President’s Update

By Mary Gross, FA President

Like you all, I wonder where the fall semester as gone as we enter this final week. When you are busy, time definitely flies!

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Your FA has continued its work in earnest, and this newsletter highlights the events and issues at the heart of that work. In November, we had a successful Education Luncheon Event attended by over 50 of your colleagues on a Friday afternoon. We collaborated with the Academic Senate Leadership to provide information and solicit feedback on three major issues that engage both working conditions as well as academic and professional matters: the new Professional Development/FLEX regulations; the new Condensed Calendar and creation of a Winter Intersession; and negotiations over Academic Freedom and Intellectual Property. Be sure to read the three articles in this newsletter which provide an overview of what was discussed at the event as well as some highlights of the live feedback we received during the event from participants.

The day-to-day work of the FA charges on. Negotiations continue with the District on Academic Freedom and Intellectual Property articles. We also filed a formal claim with the District over how some substitute assignments were incorrectly paid. We are working on the details to ensure compliance moving forward as well as a lookback of one-year to payback any underpayments. I will send more information on this in the spring. The FA also sponsored CARE’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week as well as the Brotherhood BBQ event. A team attended the CCCI Conference in San Diego (read dara’s article for details) and of course our constant work of providing support for faculty continues. We have approved several MOUs and Side letters which can be reviewed on the FA website, and the new TFM and Tenure Candidate evaluation process launched successfully. I am proud to lead such an engaged and active Faculty Assembly!

I also want to acknowledge our amazing Exec colleague Annie Ngo who has served as our Contract Specialist and TREC liaison the past three and a half years. She has been a key partner in the work of Exec and the Negotiating team and was instrumental in securing the many wins in the recent contract negotiations. Annie brings a calm demeanor during stressful times, is quick to offer solutions to difficult problems, and never hesitates to work her “Excel” magic to various queries. As President, I have leaned on her intellect, insight, problem solving skills, and contract acumen. She has truly been an outstanding Exec member and overall faculty leader. Annie will be taking a well-deserved sabbatical in the spring, and I will miss her humor, good will, and expertise. Be sure to thank Annie for all she has done during her tenure on the FA Exec.

Because Annie’s sabbatical will create a vacancy next semester, the FA Exec, with consent of the full FA Council, gets to appoint her replacement. We had three very capable members of FA Council step up with interest in the position. Exec was unanimous in supporting Michelle Farnam, a 19-year faculty member who has served two terms on FA Council. Michelle has worked with students with disabilities for 26 years and serves in the SAS department. She has previous experience on Academic Senate, and currently serves on the Student Conduct/Policy Advisory, SAS Advisory, and is a Wellness Ambassador. She volunteers with Canine Companions, and you may see Michelle around campus with MCC’s own Canine Companion- Misty. Michelle is excited to serve on Exec to gain more leadership experience on FA and support the work that matters greatly to faculty and positively impacts us all. Welcome, Michelle!

I wish for you all a wonderful winter break filled with lots of happiness and some well-needed rest and relaxation. I look forward to reconnecting in 2026!

Mary