Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 10-22-20

Meeting:           Union-Management Meeting
Date:                October 22, 2020 at 1:00p, via teleconference
In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Alicia Bower, Michael Johnson, Nichelle Mungo, Stephanie Reich, Vanessa Morris
ADMINISTRATION: Larry Simpson, Andy Vores, Betsy Newman, Darla Hanley, Eileen Alviti, Jay Kennedy, Matthew Nicholl, Maureen Hickey, Michael Shinn, Scott Edmiston, Theresa Atkinson, Tommy Neblett

Call to order 1:05p.

1. Berklee President announcement

SIMPSON reported Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Erica Muhl as new President of Berklee, summarized credentials. She is expected to begin in July 2021.

2. Back-to-campus discussion (continued from October 1, 2020)

SIMPSON summarized back-to-campus plans, including on-campus experiential and ensemble activities.

SILVIO stated concerns of faculty who apply for accommodations, specifically those in departments with significant plans to return to campus; SIMPSON responded no faculty member’s job is in jeopardy and no faculty member will be replaced on the basis of their application for an accommodation; 95 faculty have requested accommodations for Spring 2021; ALVITI emphasized right to request accommodation.

SILVIO asked how many faculty members will be on campus and what happens for those given accommodations for activities slated to occur on campus; SIMPSON responded that private instruction will occur online in many instances.

SILVIO asked about frequency and whether or not testing would occur on campus; SIMPSON said twice per week; ALVITI said 20% of staff will be on campus; KENNEDY said an on-campus testing option will be available, with an average turnaround of 12–14 hours. 

NEWMAN discussed international student matters, including maximizing enrollment.

M. JOHNSON asked about plans for contact tracing; ALVITI said a team will be in place for the purpose of internal contact tracing.

CECERE asked about rumored plan for 200 on-campus student ensembles; SIMPSON confirmed, adding the requisite space is available and most ensembles will comprise 4-6 individuals.

ROLFE asked about increasing on-campus academic courses; SIMPSON said students prefer private instruction and ensembles for on-campus, in-person activity.

SEITZ asked about boarding arrangements for those living in on-campus dorms; NEWMAN said best practices support boarding students in singles and doubles.

SILVIO asked about student compact for on-campus and off-campus activity; NEWMAN said students, faculty, and staff will be expected to sign and follow a compact.

Meeting adjourned 1:57p.