CHAPARRAL

We have now passed the half-way point of the spring semester, and I am sure we are all beginning to feel the stresses of the compressed calendar on a daily basis. To add fuel to this stress, we hear all of the negative points of the governor's budget cuts and the toll they will take on our positions within the college—kind of a no-rest-for-the-weary situation, right?

Well, I would like to reassure you that CSEA and the District are doing everything possible to lessen the blows struck by the budget process. It is our joint and collective goal that we protect the employment of every possible employee. It is our joint and collective goal to continue to provide the very best service and education that Glendale College possibly can for our students and the community we serve.  Finally, it is our goal to try and lessen some of the stress you are under.

To help lessen the stress caused by the threat of budget-cut lay-offs and/or bumping, CSEA and the District have agreed to meet on an ongoing basis to work on a positive solution aimed at preventing this kind of disruption to the college family. In coming weeks you will notice some changes in positions, transfers, and reorganizations. The purpose of these changes is to save money, employees, services, and ultimately, the morale and well-being of our family here at the college. Please realize that the District is very aware of the need to maintain our classified positions in order to maintain the quality of service we provide for our students. The District too is under stress, and wants to ease the problems for all concerned, whether they are managers, faculty, administrators, or our terrific classified professional staff.

If you question actions being taken, please feel free to ask. You can rest assured that I ask when I have any questions. I try to question everything I notice, but I may not be aware of everything, so please ask and become informed. Share the information with those around you, but please be sure you are sharing only correct and factual information.  There is no conspiracy; we are all working for a peaceful and stress-reducing solution for the good of all, both employees and students. Please be patient and ask questions when you have concerns. There is nothing more stressful than not knowing and worrying instead.

On a happier note, I want to let all of you know that the Report and Request for Leave of Absence forms are now available. Your supervisor should have a supply of them, or call Human Resources. This form should be used campus-wide for ALL time off regardless of the reason. Simply fill out the form, keep the pink copy and turn in the form to your supervisor. After signing the form, your supervisor will return the yellow copy to you for safekeeping. We should each now have a record at our fingertips of the time we have used and the time we have remaining. Build your own file of that record. You should have each received the information from payroll in March telling you how much sick and vacation time you have available and how much you have used. Keep this information with the request forms. Please use the forms, and if you have suggestions for improvements, let us know. This is a first attempt and hopefully a helpful one for you.

Relax, take a deep breath, and maybe a walk to restore your peace of mind. This stress too shall pass.  /