To re-elect or to not re-elect? Term limits addressed during Senate meeting

of the entire faculty.

Distance Education Coordinator Wendy Bass asked for clarification on the rationale for adding such an amendment to the Bylaws.

“I’m curious, because it looks like we want more equitable participation of faculty in shared governance, so why would we wait until after two terms. Why wouldn’t we have the position advertised after one term?” Bass asked.

Professional Ethics Committee chair Cara Gillis expanded upon the question posed by Bass.

“Is this just about term limits, or is it about the option to go on another committee?” Gillis asked. “For the sake of effective and equitable access, it seems like we should ask members to be judicious and use discretion when they’re opting to run for committees particularly if they are already on multiple committees.”

With the rationale of ensuring equitable participation of faculty in shared governance affecting all faculty members, multiple voices echoed their support of this revision.

PETER POLYGALOV Reporter

The question of whether or not the Pierce College Academic Senate would place a term limit to committee service was discussed on April 11 during a meeting.

A revision to Article V. Section 3.a would add a two-term limit to committee service.

Second Vice President and Curriculum Chair Margarita

Pillado opened the discussion by providing context on the current status quo and what a revision to this rule would mean.

“Shall there be term limits, or should things continue the way they are?” Pillado said. “We currently do not have term limits, so I invite discussion on this item. It seems that people are on the fence, but please correct me if I’m misreading the Senate.”

The fact that this item concerned the entire faculty might have contributed to the several responses that followed the call for input.

Pillado highlighted the importance of having the entire faculty offer input because she said the committees are representative