President's News Burst for December 2008

BUDGET CRUNCH

Don't be fooled!  California’s budget crisis is real.  And nationally, we are officially in a recession expected to last through 2009.  Because revenues have not been sufficient to cover public expenditures, resulting in an $28-billion shortfall, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed billions of dollars in spending cuts, most of them aimed at the state’s already beleaguered schools, colleges and universities.  The governor has proposed slashing about $330 million from community college budgets.  GCCCD is expecting a mid-year give-back to the state totaling $5.1 million.  At this point, it is anticipated that GCCCD will have to cut an additional $2.4-$2.7 million on top of the $2.7 million already set aside for the predicted give-back early on during out 2008/09 budget planning.  Higher education, like the financial markets, may be facing a dire, major correction. 

The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) responded to the Governor’s cut to community colleges by recommending increases to student tuition and specific reductions in state reimbursement for selected courses.  The LAO recommended a tuition increase from $20 to $26 this January and another increase to $30 effective in July 2009.  The other suggestion was to reduce reimbursement for courses in exercise science, art, music, dance and the like.  Only one thing is certain at this time, there will be much discussion at the state level before agreement on an approach is reached to balance the state's revenue/spending issues.

It is unlikely that the newly constituted Legislature will successfully tackle the budget problem this month. There are 25 new legislators (15 Democrat, 10 Republican). The Community College League of California says that the new legislators know the state has a serious problem and want to take action, but their approach to action could not be farther apart.

In order to live within our means and ensure solvency and long-term fiscal health, several steps are currently under consideration, including reducing the number of sections with low enrollments and reducing hours of operations for some student services along with existing hiring and travel freezes.  The reality is that the budget constraints will mean an ongoing emphasis on achieving efficiencies, different ways of doing business, including trade-offs that allow us to serve the increased student demand with very limited funds.  Unfortunately, this is not a good time for cutting higher education’s budgets. The unemployment rate in San Diego County has grown to 6.8 percent. In response, people are enrolling in California’s community colleges in record numbers, and the demand for us to provide a high-quality education is growing. Our goal is to preserve classroom instruction and services to students. Your support is appreciated as we tighten our belts and weather these uncertain economic times.

  

CHANCELLOR CANDIDATES

Two finalists have been announced for the position of Chancellor, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. They are: Cindy Miles, Ph.D., President, Hialeah Campus, Miami Dade College, Florida, and Mark Zacovic, Ph.D., interim Vice President Administrative Services, Pasadena Area Community College District, California.  Both candidates are scheduled to appear at public forums in the Student Center -- Dr. Miles at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Dr. Zacovic at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11.  Please mark your calendars!

Miles has been president of the Hialeah Campus since its founding in 2005 as the seventh campus of Miami Dade College. Before assuming the presidency of the Hialeah Campus, Miles served as vice president for learning and academic affairs at the Community College of Denver from 2002 to 2005. Zacovic is a 23-year veteran of the California Community College system. He has served in various capacities at Santa Barbara City College, Lake Tahoe Community College, interim president of Santiago Community College District, and superintendent/president at Mt. San Jacinto Community College District. Most recently, he assisted two districts in an interim capacity: as vice president of administrative services at Contra Costa Community College District for 10 months, and currently, as vice president of administrative services at Pasadena City College/Pasadena Area CCD on an 11-month assignment.

CARE/ASGC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Our Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program, which serves several hundred Grossmont College students who are single parents receiving public assistance, is hosting a holiday party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Student Center. We need volunteers to assist with the party and donations of canned food, unwrapped toys, gift baskets and gift cards for distribution at the party to school-age children below age 17. We are expecting more than 100 children to attend along with their single parents. If you can help, contact Brenda Flores at 7698 or Sonia Smith-Ramsey at 7552. Canned food donations can be delivered to the ASGC office.

  

CHILD DEVELOPMENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY DRIVE

Every year, the Grossmont College Child Development Student Association spearheads the “SHARING for the HOLIDAYS” drive, asking your participation in raising funds to help buy food and gas gift cards that will be given to some of our most needed students and their families.  Thanks to the generous support of our faculty and staff we have been able to help about 10 to 12 families every holiday season.  We hope to accomplish that goal once again!  Your generosity will empower some of our students to better provide for the necessities of their loved ones during the holidays.  Your gift will make a difference in a child’s life. Your gift, in the form of a check, can be mailed to the club advisor, Sonia Gaiane.  Please make your check payable to “Sharing for the Holidays Trust Fund.” Our deadline is December 8.  A special thank you note will be sent to you with our Internal Revenue exemption code to be used for income tax records.  We wish you multiple returns for your generosity.

GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA EARNS HONORS FROM GROUP

A state educational group focused on increasing college participation has recognized two programs in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD). Two of the 15 programs recently recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity are from GCCCD, including: The Cal-PASS Freshman Composition Alignment Project which Micah Jendian, Ryan Griffith and others participated in, aligns courses between high school, community college and four-year universities in the state; and Project Success Learning Communities, led by Sue Jensen, which helps students move from basic skills courses into college-level course work. Students are taught in back-to-back linked courses that allow them to establish a strong support group of peers. The Campaign for College Opportunities reviewed 102 community college and university programs across California and selected 15 for their quality and innovation.

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

The Smoking Cessation Committee reports that 174 people attended the recent Great American Smokeout event, with 32 people committing to quit for one day and four people actually handed over their cigarettes to be thrown out. Everyone was provided with information about the smoking cessation program available from Student Health Services, and two new smoke-free campus banners were unveiled. On Jan. 1, 2009, it shall be the policy of the Governing Board to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on all property owned or controlled by the District.

  

WACC COMMITTEE

The World Arts & Cultures Committee is accepting funding requests for special events to be held in the Spring 2009 Semester. Deadline for funding requests to Alba Orr, committee chair, is Dec. 19.

  

PARKING UPDATE

As we prepare to wrap up this fall semester, I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and assistance with our Students First campaign. The efforts were truly amazing and we accommodated the second largest fall enrollment in Grossmont’s history with 800 less parking spaces. We are halfway there, with only the spring semester separating us from completing the parking structure and being able to maximize parking needs on campus. Here are some important dates to keep in mind: 

·         Dec. 15, 2008, faculty and staff can begin parking on soccer field

·         Dec. 18, 2008, last day of shuttle service for fall semester

·         Dec. 19, 2008, all faculty and staff can resume parking on campus. Shuttle service discontinued until start of spring semester.

·         Jan. 23, 2009, last day to park on campus without special permits

·         Jan. 26, 2009, shuttle service resumes, all faculty and staff asked to park off campus unless a special permit has been authorized.

·         May 29, 2009, last day of shuttle service and off-campus parking.

CONVOCATION ON JANUARY 20, 2009 – NEW START TIME!

The Spring 2009 Convocation will begin at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20. Brunch food items will be served. A later start time has been scheduled so that interested individuals can watch the U.S. presidential inauguration, which will begin at 9 a.m. Pacific time.  Faculty and staff will be able to watch the proceedings from the Student Center and Griffin Gate.

Whether you decide to sleep in or watch the historic event, please join us between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. as we share brunch with colleagues and friends and begin Convocation.  The day’s activities have been carefully planned to include an all-college activity from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Staff, please check with your supervisor to ensure critical services can be provided during this busy day.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

      The Grossmont College Symphony Orchestra will present “Mother Russia,” a musical program featuring the performance of Pyoltr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #4 in F minor and others selections from Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky and Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at the East County Performing Arts Center. Also performing will be contralto soloist Martha Jane Howe, a Grossmont College faculty member. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students and free for children ages 12 and under with a paid adult admission.

      You can support the International Student Scholarship Fund by buying a CD with piano music performed by our very own International Student Counselor Drew Massicot. Drew will be playing in the Student Center from noon to 1 p.m., Dec. 8-11. His piano solo CDs, “My Gift to You” (Christmas pieces), “For Your Love,” “Feel the Spirit,” and “Music from the Heart,” will be available for $10 each.

      The Adult Reentry Program will host “Get Your Life on Track,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in retraining for new jobs and careers, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Griffin Gate. Speakers will include former students who successfully returned to the classroom, along with information on admission procedures, transfer programs and financial aid.

      A reception to welcome returning Governing Board member Bill Garrett and new Governing Board member May Kay Rosinski will be held following the Board Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 in Griffin Gate.

      The Grossmont College Afro-Cuban Ensemble, and Afro-Cuban Combo, under the direction of Derek Cannon, will be performing Tuesday, December 9th, at 7:30 pm at the Cuyamaca College Theatre. Admission is free for Faculty/Staff, $5 for the general public and $3 for seniors.

      A team of approximately 15-17 legislative staffers from Sacramento will be campus on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to tour the campus and meet faculty, staff and students to hear about successes and challenges.

      A send off gathering for Dr. Roger Owens will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Hyde Art Gallery.  Music will be performed by Fred Benedetti. For information, contact Janet Carter at 7155.

      A year-end celebration will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Administrative Quad and College Conference room. There will be a chili cook-off with prizes awarded to the top  winners in three different categories. If you are interested in participating in the cook-off, please contact Alba Orr at 7623. Dessert and beverages will be provided.

RECENT HONORS AND RECOGNITION

      Carl Fielden, Jr., Learning Disabilities Specialist Coordinator, Assistive Technology Center, recently gave a presentation at the 20th annual International Conference on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, held in Anaheim. Carl spoke on “Healthy Helicopter Parenting: Preparing a College-Ready Independent (Rather than Dependent) Young Adult.”

      Kaiser Permanente has announced that six Grossmont nursing students will share $14,500 in scholarship money. Kaiser also gave scholarship money to nursing students from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego City College and Imperial Valley College. Scholarships were primarily based on financial need to assist individuals who are pursuing nursing degrees, Kaiser said.

      The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) board of directors has honored five Grossmont nursing students with Richard Bea RN Memorial Nursing Scholarship awards. Richard Bea was a former Grossmont Hospital nurse and GHD board member.

      The Grossmont/Cuyamaca Speech and Debate Team participated in two recent tournaments. The team was presented with the 3rd Team Sweepstakes Award.

      Grossmont College’s own KGFN radio station participated in the recent San Diego Blood Bank’s Chargers Blood Drive, held Nov. 25 at the Town and Country Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Mission Valley. The 30th annual Chargers Blood Drive was presented by San Diego County Credit Union.

President's News Burst for November 2008

ELECTION RESULTS

With results from 100 percent of the precincts, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board President Bill Garrett won reelection for Seat #3 with 81 percent of the vote over challenger Moe Bakeer (90,872 to 20,769 votes), and teacher/career educator Mary Kay Rosinksi, a 38-year resident of El Cajon, defeated incumbent Timothy Caruthers (68.73 to 31.63 percent, 79,828 to 36,923 votes). Caruthers, a practicing chiropractor for 22 years, was first elected to the board in 1996, and then reelected in 2000 and 2004. A former Grossmont student, Caruthers served several times as a board officer, including board president in 2003.

ACCJC ACCREDITATION

Two members of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation team visited our campus this week. Dr. James Hottois, Superintendent-President at Palo Verde College, and Dr. Ronald Harlan, Dean of Instructional Services at Glendale Community College, had previously been here on campus for another accreditation visit in 2007. During their recent visit, they addressed four recommendations from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The recommendations that were addressed: #1. Diversity in hiring; #2. SLO progress; #3. Streamlining the institutional planning process; and #4. Excellent working relationships across the District. They expressed their appreciation for the enormous amount of work done by the college and district to address the four areas.  But given the current climate for accreditation, they urged us to continue to make steady progress in these areas. Their assessment will be sent to the commission for action at its January 2009 meeting.

PARKING UPDATE

A recent evaluation of available parking spaces on campus has resulted in changing the afternoon start time when faculty and staff are able to park on campus. Faculty and staff can now park in any student or staff parking lot on campus after 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as well as all day Friday.  In addition, in order to encourage parking on the soccer field, faculty and staff parking off-site will randomly be selected for soccer permits as well as a $25 gift certificates in daily/weekly drawings. All faculty and staff can park on campus from Dec. 19, 2008, through Jan. 23, 2009. Students are still encouraged to park on campus instead of local surrounding neighborhood streets. Unfortunately, some of our students who park on the residential streets have not been as tidy as they should have been. So, members of ASGC, as well as a crew of Grossmont instructors, have recently participated in several trash pick-up trips through the nearby neighborhoods.

BUDGET UPDATE

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has told state education leaders that he will push for a tax hike and deep cuts to schools to help close the state’s budget gap. Educators also have been told to prepare for immediate cuts in the range of $5 billion. A special session has been called this week to tackle the state’s rapidly developing budget crisis. The special session will consider both revenue/tax increases and spending cuts.  Community College advocates are arguing that one of the most important strategies the state can use is to keep the state’s job training engine moving by funding the existing enrollment in community colleges. Few expect the lame-duck special session will produce any miracles. Stay tuned.

CAREER EXPO

Grossmont’s 30th annual Career Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The theme is “Take the Lead.” More than 120 exhibitors will be available to network with job seekers, who are encouraged to dress up and bring copies of their resume. For a complete listing of exhibitors, visit www.grossmont.edu/jobplacement. Presenting sponsors include the ASGC, Grossmont College Foundation, Sharp HealthCare, UPS and Wells Fargo. At 11 a.m., awards will be presented to sponsors by Carol LeBeau and Kimberly Hunt of KGTV/10News. The Career Expo is part of Career Week, which will feature free clinics on resume and cover letter writing, interviewing tips and salary negotiations. For more event information, call the Career Center at (619) 644-7614 or Student Employment Services at (619) 644-7611.

ROCK THE PAGE

The Creative Writing Department will host “Rock The Page,” an all-day creative write-a-thon fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 8, in Griffin Gate. The fundraiser is open to the public. Cost to participate is a minimum donation of $50, which includes lunch, an “I Rocked The Page” t-shirt and prize opportunities. For pledge sheets and more information, phone Grossmont College English instructors Sydney Brown at x7523, or Stephanie Mood at x7495. Attendees will be invited to spend the day writing in four genres, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and drama. Proceeds from the event will be used to pay for the college’s Literary Arts Festival, to be held April 20 to May 1, 2009. Scheduled speakers at next year’s Literary Arts Festival include Dani Dodge, East County bureau editor of the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper, and Jimmy Santiago Baca, an award-winning poet and author who learned to read and write while incarcerated in the Arizona prison system on drug charges.

  

GALA SUMMARY

The Grossmont College Foundation reports 340 people attended its recent seventh annual Dinner Auction and Gala, held Oct. 25 at the Hilton San Diego Resort, and helped raised about $130,000. “Imagine the Possibilities” was this year’s theme. Co-chairs were Judy Garrett and Beverly Wight. Speakers discussed the outstanding ongoing charitable work by the Grossmont College Foundation and the recently announced Osher Initiative for California Community Colleges, which is a perpetual matching endowment fund for scholarships. Many thanks to our corporate sponsors, college faculty, staff and volunteers. 

  

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD NOMINATIONS DUE ON NOVEMBER 14

Nominations for the President’s Leadership Award and Chancellor’s Classified Senate Quarterly Award are both due on Friday, Nov. 14. The Leadership Award will be announced during the Spring 2009 Flex Week. Nominations of full-time administrative staff and other individuals in leadership positions at Grossmont College may be submitted by any member of the college community who has personal and direct knowledge of the nominee’s work, and who can comment on the unique and outstanding characteristics in support of the nominee’s excellent service to the students, faculty and staff. For the Classified Senate Quarterly Award, anyone may nominate any classified employee. The award celebrates a classified employee with recognition for outstanding work.

  

SPIRIT WEEK

ASGC will host a variety of activities during Spirit Week. Activities will be held at various times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 11-13, leading up to the final regular season football game at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 on campus. The Nov. 15 game vs. Saddleback has playoff implications. Spirit Week activities are expected to include pep rallies with football players, cheerleaders and Gizmo the mascot, as well as other events designed to generate enthusiasm and school pride among students, including a root-beer drinking contest and wet t-shirt contest.

  

AOJ INTERN ON NATIONAL TV

A Grossmont College Administration of Justice student with dreams of becoming a real-life CSI recently had a turn on nationwide TV – not on the popular CBS series, but on the NBC morning show, Today, interviewed in studio by co-anchor Matt Lauer. Gabrielle Wimer, a forensic technology student, was featured for her remarkable sleuthing as an intern for the San Diego Police Department. Assigned to go through hundreds of unsolved murder cases, her attention was drawn to one in particular: the brutal 1972 stabbing of Vietnam vet and postal worker Jerry Jackson. Detectives recovered fingerprint evidence, but without a national database to check, no match was made and the case eventually was shelved. When Wimer, 24, came across the case, the sheer volume of evidence prompted her to wonder what hidden information could be uncovered using modern-day technology. Her hunch paid off some three or four months later, when the FBI made a match of the prints she had requested to be sent through the agency’s database.  In mid-October, a 60-year-old man was arrested as a suspect in the stabbing death.

RECENT HONORS AND RECOGNITION

      Following a site visit in late October, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission has recommended an initial accreditation for the Grossmont College School of Nursing. The initial accreditation is the first step in the process toward securing a five-year accreditation, which is expected to be announced in January 2009.

      Grossmont’s Foster Adoptive and Kinship Care Education Program is a partner with the County of San Diego Adoptions Agency. The County recently was honored with the 2008 Adoptions Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its support of adoptive families.

      Sunny Cooke has been named to the East County YMCA board of directors. The East County YMCA operates the John A. Davis Family YMCA in La Mesa, the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee, and the McGrath Family YMCA Sports Complex in Rancho San Diego. The East County YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of spirit, mind and body.

      Joe Orate, Culinary Arts, competed against about 400 other individuals and earned an individual bronze medal in the fruit and vegetable carving category at the recent International Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany. Four Grossmont students traveled to Germany with Orate and Carrie Clay, Associate Dean/ROP, to assist in the preparation of the entry. They included Ana Lilia Hernandez, Carmen Reyes, Susan Demers and Modie Moore. Orate’s entry included turnip and radish flowers, squash, cucumbers, melons and beets carved into grapes. The Culinary Olympics, held every four years, drew about competitors from 52 countries.

      James Foran, Culinary Arts, participated for his fourth consecutive year at the recent “Celebrate the Craft” fundraiser held at The Lodge in Torrey Pines. The event matches local growers with many of San Diego’s most acclaimed chefs. Foran created a dessert using melons grown on a Temecula farm. Proceeds benefit Slow Food, an international organization dedicated to promoting ecologically sound food production.

      Grossmont’s Office Professional Training (OPT) program was highlighted in a San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper article published on Monday, Nov. 3. The article discussed greater enrollment for vocational programs at community colleges.

      Rick Griffin, interim director of the College and Community Relations Office, was a recipient of a business writing award from the San Diego Press club at its recent Excellence in Journalism Awards program. It was Griffin’s four consecutive year and seventh out of the last eight for winning a San Diego Press Club writing award.

President's News Burst for October 2008

ACCJC ACCREDITATION

On Nov. 5, Grossmont College will welcome back two members of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation team who visited our campus in 2007. They include Dr. James Hottois, Superintendent-President at Palo Verde College, and Dr. Ronald Harlan, Dean of Instructional Services at Glendale Community College. During their visit, they will address four recommendations from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The recommendations that are being addressed this year are: #1. Diversity in hiring; #2. SLO progress; #3. Streamlining the institutional planning process; and #4. Excellent working relationships across the District. When you see these visitors on campus, please introduce yourself and extend a warm Grossmont College welcome.

ASHFORD UNIVERSITY ARTICULATION AGREEMENT

Grossmont College recently agreed to an articulation agreement with Ashford University, based in Clinton, Iowa. Ashford is operated by San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education, which also offers online classes. Under the agreement, up to 90 credits earned at Grossmont will be accepted and applied to an appropriate Ashford University degree. The agreement with Grossmont is Ashford’s first one with a college in California.

  

FREE WORKSHOP:  WORKPLACE BULLYING

The Career Center and Student Employment Services will present a free workshop on Workplace Bullying from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the Career Center, Room 627. Presenting the workshop will be Catherine Mattice, a communications consultant. She will provide an understanding of bullying and the damage it causes both employees and the organization, and offer solutions for dealing with the bully from both an individual and organizational standpoint. For information, call 7614.

CHAMPS ON OCTOBER 7TH

On Tuesday, Oct. 7th, about 60 high school students were hosted on campus by the Health Professions Programs, EOPS and Scripps Health. Program coordinators from Respiratory Therapy, Cardiovascular Technology, Registered Nursing and Occupational Therapy Assistant gave presentations. The students were from the CHAMPS (Community Health and Medical Practices) program. Michael Perez, EOPS Counselor, also gave a presentation about the services and educational opportunities at Grossmont College.

  

GROSSMONT ART DEPARTMENT FACULTY EXHIBITION

This year’s Art Dept. Faculty Exhibition features both a diverse and outstanding selection of work. The exhibition of  approximately 35 pieces from 30 art department instructors represents the various disciplines that exist within the Grossmont College Art Department: photography, jewelry, painting and drawing and ceramics and sculpture, according to Ben Aubert, curator. The exhibition is free and is open to the faculty, staff, students and the community. The exhibition opened on Monday, Oct. 6 and will close on Thursday, Oct. 30. An opening reception was held on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free.

FOSTER YOUTH OUTREACH

Michael Perez, EOPS/CARE Counselor and Foster Youth Liaison, and Lauren Castillo, Financial Aid Advisor/Foster Youth Liaison, will discuss the EFFORT (EOPS Financial Aid Foster Youth Outreach & Retention Team) program along with providing strategies in maximizing resources for former foster youth who attend California community colleges at a meeting of the California State Foster Parent Association at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 9 at the San Diego Mission Valley Marriott Hotel. On Oct. 10, Michael Copenhaver, Director of Financial Aid, will facilitate a presentation on our EFFORT program to Los Angeles City College representatives from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Griffin Gate.

  

RHORC EVENT

The Regional Health Occupations Resource Center, hosted at Grossmont College, will present the San Diego Health Care Interpreting (HCI) Partnership Convening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, at Griffin Gate. The Convening objectives will include learning about the current HCI partnership model in the Bay Area, address questions or concerns about participation in the HCI partnership in San Diego and to learn how an HCI partnership can improve access, safety and quality of healthcare. For more information, contact Jeannette Hunter, RHORC Project Coordinator, at 7059.

  

FLU SHOTS FROM STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Student Health Services reminds everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be sure to get a pink ribbon treat from the nurse and remind the women in your life to get their mammogram. Also, flu shots are available starting this week, from 1 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $10 for students, $20 for staff.

  

COLLEGE TRANSFER DAY

The Transfer Center presented its annual College Transfer Day today (October 8^th) in the Main Quad. More than 45 private and public colleges and universities were represented on campus to provide Grossmont students with a glimpse of possible next steps in their education. College Transfer Day enables the Transfer Center to present several of its programs to student audiences all at the same time. It is important to explore all transfer options.

  

TARTUFFE

The Theatre Arts Department’s first production of the 2008-2009 season is “Tartuffe,” a comedy masterpiece of Moliere and directed by Henry J. Jordan, Oct. 9 to 11 and 15 to 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. in the Stagehouse Theatre. The comedy, written for Louis XIV, pokes fun at the religious who espouse piety but are actually hypocrites. Admission is $10 per person, $9 for faculty, staff, military and seniors and $8 for GCCCD students (with ID). Infants and children under age 10 will be admitted. Food or drink is not permitted in the Theatre. The box office is open one hour prior to all performances. For information, phone (619) 644-7234, or visit www.grossmont.edu/theatre.

  

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD

The “Call for Nominations” is now open for the President’s Leadership Award. Deadline is Friday, Nov. 14. Nominations can be submitted to the President’s Office. The award will be presented during the Spring 2009 Flex Week, and at a special recognition ceremony in May 2009. The President’s Leadership Award was established to recognize leadership in service to students, faculty and staff, and to encourage continuation of that excellence. Nominations of full-time administrative staff and other individuals in leadership positions at Grossmont College may be submitted by any member of the college community who has personal and direct knowledge of the nominee’s work, and who can comment on the  unique and outstanding characteristics in support of the nominee’s excellent service to students, faculty and staff.

  

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS FOR FLEX  WEEK, SPRING 2009

The Faculty Professional Development Committee has identified the theme of “The Future of Grossmont” for the Spring 2009 Flex Week with emphasis on innovations. Workshops will be organized into one of four tracks: SLO/Basic Skills Innovations, Distance Ed/Technology Innovations, Teaching and Learning Innovations, and General. Faculty, staff and administrators wishing to present a workshop during Spring Professional Development Week (Jan. 20 to 23, 2009) can submit a workshop proposal on or before Oct. 14 using the online workshop submission form. The form is available via a link on the Professional Development website at www.grossmont/edu/staffdevelop/. Only those proposals submitted online by the deadline will be considered by the committee for the Spring flex-week schedule. The Spring 2009 Flex Week co-chairs are Edda Temoche-Weldele and Judd Curran.

  

ROP CULINARY ARTS DINNERS

The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Culinary Arts Dept. is inviting you to enjoy on Thursdays a five-course dinner prepared by students and, at the same time, help raise travel expense funds so that students can attend the Culinary Olympics in Germany. The five-course dinners, featuring appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and dessert will be prepared by culinary students. Dinners will be presented from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Nov. 20. Cost is $15 per person. Space is limited and some dates may already be fully booked. Reservations can be made by phoning Michele Martens in the ROP office at (619) 644-7549, or by e-mail at michele.martens@gcccd.edu. Vegetarian dinners are available with 48-hour advance notice.

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

Don’t forget to get your photograph taken for the Web Staff Directory. More than 450 employees already have made the effort to add their handsome faces for this directory, which will be available only over the Intranet. If you’re still waiting for your photograph to be taken, please contact our college photographer Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377) for an individual appointment. Also, shooting can be scheduled so that entire departments can be shot all at the same sitting. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

  

INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING

As part of streamlining our planning process, as specified in our recent accreditation findings, we are committed to have planning linked more closely to allocation of funds. We have begun communicating with key college constituencies about our emerging shift in the planning process. With higher numbers of students and fewer dollars to serve those students, our decisions on how and where to expend resources are more crucial than ever. Therefore, our three areas of focus for the 2009-2010 school year will be: (#1) Student Learning Outcomes (learning and service outcomes that will be assessed to address impact to students); (#2) Basic Skills (assisting students with the academic skills necessary to succeed in college-level work); (#3) Workforce Development & Partnership (developing innovative partnerships and linking with community resources in order to help prepare students for lifelong career success in the labor market). Much work has been done to date, and follow-up will continue.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ø  Art Faculty Exhibition, Hyde Art Gallery, Oct. 6-30.

Ø  High School Students Tours, Health Professions, Oct. 7-9.

Ø  Viennese Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, East County Performing Arts Center, 3 p.m., Oct. 19.

Ø  Second 8-week Session Begins, Oct. 20.

Ø  Governing Board Meeting, Griffin Gate, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21.

Ø  Candidates Debate for 52nd Congressional District with Duncan D. Hunter (Republican), Mike Lumpkin (Democrat) and Michael Benoit (Libertarian), Student Center, 7 p.m., Oct. 28.

President's News Burst for September 2008

“Students First” Campaign

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all college and district employees who are participating in our “Students First” campaign, which is designed to provide as many on-campus parking spaces as possible for students.  I am grateful that many of you are using the Gillespie Field parking lot and riding on the shuttle buses. We are working on improvements with the shuttle bus company and attached to this email is a revised shuttle bus schedule.  In addition, many of you are using other means to get to work, including carpools, bicycles, and rides from spouses, relatives and friends. As a reminder, all GCCCD employees who are using alternative commute solutions to campus Monday through Thursday and do not have a car on campus are eligible to win a prize in the “Students First” Raffle. Raffle tickets are available from bus drivers or in the College Business Office.  Tickets can be dropped into one of the mail boxes located at the Transit Center, District Office or College Business Office. Raffle winners will receive either a $25 gift certificate redeemable at participating stores at Grossmont Center, or a different weekly prize each Thursday. All winners will be eligible to win a grand prize to be presented at the end of this semester.

Our thanks to students who served free coffee to bus riding faculty, staff and administrators. Coffee sponsors included Grossmont Schools Federal Credit Union, Grossmont College President’s Office, Grossmont College Foundation, Grossmont College ASGC and Starbucks Fletcher Hills. The “Students First” campaign involved months of planning and emerged through collegial consultation from the Parking Alternatives Taskforce and Facilities Committee to Planning and Budget Council. Parking information can be found on Grossmont’s website at: www.grossmont.edu/faculty_staff, or the District’s website at www.gcccd.edu/faculty.staff/onsite_parking_grossmont_colle.htm.

Thank you again for your assistance and cooperation while our new three-story parking structure is under construction.

Tell Us Your “Alternative Commuting Solution”

Rick Griffin, College and Community Relations, is collecting success stories about employees who are doing their part to save parking spaces for students by using innovative commuting solutions. For example, did you know that Shirley Pereira, Mathematics instructor, and Jeff Lehman, Chemistry instructor, are among several faculty members who are riding bicycles to work? Meanwhile, after getting dropped off by her 18-year-old son, Dawn Heuft, administrative secretary in the District Business Services office, rides nine miles to her Lakeside home on her 21-speed bicycle. Beth Duggan, Theatre Arts instructor, is commuting from her La Mesa home on her eye-catching three-wheel motorcycle (two wheels in the front and one in the back). Beth says her three-wheeler, complete with a trunk, has an MPG rating of about 40 miles per gallon. Tina Pitt, Vice President, Academic Affairs, is having her husband, Michael, do the morning drop-off and evening pick-up routine. E-mail your story to rick.griffin@gcccd.edu.

Enrollment

Enrollment remains very strong for the 2008 Fall Semester. The latest numbers show a 4.0 percent increase in headcount and 2.5 percent increase in units over last fall. The number of students exceeds 18,000, that’s 700 students more than we had on campus last fall! We are near, and may exceed, our highest enrollment ever!  Thank you to all our faculty and staff for working so hard to accommodate as many students as possible.  We couldn’t serve all these students given budget and other constraints without our concerted and heroic efforts!   Special thanks to our Student Services and Tech Mall staff for effectively dealing with the added complications of a new registration system and the need for every student to have a new college ID.

Health/Physical Sciences Building Groundbreaking

All are welcome to join in the new Health/Physical Sciences Building Groundbreaking at

10 a.m. this Friday, September 12.  This two-building complex will house health professions programs, science labs and classrooms including physics, orthopedic technology, forensics, cardiovascular technology, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy and nursing programs, as well as faculty and technician offices. The buildings have been designed utilizing an open courtyard concept.  Projected completion is spring 2010.  Scheduled speakers at the groundbreaking will include representatives from faculty and students, as well as the Prop R Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. The Health/Physical Science Building is one of several capital improvement projects made possible by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s $207 million Proposition R  bond measure approved by East County voters in 2002.

ROP Culinary Arts Dinners

The Regional Occupation Program (ROP) Culinary Arts Dept. is inviting you to enjoy a five-course dinner and, at the same time, help raise travel funds so that students can attend the Culinary Olympics this fall in Germany. The five-course dinners, featuring appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and dessert, will be prepared by culinary students. Dinners will be presented from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday starting September 25 through November 20. The cost is $15 per person and space is limited. Reservations can be made by contacting Michele Martens in the ROP office at (619) 644-7549 or michele.martens@gcccd.edu. Vegetarian dinners are available with 48-hour advance notice. 

A group of Grossmont College students are planning to travel this October to Erfurt, Germany, to compete in the International Culinary Olympics. The event has been held since 1900 and is known as the Culinary Olympics because it is held every four years. Considered one of the world’s most prestigious culinary events, this year’s Culinary Olympics is expected to draw more than 6,000 chefs from 70 different countries.  It will be the third time Chef Joe Orate, Culinary Arts coordinator, will escort our students to the Culinary Olympics.

For menus, please see ROP attachment.

Web Staff Directory

Don’t forget to get your photograph taken for the Web Staff Directory. More than 450 employees already have made the effort to add their handsome faces to this directory, which will be available only over the Intranet.  If you’re still waiting for your photograph to be taken, please contact our college photographer, Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377), for an individual appointment. Also, photography can be scheduled so that entire departments can be pictured all at the same sitting. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

No State Budget Yet

More than two months into the fiscal year and 80 days past the legislative deadline, there is still no California State Budget. The delay in the Legislature could cost California more than a billion dollars, according to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Meanwhile, the Governor has announced his opposition to any temporary spending measures in response to a proposal that would provide interim financing for several health and human services, but not for community colleges. Our best information at this time from Community College League of CA and the State Chancellor’s Office is that while there are several compromise proposals on the table, there is no agreement. 

The indications are still no COLA, a restoration of categorical funds to the levels of 07/08, and potentially 1.67% in growth funds available.  Due to the 3% deficit factor implemented across the district and increases in expenses, the college implemented a 5% reduction plan along with travel and hiring freezes.  We will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Sodexho – Food Services

Please welcome the new Chef/Manager of food services, Kim Collins.  Kim has worked for Sodexho for five years and comes to us with new and exciting ideas to meet the culinary needs of students and staff.  Look for Chef Specials in La Vincita (Italian Cuisine) as well as in the Smart Market and Stacks Deli.  Weekly specials are sent out on Mondays via email. 

For your Grossmont College catering needs, please call Food Services at x 7681 after calling Genie Montoya for your catering authorization at x 7620.

Board Policies, Administrative Procedures and Operating Procedures

As a quick reminder to our veteran employees and perhaps a lesson to our newer employees, the information below clarifies the difference between a board policy, administrative procedure and operating procedure.  We send this information out annually to ensure that all our employees are aware of where they can find current information regarding policies and procedures.

A Board Policy (BP) is a written statement that embodies the interest and philosophy of the Governing Board and exists to provide parameters of governance concerning a particular area or issue of the District.  The majority of the Board members must approve a board policy (GCCCD AP 2410)

An Administrative Procedure (AP) is a statement of the process to be used in implementing a corresponding board policy.  APs are approved by the Chancellor. (GCCCD AP 2410)

An Operating Procedure (OP) is a statement of process that may not directly implement a specific Board policy, but does pertain to the functioning of more than a single department.

To electronically access any of these documents, employees may, using MS Word on the District system, go to the “M: Drive,” and click on “Public.”  From there,

·         For Board Policies, click on “Governing Board Policies” and then click on “New Board Policies.” (Note:  “Old Board Policies,” as an option within the menu, exists currently for the sole internal purpose of references used in administrative procedure development.  This option will be deleted at some point in the future.)

·         For Administrative Procedures, click on “Administrative Procedures.”

·         For Operating Procedures, click on “Operating Procedures.”

Upcoming September Events

Upcoming Events

·         September 10, 1 p.m. – Women’s Water Polo vs. Palomar

·         September 10, 2:15 p.m. – Men’s Water Polo vs. Palomar

·         September 10, 7 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball vs. Golden West

·         September 12, 10 a.m. – Health/Physical Sciences Building Groundbreaking

·         September 12, 3 p.m. – Women’s Cross Country, Palomar Invitational

·         September 13, 9:30 a.m. – Grossmont College Scholarship Awards Breakfast

·         September 13, 6 p.m. – Football Game vs. College of the Desert

·         September 15 – Constitution Week – “RUTV” Paintings by Leslie Nemour and “Floating & Falling”

·         September 16, 6:30 p.m. – Governing Board Meeting, Cuyamaca College

·         September 17, 1 p.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. Mira Costa

·         September 18, 6:30 p.m., Room 220 - Free public lecture with David Hume Kennerly, former White House photographer

·         September 21, 3 p.m. - Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, St. John of the Cross Catholic Church

·         September 27 – October 4 - Banned Books Week

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Resource information and purple ribbons are available in Health Services Office

President's News Burst for August 2008

NEW SEMESTER

It’s been a good summer, and I hope you are all well rested as we begin Grossmont’s 48th academic school year, starting on August 25.  As I begin my second year as President, I would like to express my appreciation to all college faculty, staff and administrators.  During the past 12 months, I have seen the willingness to go the extra mile in service from the Grossmont College family.  Last year included a flurry of activity along with a few surprises and more than a few challenges.  Overall, it has been a terrific first year.  I am confident 2008-2009 will be an outstanding school year.

ENROLLMENT

Registration is strong for 2008 Fall Semester. We spent part of this summer working out the bugs on the new web-based registration system, which features a secure web interface where students will be given a new I.D. number to replace the use of a Social Security number as a student I.D. In addition, the new system enables students to print unofficial transcripts and grades, check and print schedules, register for and drop classes during the registration period, search for open classes, view fees and payments made, update contact information and purchase a parking permit and AGSC Benefit Card, all in a more user friendly Windows based environment.  Our A&R staff is providing students with registration assistance in the Tech Mall.

  

CONVOCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FLEX WEEK

I am looking forward to Monday, August 18, which will be first day of the Fall 2008 Professional Development Flex Week.  Professional Development Co-chairs, Edda Temoche-Weldele and Judd Curran, and the entire committee have planned an exciting and enriching week of activities.  The schedule at a glance and additional details, as well as a division/department meeting schedule, can be accessed on the Professional Development Committee website, www.grossmont.edu/staffdevelop.

  

SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR FOR ‘BEST LOCAL COLLEGE’

It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce that Grossmont College has been selected by the readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune as the “San Diego’s Best Local College” for 2008. The readers of the Union-Tribune were polled and have spoken.  It is our fourth time in the past six years that U-T readers have voted for Grossmont College as “San Diego’s Best” (previous winning years were 2003, 2004 and 2007). The results from the readers poll -- covering about 100 different categories, including Best Local College -- were announced August 1st.

  

EXERCISE SCIENCE & WELLNESS COMPLEX GRAND OPENING

Please join us at the Exercise Science & Wellness Complex’s grand opening “Extreme Makeover” celebration at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 22. The recently completed redesigned and remodeled 28,000-square-foot Building 41 (formerly 400 Building) features new coaches offices, locker rooms and weight training and exercise rooms. The weight training and exercise rooms have been expanded to accommodate more students. In addition, the lower gym -- Building 42 -- has new offices, equipment storage and a multi-purpose room for dance and exercise classes. The ESW Complex is one of several capital improvement projects made possible by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Proposition “R” bond measure approved by East County voters in 2002.  Several special guests, including former coaches and student athletes, are expected to attend.  Please make plans to attend to celebrate this badly needed renovation.

  

PARKING STRUCTURE

Construction has begun in Lot #5 on our new three-story parking structure, which will feature 1,432 spaces and a new 3,200-square-foot office for the campus police. Construction completion is scheduled for June 2009.  The parking structure, which is another Proposition R project, is part of a facilities master plan designed to accommodate 20,000 students, which the college expects to reach by 2015 (or perhaps sooner!)

  

OFF-SITE PARKING

A mailer with information about off-site parking has been sent from the college to home addresses of full-time employees. Inside the envelope is a map, driving directions, shuttle bus schedule and an entry form for a drawing at Convocation.  It’s all part of our “Students First” campaign that involves our effort to leave enough spaces for students to park by having college employees and our District colleagues parking off-site at Gillespie Field because there will be 800 fewer parking spaces on campus while the new parking structure is under construction. “Students First” emerged through our collegial consultation process through the Parking Alternatives Taskforce, Facilities Committee and Planning and Budget Council.  Let me remind you how grateful I am for your willingness and cooperation to put “Students First.” I look forward to joining you on the shuttle.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patty Sparks, Administrative Secretary, Administrative Services at extension 7141. Updated information will be available during Flex Week.

  

ACCREDITATION

I want to express my appreciation for the ongoing work on accreditation reports in preparation for a scheduled October 2008 visit to our campus by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Reports will be making their way through our collegial consultation processes starting September.  Since our founding in 1961, we have been fully accredited on a continual basis by WASC.

  

STATE BUDGET UPDATE

Almost a month into the new fiscal year, a budget deal is still not in sight.  We hope the budget will be set by late August but don't hold your breath! Locally our college is prepared with a 5% reduction to accommodate a 3% deficit factor and increased costs.  Our district has implemented travel and hiring freezes to assist us in meeting our core obligations.  Stay tuned for more details as they emerge. 

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

More than 350 of you already have got your photograph taken for the Web Staff Directory. Thank you very much for being responsive to e-mails relating to this project.  The web directory will enable you to familiarize yourself with those Grossmont employees you may not already know.  If your photograph has not yet been taken, please contact our college photographer, Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377), for an individual appointment. In addition, picture taking can be scheduled so that entire departments can be photographed at the same sitting.  Access to the Web Staff Directory will be available only over the Intranet.

  

CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT

The Grossmont Healthcare District board of directors has approved at $100,000 grant to our Cardiovascular Technology program. The grant will assist in the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty and, thus, ensure the continuation of the two-year program, which was founded in 1972, and boasts about 1,750 graduates. Grossmont College grads are currently working in more than 90 percent of the available cardiovascular-related jobs in San Diego County.  Grossmont’s CVT program, the first to be accredited in the nation, is one of three CVT programs offered at the community college level in the state, and California’s only program to offer three different specialty areas in a technologist’s scope of practice (invasive, non-invasive and vascular). The majority of Grossmont grads work in the clinical area, while others work as department managers, teachers, medical researchers, authors and applications specialists.

  

ADJUNCT FACUTLY OFFICE WORKSPACE RIBBON CUTTING

Help value the important role our adjuncts play by attending the ribbon cutting for newly dedicated adjunct faculty office workspace at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20. Refreshments will be served outside Room #220.  The ceremonies will precede a new PT faculty orientation meeting that will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The office space is located in the Stagehouse Theatre building, on the east side, near the exterior Aztec mural, in renovated office space that was previously used by the school newspaper.  Two of the three separate rooms each have four workstations, and a third room has eight workstations, complete with phones, fax machine and photocopy machine.

  

I look forward to seeing you August 18 as we kick off the start of our fall 08 semester.

  

Sunny Cooke