withdrawal Policy, noting remaining faculty discontent regarding the omission of an administrative withdrawal at mid-term option.

Key discussion topics included the Title II Outlook and Application at STCC, focusing on the upcoming ADA/Title II Web Accessibility compliance requirement by April 24, 2026, which mandates WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for all web content and mobile apps. The President's Report covered the strong Spring Semester enrollment data, showing increases compared to historic data and the prior year, along with details on course modality distribution. The report also addressed personnel updates, including the formal appointment of an Assistant Vice President of Advancement, and outlined current student advising caseloads distributed among professional staff and faculty. New business primarily focused on the Presidential Search update, noting that 18 listening sessions were conducted to develop the Presidential Profile, which is pending authorization from the Commissioner of Higher Education before the full Board endorses it on February 5.