General Meeting Information

Date: January 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Zoom

Zoom Link: https://fhda-edu.zoom.us/j/83983205401?from=addon

  • Agenda

    Time Topic Purpose Discussion Leader
    1:00-1:20 Welcome and constituent feedback I/D All
    1:20-2:00 Breakout groups   I/D All
    2:00-2:15 Break    
    2:15-2:50 Share notes I/D All
    2:50-3:00 Next steps I/D All

    A = Action
    D = Discussion
    I = Information

  • Minutes

    Purpose and Framing
     
    The task force continued its work refining the draft time-block model, with particular attention to laboratory-intensive disciplines, constituent feedback, and student access considerations. The conversation centered on ensuring that the model remains student-forward while addressing operational realities and protecting instructional capacity in high-demand areas.
    Constituent Outreach and Presentation Planning
     
    Members were reminded that they are expected to bring updates back to their constituent groups, including the Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and departments. Faculty representatives were specifically asked to attend and participate when the task force presents in Academic Senate.
     
    An Academic Senate presentation was scheduled for January 26.
     
    An update to Classified Senate has been scheduled for February 11.
    Key Constituent Feedback: PSME / Chemistry
     
    Significant concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of the draft model on Chemistry scheduling. Chemistry currently operates with four lab blocks per day. The draft model appears to allow for only three, which could reduce capacity.
     
    An estimate was shared that moving from four to three lab blocks per day could eliminate approximately eight chemistry sections per quarter. This level of impact would either require substantial course reductions or major facility and staffing solutions.
     
    The current four-lab-per-day structure was confirmed, and a modified four-lab version of the model was developed for review. Concerns were also raised about implications for lab technician hours and staffing patterns.
     
    There was clear agreement that a potential loss of chemistry sections is unacceptable and that the model must be revised accordingly. The structure must remain student-forward.
    Course Modality and Block Structure
     
    Some general concern surfaced about how hybrid course variations would fit within limited time slots. The group clarified that flexibility exists within blocks, but courses should not cross block boundaries.
     
    Questions were also raised about how the college would staff evenings if many instructors prefer mornings or late afternoons. The earliest potential rollout timeline of 2027–2028 was referenced as providing time to plan for staffing alignment and phased implementation.
    Student Feedback
     
    Student government feedback included concerns about limited seat availability and long waitlists in high-demand courses.
     
    Veterans’ access was also raised. VA benefits often require at least one in-person course, and ensuring a sufficient range of in-person offerings supports both compliance and scheduling access.
    Friday and Saturday Expansion
     
    There was strong interest in better utilizing Fridays and potentially Saturdays to increase lab capacity and maximize facility use.
     
    Chemistry currently offers three Friday lecture-plus-lab sections, and they are full. A six-day framework, without requiring all disciplines to use all six days, was discussed as a potential way to recover lab capacity and relieve pressure on the Monday–Thursday schedule.
    Labs and Lecture Structure
     
    Students raised interest in separating labs from lectures to provide more scheduling flexibility. Currently, many science courses combine lecture and lab into a single course with one grade.
     
    The group noted that splitting lecture and lab would require curriculum and articulation changes and falls under faculty purview within the 10+1 framework. The task force will plan around the current combined structure unless faculty determine otherwise.
     
    A “checkerboard” pattern was also suggested, such as offering MW labs and TTh lectures at the same time, to reduce long campus days and better support working students.
    Next Steps
     
    A subgroup will engage Chemistry, Biology, and Math to better understand constraints and options.
     
    A potential direction discussed was to establish lecture blocks first and then design lab options around them to protect capacity.
     
    The group is also awaiting results from Institutional Research on a broader student survey, which will further inform the next iteration of the model.

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