Welcome to the Academic Senate web site! This is the new and improved look, I hope you like it. As this academic year draws to a close, I would like to first of all thank all the Governing Council members for their support and tireless work in getting us through a very busy and productive year. We have had more pressures and activities that in the most recent past, mostly fueled by the current budget crisis in the California Community Colleges. The current administration at college and district levels is most receptive to our participation in shared governance and a great deal of respect has been shown for our expertise in academic and professional matters. I would like to personally thank Shirley Kelly, president of College San Mateo, Grace Sonner, Vice President of Instruction and Pat Griffin, Vice President of Student Services for their patience and understanding as I made my through the first year of my presidency of Academic Senate.

The web site has a new look from previous years. As you spend time with it, pay particular attention to the "Meeting" section. This is where you will find the dates for the meetings for the upcoming year, 2004-5, and also agendas and meeting minutes will be posted there when they become available. Meeting agendas will be posted no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

You will also find links on the web page to committees, both permanent and standing committees, a page dedicated to recent academic issues and links to resources beyond CSM.

There is also a link to Academic Senate e-mail: csmacademicsenate@smccd.net which will allow you to communicate directly to me with any comments or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact me at any time that you need to do so
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Lastly, please remember that the Academic Senate has an office in Building 17, Room 119. I maintain office hours on a regular basis, and I am also available via telephone at (650) 574-6235. I will look forward to hearing from you.

Tom Diskin
President