Administrative Leadership Program:
"Torts, Courts and Other Legal Land Mines: The Community College and the Law--What You Must Know"
August 12-14, 2001
The conference offered a commonsense approach to administrators as they assume campus leadership positions. Participants engaged in the decision-making process of real-life legal situations, exploring issues such as: “What are the issues that lurk behind potential legal problems? “What counsel is required before taking action?” and “What are the contemporary dimensions of campus problems?”
This conference was designed for administrative professionals of community college systems. Forty-nine participants attended the conference from the states of Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Robert P. Joyce, Professor at the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the opening keynote speaker. Joyce explored the basic concepts of community college law and the most effective strategies for dealing with the common legal problems that community colleges face. The audience was captivated by Joyce’s “excellent and informative presentation, good humor, great overviews, and entertaining” presentation style.
Monday morning’s opening session was a presentation on sexual harassment mistakes by Louis P. DiLorenzo, Chair, Labor Department, Bond, Schoeneck & King, LLP. DiLorenzo explained the most common misconceptions about sexual harassment; the most common mistakes in a sexual harassment policy; the most common management mistakes; and mistakes that prevent employers from using the affirmative defenses. Participants benefited from listening to a presentation with “excellent information, solid substance, brief and to the point, and animated.” Most participants indicated more time than allotted was needed for this topic.
Peter J. Spinelli, Partner, Labor Practice Group, Harris, Beach LLP, spoke about “Reviewing the Performance and Conduct of Faculty and the Performance Improvement Plan.” This session discussed how to investigate and resolve conduct issues through progressive discipline. Participants also explored the development and implementation plan to remedy teaching deficiencies or establish the necessary evidence for removal proceedings. Participants thought Spinelli offered “good, solid advise to approach the progressive evaluations.” His presentation was “informative and provided great information.” Again, participants thought “not enough time” was devoted to the topic.
Steven J. McDonald’s, Associate Legal Counsel, The Ohio State University presentation dealt with copyright issues. McDonald’s session provided an overview of the fundamental principles of copyright law, with particular emphasis on the issues of copyright in cyberspace and distance education, ownership of copyrighted materials, and fair use. McDonald paid particular attention to copyright as it pertains to on-line issues. Participants regarded McDonald’s presentation as “exemplary with excellent information.” Most thought McDonald did a “great job” with a rather dry topic. One person said, “This is the best presentation on copyright I’ve seen.”
Diane Cecero, General Counsel, Monroe Community College, was the primary speaker for the afternoon session: “Decision Making with Case Studies.” Cecero’s workshop gave participants hands-on experience in decision-making drawn from real-life situations at a community college, and also gave them the opportunity to see how the legal perspective is just one facet of informed decision-making. Participants responded more than favorably to this afternoon workshop, which was “ very engaging, great interaction, great exercise with real life experiences, and a good learning experience.” Most participants indicated that more time should have been allocated to this workshop.
Dan H. Fenn, Jr., Adjunct Lecturer, Executive Programs, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University held a pre—workshop on Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning Fenn engaged the audience in a case study to explore “Lawyers and Leaders: Who Is Supposed to Do What?” Both of Fenn’s workshops were highly “intriguing and thought provoking.” He interjected much humor with the seriousness of legal roles. Participants “loved his style, outstanding—made me think!—great effects, interesting discussion, very unique method of presentation, absolutely outstanding, challenging materials, engaging and enjoyable—could have gone on much longer.” Some participants simply “loved him!” He was an “outstanding presenter who makes you think critically. ”
A picnic sponsored by the The Thomas Group was held Monday evening at the North Pavilion at Taughannock State Park and was a great success. Participants appreciated seeing some of the beautiful sites of upstate New York, and the opportunity to socialize with each other.
Dalva Hedlund, Chair, Department of Education, David Sink, President of Blue Ridge Community College and ICCD board member, and Elizabeth Grigoriu, Associate Director, Institute for Community College Development, presented participants with a certificate of completion at a closing ceremony during lunch.
