Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 11-7-19

Meeting:           Berklee Faculty Union and Berklee College Management

Date:                November 7, 2019 at 1:00p

In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Peg Codding, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Utar Artun, Peter Cokkinias, Michael Johnson, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris, Michael Shinn, Scott Trach, Andy Vores, Jay Kennedy, Darla Hanley, Matthew Nicholl, Lori Johnson, Mac Hisey, David Ransom, Patrick Foley

Call to order 1:05p.

1. Update on Disability & Accessibility Strategy

Scott TRACH, Associate Dean of Student Advising and Success, summarized recent activity in Office of Disability Services:

a) full-time testing center and new student access coordinator (Shannon Glynn)

b) donor-funded academic coaching position (Tasha Chemel)

c) post-graduate fellows (2) and graduate student intern

d) disability accommodation process articulated

e) ongoing meetings with individual departments

TRACH further summarized near-term strategy and planning:

a) community forums to comment on draft of department vision and strategy

b) potential change of department name, to reflect full scope of activity and industry convention

Discussion followed on testing center capacity and usage, opportunities for faculty education and training related to student support and accommodation, preferred method to contact Office of Disability Services (disabilityservices@berklee.edu).

2. Update on recent assaults on campus

David RANSOM, Senior Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, summarized department responses to recent assaults on campus:

a) increased neighborhood presence and patrol 

b) increased presence of “high profile” detail (2 officers) on Mass. Ave., generally 10a-2p and 6p-10p, Mon–Thu

c) coordination and discussion of best practices with local programs (e.g., Pine Street) and institutions

d) employ procedures to place individuals of concern (i.e., those who endanger themselves or others) in treatment programs

Discussion followed on security escort services, potential risks associated with soup kitchen at Saint Cecilia Parish, training sessions (e.g., Active Shooter training), efforts to safeguard building access on campus, protocol for confronting individuals unauthorized to be on campus, and number of security personnel, including sworn officers, patrol officers, and contract security.

Meeting adjourned 1:55p.