[ITT-staff] CE Celebration and Graduation

[McCracken, Bill]

ITT department colleagues,

Regarding the previous email discussion of us having to attend CE Celebration and Graduation, I contacted the union to find out what we are obligated to attend during the pandemic. I agree with those of you that do not think we should be mandatorily put at risk to getting infected at these events. I want to support our students in every way and enjoy sharing their successes together, but not during a pandemic. I am still recovering from my infection earlier this month and do not want to risk infection again where ever possible.

FYI: Faculty that chose to teach online this semester are not required to come on campus.

Here is what our union representative responded to my concerns:

You have the right to decline in-person participation at the CE Celebration for several reasons. The Side Letter between AFA and the District provides that faculty members teaching remotely don't have to come to campus before the end of the term, but I would argue that even if you are teaching in person, you should not be forced to come to campus for other events. Second, although faculty members are required to participate in commencement, attendance at the CE celebration is not in our contract at all, so should be considered voluntary and a form of college service. Third, if your absence is Covid-related and if you were for some reason required to fill out an NOA, you could use the provided Covid-related leaves and you would not have to deduct from your sick leave. However, AFA would challenge the District if they asserted that attendance at this event were required.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions. And I hope you feel better soon.

K. Frindell Teuscher
AFA Chief Negotiator

K. also said to contact her if we needed any further support or information. I would like to hear from you all before I make my final decision on whether to attend these events.

In solidarity,
-Bill

Bill McCracken
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Program Coordinator / Faculty
Industrial & Trade Technology Department
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1501 Mendocino Ave | Santa Rosa, CA | 95401
Tel: 707.527.4488 | email: wmccracken at santarosa.edu<mailto:wmccracken at santarosa.edu>
Office- 2309 Lounibos Center
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