ACIFA

Calendar & Activities

OFFICE ACTIVITY REPORT

May 2003 to May 2004

Research & Liaison Officer, Major Activities, May 2003 – May 2004

Government Lobbying and Liaison

Together with the President of ACIFA, Bert Giles, and our university counterparts from CAFA, met with the Minister of Learning, Dr. Oberg, in his office at the Legislature, to discuss with him our concerns arising from Bill 43, the new Post-Secondary Learning Act, as well as other issues, including government funding of post-secondary education.
As a result of this meeting, secured invitations from the Ministry to participate in further stakeholder consultations. Recognized as the provincial voice of college and institute faculty, ACIFA was represented this year at government meetings on Alberta Learning’s Draft Business Plan, the Campus Alberta Quality Council, the First Nation’s Education Policy Framework, the Deputy Minister’s Lifelong Learning Initiative, among others.
Maintained close working contacts and exchanged information with the Assistant Deputy Minister for Adult Learning, Phil Gougeon, and other key Ministry officials, and advocated with them on a range of issues of importance to academic staff in our sector. These included, for example, the removal of faculty’s right to strike under the new legislation and the abuse by boards of their statutory power to designate (and de-designate) individuals and groups as members of the bargaining unit, as well as the extension of degree-granting to colleges and technical institutes and the continued underfunding of our sector by the provincial government – despite powerful evidence of the socio-economic benefits of post-secondary education, and of the urgent need for re-investment in system as it evolves to meet the challenges of the ‘knowledge economy’ of the future.
As a result of ACIFA’s lobbying efforts, secured an invitation from the Minister to participate in facilitated discussions with representatives of AACTI, as part of a process aimed at resolving outstanding concerns on the boards’ unrestricted power to designate. This process is ongoing; the next meeting, scheduled for early June 2004, will focus on ‘best practices’ around designation across the post-secondary system.
Secured the attendance of the ADM for Adult Learning, Phil Gougeon, at the two most recent meetings of Presidents’ Council, in September 2003 and January 2004. Mr. Gougeon, who has responsibility for the post-secondary system as a whole, provided a candid and wide-ranging account of the policies and activities of his department, and responded to the presidents’ questions in a collegial manner.
Attended public meetings of the government’s key Standing Policy Committee on Learning & Employment, which assists ministers in examining issues and preparing legislation. (Comprised of both cabinet ministers and backbenchers, the SPC provides a valuable point of contact between post-secondary stakeholders and key politicians.) Seized the opportunity presented by these meetings to network and to engage in informal lobbying and advocacy for ACIFA issues with decision-makers.
Provided ACIFA associations with analyses of key Alberta Government documents, including the Throne Speech, 2004 Provincial Budget, and 20-Year Plan for the province; the annual Auditor General’s Report; the recently proclaimed Post-Secondary Learning Act and its accompanying regulations; and the Alberta Learning 2004-07 Business Plan, as well as one-off access and performance funding announcements for colleges and technical institutes.
Closely monitored proceedings in the Alberta Legislature, tracking Government and Opposition statements on post-secondary education. Drafted letters to politicians, reminding them of the crucial social and economic benefits which our system provides, and of the urgent need for the provincial government to re-invest in colleges and technical institutes.

Liaison with other Post-Secondary Stakeholders

Consulted regularly and met with Dr. Doug MacRae, the Executive Director of the Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes (AACTI), on a number of occasions, to exchange information and discuss issues of mutual concern, including the crisis in pse funding, degree granting for colleges and institutes, and possible mergers among institutions within our sector. Organized the second (annual) joint meeting of the ACIFA Executive Council and the AACTI Executive Committee, which was held at NAIT at the end of January 2004, at ACIFA’s invitation. This meeting focused on the alternative lobbying strategies initiated recently by AACTI to convince decision-makers of the urgent need for re-investment by government in Alberta colleges and technical institutes.
Met regularly and worked closely on a wide range of common issues with officers and staff of the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA), the provincial voice of university faculty associations. This year, acting in tandem, our coordinated efforts brought about key amendments to the new post-secondary legislation, and appear to have convinced the Ministry to treat post-secondary faculty as a major stakeholder in the system.
Attended all meetings of the governing CAFA Council, as well as the annual CAFA Retreat. Cooperation with our university counterparts from across the province yielded much valuable information, and through CAFA we were also able to maintain useful contacts with representatives of CAUT, OCUFA (Ontario), and CUFA/BC. (ACIFA consulted with CAUT, the national university faculty body, on the implications of various provisions of Bill 43, and with OCUFA and CUFA/BC on possible responses.)
Met regularly to discuss issues of mutual concern with the Provincial Director of the Alberta College & Technical Institute Student Executive Council (ACTISEC), Brett Bergie. Like ACIFA, ACTISEC, the provincial voice of student associations in our sector, is committed to working more closely with other key stakeholders on a broad front to achieve common goals, including increased government funding for the post-secondary system. ACIFA, in its submissions to the Alberta Government on Bill 43, strongly supported maintaining the cap on post-secondary tuition fees, as recommended by ACTISEC.
At the invitation of CAFA, participated in preliminary meetings bringing together provincial faculty and student groups, including both ACTISEC and CAUS, to discuss opportunities for increased cooperation in the run-up to the coming provincial election, and beyond. Further meetings are planned, and this broad-based initiative is expected to complement ACIFA’s ongoing relationship with ACTISEC.
Met with Dennis Theobald, government relations officer for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, to discuss ACIFA’s possible participation in the proposed ‘public interest network’ – Public Interest Alberta – a broad-based initiative by the ATA and AFL designed to bring together unions, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned groups and individuals, to promote and advocate for public services, including education, and the public interest. After many months’ delay, the founding meeting of Public Interest Alberta has been scheduled for Saturday, 29 May 2004, in Edmonton.

Within ACIFA

Maintained frequent contacts with the Executives and staff of member associations, and responded to a range of requests from associations for information and analysis; transmitted concerns of associations to the ACIFA Executive and to appropriate Alberta 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.
Oversaw the distribution, collection, tabulation and dissemination of results of the 2003 ACIFA Climate Survey; created individual and province-wide reports for member associations; responded to requests from associations for clarification and interpretation of Survey results.
Researched, wrote, edited, designed and laid out seven issues of the ACIFA newsletter, Faculty Circuit; discussed story ideas with ACIFA Executive, staff and membership.
Provided written material for inclusion of the ACIFA website, www.acifa.ca.
Met with the ACIFA 2004 Conference Planning Committee, in an advisory capacity, to discuss various aspects of the planning for this year’s Spring Conference in Jasper; assisted the Committee with the Conference programme and publicity.
Together with David Milner and Lynn Devlin, met with Randy Pearson of MORGEX Insurance Group, to discuss ongoing corporate sponsorship for the MORGEX Award for Innovation in Teaching, and for the ACIFA 2004 Conference in Jasper.

Executive Officer, Major Activities, May 2003 – May 2004

Conferences

ACIFA 2003

Calls/inquiries about registration

Inquiries about golf

Maintained frequent contacts with Planning Committee Chair re: follow up news, wrap up questions, confirm closure on items

Contacts with MORGEX re: funding contribution

Golf cancellation and announcement

Bank requirements for Keynote payment

Maintained registration database, updates to Planning Committee Chair

On-going information to Presidents’ Council, map

Contact with Kananaskis Lodge re: master account charges

Registration reports

Attended conference May 12 to 15

Conference receipts

Tracked balance owing receipts

Reviewed Kananaskis Lodge master account bill

Registration invoices to NASA and SAFA

Information to associations re: receipts

Finalized conference receivables and payables

Final financial statement

Follow-up with recipient re: ACIFA 2002 unclaimed prize draw

Addressed concerns from one presenter

ACIFA 2004

June 16th meeting with Planning Committee Chair Claudia Parker, with John Nicholls and Terry Sway

June 16th meeting minutes for Planning Committee

Contact with Grant MacEwan CNS re: set up listserv

On-going discussions with Claudia Parker re: keynote, dates, listserv, September Planning Committee meeting, agenda, call for submissions

Revised Call for Submissions document

September conference call meeting, review agenda

Initial work on logo

maintained contact with Vivian Wagner @ Jasper Mountain Park Lodges re: programme, contract, date amendments, requirements

reviewed MPL conference package

booked new dates

maintained contact with Vivian’s replacement Karla Barnes @ Jasper Mountain Park Lodges re: programme, contract, date amendments, requirements

booked new dates again

coordinated conference call meeting for Programme Committee

attended Sept. 22 conference call meeting of Programme Committee, follow-up including theme sub-text

new date announcement

call for submissions form

research potential keynotes

programme outline for MPL

parameters for presenters

contact and correspondence with Maude Barlow to establish and secure keynote contract

coordinate with Programme Committee re: Nov. 7 meeting, agenda, attend

notice re: submission deadline extension

on-going updates to Programme Committee Chair Claudia Parker (NAIT)

initial contacts with prospective presenters to clarify

gather session submissions, capacity assessment

managed submissions, solicit alternates, set up submission record system, review process

agenda for submission review meeting, content and background resources, attend February 27th meeting

inquiries from general membership

respond to early MPL inquiries, contact with Bernie Scherler during staff change

contact with MPL through transition to new staff contact, Wanda Cowles, review status on all items with Wanda, on-going clarification of details, updates on schedule

April 5/6 meeting with MPL staff – discuss programme, schedule, view facilities

presenter inquiries, requests re: requirements, processes, provisions, registration, schedule issues, manage presenter changes, memo re: accommodations, registration and expenses

conference schedule, draft overview, final detailed excel spreadsheet timetable, day at a glance

inquiries, updates to associations

multiple exchanges with keynote re: contract and to discuss and agree on details

registration form, advertisement

set up access database on programme/presenter info

conference segments for website

confirmation letter to presenters re: provisions, process and schedule outline

notes for conference emcee

respond to specific registration requests

expand room block

lobby displays

session signs

session equipment, room set-up, extra requirements excel charts, send to MPL

banquet speaker contract and follow up

programme

meal ticket format

conference schedule excel spreadsheets

access database for registrations

meeting April 21 with Kim Watson, Elite Sportswear re: t-shirts, follow up details

address Saturday night room availability issue

decide on and obtain presenter thank you gifts

ACIFA 2005

historical budget and keynote cost info

summary “to do” letter to Programme Committee

review action items with Programme Committee Chair

discussions with potential venues, event proposals, venue comparison, and follow up after selection

general

items for spring conference guidelines

June 11th meeting with David Milner and John Nicholls re: spring conference guidelines

Spring conference guidelines table

Oct. 29th meeting with David Milner and John Nicholls re: spring conference guidelines

Financial

Audit background requirements and follow up
Proposed budget table
Revisions to dues scenarios spreadsheets
On-going contact with auditor re: year-end
Review of audited statements, and discussions with auditor
Banking, financial transactions, payroll, maintain records
Post auditor’s adjusting entries
Reviewed audited statements with Treasurer
1st, 2nd, 3rd , and 4th quarter dues invoices
other invoices
maintain LRO expense records
archive 02/03 financial records
Sept. 03 and Jan. 04 info package for Treasurer
Contact with Alberta Learning re: FIRS update #s for 02/03, follow up contact to Barbara Pederson re: staff changes, further multiple contacts with Jolanta Wojcik
Dec. 8th conference call meeting with Bert, John and Terry re: dues scenarios
Dec. 11th conference call meeting with Treasurer and President re: dues scenarios
Dues scenarios spreadsheet package format
Work with Treasurer on 04/05 budget
Material for budget, budget proposal
Bank reconciliations
Year-end package to auditor, follow up discussions with auditor

Office

Staff

June 16th meeting with Betty Koch of Elizabeth Lang Insurance re: staff benefits renewal

Update re: staff salary to Manulife

New business cards

Contacts with Temp. Agency re: minute taker, reviewed contracts

T4s and T4 summary, payroll summary tables

Benefit claims

Tracked LRO road trips and excel expense summary

Supervision and on-going training of part-time staff

Office Space & Equipment

maintenance service for copier

Office resources

Contacts with Yale Properties re: schedule to fix heat

Furniture move

maintenance service for copier

Office resources

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance renewal and changes

Furniture add-ons

Dec. 15th meeting with Ted Rodgers/Xerox re: copier

Dec. 16th meeting with Robert Rondeau/Minolta re: digital copier and networking

Colour copier installed

Network cabling re: digital copier

Storage resources

Meetings with printer re: business transition

New 4th computer purchase

Arrangements to resolve email difficulties, computer problems

Associations

address individual’s issues re: ACIFA website
ACIFA LRO position information to NASA
ARTA package requests
NASA question re: ARTA benefits eligibility
ARTA package requests
Address inquiries re: ACIFA 2004 and session submissions
LAPP annual report info
ACIFA summary for SAFA
Contact with various members re: delay with ARTA packages
Info to SAFA re: PAC membership
Inquiries re: climate survey process
Package for GMCFA re: dues
Inquires re: MORGEX award
Assist with distribution lists
Info to GMCFA re: Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
Inquiries re: Trust Fund silent auction
Committee communication contact info
Schedule info
Addressed multiple specific inquiries

Communication

03/04 amendments to safe-L listserv
contacts with ReWired Inc. to set up independent e-mail accounts
maintained frequent contacts with Grant MacEwan CNS re: listservs and e-mail accounts, system changes, interruptions to service. On-going contact through Sept./Oct./Nov. re: non-functioning e-mail and listservs
contacts with ReWired Inc. to finalize set up of independent e-mail accounts
announcement to FAs re: continuing problems with GMC CNS e-mails and listservs
distribution lists to temporarily replace listservs
solicit info and amendments to all contact info lists
PC, NAC and PAC distribution lists

Website

on-going contact with designer re: summer working schedule, hosting, software, domain name, password, site code info, logo, structure, content, graphics/visual aspects, content transfer process, doc or html issue
homepage structure re: menu content, menu subtopics finalized
reviewed examples of other websites
photograph formatting
discussed content with John Nicholls and Terry Sway
CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) domain name registration process
Content pieces
commencement announcement
on-going contact with designer to advise on structure and look of site
continuing on-going work to compose and supply content material to designer
continued discussions with John and Terry re: content

Climate Survey

contact with GMC CNS re: process, forms, and scoring
advise associations re: delay and delivery

External

maintained contacts with CIEA of B.C. re: ACIFA President attending their conference
contact with Cherri Burdeyny @ Johnson Inc. re: new ARTA packages
contact with Alberta Views re: mail out, conference display
thank-you gifts for services
info to Coalition on Pensions re: listserv
contacts with CIEA of BC re: our Presidents at our conferences
information to new ACIFA representative for LAPP and Pension Coalition business
April 14th meeting with David Milner, John Nicholls, and Randy Pearson (MORGEX) re: award and conference
Clarifications to Randy Pearson (MORGEX) re: award and conference

Executive Council

coordinate nomination process
maintained on-going contact with treasurer re: proposed budget, dues scenarios, and audited statements
Sept. 03, Nov. 03, Jan. 04, Feb. 04, and March 04 meeting notices
Sept. 03, Nov. 03, Jan. 04, Feb. 04, and March 04 agenda packages, content and background materials
Attended Sept. 03, Nov. 03, Jan. 04, Feb. 04, and March 04 meetings
Nov. 04 meeting records
Notice re: President away out of Country
Notice re: President’s back surgery
Update re: Directors & Officers liability insurance, multiple discussions with Dick Lyzenga of Renfrew Insurance

Presidents’ Council

May 03 agenda package, content and background materials
May 03 round table report package
September 03, January 04 and May 04 meeting notices and reminders, round table report process
September 03 agenda, January 04 and May 04 agendas, content and background materials
Attended Sept. 03, Jan. 04, and May 04 meetings
May 03, Sept. 03 and Jan. 04 meeting records

PAC

Review 02/03 activity with VP Professional Affairs
Nov. 03 and Feb. 04 meeting notices, round table report form
Discuss PAC meeting and agenda with VP PAC
PAC Nov. 03 and Feb. 04 agendas, content and background materials
Attended Nov. 8th and Feb. 28th PAC meetings
PAC round table report process
Amendments to PD comparison chart
Advise re: contact info
Explanation of expense claim process, info for specific requirements
Explanation of meeting topics and their status, Committee member inquiries
April 1/04 meeting with David Milner re: status of research award proposal

NAC

Nov. 03 and Feb. 04 meeting notices
Nov. 03 and Feb. 04 agenda forms
Advise re: contact info

AGM

May 03 agenda package, content and background materials
Executive election materials
May 03 minutes
June 04 meeting notice
Allocation of delegate vote memorandum
Executive election notice
May 04 agenda, content and background materials

Meetings

Options for Calgary meeting venues
Contracts for all 03/04 meetings, Executive Council, Presidents’ Council, NAC and PAC
finalize details and sign event contracts for Sept. 03 and Jan. 04 Executive/reception/Presidents’ Council meetings and Nov. 03 and Feb. 04 Executive/reception/NAC & PAC meetings
April 1/04 meeting with Heidi Silver of Village Park Inn re: Fall meetings
Contracts re: venue for Fall 2004 meetings

MORGEX Award

information to and maintained contacts with MORGEX re: 2003 award recipient and application process
2003 award certificates
contact with 2003 recipient and recipient’s Faculty Association
Oct. 8th meeting with David Milner re: application info
Application info for newsletter
Application document, cover letter
Follow-up re: 2003 award recipient unclaimed expenses
Deadline reminder to associations
Address inquires re: eligibility
Managed 2004 submissions, inquiries
Submission binder, information for Selection Committee, including application review process
Coordinate conference call meeting, attended April 1/04
Contact and arrangements with recipient, and Faculty Association
Recipient announcement
Updates to MORGEX
Award certificates

Alberta Public Post-Secondary Education Trust Fund

contact with Chair re: silent auction
information package to new Board member
silent auction deposit
April 30/03 financial statements
April 30/03 annual information return
January 8th meeting with Board of Trustees Chair Keith Crowell (NAIT) to review return
Contact and financial information to Trust Fund Board member
Notice re: silent auction

Labour Relations Officer, Major Activities, May 2003 – May 2004

May 12 – 15

attends ACIFA Spring Conference

May 21, 22 & 23

attends CAFA Council Retreat

May 26

meets with Portage College Faculty Bargaining Team

June 2, 3, & 4

bargains at Bow Valley College

June 10

meets with President NASA

June 17

meets with Bargaining Team Chair Keyano College

June 24

meets with Arbitration Board, dismissal grievance, SAIT – SAFA

June 27

attends designation challenge Court of Queens Bench, Calgary

June 30

meets with grievor and executive ACAD

August 21

meets with Chair bargaining team Fairview College

September 5

meets with Chair bargaining team Fairview College

September 8

meets with Grievance Officer, President and bargaining chair GPRC

September 9

Conference call with Arbitrator Alan Beattie, Board Nominee Ron Neuman, re: SAIT/SAFA grievance

September 11

meets with Negotiations Chair, Grant MacEwan College FA

September 12

meets with NASA President and Executive member

September 18

meets with GPRC Bargaining Team; conference call with Board’s representatives. (Grande Prairie)

September 26

attends ACIFA Executive meeting. (Calgary)
September 27
attends ACIFA Presidents’ Council meeting. (Calgary).

October 15

Sway and Bert Giles attend Bow Valley College Faculty Association AGM. (Calgary)

October 30

meets with SAFA president. Sway, John Nicholls and Bert Giles attend Mount Royal Faculty Association AGM. (Calgary).

October 31

Sway, John Nicholls and Bert Giles meet with General Membership Olds College faculty association. (Olds)

November 3

meets with Faculty Association Bargaining Team Lethbridge Community College. (Lethbridge)

November 4

meets with SAFA President (Calgary)

November 5

meets with NASA President and LRO (Edmonton)

November 7

attends ACIFA Executive meeting. (Calgary)

November 8

attends ACIFA Negotiations Advisory Committee meeting (Calgary)

November 12

serves as Nominee for SAFA; grievance arbitration (Calgary)

November 13

meets with NASA President and LRO (Edmonton)

November 18

attends / serves as witness for NASA; grievance arbitration (Edmonton)

November 21

meets with faculty Bargaining Team, GPRC (Grande Prairie)

November 24

meets with faculty bargaining team, NorQuest College

December 5

Sway and Bert Giles attend faculty association AGM, Northern Lakes College (Slave Lake)

December 15

meets with faculty bargaining team, LCC (Lethbridge)

December 16

meets with SAFA President (Calgary)

December 19

meets with NASA President and LRO (Edmonton)

January 7, 2004

meets with faculty bargaining team, LCC (Lethbridge)

January 8

meets with SAFA President and faculty bargaining spokesman (Calgary)

January 14

Sway and John Nicholls meet with NASA President (Edmonton)

January 15

meets with NASA Labour Relations Officer (Edmonton)

January 16 & 17

bargains at GPRC (Grande Prairie)

January 21 & 22

Presents bargaining workshop and meets with faculty bargaining team Keyano College (Fort Mc Murray)

January 30, 2004

attends ACIFA executive meeting.
attends ACCTI -ACIFA meeting.

January 31, 2004

attends Presidents Council meeting.

February 2, 2004

meets with NorQuest faculty bargaining team.

February 4, 2004

meets with Keyano faculty bargaining team.

February 5, 2004

meets with Chair, NAIT faculty bargaining team

February 6 & 7, 2004

bargains at Grande Prairie Regional College.

February 11, 2004

meets with Keyano faculty bargaining team

February 24, 2004

meets with Keyano faculty bargaining team.

February 25, 2004

bargains at Keyano College.

February 27, 2004

attends CAFA council.
attends ACIFA executive meeting.

February 28, 2004

attends Negotiations Advisory Committee ACIFA.

March 1, 2004

meets with Chair, NAIT faculty bargaining team.

March 8, 9 & 10, 2004

bargains at Lethbridge Community College.

March 13, 2004

attends ACIFA executive meeting.

March 14, 2004

meets with faculty bargaining chairs, GMC, MRC, NAIT, and SAIT.

March 17 &18, 2004

bargains at Keyano College.

March 19, 2004

meets with faculty bargaining team, Grande Prairie Regional College.

March 20 & 21, 2004

bargains at Grande Prairie Regional College.

March 23, 2004

meets with faculty bargaining team Lethbridge Community College.

March 24 & 25, 2004

bargains at Lethbridge Community College.

March 25, 2004

meets with President, SAFA.

March 29, 2004

meets with faculty bargaining team Lethbridge Community College.

March 30, 31 & April 1

bargains at Lethbridge Community College.

April 1, 2004

meets with SAFA President, bargaining spokesperson and Counsel Bill Johnson.

April 7, 2004

meets with Counsel Ritu Khullar, NAIT–NASA demutualization, application for leave.

April 8, 2004

meets with Dominic Willott Board representative BOG bargaining team Keyano College.
meets with NASA Labour Relations Officer.
meets with faculty bargaining team, NorQuest College.

April 13, 2004