IT ALL BEGINS WITH A HELLO!

At the request of that untiring supporter of adjuncts at our college, Howie Flomberg, and with the consent of the Administration, I have agreed to take up the administration of this great" potential "vehicle for Adjuncts!

Very few colleges and universities have such a voice so I do hope that you all will be active participants in every fashion.

I hope also to simply be in the background to assist in anyway I can.

As we all know, Adjuncts are often the forgotten people in academia in spite of the massive contribution we all make to higher education.

Perhaps in some way, this is our own fault simply because we do not assist each other, net work with each other, and work to connect us all to our university.

So perhaps the best way to start is to simply introduce ourselves, tell us what you teach, where you live, and your thoughts on how we can assist each other.

All positive, life affirming, useful posts are encouraged.

Let's see how we can "work together" to assist our students, our university, and ourselves

Cordially,

Russ Meade

Worth noting

I find that strange, particularly as an affiliate with a degree in meteorology and atmospheric sciences as well as having attended annual conventions about whether there is truly a climate shift brought upon by humankind or whether it's merely a blip in the blink of the Earth's longtime eye. Most tend to agree that it's a blip and have supported such a postulates with admirable, as well as a large quantity of, journal papers and books.

There is little else to note except the obvious; that we're not in the study, so it won't matter.

--Josh Nathan
Speech Communication

Please note the timely response to Climate Study

Affiliates will be included in the Senate survey. Thank you very much Kim. Now if someone could contact Dr. Golich?

(I thought I was retired?)

Climate Survey

I just noticed in Metro Connect that President Jordan and Provost Golich will be conducting a Climate Survey among the faculty. In years past this survey was not distributed to Affiliates. I strongly suggest that someone contract the Provost and POLITELY inquire what measures will be taken to insure that the affiliates are included.

I do not know whether Dr. Golich has or has not made provisions for the Affiliates, it would not be a good idea to assume she hasn't, but inquiry would be a good idea.

retirement

I haven't quite finalized things with Russ yet,. I have to talk to the Powers that be and you all know how that works.

I leave Metro with mixed feelings. I love our students. They are the reason that I've hung around for 31 years . I think the New Provost will be an asset. She started as an adjunct. I spent some time with her and I was impressed by the questions she asked. I will keep on pressing for our rights as I can and time allows. I'd like to see a second carer path, parallel to Tenure with all the rights and privileges of Tenure.

Most of the existing administration is wedded to the Tenure system. In my opinion the Tenure system is a relic of the feudal guild system. Higher Education will never get rid of it, but we must convince them that we are an asset and we deserve to be treated fairly.

I have tried to keep this blog positive. If it became a source of complaints and negative comments it would lose all credibility. We must work positively and within the system to affect any changes.

There you have it, my final word. I will still be fighting the good fight, however not as an affiliate faculty member of MSCD, but as an individual.

One thing that Dr. Jordan has missed. We ARE pre-emenent. We do a job that no other school in the country does. We provide that one last shot at getting a degree. We turn white collar workers into blue collar workers and we do it better than any school around!

You can always reach me at hflomberg@gmail.com

Shalom

Howie

Russ Meade

Russ Meade will be taking this blog over. I know that Russ will maintain the positive direction. In addition Russ has his own approach to life and I'm sure that we will all benefit from it. I will remain a reader.

Howie

Watch this spot!

For an important announcement!

BTW as an unimportant side note - I'm taking a "sabbatical" spring semester. I have two books to finish.

I haven't taken a semester off in many years. I will still be maintaining this board as well as some of the other minor things i'm involved with.

Howie

A mistake on my part!

The President of the Faculty Senate is named Kaersvang and she is not a PhD.

My apologies Professor Kaersvang

Howie

Important Affiliate Information - really!

Professor Kaersvang, president of the Faculty Senate posted a request for people to run for the Faculty Advisory Council. This council attends Board of Trustee meetings and advises the Faculty Senate. I sent out my traditional "Why can't an Affiliate participate?" email and I received a very thoughtful answer from her:

Sure, it is for full time because it is to advise the full time faculty
on Trustee issues. There is no reason why the part time faculty
couldn't establish such a position; the meetings are open as are all of
the committee meetings. Take care,

Lynn

I think that's a good idea. Can we have a person or two volunteer to attend the Board of Trustee Meetings and write a summary for this board? I'll bet Professorr Kaersvang would help us organize? (Perhaps even a non-voting member of the Senate)

BTW. Dr Kaersval was a major factor in getting this blog going.

note: I'm copyingProfessor Kaersvang on this.

Howie

Web 2.0

I'm going to start putting Web 2.0 links over on the right - if you have any for me, send them!

OK, I'm back

I try and keep this blog free of personal "stuff" but I cannot this time. I will be continuing to maintain this blog for two reasons.

I have had some unbelievably touching comments from old colleagues and new ones. I cannot tell you all how touched I am.

Secondly, I think that the most recent post really got attention. I will try and concentrate on items that we can use to make us better and more effective in the classroom.

So again - thank you

Howie

Back to something of value

I've been debating setting up a facebook page for my class(es). I've seen discussions on this, both pro and con. I wonder, have any of you used any of these tools (facebook, twitter, etc) in your classes. Also how do they compare, in your opinion, to the course home page?

Howie

Comments from Howie

Sorry I've been negligent, but it's been an ... Interesting? ... couple of weeks. However I'm back now.

Russ Meade left a comment on his entry, and like everything Russ comments - it's well worth reading. As a matter of fact, I'll copy and paste it to the front. I've asked Russ to share the the moderator duties with me. I look forward to seeing his talents.

Yesterday a post was left that I found upsetting. First of all the post was regarding an issue that should be resolved at the Chair/Dean level. Secondly there was a personal attack on both me and a member of the administration. I will not post it.

I've been through these wars too many time, when a small group becomes upset a vehicle like this loses all creditability. I've been accused of being a "sellout" before, that doesn't bother me, what does bother me is blindly attacking people who are working extremely hard for our school. I'd like your opinions - email me at flomberh@mscd.edu.

End of Rant

The concert last week was superb. The Air Force band was great, Heck, they're Air Force! The only thing that bugged me was the fact that I was wearing Air Force Blue before many of the musicians were even born. I know that this is Metro, but I do wish we had more of us there?

Howie

The Adjuncts Moment of Truth

Today's "Inside Higher Ed" has a very powerful discussion of contingent faculty. It is worth a read.

Coming soon, to an Auraria Campus near you.

Dr. Potter continues finding great courses for us. I lifted this straight from his email. I do love plagiarism. I think you'll find that the rich blend of coursework is exciting, and Adjunct/Affiliates are welcome!

The calendar is here

Second Life Pedagogy

Friday September 11, noon-2pm, CN 220 OR

Monday September 21, 1-3pm, CN 220

For faculty who completed either the 4-workshop series on SecondLife provided in Spring 2009 OR the SecondLife and Roadrunner Island Introduction workshop offered this semester, this workshop provides theoretical frameworks using Bloom's Taxonomy, Experiential Learning, Transformational Learning, Reflective Learning, and Social Learning/Inclusion methodologies applied to using SecondLife as part of the overall learning environment.

Campus Conversation: Grant Writing and Metro State’s Indirect Cost Recovery (ICR) Policy

Monday September 14, noon-1pm, AU 014 (Center for Faculty Development), OR

Tuesday September 15, 3-4pm, AU 014

The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs is undertaking a full review of Metro State's ICR policy. Numerous options are being considered in the process and the outcome may result in modification or affirmation of existing policies. Come get informed and have your voice be heard.

Second Life and Roadrunner Island Introduction

Monday September 14, 1-3pm, CN 220 OR

Friday September 18, noon-2pm, CN 220

This workshop will introduce faculty to teaching on Metro State's virtual campus, Roadrunner Island. Chris Jennings and Lisa Ortiz, Department of Technical Communication & Media Production, will lead the workshops. You will learn how to activate your Second Life account; modify and save your appearance; explore your inventory; set landmarks and home; and walk, fly, and teleport.

Civic Engagement: Best Practices and Tools You Can Use, Webinar and discussion

Thursday September 17, 11am-1pm, AU 08 (Media Center, immediately adjacent to the Center for Facutly Development)

Dr. Barbara Jacoby explains how to prepare students for lives of engagement in our communities by sharing her insight into the fundamentals and best practices of civic engagement in higher education.

Study Abroad Course Development Workshop

Friday September 18, 1-2:30pm, WC 133 OR

Friday October 16, 1-2:30pm, CN 301

Are you thinking of developing a short-term study abroad course for Metro State? Learn the necessary steps to turn your course development idea into a reality. Workshop presenters will be Dr. Gudrun Clay, Professor, Modern Languages and Chairperson of the International Education Committee and Dr. Akbarali Thobhani, Interim Chair, African/African American Studies Department and Executive Director, Office of International Studies.

Connections: Linking Teaching and Research @ Auraria Library

Friday September September 25, 9:30-11am, Auraria Library

A series of 4 workshops during the Fall 2009 semester. Today's topic: Free! Open Source. What happens when no one owns the course content, but everyone is free to use it? Welcome to the exciting, promising and confusing world of “open source content”. Following the revolution in open source software, open source content looks to expand the possibilities of learning and encourage the exchange of ideas and information. Find out what’s available, how to use it and the value of it. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT AT THE LIBRARY'S WEB SITE, http://guides.auraria.edu/registration.

Just how many Affiliate/Adjuncts are there?

Here's an interesting article from Inside Higher Ed.

9/11 Celebration on Campus - Please read.

I've been quiet while we got our semester going, but something fascinating has come up. President Jordan has invited us to the "Sharing the Freedom" concert. The Concert will start at 6:30 at 9th Street park. go to www.mscd.edu/freedomconcert for details.

Why? IMHO, a root problem that we have is that the full time faculty do not know we're there, or do not take us very seriously. If we show in numbers we will demonstrate not only our presence on campus, but our support of the school. My wife and I will be there. Look for us. Anyone should be able to point out "Howie". Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets.

I think that President Jordan has done what he can giving the load on his shoulders. I've met the new Provost. My immediate impression is that she is an honorable woman and will do what's best for the school. By showing our support we demonstrate that we are a major part of the school and should be taken seriously.

Email me with any questions: flomberh@mscd.edu or hflomberg@gmail.com We want the administration to walk away commenting on the positive support that the Affiliate Faculty showed.

Remember: Keep it Positive

Howie

Info - auto insurance and writing center

A metro grad, John Silva, is a Farmers agent and has put together a program that we are invited to participate in - he offers an 8% discount on auto policies and a 5% discount on homeowners or renters policies. (303) 751-9400 or johnsilva@gmail.com. This discount is after all other discounts. - note - I have no business relationship with John or Farmers in any way. Oh and I asked - he does not do health insurance.

Also might I recommend the writing center. They have a superb support program for our students. They will come to a class and do a presentation. I'm quite impressed by their professionalism.

(303) 556-6070

KC 310

www.mscd.edu/~writectr

MetroLeads

I can't say enough about this program! It has changed the face of our school for the better. I believe the fifth class is in progress now. Get involved. For the curious and the Leaders, I've started a Facebook Group simple called "MetroLeads" join us!

Howie

But Seriously

How's the semester going?

More from the nimble pen of Russ Meade

Morning Friends!

As we start a new year, I always like to see how our incoming Freshman are different from us Baby Boomers simply to try to teach from their view and with their TOOLS.....

Yesterday, I mentioned something from the Vietnam era and was met with blank stares:):):)

I finally realized that Vietnam was as unknown to them as World War 2 and the Korean war is to us.

Though we KNOW that we Baby Boomers are the last COOL Generation ,we are different from them and do need to incorporate Web 2.0 tools, Social Net Working sites etc into our courses.

If you have any you use perhaps we can share!

We need to EDUCATE the EDUCATORS most times:):):)

This term I incorporated some Web 2.0 tools into my METRO UNIVERSITY classes and others as an optional tool and was " blown away by their response!"

They received no credit for it, they had " other" things to do but did it in numbers that stagger my addled mind. Classes that were closed a year ago still contact me and their online classmates! Now why do they do that?????

I STILL do not understand though why THEY Twit")")")

I hope you enjoy the following from Beloit College's Mind Set for this incoming class!

Have a great Semester

Russ ( the hippy Geek Prof!)

TEACHING THE Y GENERATION - VIDEO

Most students entering our college for the first time this fall were born in 1991.

1. For these students, Martha Graham, Pan American Airways, Michael Landon, Dr. Seuss, Miles Davis, The Dallas Times Herald, Gene Roddenberry, and Freddie Mercury have always been dead.
2. Dan Rostenkowski, Jack Kevorkian, and Mike Tyson have always been felons.
3. The Green Giant has always been Shrek, not the big guy picking vegetables.
4. They have never used a card catalog to find a book.
5. Margaret Thatcher has always been a former prime minister.
6. Salsa has always outsold ketchup.
7. Earvin "Magic" Johnson has always been HIV-positive.
8. Tattoos have always been very chic and highly visible.
9. They have been preparing for the arrival of HDTV all their lives.
10. Rap music has always been main stream.
11. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has always been a flavor choice.
12. Someone has always been building something taller than the Willis (née Sears) Tower in Chicago.
13. The KGB has never officially existed.
14. Text has always been hyper.
15. They never saw the “Scud Stud” (but there have always been electromagnetic stud finders.)
16. Babies have always had a Social Security Number.
17. They have never had to “shake down” an oral thermometer.
18. Bungee jumping has always been socially acceptable.
19. They have never understood the meaning of R.S.V.P.
20. American students have always lived anxiously with high-stakes educational testing.
21. Except for the present incumbent, the President has never inhaled.
22. State abbreviations in addresses have never had periods.
23. The European Union has always existed.
24. McDonald's has always been serving Happy Meals in China.
25. Condoms have always been advertised on television.
26. Cable television systems have always offered telephone service and vice versa.
27. Christopher Columbus has always been getting a bad rap.
28. The American health care system has always been in critical condition.
29. Bobby Cox has always managed the Atlanta Braves.
30. Desperate smokers have always been able to turn to Nicoderm skin patches.
31. There has always been a Cartoon Network.
32. The nation’s key economic indicator has always been the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
33. Their folks could always reach for a Zoloft.
34. They have always been able to read books on an electronic screen.
35. Women have always outnumbered men in college.
36. We have always watched wars, coups, and police arrests unfold on television in real time.
37. Amateur radio operators have never needed to know Morse code.
38. Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Latvia, Georgia, Lithuania, and Estonia have always been independent nations.
39. It's always been official: President Zachary Taylor did not die of arsenic poisoning.
40. Madonna’s perspective on Sex has always been well documented.
41. Phil Jackson has always been coaching championship basketball.
42. Ozzy Osbourne has always been coming back.
43. Kevin Costner has always been Dancing with Wolves, especially on cable.
44. There have always been flat screen televisions.
45. They have always eaten Berry Berry Kix.
46. Disney’s Fantasia has always been available on video, and It’s a Wonderful Life has always been on Moscow television.
47. Smokers have never been promoted as an economic force that deserves respect.
48. Elite American colleges have never been able to fix the price of tuition.
49. Nobody has been able to make a deposit in the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI).
50. Everyone has always known what the evening news was before the Evening News came on.
51. Britney Spears has always been heard on classic rock stations.
52. They have never been Saved by the Bell
53. Someone has always been asking: “Was Iraq worth a war?”
54. Most communities have always had a mega-church.
55. Natalie Cole has always been singing with her father.
56. The status of gays in the military has always been a topic of political debate.
57. Elizabeth Taylor has always reeked of White Diamonds.
58. There has always been a Planet Hollywood.
59. For one reason or another, California’s future has always been in doubt.
60. Agent Starling has always feared the Silence of the Lambs.
61. “Womyn” and “waitperson” have always been in the dictionary.
62. Members of Congress have always had to keep their checkbooks balanced since the closing of the House Bank.
63. There has always been a computer in the Oval Office.
64. CDs have never been sold in cardboard packaging.
65. Avon has always been “calling” in a catalog.
66. NATO has always been looking for a role.
67. Two Koreas have always been members of the UN.
68. Official racial classifications in South Africa have always been outlawed.
69. The NBC Today Show has always been seen on weekends.
70. Vice presidents of the United States have always had real power.
71. Conflict in Northern Ireland has always been slowly winding down.
72. Migration of once independent media like radio, TV, videos and compact discs to the computer has never amazed them.
73. Nobody has ever responded to “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”
74. Congress could never give itself a mid-term raise.
75. There has always been blue Jell-O.

Russ

Dr. Russ Meade
Criminal Justice
Do respond to me at russmeade@bellsouth.net for a faster reply.
828-243-8259 ( Cell)
*Students: Please always add your Course Name and Number in your Subject Line*. Thanks!

Just for laughs - brighten up your day

The Shoelace Site - way more than you ever wanted to know about shoelaces and the art of tying them

Introductions

Russ Meade left a good Idea - How about introducing ourselves:

I'll go first.

My name is Howard Flomberg, I teach in the Management department with side excursions to CIS and an occasional visit to Math/Computer Science. I am a Metro Grad ('74) and I've been Adjuncting since '78. I have over thirty years as a software developer and Database Admin. I came to Metro as one of the massive invasions on Vietnam Vets back in the early 70's. I stay for one reason. I feel strongly about the Metro mission. We are there for those who need us. We provide an excellent education. IMHO - President Jordan is wrong - We ARE a preeminent institution.

Next?

Monday and Tuesday

A bunch of us will be scattered around campus monday and tuesday so that we can help people find their way. please stop by and introduce yourselves. I'll be by the Mercantile (Einstiens Bagels) on Monday from 1:00 to 3:30.

As a matter of fact, you might want to be looking for that "Confused look" and help them out. Lets make their day a great day.

Howie

Questions from a Colleague

One of our colleagues, Tiffany Regan asked me to post a couple of questions. I think that they are excellent questions to start some discussion. Here they are -

Two topics that I would love to discuss on the site are in her own words:

1) Is there job security at Metro for adjunct faculty? For instance, if you teach 1-2 sections of a class in the fall, are you reasonably assured of having a section to teach in the spring? Do most of the ad. faculty work full-time or part-time?
2) What are the pros and cons of teaching public ed K-12 vs. college? I assume that some faculty have taught K-12, but that may not be the case.

Thank you Tiffany, I think that you're nailing some important area for discussion!

Howie

PS, her tag-line is great: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Wikipedia

Safa Suleiman sent me the following question:

I'm curious to know how my colleagues in the affiliate faculty feel
about Wikipedia. Since anyone can contribute to the articles the
chance of inaccuracies is high. Would you mind posting a question
asking if faculty ban or discourage the use of Wikipedia as a source
for papers, essays, etc?

This is an excellent question. I only allow it as a starting point for research. Anybody else?

Notes from the Affiliate Session today

There were about 60 Affiliates there and a lot of excellent information was shared. The Power-Points and some of the notes will be posted. I'll link them in as soon as I find out. However I detected a note of optimistic and positive enthusiasm from all the presenters.

There is a great website for the Education Technology Center that Dr. Potter has assembled: http://www.mscd.edu/etc/ The "Services" link is very informative. Dr. Potter is quite enthusiastic about linking the various groups on campus. I brought a set of phone numbers in and Dr. Potter will be including them.

Lee Combs (combsl@mscd.edu), the schools Legal Counselor, put together a presentation on the legalities that we face. I asked for a session for us with him. His talk about copyright was superb.

Percy Morehouse, the director of Equal Opportunity also spoke about the situations we might face. I recommend your checking out their website.

http://www.mscd.edu/facstaff/admin/eoo/index.shtml

Dr. Morehouse is quite amenable to open and frank discussion.

I also found out that this blog gets quite bit of attention from management. It is important that we let them know what we are thinking, in a positive manner, of course?

I also spoke to Ms. Porsha Black. Ms Black is in charge of issuing lockers. Her phone number is 303.556.5221. I'd move fast on these. They are going to be a scarce commodity.

Also - One of the presenters - a guy named Howie :( - apparently gave some misleading information about the Incomplete grade. I was called on the carpet politely and appropriately from Vonda Knox, The Provost's Executive Asst. I apologize. The Incomplete grade can be a valuable tool when needed. I implied that it should be avoided. I asked Vonda to send me a correction and I will post it. Thank you Vonda.

I Do wish you had all been there!

Howie

Notes from a Colleague

A colleague that I deeply respect had some difficulty getting on, so here are her comments. Note: if you have the same problems - just send them to me and I'll post them without any editing hf

We have tried in the past to get adjunct faculty to wear something
special on a certain day to stand out, whatever. The problem is
getting the word out. What mechanism would you have to do so for t-
shirt sales? Before anyone spends money printing them, consider the
probable lack of participation. Constance Wise

Second comment: I've just (after 4 years) discovered the ETC --
Educational Technology Center -- where they offer great support in
learning the new MSCD on-line software -- VISTA (used to be
blackboard, before which it was Web CT). Anyone interested in
teaching on-line should contact them: 303-352-4232. To ask them for
help, go to www.mscd.edu/etc/contact/serviceform.html Constance Wise

I have a crazy Idea

What if we set up one day this semester as Affiliate Day and we all wore something unique?

I don't think that anyone understands how many of us there are. We need to think of constructive, non-argumentative ideas to make that point. Would you folks spend a few bucks for a Metro Affiliate T-shirt, Cap or Pin?

Ok, this has nothing to do with Metro but...

So many of us use Firefox, I thought that you might want to read this column about speeding it up: Here

And on Monday - August 10th 8 - 12

I just found out that there will be a workshop for the new Affiliate faculty on Monday August 10 !!!!!

update: St. Cajetans - the big Hispanic Church in the middle of the campus. Across from King!

Fall is Coming

Back to class in 2 weeks - I can't wait! I've been holding off on some postings waiting for us to get closer to the beginning of the semester. Anyhow:

The Center for Faculty Development - has their 2009 Fall Forum on Tuesday, August 11th 8:30 - 1:30 in the Tivoli. I linked their website. IMHO - if we want a better voice on campus we need to make our presence known. I strongly urge your attendance. You can check the Program and register at the link above.

At the same link there is a connection to Faculty Learning Communities. This is worth reading and - participating in.

I will keep you all informed as the semester progresses - feel free to comment!

Howie

Blogs

An Affiliate faculty member, Elizabeth Clark, maintains a blog with quite a few extremely valuable links. I included it over on the right. If you care to share your blog - just send me the link!

Thanks' Elizabeth

Howie

Space at Auraria

Obviously we're running out of space at Auraria. A committee - SPARC - has been organized to:

ensure that all voices are heard in the planning process, the membership of SPARC comprises constituents from different departments and different categories of College employees. (Seehttp://www.mscd.edu/~sparc/about/membership.shtml for a list of members.) After incorporating feedback from various constituencies with strategic planning goals of the College, SPARC makes recommendations for the use of space to the President’s Cabinet or the vice presidents.

The link is here: http://www.mscd.edu/%7Ecollcom/artman/publish/sparc_twv6061009.shtml It's also on the most recent Metro Connect

Guess which constituency has not been invited to take part in this?

Howie

Websites of interest

I've added a website group over on the right. I will be populating this as I find them. PLEASE let me have any websites you find and I'll add them

Howie

The Presidents Discussion yesterday

At the town hall yesterday, May 7, President Jordan said:

... that the College will always rely on affiliates as a critical component of the College. He suggested that affiliates could be used to teach more upper-division courses so that full-time professors could move into lower-division courses where they could have a greater impact on student retention.

There is a full review of his address at on Metro Connect. It is worth noting that President Jordan is taking a voluntary pay cut.

There are many items that will affect us. Please read the article. The article has also been sent to your Metro email box.


Howie

Health Insurance

Probably the hottest topic?

Money

What else need be said?

Security

Where will we teach next semester? What hoops will I have to jump through?

Social

What's going on? Get togethers, parties, picnic's - Use the Comments to let us know