President's News Burst for May 2009

MAY 19 SPECIAL ELECTION

Every employee should have received an Easy Voter Guide in their mail boxes and this information can also be found online at  http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/quick-reference-guide/.  The Community College League of California (CCLC) has endorsed the six ballot measures (1A-1F) that will appear on the May 19 special election. CCLC says the measures are necessary to implement the 18-month budget adopted by the Legislature and governor in February, and to avoid a $319 million cut to community colleges in 2009-2010.

SWINE FLU

The college and district are working together to monitor and prepare for any potential impacts of the swine flu on our community and our college.  We do not have any swine flu incidents in our District at this time.  Further information and helpful resources can be found on the college and district websites.

The following precautions are recommended for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases including the flu.  Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.  When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Avoid contact with those that are ill and encourage those who are ill to remain at home to keep from infecting others.  And last but not least, focus on keeping yourself healthy – get plenty of rest, eat well, manage  your stress and drink plenty of fluids.  I know that last sentence seems more difficult than the previous ones given the time of the semester, but please do focus on your health even during this very busy time. 

WALK OF FAME CEREMONY

In an outdoor event held Friday morning, May 1, one of our Grossmont College alumni was honored.  El Cajon Police Chief, Pat Sprecco, a graduate of the 1976 Administration of Justice Class, was honored.  Pat worked as a security officer on campus while he was a student.  Pat spoke of his parents both attending Grossmont College and graduating from the AOJ program while raising a large family (14 children) and he spoke fondly of his own experience at Grossmont.   Pat’s story is quite inspirational in that he initially started with the El Cajon Police Department washing cars and through years of hard work and dedication now serves as the Police Chief. 

  

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

Thanks to the efforts of the Accreditation Steering Committee, the second follow up report to the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) can now be found on the intranet at http://www.grossmont.edu/intranet/accreditation0409/default.htm.  Your login and password will be needed to access the draft report.  The website also provides an opportunity for you to provide comments which will be reviewed by the steering committee.  The follow-up report is scheduled to be discussed through our collegial processes throughout May and suggested feedback and edits will be reviewed by the steering committee over the summer.  The final version is scheduled to be submitted to the Governing Board in August or September 2009 and to ACCJC in early October 2009.

  

LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL

The English Department and Creative Writing Program hosted a very successful 13th annual Literary Arts Festival, which featured several on-campus events during April 20-30.  Approximately 400 people attended a book signing on April 30 by 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. Other highlights included: “Hunger and Thirst,” a presentation on April 23 of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and other literature about food and drink, including what we hunger for, what sustains us and what brings joy to families in our culture; “New Voices” a presentation on April 20 of creative writing students reading their short fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, novel excerpts and drama; and, “At Rise” a presentation on April 21 of up-and-coming drama writers reading their one-act plays.

Many thanks to Sydney Brown, Stephanie Mood, Oralee Holder and the many supporters of the Creative Writing Program at Grossmont College for their efforts on behalf of this annual event. 

  

ASGC NEWS

Top vote-getters in the recent ASGC elections included Marc Valenzuela as president, Preston Rosenbeck as vice president, Christopher Enders as comptroller and student trustee, Jovanna Ugarate as executive secretary, Shaun Stasny as director of publicity and Meray Ajami as director of campus activities.

At ASGC’s recent Academic and Service Awards ceremony, honorees included Tomomi Tsunoda as International Student of the Year, Danielle Bryan as Female Athlete of the Year, Kurt Thompson as Male Athlete of the Year and David Vasquez for the Sergeant Kenneth Joseph Memorial Award. Division honors went to Giovanni Hanna (Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Exercise Science/Wellness), Marissa Perino (Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences), Breanne Ahearn (Communication and Fine Arts) and Peter Breinholt (Career and Technical Education).

NURSING ACCREDITATION

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has tentatively recommended eight-year accreditation status for the Grossmont College Associate Degree Nursing Program. The official letter is expected to arrive from BRN this summer following its August meeting.

UPCOMING CEREMONIES

Here is a schedule of dates of graduation and other ceremonies:

      Police Academy Graduation, May 1

      Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, May 2

      Transfer Achievement Celebration, May 8 (students who have been accepted to a four-year college and university are invited to attend to be recognized)

      Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet, May 8

      Students of Note, May 9

      Corrections Academy Graduation, May 15

      Cardiovascular Technology Dinner Celebration, May 29

      Nursing Pinning Ceremony, June 2

      Commencement, June 3

      Respiratory Therapy Dinner Celebration, June 4

      OTA Graduation, June 5

      OPT Graduation, June 5

      Middle College High School, June 8

END OF OFF-SITE PARKING CELEBRATION

SAVE THE DATE!  We are nearly through this year’s parking challenge!  There are only three weeks (12 days to be exact) left in our off campus parking plan.  Thanks to each and every one of you for all that you did to keep your cars off campus over this academic year.  To show our appreciation to our college and district employees for their sacrifice,  Chancellor Miles and I will be sponsoring a joint celebration!  Please mark your calendar for the end of off-site parking celebration on Thursday, May 21^st @ 2:00-4:00 in the Exercise Science and Wellness quad.  Come join your colleagues, enjoy the refreshments and the spectacular view  as we celebrate everyone’s efforts during the “Students First” campaign.   Your support is very much appreciated!

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

      Summer School registration runs through June 12, with more than 500 sections available. Classes begin June 15.

      The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Charley’s Aunt,” a famous comedy about a disguise that doesn’t turn out as planned, on May 7-9 and 13-16. The play, first performed in London in 1892, is directed by faculty member Henry J. Jordan.

      The Grossmont College Photo Club will host “Photo San Diego,” an event featuring buying, swapping and selling of used and new photo equipment, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Digital Arts Building. Local residents are invited to bring their old photo equipment to swap or sell. The event also will feature demonstrations of new equipment, “try-before-you-buy” opportunities, prize giveaways of photo gear, and portfolio reviews of student work, along with displays, presentations and question-and-answer sessions with photo experts. Raffle tickets will be sold with proceeds to fund student scholarships.

      The Hyde Art Gallery is presenting its annual Art Student Exhibition from May 11 to 21.

      The Career Center will present “The Benefits of Internships,” a free workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13 in Room 60-627.

      The 10th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in the Student Center.

      The Grossmont College Master Chorale and Afro-Cuban and Vocal Jazz Ensembles will present “Puerto Rico” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at the East County Performing Arts Center.

President's News Burst for April 2009

STUDENT CENTER

Planning is continuing on our new Student Center/Student Services expansion and renovation plans. The Governing Board recently approved the preliminary plan design for both projects. The completed 600 Student Center Building will be warm and inviting and will feature expanded food service facilities and new offices for EOPS, DSPS, Career Center, Student Health and ASGC, along with an expansive 300-seat multi-purpose room with dividers for smaller meeting groups. Construction on the Student Center will include renovating 26,864 square feet and adding 19,879 square feet for a total size of 46,743 square feet. The completed Administration Building will house such functions as the Deanery, A&R, Cashier, Veterans Affairs, Counseling, Assessment, Transfer Center, College Business Office, Foundation and Community Relations. Funding for the project, estimated to be $36 million, will be from Prop. R proceeds and other local funds.

  

NEW BUSINESS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE

BOT has announced it will offer in the fall a new Front Office/Receptionist certificate, which will provide entry-level employment opportunities. The six-unit curriculum will include basic keyboarding, filing and records management and office procedures.  This, along with other career options at the college, will help train people for stable career opportunities. 

SALUTE TO THE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The recent Grossmont College Science Festival, held March 20 and 21 was an outstanding event. It was truly a campus-wide effort, with support and participation by many departments, and an excellent service to the community. Congrats to Jim Papageorge and his committee who spent weeks of diligent planning.  Reports are that over 1000 people engaged in hands-on activities spread across our campus. 

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Planning is continuing for our 10th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in the Student Center. This event is always a fun celebration of our colleagues’ accomplishments.  Calls for nominations have been issued for several awards, such as Teaching Excellence, Vice President Support Staff, and Kudos .  If you have received a new degree or have had a significant publication since May 2008, please submit your information to Pam Amor.

STUDENT OF NOTE AWARDS

All faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve a degree or certificate, and are receiving their degree or certificate from Grossmont College as of Summer 2008, Fall 2008 or Spring 2009. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17. For information, contact Gerardette, ext. 7785 or Brenda, ext. 7698. The ceremony will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 in the Student Center.

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

More than 600 of you already have got your photograph taken for the Web Staff Directory. The Directory is expected to go live by the end of the semester. The names directory will include a link to the page where a staff person’s photo appears. If your photograph has not yet been taken, please contact our college photographer Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377) for an individual appointment. In addition, shooting can be scheduled so that entire departments can be photographed all at the same sitting. Access to the Web Staff Directory will be available only over the Intranet.

  

FOUNDATION NEWS

The Grossmont College Foundation has selected El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco as the 2009 Walk of Fame honoree. Chief Sprecco will be inducted on May 1, the same day as the Grossmont College Police Academy graduation. The Walk of Fame program began in 1989. Among the 18 previous Walk of Fame recipients are medical researchers, political advocates, artists, athletes and community leaders.

The Foundation also is encouraging faculty, staff and administrators to consider investing in a perpetual scholarship program called the Osher Scholarship Endowment. Your tax deductible donation of 77 cents per day or $24 per month for 24 months will result in a perpetual $1,000-per-year scholarship in your name. For information, contact Ernest Ewin, ext. 7109.

RECENT HONORS

“Diverse: Issues in Higher Education,” a magazine that reports on issues affecting underrepresented groups in higher education, has ranked Grossmont College as #8 among the top 100 associate degree producers in the U.S. for serving minority students in the educational disciplines of ethnic, cultural and gender studies. Other high rankings for Grossmont included graduating minorities with associate degrees in English language and literature (#14) and nursing (#26).

  

THE MARCH TOWARDS GRADUATION

In addition to the June 3 commencement in the Main Quad, here is a sampling of other upcoming graduation-related activities.

v  Police Academy, May 1.

v  Nursing, June 2.

v  Respiratory Therapy, June 4.

v  Occupational Therapy Assistant, June 5.

v  OPT, June 5.

v  Middle College, June 8.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

      The Grossmont College Foundation will sponsor the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast on Friday, April 3, at the Student Center. About 130 people are expected to attend.

      Classified Staff Appreciation Day will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 6, at Cuyamaca College. This year’s theme is “Growth, Change, Diversity.”

      The Hyde Art Gallery will present “Tradition and Concept Bridged,” a ceramics exhibition by local artists Joanne Hayakawa and Kouta Shimazaki, from April 13 to 30.

      The Grossmont College Career Center will present “Build Your Career Portfolio,” a free workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in the Career Center, Room 627. Topics will include discovery of career choices, charting a plan of action, planning an effective job search and documentation of work experience, accomplishments and skills.

      ASGC will hold its election period from April 14 to 17. Elections will be held on April 20 and 21 with ballot tabulation and official ballot nomination to follow.

      The Grossmont College Health & Wellness Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in the Main Quad.

      The Grossmont Concert Band will perform with other college bands starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at Cuyamaca College. Admission is $8 per person, and $5 for seniors, students and children.

      The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present a performance by Grossmont College guitar instructor Fred Benedetti and George Svoboda of Mesa College at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17 in Room 220. Admission is $10 per person, and $8 for seniors, students and children.

      The Justin Grinnell Quintet will present a jazz music concert featuring original compositions by Justin Grinnell at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, in Room 220. Admission is $8 per person, and $5 for seniors, students and children.

      The Creative Writing Program and English Department are hosting the 13th annual Literary Arts Festival from April 20 to 30. Events will include readings and performances, lectures, workshops, writing competitions and book signings. Featured speaker will be Jimmy Santiago Baca. A complete calendar can be found at www.grossmont.edu/English/festival.

      The San Diego Blood Bank will hold a blood drive in the Main Quad from 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm. on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21.

      The Grossmont Dance Dept. will present “Entrances and Exits,” the annual Spring dance concert that showcases choreography by faculty members in a variety of dance genres, at 7:30 p.m. on April 23, 24 and 25 at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. Children under age 8 will not be admitted.

      The Grossmont College Quartetto Sorrento will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 in Room 220. Admission is $13 per person, $11 for seniors, $9 for students and children under age 12 will be admitted free with a paid adult admission.

      Registration for summer begins April 27 and runs through June 12. Classes of four-, six- and eight-week sessions will begin June 15.

      The Grossmont College Career Center will present “The Successful Candidate -- Who Would You Choose,” a free workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 in the Career Center, Room 627. Topics will include interview tips, ethics and etiquette.

      The Brad Daluiso Golf Classic, benefiting the Grossmont College Foundation, will be held on Friday, May 8 at Sycuan Resort. Volunteers are needed. Faculty and staff can play at a reduced price. Proceeds from the tournament will establish the Brad Daluiso Golf Classic/Bernard Osher Athletic Perpetual Scholarship and support other Grossmont College Foundation activities. For more information on volunteering or playing, contact Alexis at extension 7109.

MAY 19 STATEWIDE SPECIAL ELECTION

Numbers have been assigned for seven measures that will appear on the May 19, 2009 Statewide Special Election ballot, which was scheduled as a result of the recent budget agreement. The following are the ballot numbers and abbreviated descriptions from the Community College League of California:

ü  Proposition 1A: Would limit state spending to a 10-year average of state revenues, strengthen the state’s “rainy day” (reserve) fund, and establish a funding stream to restore $9.3 billion owed to schools and community colleges.

ü  Proposition 1B: Would recognize a $9.3 billion state obligation to schools and community colleges in lieu of money owed to them between 2007 and 2009 under the Proposition 98 guarantee. These funds would be contingent on passage of Proposition 1A.

ü  Proposition 1C: Would modify the state lottery so that the state can sell bonds backed by lottery proceeds, and use it to plug $5 billion into the 2009-2010 budget.

ü  Proposition 1D: would temporarily shift $268 million in cigarette taxes away from California Children and Families Program (Proposition 10) and into the general fund.

ü  Proposition 1E: Would redirect the “millionaires’ tax” from 2004’s Proposition 63 mental health programs to fund other health programs to low-income children.

ü  Proposition 1F: Would amend the Constitution to prevent the California Citizens’ Compensation Commission from raising legislators’ and state officers’ salaries when the state General Fund is expected to end the year with a deficit.

ü  Proposition 13: would exclude seismic retrofits from reassessment under Proposition 13.

President's News Burst for March 2009

BUDGET UPDATE

Good planning is certainly a virtue when it comes to budgeting. According to the State Chancellor’s Office, our estimated income from the State for this year (2008-2009) will not be quite as bad as we originally projected. Still, the State eliminated any cost-of-living adjustment, reduced our income and delayed numerous payments. Fortunately, the Governing Board set aside $2.7 million for a mid-year reduction, a figure that turned out to be right on target. State lawmakers recently approved a budget, which included the following highlights:

ü  2008-09: Eliminates cost-of-living adjustment.

ü  2008-09: Reduces state funding for mandates.

ü  2008-09: Defers $340 million in state payments to the 2009-10 fiscal year.

ü  2009-10: Funds 3 percent enrollment growth.

ü  2009-10: Maintains funding for the Competitive Cal-Grants program.

ü  General: Since there were no categorical or general apportionment cuts, language to allow categorical flexibility was not included.

ü  Future: Next year’s budget remains uncertain.  The May 19^th election and state revenues will determine what kind of adjustments will be made.  So as usual, stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

Even though the Governor recently signed the budget that was brought forward by the Legislature, some of our expenditures will be dependent on a May 19 special election. And no one can know for sure how taxpayers will respond at the polls. Looking into the future, the outlook for 2009-2010 continues to look bleak. We are continue to take a hard look at reducing operational expenses (freezing positions, restricting travel, freezing or reducing equipment expenditures and other purchases). We will keep you informed with as much information as we know. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

  

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Efforts are continuing on Grossmont’s 2010-2016 Strategic Plan. A Leadership Planning Retreat will be held on Friday, March 13. Activities scheduled for the Retreat include a review of Environmental Scan Data and an overview of both the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis and the Visioning activity held during Flex Week and Trend Analysis, as well as roundtable discussions on Institutional Goals and brainstorming on Institutional Foci. Work also is continuing on placing online all pertinent materials relating to Strategic Planning.

  

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Planning is continuing for our 10th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony to be held starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in the Student Center. Calls for nominations have been issued for several awards. Innovator of the Year nominations, to be reviewed by the Educational Development and Innovation Committee, are due now to Linda Daley. Excellence in Teaching awards are due to deans by March 20. Also due by March 20 are Vice President Support Staff award nominations. If you have received a new degree or have had a significant publication since May 2008, please submit this information soon to Pam Amor.

  

CHANCELLOR MILES’ FORUMS

Dr. Cindy Miles is extending a warm welcome to get better acquainted. As part of her Listening and Learning Tour, she wants to hear from you: What are your hopes and dreams for GCCCD? What has been working well that we want to preserve and protect? Where do we need modifications? How can we help one another to enable our best work? “Conversation with the Chancellor” forums will be held at Grossmont from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 23 in Griffin Gate, and from 11:30 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 in Griffin Gate. Light refreshments will be served.

  

CULINARY ARTS DEPARTMENT DINNERS

The Culinary Arts Dept. will host on Thursday evenings from now through mid-May a five-course dinner prepared by culinary students. Cost is $15 per person. Funds will help raise money for travel expenses for students to compete in state and national culinary competitions, as well as maintain kitchen equipment and purchase supplies. The dinners will features appetizer (soup or salad), intermezzo (palate cleanser), entree, dessert and coffee service. Vegetarian meals also are available. Dinner service will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 19 and 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and 14, at the Culinary Arts patio dining area near the Student Center. Dinners will not be served on April 9, which is spring recess week. Reservations can be made by phoning Michele Martens at (619) 644-7550 or 644-7549, or by e-mail at michele.martens@gcccd.edu. Space is limited and some dates may already be full.  

WALK OF FAME NEEDS YOUR NAMES

The Grossmont College Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2009 Walk of Fame Alumni Award. The Walk of Fame, located on the Main Quad area, is a display of several bronze plaques embedded in concrete that feature names of previous distinguished alumni. Nominees must have completed a minimum of 12 units at Grossmont College, earned a minimum 2.0 grade point average and contributed significant achievements and leadership in their field. Deadline for submission of entries is 4 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Names can be submitted via e-mail to Ernest Ewin, or call Alexis Popko for a nomination form at the Foundation office at ext. 7109. New honorees are expected to be announced in May. The Foundation’s efforts help fund scholarships, facility improvements and educational supplies, equipment and programs. The Walk of Fame program began in 1989. Among the 18 previous Walk of Fame recipients are medical researchers, political advocates, artists, athletes and community leaders.

MAKING HEADLINES

-- Kellie Watson of the Lady Griffins softball team was recently profiled as perhaps the youngest student-athlete to make her collegiate softball starting pitching debut. She is age 16. Read about her at: http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=918927.

-- Dr. Sunny Cooke was recently quoted in an MSNBC story about high enrollment at community colleges. Read the story at URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29375476/

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

      March is National Nutrition Month. Student Health Services is celebrating the month with several activities:

v  The 2009 theme is “Eat Right.” Information is available at Health Services.

v  Smoking Cessation meetings are held every Monday from 11 a.m. to noon in the ASGC Board room.

v  “Walk the Walk, Talk the Walk,” consisting of a 30-minute walk and talk with a nurse from Health Services will start at noon on the track on Thursday, March 25.

      The International Club will host a fund-raiser from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Shakey’s Pizza, located between WalMart and Macy’s at Grossmont Center. Customers presenting a flyer will have 25 percent of their food sales donated to the International Club. For information, contact Counseling, ext. 7841, or Barbara Clark, ext. 7209.

      The Theatre Arts Department will present “Metamorphoses,” a play adapted from the classic Ovid poem, on March 12, 13, 14, 18, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, March 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the Stagehouse Theatre. Admission is $10 per person and $9 for military and seniors. No one under age 10 will be admitted.

      The Hyde Art Gallery will present an art alumni exhibition from March 16 to 26, featuring 23 alumni artists and more than 40 pieces, including ceramics, paintings and photography. The opening event reception is scheduled to be held on the last day of the exhibition, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

      The Community College League of California will present the Community College Leadership Summit on March 19 and 20 at the University of San Diego. The Community College Leadership Development Initiatives Foundation is holding this Summit to explore the current and future status of community college leadership development through a dialogue among community college and university leaders. It also will result in the identification of strategic directions for community college leadership development programs, as well as goals and outcomes to be achieved in partnership with UC and CSU schools and independent colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.ccleague.org.

      The Grossmont College Science Festival will be held Friday evening, March 20, and throughout the day on Saturday, March 21. Telescope viewings are planning for Friday. Hands-on science demonstrations and exhibits are planned for Saturday. The theme is “Pathways to Tomorrow.”

      Second eight-weeks session begins Monday, March 23. About 2,500 students are expected to enroll in about 100 different, short-session classes, which will begin on March 23 and will conclude about eight weeks later on May 22.

      The Career Center will host “Generational Clash in the Workplace,” a free adult reentry workshop, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, and from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, Room 627.

      The Cajon Valley Union School District’s 2nd annual Career Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, here at Grossmont. Approximately 2,400 eighth graders will be on campus throughout the day.

      We will host the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast on Friday, April 3, at the Student Center. Breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. This is an outstanding opportunity to promote your departments to our local East County business professionals. About 150 people are expected to attend. Register your department with Alexis Popko at the Grossmont College Foundation.  Space is limited and tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-register basis. In addition, volunteers are needed. The Foundation will cover the cost of breakfast only to department personnel pre-registered and participating in this event.

      The Grossmont College Health & Wellness Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in the Main Quad.

      The Brad Daluiso Golf Classic, benefiting the Grossmont College Foundation, will be held on Friday, May 8 at Sycuan Resort.  Volunteers are needed. There are a variety of exciting volunteer assignments ranging from beverage cart driver to putting contest judge. Faculty and staff are invited to lock-in your price and play at a reduced rate. Register and pay before April 3 to earn $150 off the regular foursome price of $800 (your price will be only $650). Individual golfers are eligible for a 12.5 percent discount and play for only $175. For more information on volunteering or playing, contact Alexis at extension 7109.

IN CONCLUSION

According to recent news reports, university and college admissions offices in California report unprecedented uncertainty and confusion about how the depressed economy and state budget cuts could affect fall enrollments. As a result, UCs and CSUs say they cannot rely this year on the traditional admission formulas that were used in the past that typically have helped them hit enrollment targets. What this means for Grossmont is that some of these nervous college applicants, who are on pins and needles awaiting acceptance or rejection letters, may show-up at our doors. So, there may be times over the next few weeks when we will be called upon to offer an extra measure of understanding to more than a few students. In addition, let me share with you a very enlightening letter received by one of our administrative staff. The letter made me very proud about our college.

I just wanted to share with you what one of my son’s friends said. He went to Grossmont for a year, then to Boise State for a year and a half, then came back to Grossmont for a semester and is now at Long Beach State. He said, “Grossmont has, by far, the hardest classes he has ever taken.” I said that maybe the other classes were easier because they were upper class courses. He said, “No, the instructors at Grossmont were more demanding and better.”

        Grossmont College will be an exhibitor at the Greater East County Chamber of Commerce Alliance 2009 Networking Trade Show at Cuyamaca College, June 17, 5:30 p.m.

President's News Burst for February 2009

BUDGET UPDATE

Although we were expecting news of a state budget resolution by today, as of the writing of this issue, there is no news from Sacramento.  We hope to have word within the next week so stay tuned.  For now, given no meaningful news, we continue to look for ways to serve the increased enrollment demands with less funds than we had last year.  Though we are only two weeks into the spring semester, our estimates are that Grossmont College will be running  roughly 150-160 less sections this year than we did last year.  Our department chairs and deans have worked closely with faculty to minimize the negative impacts of this but our students faced less options and less variety than last year.  As a district, we have frozen non-essential purchases and expenditures in order to prepare for reductions in this year as well as for the next couple of years.  The state has delayed our January and February apportionment until at least July 2009.  As we receive more news, we will pass it along to you.

PARKING UPDATE

We have made it through two difficult weeks of “start of the semester parking”.  As you will see from our enrollment umbers, below, we are dealing with record enrollment this semester.  As I asked of you last week, please make every effort to park at Gillespie Field, especially during these first difficult weeks of the semester. We are serving about 1,400 more students than last fall, and that translates to about 350 or more parking spaces needed at a time when we are already severely challenged with parking. So, please, please do your part to park at Gillespie or use alternative transportation to help us during this time.

For department managers who have student workers, please ask if they would be interested in parking at our Gillespie Field parking location.  We can provide them with Gillespie Field parking passes and still be in compliance with our “staff only” contractual obligations with the airport and shuttle service provider. 

If you have been given a special permit to park on campus this spring due to the requirements of your job, or due to the nature of your job, please park in those areas designated and reserved for you. We ask that you not take a student parking space. 

Your continued support is much appreciated!

  

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools of Colleges, has issued its action letter based upon our October 2008 follow up report and the November site visit.  There is great news and there is great news!  The first bit of great news is that the Commission accepted our report and will await our October 2009 follow up report.  You may be asking – why is this great news?!  In this climate of increased accountability, the odds of the commission taking negative action was not in our favor.  That is, many colleges receive actions of warning or probation taken against them during a follow up process. 

The other great news is that the visiting team noted tremendous progress in SLOs and integration of planning which were reported in the October 2008 visit.  I would like to thank all of you for your work in those critical areas!  We will need to continue to make steady progress in those two areas through our mid-term report due October 2010. 

For the immediate term, teams are busily working on those recommendations that must be resolved by October 2009 in four specific areas:

Ø  Diversity in hiring and human resource planning.

Ø  Delegation of responsibility and authority to the president of the college, including clearly defined policies and procedures for the selection and evaluation of the president.

Ø  Regular and systematic review of functions and goals, including: (a) Goal Setting and self-evaluation by the Board of Trustees; (b) Evaluation of the District’s services to the college and its effectiveness as a liaison between the College and Board of Trustees.

Ø  Effective working relationships across the entire college community (college, district, board of trustees) The entire College community must work together for the good of the institution. 

A draft report on these four areas will be shared with our college’s governance groups for input and will be available on the college accreditation website by  April 2009. 

SMOKE-FREE, TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS

Just a reminder that, by policy of the Governing Board, Grossmont College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. GCCCD is the first multi-college district in the state to prohibit lighting up anywhere on its campuses or other district property, according to surveys by the American Lung Association and the California Youth Advocacy Network. Of the 110 community colleges in the state, GCCCD is among eight campuses that are 100 percent tobacco-free. A smoking cessation program is available at Student Health Services.

ENROLLMENT

Registration is continuing at a record pace for the Spring 2009 Semester. Census Day is Feb. 9. Enrollment is expected to be at the highest in our 48-year history! The enrollment numbers as of Friday, February 6 show an increase of about 7.9 percent in headcount (about 19,471 students) and a similar increase in units over spring 2008.

  

NEW CHANCELLOR

Dr. Cindy Miles, president of the Hialeah campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, will begin as the next GCCCD chancellor on March 1. Miles was chief operating officer from 1999 to 2001 of the League for Innovation in the Community College, a consortium of leading community colleges in the U.S. and Canada. She was V.P. for learning and academic affairs at the Community College of Denver from 2002 to 2005. She began her higher education career in 1989, teaching developmental mathematics at Paris Junior College in Texas, and spent more than a decade as a medical technologist. Miles holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. She received her master’s degree in secondary and higher education from Texas A&M University, and her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas in Austin.

  

DR. SUAREZ’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION

The Governing Board is cordially inviting staff to attend a retirement reception for Chancellor Omero Suarez in celebration of his service and accomplishments. The reception will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 3, at the Sycuan Resort, Garden Room, 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon. Please RSVP to Jennifer Danks at ext. 7570, or e-mail: jennifer.danks@gcccd.edu.

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

More than 600 of you already had your photograph taken for the Web Staff Directory. The Directory is expected to go live by the end of the semester. The faculty and staff directory will include a link to the page where a staff person’s photo appears. If your photograph has not yet been taken, please contact our college photographer, Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377) for an individual appointment. In addition, shooting can be scheduled so that entire departments can be shot all at the same sitting. Access to the Web Staff Directory will be available only over the Intranet.

  

HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH

GC’s High School Outreach program is continuing to serve the East County region’s 12 feeder schools that are part of the Grossmont Union High School District. In addition, the program reaches out to selected “out-of-service” high schools, including Patrick Henry HS, San Diego City HS, Poway HS, Lincoln HS, Morse HS and some schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District in Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.

This month, you will begin to see some regular visitors to our campus from Helix High School.  Approximately 180 10^th graders will be divided into four groups and will be on campus for tours and meetings from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 18, 25 and March 4.

  

FINANCIAL AID FAFSA WORKSHOPS

GC’s Financial Aid Office is offering free workshops to help students complete their online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Workshops are held in the Tech Center, Room 70-103. Dates are Feb. 9,11,17,20,23,25,27 and March 2. Times vary. Presentations are made in English, Spanish and Arabic. To schedule an appointment, call 7129.

  

SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM

Two members of the Speech and Debate Team participated in the Southern California Urban Debate League Swing tournament held at CSU Fullerton on Jan. 24-25. Colton Salaz of Grossmont took 2nd place in Open Communication Analysis, 2nd and 3rd place in the Open Extemporaneous category, and 4th place in Open Poetry.

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH

Student Health Services is noting Heart Health Month in February with several activities:

ü  National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 6.

ü  A Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18 in the Main Quad.

ü  “Walk the Walk, Talk the Walk,” consisting of a 30-minute walk and talk with a nurse from Health Services will start at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26.

UPCOMING EVENTS

      The Theatre Arts Department will present “Inside the Actor’s Process -- Comedy” in the Stagehouse Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Come and explore the intriguing world of the actor. This year’s theme of comedy demonstrates the physical tools of acting and character development.  Admission is $5 per person.

      The Spring Scholarship Awards Breakfast will be held this Saturday, Feb. 7, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Center. The event is hosted by the Grossmont College Foundation and the Scholarship Department.

      To mark the first anniversary of the opening of our new state-of-the-art sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery will host “Forms in Metal,” a group exhibit of contemporary metalwork through Feb. 26. An opening reception will be held on Feb. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit features the work of 17 artists engaged in the production of metal objects of utility, ceremony and ornament. “Forms in Metal” explores the means by which each artist manipulates metal and makes use of it as a vehicle to convey a wide range of personal experiences, concerns, interests and ideas.

      Black History Month will be celebrated with a performance of the Afro-Cuban Ensemble, Hip-Hop Dancers and the GC Student Gospel Choir on Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Main Quad. Also scheduled is the Black History Month Gospel Festival on Friday, Feb. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 220.

      Culinary Arts Dinners are starting soon!  Dinners will be held every Thursdays @ 5:30 p.m., starting February 26^th – May 14^th.  Cost is $15 per person.  Please contact Michele Martens @ x7549 to make your reservation!

  

RECENT HONORS AND RECOGNITION

      Dr. Sunny Cooke was recently quoted on MSNBC’s website about the crisis currently facing California’s community colleges over budgeting and enrollment. View a short segment of the story at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28940772/.

      The Office Professional Training (OPT) program recently held a graduation ceremony for its class of Fall 2008, which consisted of 29 students. At the event, attendees heard inspiring success stories of major life changes that have occurred as a result of this intense, challenging program that is offered through the Business Office Technology Department. The OPT program transforms lives by providing educational training and support services that empowers unemployed students to compete in a high technology environment.