After extensive discussions, and an electronic survey administered by the AFT, the District
      Academic Senate Governing Council agreed that there was sufficient support from the faculty
      at all three colleges to renew an investigation into the opportunites and costs of revising the
      academic calendar to what is commonly known as the 15-5-15-5-5 model. This model would
      modify our current calendar so that classes would be completed in a fewer number of days
      while maintaining the same number of contact hours. One of the benefits to this model is that
      it would allow faculty the opportunity to develop "short courses" during a winter session which
      would be similar to our summer sessions.

      The Task Force will be comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, and IT staff who are
      knowledgeable about specific aspects of scheduling and facilty usage. Faculty and staff from
      all three colleges will be asked to participate in focus group discussions and respond to data
      that is collected by the Task Force, and models that are created by Task Force members.
      The process will be extensive and collaborative, and is expected to bridge several semesters. 
      Ultimately, the Task Force will make a recommendation to the Calendar Committee, who will 
      proceed to negotiate any changes with the AFT as is required by our collective bargaining 
      agreement. Stay tuned for more information as the Task Force begins their work. If you have
      questions or would like to participate please contact your college Senate President or the District
      Senate President.

      Patty Dilko, Professor, Early Childhood Education/Child Development, Cañada College
      SMCCCD Academic Senate President
      dilko@smccd.edu