PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
|
Thank you
all for your many efforts to help our students settle-in to another
semester here at Grossmont College. Can you believe we have already completed two
instructional weeks and it's nearly census? Unfortunately due to state
budget cuts and imposed caps, thousands of students were left on our waiting
lists as the semester began. This is one of the many reminders that
there is simply not enough funded capacity in our public education
system. Estimates from the California Community College League (CCLC)
indicate that state-wide the community college system was unable to accommodate
some 133,000 potential new students! It's a time we hoped we would never
see, when our open access institution cannot serve those that seek to
benefit from our services. Nevertheless, we persevere to serve those who
are with us as best we can during these difficult times. For those
students who are fortunate enough to be with us, our focus must remain on
student learning and student success despite the many distractions and
difficulties.
On a personal note, I have
been immensely touched by your many kind gestures and words during the recent
death of my father. Thank you for your cards, emails, phone calls, hugs
and other expressions of concern.
NEWS FROM PLANNING AND RESOURCE COUNCIL
|
At
its January 30 meeting, the Planning and Resource Council reviewed information
from CCLC analyzing the reductions to each community college district as a
result of the Governor's budget proposal. Best and worst case scenarios
were discussed if the taxes are extended in the June election versus if
the taxes are not extended. The best case scenario will result in a
potential $4.6 million reduction to GCCCD and the worst case scenario will
result in a $12.6 million dollar reduction to our apportionment. In light
of these scenarios, all critical hire positions previously approved by our
college and district-wide collegial process are being reviewed again for the
critical nature. Given the uncertain nature of our financial position for
next year, careful analysis and planning will be crucial as we move
forward. The council also reviewed enrollment goals and current
status as well as significant reductions achieved in utilities, water and paper
usage over the past 2 years. Minutes of these meetings and resource
materials may be found at http://www.grossmont.edu/adminservices/budget/meetingsAgendas.asp.
The District-wide Strategic
Planning and Budget Council (DSP&BC) will hold a special meeting
Monday, February 7 at 2pm in Griffin Gate to consider the budget scenarios
and reflect on potential solutions. We will continue to approach
these budget challenges together as a district and attempt to
communicate about the deliberations and decisions as openly as possible.
Minutes of these meetings and resource materials may be found at http://www.gcccd.edu/intranet.
ENROLLMENT
COMPARISON
|
Below
are enrollment comparisons as of February 2, 2011 for Spring 2011 as
compared to Spring 2010:
Spring
2011
|
Spring
2010
|
Count
Variance
|
%
Variance
|
|
| Headcount |
20,324
|
20,918
|
-594
|
-2.8%
|
| Units |
176,513.5
|
183,991.5
|
-7478.0
|
-4.1%
|
GREAT
NEWS FROM ACCJC!
|
The
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, at its meeting Jan. 11-13, reviewed the
Focused Midterm Report submitted by Grossmont College. The purpose of this
review was to assure that the recommendations made by the evaluation team had
been addressed by the institution and that the College had also provided an
update on the self-identified planning agendas which were included in the
Self-Study Report. The Commission notes that the College had documented
resolution of the recommendations regarding the development of policies and
practices with the district to ensure equity and diversity in human resource
practices; establishment of a specific timeline for producing student learning
outcomes and assessments; revision of institutional planning processes; lineage
of College and District strategic plans; development of clear policies and
procedures for the College President defined by the District; and development
of regular and systematic review and evaluation of District services to the
College. In short, the Commission accepted the report and has established that
the next comprehensive evaluation will be conducted in Fall
2013. This is a reflection of the great work that has happened over
the past 3 years in moving our college forward in planning, communication and
governance, student learning outcomes and systematic review and improvement
of our processes and procedures. Special thanks to all those who
helped collect evidence, write the report and help in the submission!
COMING
SOON -- INNOVATIONS 2011
|
GCCCD
has the distinct honor of co-hosting the League for Innovation in the Community
College’s “Innovations 2011 Conference,” to be held Feb. 27 to March 2, 2011,
at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Innovations 2011 is the premier event
for professionals
dedicated
to improving organizational teaching and learning, and discovering new
approaches for enhancing the community college experience. The
conference provides a tremendous forum for collaboration among academic experts
and leading community college professionals, while granting participants
exclusive access to the most inventive and thought-provoking programs from
around the world. Approximately 80+ volunteers from GCCCD will be
attending the conference for free thanks to our sponsorship.
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR CULTURAL
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS!
|
The
World Arts and Cultures Committee (WACC) is soliciting applications of grant
requests for funding of on-campus arts and cultural events to occur in the
Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 semesters. The events that will be funded must fit within the
Committee’s
charge,
which is: “The World Arts and Cultures Committee aims to foster a climate of
appreciation and respect for the diversity of values, ideas and cultural
expressions represented by our students, staff, faculty and surrounding
community. We will strive t o accomplish our mission by bringing cultural
events on campus reflecting the college’s position in today’s global society.”
Grant requests for events scheduled to occur in the Spring 2011 semester should
be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than Feb. 24, 2011. The
WACC Committee meets on the third Friday of every month to consider grants.
DREAMKEEPERS
GRANTS AVAILABLE STARTING MARCH 1
|
Developed
with support from the Lumina Foundation for Education and the Wal-Mart
Foundation, the Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance program can provide
GC students with emergency funding to allow them to remain in school when faced
with unexpected financial hardships. The new application period for
Spring 2011 semester will begin on March 1. Dreamkeepers grants are available
to students who are enrolled in at least six units with a cumulative GPA of 2.0
or higher and can demonstrate an “emergency” need. Some examples of such
emergencies include child care, rent, gas money, and utilities. Expenses NOT
considered emergencies that will not be covered, include tuition and fees,
books and supplies and normal academic related expenses. If you have questions
regarding the Dreamkeepers program, you may contact the Grossmont College
Scholarship Specialist at (619) 644-7121 or by e-mail at selam.gebrekristos@gcccd.edu.
FACULTY
NEWS
|
Shirley
Pereira, Math, has
accepted the recently created Research Liaison position at Grossmont College,
following the recommendation of the Institutional Excellence Taskforce. Shirley
was recommended for the position based on the following criteria: Technical
skills; Awareness of campus processes; Leadership; Engagement in the goals of
this position; Specific expertise using data to increase student success.
Jim Wilsterman, Art, is presenting at Hyde Art
Gallery through Feb. 24 an exhibit of 24 wall panels featuring natural
materials that display rain patterns that fell on campus during the 2009-2010
rainy season. The exhibit is called “Rain Events and Related Investigations.”
The panels consist of natural clays, earth materials and cotton fibers,
commonly used in dollar bills and filters for automobiles. The displays range
from 12-inch circles to eight-foot-long panels. Some panels contain scorched
leaves and vegetation from recent wildfires.Jerry Hager, Theatre Arts, is directing “Inside the Actor’s Process: The Monologue,” a performance of student actors using monologue skills, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Stagehouse Theatre. For beginning actors, the monologue is the first step into the world of acting. The show will demonstrate how student actors learn the inner-workings of the process and hidden surprises of self-discovery. Following the weekend performances, the GC students will visit 16 local high schools in San Diego County over an eight-week period for presentations at drama classes. It’s the sixth consecutive year for the annual Spring Tour Show.
CAMPUS
EVENTS
|
Student
Health Services is
offering information on Mental Health & Personal Counseling Services from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Main Quad.
The Spring 2011
Scholarship Awards Breakfast will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, in the 200
Building courtyard. Food service begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program
beginning at 10 a.m. The event will be presented by the Grossmont College
Foundation and Grossmont College Scholarship Department. These scholarships are
competitive and based on a selection process established by the Grossmont
College Scholarship Advisory Committee and any additional criteria established
by the sponsor. Thirty-four students will be awarded scholarships totaling
$17,200. In addition, 16 students will each receive a $500 Osher scholarship,
resulting in a grand total of $25,200 in scholarship funds that can be used to
help defray the cost of textbooks, equipment, lab fees and other items beyond
registration fees.CATL is holding a Blackboard workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in 70-267. The topic is “Getting Students Involved in BB.” This workshop, presented by Angela Feres and Chris Rodgers, will cover the discussion board and two additional tools Blackboard has to offer, blogs and journals.
The Spring 2011 CTE Culinary Arts dinners are starting soon. A 5-course dinner will be prepared by the GC CTE Fine Dining Class and served in the Patio Area outside Bungalow 58G, in Parking Lot 5 on Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28; May 5. Cost is $20 per person. Exact cash or checks can be made payable to Grossmont College Foundation. To reserve tickets: Contact Maryam (619) 644-7550 or email her at maryam.rastvan@gcccd.edu. Tickets will be held for 24 hours and are to be picked up in the CTE Office, Room 34-282. Tickets will only be held for 24 hours without payment.
Each February, Black History Month becomes a time to celebrate and honor the contributions African-Americans have made to the U.S. culture and history. Black History Month will be celebrated at GC with a series of events:
Ø
“A
History of the Negro Baseball Leagues,” a free lecture by Byron Motley,
documentary filmmaker and motivational speaker, will be presented at noon in
the Main Quad and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Room #220.
The history of the Negro Baseball League (1920-1960) is draped in a fabric that
mirrors America’s culture from segregation to integration. Motley’s presentation
will show how the progression of America’s race relation journey is reflected
in events that unfolded in the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Ø
A
presentation on “Drop in the Bucket,” a project by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
to build water wells in Sub-Saharan, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb.
11, in Room #220.
Ø
Presentations
by Eric Smith, author of “From Crack to Clergy: “Provoking Thoughts,” will be
held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14 in the Main Quad, and at 8:15 a.m. on
Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Room #220. Mr. Smith is a former GC student. His book
takes us where bad starts do not set the pace for life.
Ø
The
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will present a step show at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 16
on the Main Quad. Also, join Chef Eddie Williams for “History of Soul Food” at
12:30 p.m. on the same in the Main Quad.
Ø
A
performance by the Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble is scheduled for noon on Tuesday,
Feb. 22, in the Main Quad.
Ø
An
appearance by the Buffalo Soldiers is scheduled for noon on Thursday, Feb. 24,
in the Main Quad.
Ø
A
performance by the Grossmont College Master Chorale and the Grossmont
College Gospel Choir is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, in Room
#220.
