MNHS DIVISION MEETING

MINUTES
 

                                                                                                                        April 3, 2002

 

The weekly meeting of the Palomar College Mathematics and the Natural and Health Sciences (MNHS) Division chairs and director was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2002, at 8:00 a.m. in AA-109.

 

1.                  Order of business

 

Mike Rourke, Division Dean, called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. 

 

Members Present:  Mike Rourke, Jim Gilardi, Ed Groschwitz, Takashi Nakajima, Al Trujillo, Wendy Metzger

 

             Members Absent:  Kathy Clyne, Jean Landmesser

 

             Guests:  Ken Jay, Chris Wick

 

Recorder:  Barbara Quas

 

2.          Minutes of last meeting

 

Minutes from March 13 were not available.  Item postponed until next meeting.

 

3.          Field course procedures

 

Mike Rourke distributed copies of field course procedures for the MNHS Division.  He then introduced Ken Kay, Director of Business Services and risk management officer for the college.  Ken Jay discussed ways for the college and faculty to reduce liability risks on field courses.  Palomar College has a $25 million limit on its insurance.  The insurance company can decide whether or not to provide coverage on a particular incident.  Instructors are protected against liability if they are operating inside the normal course and scope of their job.

 

If a faculty member wants to enter into an agreement with a business to provide services the business must provide proof of insurance.  All agreements must be reviewed by either Ken Jay or Ben Echeverria.  Ken Jay, Ben Echeverria, Jerry Patton, and Sherrill Amador are the only people who are authorized to sign agreements on behalf of Palomar College.  Faculty members cannot sign agreements on behalf of the college.

 

Ken Jay stressed the importance of minimizing the college’s risks while safeguarding students and instructors.  Activities like canoeing and snorkeling can be required on field courses but it is best if students contract services directly with a business (without involving the college).

 

The field course waiver form was also discussed.  Ken Jay requested that instructors include on the waiver a list of hazards that students might encounter during a particular field course.  Mike Rourke stated that the signed waivers will now be kept in the division office.

 

4.          Logo

 

             Mike Rourke displayed the new logo for Palomar College which will begin to show up on materials.

 

5.                   Facilities requests

 

Item postponed until next meeting.

 

6.                   Items of concern

 

Item postponed until next meeting.

 

7.                   Other

 

Item postponed until next meeting.

 

8.                   Adjournment

 

             Mike Rourke adjourned the meeting at 8:50 a.m.

 

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