ACIFA

Calendar & Activities

OFFICE ACTIVITY REPORT

May 2002 to May 2003

Major Activities, Research & Liaison Officer, May 2002 – May 2003

Together with ACIFA President, Bert Giles, met a number of times with Phil Gougeon, the Assistant Deputy Minister for Adult Learning (our sector) to exchange information and put faculty’s concerns on a range of topics, including the forthcoming revisions to post-secondary legislation, (especially the implications of the proposed Campus Alberta Council); the effects of the 2003 Provincial Budget and the current crisis in PSE funding; the future prospects for the smaller, rural colleges; the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Faculty Attraction & Retention; among other policy issues.
Secured the ADM’s agreement to address our Presidents’ Council (after two unavoidable no-shows, we now expect to host him at our September meeting).
Established valuable day-to-day working contacts with other Learning staff, including Connie Harrison, Director of Business Integration, who is overseeing the legislation review process; advocated on issues of concern to college and institute faculty, including draft revisions to PSE legislation, the budget squeeze and resulting cuts to programs and staff, the possible extension of degree-granting powers for colleges and institutes, faculty recruitment and retention initiatives, and the ‘merger’ of Fairview College and NAIT.
Prepared an analysis of the 2003 Provincial Budget and its implications for the colleges and technical institutes; answered queries on the Budget from member associations.
Prepared an analysis of the draft Alberta Learning Business Plan and Annual Report, prior to policy consultations with the Deputy Minister and Learning officials at the annual Business Plan meeting with stakeholders, September 23, at which ACIFA’s input was sought.
Closely monitored and analyzed proceedings in the Legislature, tracking Government and Opposition statements on post-secondary education.
Standing Policy Committee – attended meetings of the Standing Policy Committee on Learning & Employment, a key government committee made up of both cabinet ministers and backbenchers, which assists ministers in examining issues and studying and preparing legislation; established valuable contacts at these meetings; reviewed the draft Learning Annual Report and other submissions presented to SPC.
Prepared an analysis of Alberta Learning’s Legislation Review process; discussed implications with officials within Learning, and with other stakeholders; solicited input from ACIFA member organizations; collated responses and drafted ACIFA’s formal submission; continued to track the draft legislation through to its tabling in the Legislature (now scheduled for mid-May 2003).
Tracked the Report of the Working Group on Faculty Attraction & Retention through to its presentation to the Standing Policy Committee and subsequent publication; prepared an analysis of its contents; gave presentations and provided information on the Report to member associations and PAC.
Monitored new policy initiatives, background documents and reports produced by Alberta Learning and other government ministries; for example, prepared a detailed analysis of the latest incarnation of Campus Alberta – A Policy Framework, which is based on a “symposium” ACIFA attended, and discussed the implications of the policy with the Ministry and with other stakeholders, in light of proposed legislative changes; reviewed the Final Report of the MLA Committee on Lifelong Learning, to which ACIFA provided input; prepared an analysis of the Financial Management Commission Final Report, Moving from Good to Great, with specific reference to the recommendation on consolidated accounts to include PSE institutions, and met with CAFA to discuss their letter to the Minister of Learning on this issue; reviewed the Alberta Human Resources & Employment Skills Investment Strategy paper, which was the basis of recent focus-group sessions with stakeholders, ahead of the implementation of the strategy; discussed the implications of AHRE funding cuts with stakeholders in our sector.
Reviewed and prepared analyses of volumes III and IV of Missing Pieces – An Alternative Guide to Canadian Post-Secondary Education, the annual national ranking of provincial post-secondary systems by the independent Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA); consulted with other stakeholders on opportunities and strategies for using CCPA figures in lobbying.
Prepared an analysis of the Federal Budget 2003, and researched its implications for post-secondary education in general, and the college/institute sector in particular.
Reviewed policy papers and background documents, and prepared a detailed analysis of the federal government’s Innovation Strategy initiative, jointly sponsored by Industry Canada and Human Resources Development Canada; consulted with federal officials on the feasibility of participation by ACIFA or member organizations in Alberta “summit meetings” on the strategy; reviewed the programmes and final reports of meetings across the country; reviewed submissions by other stakeholder organizations, including ACCC and AUCC; discussed implications of the strategy with interested associations within ACIFA.
Met on a number of occasions with PSE Vision Group to discuss the final draft of PSE Vision Statement and the plans for its release under the auspices of ACIFA, CAFA, ACTISEC, AGC, CAUS, AACTI, and UCC; worked closely with CAFA and other partners representing faculty, administration, and students, on strategies for lobbying politicians and bureaucrats and for publicizing the benefits of post-secondary education as well as the funding crisis it now faces; examined options for further joint representations by the PSE Vision Group coalition on the funding issue, and, together with CAFA, compiled statistical and other research data on PSE funding for use in this initiative.
Met frequently with CAFA officers and staff, to discuss issues of mutual concern, to exchange information, and to coordinate positions and strategies; held discussions with both outgoing and incoming presidents and officers; attended all the meetings of CAFA Council, as well as the annual CAFA Retreat; through CAFA, established useful contacts with representatives of CAUT, OCUFA (Ontario), CUFA/BC, and university faculty associations from across Alberta; at CAFA Council in November, participated in a seminar given by the editor/publisher of the influential weekly newsletter Insight into Government, Rich Vivone, who provided a particularly well-informed analysis of the Klein government and the difficulties we face in attempting to lobby it.
Met on a number of occasions with Doug MacRae, the Executive Director of the Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes (AACTI), to discuss AACTI’s agenda, our shared concerns, and possibilities for closer cooperation with ACIFA, resulting in a joint meeting of the Executives of the two organizations on 24 January, 2003, and agreement to pursue further contacts.
ACIFA – maintained frequent contacts with member association Executives and staff; responded to a range of requests for information and analysis from associations; transmitted concerns of associations to the President and Executive of ACIFA and to appropriate Learning officials; attended meetings of a number of ACIFA associations, to answer questions and provide updates; tracked new appointments to Boards of colleges and technical institutes.
FARDC – together with members of Executive and staff, met with the Executive of the Faculty Association of Red Deer College (FARDC), to discuss their concerns about the leadership and staff of ACIFA.
Presidents’ Council, Executive Council, and NAC/PAC Meetings – participated in these meetings, as a resource. Maintained contacts and followed up concerns with members.
ACIFA Vision Retreat and Budget Planning Meeting – together with Bert Giles and ACIFA staff, met with Toni Lashbrook, a professional facilitator, to discuss the agenda and requirements for the January Vision or Planning Retreat; developed background information for this event, and for the Budget Planning Meeting which followed it; subsequently, worked with the ACIFA Executive and staff to assist member associations with presentation to their memberships of the changes approved at these meetings.
Climate Survey – involved in the distribution and collection of the 2002 ACIFA Climate Survey, which was tabulated and processed in January 2003; created individual and province-wide reports for member associations; responded to requests for further information; published the province-wide results in the ACIFA newsletter.
Faculty Circuit – researched, wrote, edited, designed and laid out the ACIFA newsletter, Faculty Circuit; discussed story ideas with ACIFA Executive, staff and membership.
ACIFA 2003 – together with David Milner and Lynn Devlin, met with Anne Scrimger and Elaine Mullen of the ACIFA 2003 Organizing Committee, in Calgary, to discuss various aspects of planning for this year’s Conference in Kananaskis; assisted the Conference Committee with publicity.
MORGEX Insurance Group – together with David Milner and Lynn Devlin, met with Jack Basterash and Randy Pearson of MORGEX, to discuss ongoing corporate sponsorship for the MORGEX Award for innovation in teaching, and expanded participation of MORGEX in the ACIFA Conference; together with Bert Giles and ACIFA staff, met again with officials from MORGEX to confirm the special rates and services offered to ACIFA members.
Bill 28 – at the request of Presidents’ Council, collected background documentation on B.C.’s Bill 28 and its effects, and responded to queries from interested associations; drafted ACIFA letter to Premier Gordon Campbell, asking him to reconsider the legislation; subsequently, prepared an analysis of ILO ruling on the B.C. legislation.

Major Activities, Executive Officer, May 15, 2002 – May 2, 2003

Conferences

ACIFA 2002 follow-up

Registrant receipts
Revenue collection
Finalize and pay out expenses
Final revenue & expense statement

ACIFA 2003

Maintained frequent contacts with Kananaskis re: contract/addendums & requirements
Maintained frequent contacts with the Planning Committee re: program, website, advertising, logo, AGM, registration
Meeting November 1 with David Milner, John Nicholls and Planning Committee members Anne Scrimger and Elaine Mullen
Managed call-in and e-mail association and member inquiries and requests, info/updates to listservs
Link between Conference and ACIFA websites
Conference poster
February 22 meeting with Elaine Mullen and John Nicholls
Conference registration form and flyer to listservs, additional conference news
Contacts with Bill Varon @ Kananaskis golf course re: contract and numbers
Contact, arrangements for CIEA of B.C. President to attend
Registrant early receipts
Managed conference finances
Managed conference registration
Registration reports for Planning Committee

ACIFA 2004

Contacts with Jasper Mountain Park Lodges re: May 19 to 22
Reviewed conference details with Jasper Mountain Park Lodges to establish an initial proposal

Financial

Maintained contact with Alberta Learning for FIRS FTE data
Dues invoices, LRO invoices, other invoices
Banking, financial transactions, payroll, maintain records, track various designated funds, investments
Prepared financial statements (income statements, general ledger, general journal)
Tracked expense claims
Bank reconciliations
Discussions with auditor re: reserve proposal
Maintained contacts with Treasurer
Worked with Treasurer on budget
Year-end package to auditor, follow-up discussions with auditor

Office

Staff

Meeting June/02 with providers re: employee benefit package renewal
Benefit plan claims
Casual staff arrangements / supervision
T4s, T4 Summary to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, maintain payroll records
Tracked LRO activity and expenses

Office Space & Equipment

Arrangements for service and set-up of equipment
Office resources
Meetings with Yale Properties to establish new office lease
New office renovations, furniture requirements, services transfer/hook-ups/cabling
Office move June 2002
Phone system upgrade
Internet connection upgrade
Disposed of old furniture
Discussions with landlord re: office heating problems
Maintained frequent contacts with Grant MacEwan College CNS re: email accounts and listservs
Maintained contacts with Internet service provider

Associations

Gave information and responded to requests on a variety of topics including:
CIEA Profile Magazine, survey re: web pages, cost of living, addressed ad hoc inquiries, Climate survey, PD funding, FA staff position info, Webpage proposal, LAPP fee increases, labour law review, Pension Coalition SPC presentation, dues paid historical info, LAPP annual report, MRFA strike vote, FARDC, retreat report, FIRS data, delegate votes, ACIFA elections/ nomination form, ACIFA constitutional amendments, FA dues rate comparison
Meetings with NASA President Des Chorney, along with ACIFA President, John Nicholls and Terry Sway, re: ACIFA dues, June/02, March 10/03, March 21/03, and meeting with NASA Executive March 26/03
With some ACIFA Executive and staff, attended meeting November 14th with FARDC Executive.
Letter to NASA re: ACIFA constitutional amendments – lending to associations proposal
ARTA benefit packages, contact with Johnson Inc. for new information
Attended GMCFA AGM

Communication

Maintained safe, PAC and NAC listservs, managed inquiries/problems
ACIFA handbook
Historical summary on website status
Initial contacts with website developers
Meetings with website developers, along with ACIFA staff
Reviewed website proposals, report to Executive and Presidents’ Council
Maintained on-going contact with website developer

External

ACIFA LAPP membership # for ACIFA LAPP Board representative
Communication with Faculty Representative ACCC Board of Governors
Contact with Maurice Morinville re: provincial webpage development strategy proposal for September/02 Presidents’ Council meeting
contacts with Grant MacEwan College CNS re: climate survey.
Maintained contact with facilitator re: January Presidents’ Council meeting, with Bert, John and Terry attended November 26th meeting with facilitator, follow-up.
Letter to FOIP Coordinator re: LAPP document
Letter to ARTA re: membership definition

MORGEX

With David Milner and John Nicholls attended December 10th meeting with Jack Basterash and Randy Pearson of MORGEX re: innovation award and conference support, follow-up.
March 17th meeting with Jack Basterash and Randy Pearson of MORGEX to further review conference details, conference golf and innovation award.
On-going contacts with MORGEX regarding conference and award.

Executive Council, Presidents’ Council, NAC and PAC, AGM

Arrangements for all meetings.
Meeting records for Presidents’ Council (May 15/02, Sept. 28/02, January 25-26/03, March 8/03) and Executive Council (Sept. 27 & Nov. 1/02), AGM (May 18/02)
notices
agendas – content and background material
Responded to questions & requests for information
Tracking of motions, activities arising from meetings, follow up, information/updates to Executive, Presidents’ Council, PAC
Support for President with various communications received by the office
Dues method historical summary for PC subcommittee
Round table report package and electronic distribution (PC, PAC)
Association comparison package for PC March meeting

PAC

Historical summary and financial information re: Alberta Public Post-Secondary Education Trust Fund.
Contact info to PAC members
PD Structure Comparison chart
Conference comparison document

MORGEX Award

Information to faculty associations, FA Presidents and PAC representatives
Submission administration
Announcement
Certificates
Contacts with and arrangements for recipients
Meetings and contacts with MORGEX (see external)

Alberta Public Post-Secondary Education Trust Fund

Contact with Canada Customs & Revenue Agency – Charities Division re: annual return
Maintained finances and records
Prepared year-end financial statements
Prepared annual return for Canada Customs & Revenue Agency – Charities Division
Historical summary, information package for Trustees
Maintained contacts with Trust Fund Board Chair Keith Crowell
Meetings with Board members re: annual return
Meeting February 10th with Board Chair Keith Crowell, along with ACIFA President and staff, to discuss future direction of Fund

Major Activities, Labour Relations Officer, May 15, 2002 – April 30, 2002

May 14, 2002

bargains at ACAD

May 15, 16, 17, & 18

attends ACIFA conference

May 20, 21 & 22

bargains at ACAD

May 23

meets with Bargaining team Northern Lakes College

May 24

meets with Fairview College Faculty Association Executive Re: Grievance Mediation

May 29

attends BVC Faculty Association Ratification Meeting

May 30

meets with Arbitration Board, SAFA – SAIT grievance arbitration

June 3

meets with Keyano College Bargaining team and Executive

June 6

bargains at ACAD

June 11 & 12

bargains at NorQuest College

June 13

meets with Mount Royal bargaining team, Re: Enhanced Mediation

August 20

meets with Mount Royal bargaining team, Re: Enhanced Mediation

August 21 & 22

bargains at ACAD

August 26, 27 & 28

serves as nominee for MRC faculty Re: Enhanced Mediation

August 29

meets with Arbitration Board Re: SAFA – SAIT grievance Arbitration

September 9, 10, & 11

serves as nominee Re: Grievance Arbitration, Fairview College

September 17, 18, & 19

serves as nominee Re: Grievance Arbitration, SAFA – SAIT

September 20

attends CAFA Council

September 24 & 25

serves as nominee Re: Grievance Arbitration, SAFA – SAIT

September 27

meets with ACIFA executive

September 28

meets with Presidents’ Council

October 3 & 4

serves as nominee Re: Enhanced Mediation, Mount Royal.

October 8

meets with NASA , LRO & Association President, Re: Individual member grievance.

October 22

meets with BVC faculty association bargaining team.

November 1

meets with ACIFA executive

November 2

meets with ACIFA negotiations advisory committee

November 8

attends CAFA Council meeting.

November 15

meets with GPRC association bargaining team.

November 16

meets with Fairview College faculty association bargaining team.

November 19 & 20

serves as nominee Re: Grievance Arbitration, SAIT – SAFA

November 29

meets with BVC faculty association bargaining team.

December 11 & 12

meets with Medicine Hat College faculty association bargaining team and executive.
meets with Lethbridge Community College faculty association executive.

December 16, 17, & 18