Minutes from Union-Management Meeting 2-25-21

Meeting:           Union-Management meeting
Date:                February 25, 2021 at 1:00p, via Zoom
In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Alicia Bower, Michael Johnson, Nichelle Mungo, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris, Mike Scott
Larry Simpson, Mac Hisey, Andy Vores, Darla Hanley, Jay Kennedy, Matthew Nicholl, Melinda Thomas, Michael Shinn, Ron Savage, Scott Edmiston, Tommy Neblett, 

Call to order 1:02p.

1. Financial update

HISEY summarized College operational response to pandemic

HISEY summarized financial impact of pandemic

Brief discussion followed.

HISEY requested content of presentation remain confidential.

Meeting adjourned 1:59p.

Minutes from Union Executive Meeting 2-11-21

Meeting:           Berklee Faculty Union Executive Committee
Date:                February 11, 2021 at 1:00p, via Zoom
In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Michael Johnson, Nichelle Mungo, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Eleanor Aversa

Call to order 1:08p.

1. Minutes

MOTION:         “To approve minutes of the Union Executive Committee meeting on January 28, 2021 and Union-Management meeting on February 4, 2021.” (ROLFE)
SECOND:         CECERE
VOTE:              unanimous approval, motion carries

2. DUA letter of agreement

SHRYOCK discussed new service offered by AFT MA: no-cost legal assistance for members for hearings with Massachusetts unemployment office (DUA). SHRYOCK distributed Legal Services Policy draft agreement for review.

MOTION:         “To adopt Legal Services Policy as drafted by AFT Massachusetts” (SHRYOCK)
SECOND:         SEITZ
VOTE:              unanimous approval, motion carries

3. Student evaluations

AVERSA discussed concerns with current model for student evaluations and alternative models that encourage greater participation as well as more accurate and representative feedback. Discussion followed on how evaluations are being used by chairs, evaluations as a requirement for grade release, and internal distribution of evaluation summaries.

Meeting adjourned 1:52p.

Minutes From Union-Management Meeting 2-4-21

Meeting:           Union-Management meeting
Date:                February 4, 2021 at 1:00p, via Zoom
In Attendance:  Will Silvio, David Scott, Andrew Shryock, Elizabeth Seitz, Wendy Rolfe, Prince Charles Alexander, Michael Abraham, Dennis Cecere, Marti Epstein, Paul Masters, Denise Pons-Leone, Utar Artun, Alicia Bower, Michael Johnson, Nichelle Mungo, Stephanie Reich, Nicholas Urie, Vanessa Morris
Larry Simpson, Melinda Thomas, Andy Vores, Darla Hanley, Erica Muhl, Jay Kennedy, Matthew Nicholl, Michael Shinn, Robert Lagueux, Ron Savage, Scott Edmiston, Sharon Kramer, Tommy Neblett

Call to order 1:02p.

1. Introduction 

Executive Committee introductions and remarks by Erica Muhl.

2. Start-of-semester feedback

SILVIO summarized positive feedback, in general. Concerns include isolation and quarantine notices for faculty interacting with affected students as well as access and signage in Conservatory facilities. VORES responded on Conservatory facilities; issues have now been resolved. SEITZ asked about procedures for notifying faculty of students and cohorts placed in quarantine; SIMPSON responded, saying notification process is being clarified.

 Discussion of online teaching experiences followed.

3. Snow-day policy

SILVIO summarized confusion and concerns about inclement weather. Discussion followed. 

Meeting adjourned 1:57p.