President's News Burst for July 2009

Budget Update

The news remains bleak about the impact of budget cuts on our campus. A packed room heard some painful messages at last week’s open forum/Planning and Resources Council meeting. Two additional Budget Forums were held this week.  Approximately 100 people had attended one of these forums.  Three separate, distinct components will influence the final outcome of our college’s budget reductions, and they are works in progress.

·         An unresolved state budget.

Absent enactment of a budget, State Controller John Chiang has announced that California will experience a cash shortfall in July and be forced to issue IOUs (payments protected under the State Constitution, including payments to community colleges) during the month. For now, the state budget process is again at an impasse. All previous budget proposals would negatively impact community colleges.

·         Early retirement decisions.

Eligible current district employees can declare their intentions by July 15 to accept an early retirement incentive.

·         Negotiated, contractual issues.

Roughly 90 percent of our college’s budget goes for personnel related costs.  Academic salaries account for 53.8%, classified salaries – 17%, and benefits - 19.9%.

The bottom line is that all of us must prepare for major budget reductions. In 2008-2009, the overall budget cut was 3 percent. In 2009-2010, the cuts will get deeper, perhaps 9.5-to-12 percent, or possibly higher. We are anticipating zero percent for both COLA and growth funds in 2009-2010, as well as deeper apportionment shortfalls (revenue deficits).  In addition to impacts on general fund, an additional 16-to-32 percent reduction is likely in categorical funding.

Districtwide budget priorities will include:

·         protecting the learning core of “Students First;”

·         balancing the needs of students and employees within budget constraints;

·         funding structural commitments and fixed increases;

·         maximizing potential revenues; and,

·         addressing accreditation, legal and fiscal stability challenges. 

Among our planning and action steps: maximize savings in 08-09 in offset cuts in 09-10; freeze at least 42 positions collegewide; reduce utility expenses; reduce 210 sections in 09/10; eliminate intersession; implement minimum class size of 20 students, or 80 percent of cap; reduce supplies and hourly employees by 30 percent; reduce service hours concomitant with hourly reductions to maximize efficiencies; and reduce postage and printing expenditures.  

Unfortunately, given the state of our budget, we cannot afford to offer the same level of service to students as we have in the past.  Our goal will be to minimize the negative impacts to students as much as possible. Still, we know that every reduction we make will have an impact on the needs of students and employees. Clearly, we have entered a time of doing business in different ways than in the past. Our life with budget reductions will continue for the next several years, including the possibility of additional mid-year cuts and greater challenges for 2010-2011.  The easy choices are gone, the painless cuts have already been made. So now the challenge is to choose the best of less than ideal choices.  However, every good crisis should never go to waste, so if you can do with less in a way that’s different and better than before, then this is the year to do it.  During the challenging times we may create new solutions that will work better for our students and ourselves.

Tuition Likely to Increase

The news is that state lawmakers are expected to approve a tuition increase for community college students to $26 per unit from $20 per unit, which has been the cost since 2007. The $6-per-unit increase would lift fees to about $780 a year for full-time students.

  

Energy Conservation Tips

Due to budgets cuts, we can all do our part to reduce energy consumption. Together, we can lower our energy bill, which will redirect dollars into other areas. Everyone is encouraged to follow these simple steps:

·         Turn off your office and classroom lights when you are not in the room.

·         Utilize the natural light if educationally appropriate, especially in the 500 Building classrooms which are equipped with skylights.

·         Keep your classroom and office doors closed when the A/C is on. This allows the mechanical system to operate more efficiently (we can’t afford to try to air condition all of El Cajon).

·         Turn off computers and printers when not in use, over the weekends, and break periods.

·         Remove any un-needed appliances such as coffee makers, refrigerators, toasters, and space heaters.

Summer Operational Hours

Budget cuts have resulted in reducing the summer operational hours for several offices that serve students, including Counseling, Financial Aid, Admissions and Records, Career Center and DSPS. Unfortunately, we are unable to serve everybody in the way that we would prefer. Some offices will begin serving students at 9 a.m., instead of the previous time of 8 a.m. Meanwhile, other offices will close at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. and couple of nights instead of the previous closing time of 7 p.m. If you are making a special trip to campus, please check the college website for summer hours of operation.  The revised hours are also posted in offices and on office doors. 

  

Accreditation

The latest draft version of the Accreditation Follow Up Report is available on the intranet for all to access and review.  The text contains all of the changes received that were usable.  But there are still some gaps in action and/or evidence that are identified in the report, so responsible parties should review the report, take action, and provide the necessary updates and evidence to me as soon as possible.  Here's the URL for access:  http://www.grossmont.edu/intranet/  (note that the intranet requires your usual identification and password.)

  

09-10 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Stats

Financial Aid is currently up 21% in FAFSA applicants for 09-10 compared to 08-09.  In 08-09, FAFSA applicants were up about 15% over 07-08.   

  

Summer School Enrollment

Enrollment for summer school for 2009 has set a new record in the school’s 48-year history. Census Day enrollment for the 2009 summer session was 9,115 students, compared to the previous high mark of 8,425 students set in 2002. In a comparison between summer 2009 and summer 2008, headcount is 24 percent higher with a 27.5 increase in class units. Many students enroll in summer school to earn extra credits in order to graduate sooner. Another reason is because the UC and CSU schools are accepting fewer students. Four-, six- and eight-week-long classes will be offered during the 2009 summer session. Another four-week session will run from July 13 to Aug. 6. Some of the classes will be conducted online, or with a combination of online and classroom instruction.  Look for Grossmont College to appear in an article about “crowded classrooms” in the Union Tribune this weekend.

Adult Reentry’s “Your Turning Point is Now”

In this depressed economy, the road from a layoff to a new career often goes through a classroom. Many laid-off workers are being forced to make tough decisions about their futures as they re-evaluate their version of the American dream. While pursuing a new career is not the easiest thing to do, the Grossmont College Adult Reentry Center is doing its part to provide a variety of resources for returning adult students who are seeking assistance and encouragement about new educational goals and career options. The Reentry Center also acts as a bridge between the college and the community providing referral services, academic counseling and information about admission procedures, transfer programs, self-help programs, financial aid and transportation. Adult reentry students enroll at Grossmont for a variety of reasons, including a desire to learn new skills for a career or lifestyle change, earn a job promotion or because their college career was interrupted years ago because of work, family or economic situation. Other reentry students who did not finish high school now are seeking a college diploma. On Wednesday, July 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Gate, the Reentry Center will present “Your Turning Point is Now,” a free adult reentry orientation program featuring a panel of successful reentry students and college staff. To RSVP, contact Susan Esparza at extension 7697. The transition from old dreams to new realities can be painful, but the Adult Reentry Center is here to help.

Parking Structure Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Everyone is invited to the ribbon cutting of the new parking structure and District Police offices on Monday morning, Aug. 17. The festivities will be held outdoors on the top floor of the parking structure. In lieu of the traditional Convocation kick-off breakfast on Monday morning in the Student Center, continental breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m. with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:00 a.m..

The Fall 2009 Convocation program, the kick-off for Professional Development Week, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Student Center. Among the planned grand opening festivities: remarks from campus representatives, community dignitaries and students, as well as special checkered-flag ribbon cutting and vintage cars on display.

  

Grossmont College Foundation News

The Grossmont College Foundation reports that $83,500 has been raised so far --mostly from five local entities -- for six perpetual, $1,000-a-year scholarships for Grossmont College students as part of a partnership with the San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation.  Additional scholarship monies raised over the next two years by the Grossmont College Foundation for Osher Foundation-related scholarships could result in as many as 55 perpetual, $1,000-a-year scholarships for Grossmont College students. The five entities include the Grossmont College Foundation’s Board, Grossmont Schools Federal Credit Union, Grossmont Center retail mall in La Mesa, Wells Fargo Foundation and proceeds from the Brad Daluiso Golf Classic. Each of the five entities donated $13,500, which have been invested in a pooled equity fund managed by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the fiscal agent for the Osher Foundation scholarship program. Another $16,000 was donated to the Grossmont College Foundation by about 25 individuals, including Grossmont College faculty, staff and administrators, as well as community members, to reach the current $83,500 amount.

The Osher Foundation’s statewide fund-raising challenge-- a 50-percent match ($1 for every $2 raised), up to a maximum of $25 million -- could create hundreds of perpetual scholarships for students at every one of California’s 110 community colleges. Maximum fund-raising goals were set for each community college based on its full-time enrollment. Grossmont College’s goal to benefit as much as possible from Osher scholarships is $548,530, with a deadline of June 30, 2011.

Meet New ASGC President Marc Valenzuela

New ASGC President for 2009-2010 Marc Valenzuela has been involved in student government and advocacy since middle school. A native of El Centro, Calif., and graduate of Southwest High School in El Centro (class of 2008), Valenzuela has attended Grossmont College since the fall of 2008. During the past two summers, Valenzuela has worked in San Diego as an assistant stage manager at the Starlight Theatre in Balboa Park. For the past six years, he has worked in various technical theatre roles. He was the senior crewman at the Southwest Theatre in El Centro. After graduating from Grossmont College, he plans to transfer to a four-year university, possibly San Francisco State University and major in public relations.

  

Recent Honors

      At the recent journalism awards presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, San Diego Chapter, the Grossmont College Summit newspaper was awarded second place in the best newspaper/college media category. San Diego City College’s City Times won first place.  Also, adjunct instructor Christy Scannell received first place for “Best Magazine Column”.

      Once again one of our own Classified Staff, Alfred Ventura, Ceramic Lab Tech, has stepped up to the plate, shining a positive light on Grossmont College! Al, along with students from our Art Department, Jenny Miles, and Hilary Stone, painted an 8'X20' mural of the San Diego County Fair 2009 Logo "Music Mania" at the entrance to the Student Showcase exhibit.  It took them 7 days to complete the mural working on weekends and nights to finish the master piece. Fairgoers stopped to admire and comment on their work throughout the process. Al has been painting the mural of the fair logo for the past 11 years, and in the last four years since taking on the position as Ceramic Lab Tech with us, has included Grossmont Art Students in this endeavor.

On Saturday, June 27^th, an Awards Reception was held, in which Al, Hilary, and Jenny were commended for their contribution to the fair.  Also, student Brian Chamber received First Place in Fine Arts, and student Jason Ward received Second Place in Fine Arts, and First Place in Best of Class and Best of Show.

  

Calendar

      July 3, Independence Day holiday observed (all sites).

      July 9, San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Main Quad.

      July 10, last day to drop 6-week summer session classes.

      July 13, registration begins for Fall 2009 semester.

      July 24, last day to drop 8-week summer session classes.

      Aug. 17, ribbon cutting for Parking Structure/District Police offices, 7:30 a.m., Parking Structure top floor.

      Aug. 17, Fall 2009 Convocation, 9 a.m., Student Center.

  

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

President's News Burst for June 2009

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment this summer is up 13-14% over last summer as depicted in the table, below, of comparisons for Summer 2009 and Summer 2008, as of Thursday, June 4^th.   

	Summer 2009	Summer 2008	Count Variance	% Variance
Headcount	8214.0	7,236.0	+978.0	+13.5%
Units	35,406.5	31,008.0	+4398.5	+14.2%

BUDGET UPDATE

The news about the California State budget and the impact to Community Colleges is grave! The updates just seem to go from bad to worse, and reliable information from the state seems to be a moving target. Here at GCCCD, after reducing budgets by 3 percent in 2008-2009, our district has prepared the legally required Tentative Budget with a 4 percent reduction.  We have referred to this as the  "Disneyland version" because it is based upon the 18 month budget passed by the Legislature in February 2009.  However, this budget was based upon revenue projections that fell short and also ballot measures that were defeated.  The assumptions for the Tentative Budget were based upon 4.19% growth provided to GCCCD and 0% COLA. 

In planning the Tentative Budget, the college's Cost Savings Taskforce, Facilities Committee and Planning and Resource Council reviewed and recommended actions for potential reductions.  Many of the recommendations have been implemented within departments and divisions under the leadership of our Vice Presidents, Deans and Department Chairs.  Budget reduction suggestions that were made at both the Cost Savings Taskforce and the Planning and Resources Council have all been discussed and forwarded at the district level.

Our spring 2007 Planning Retreat as well our our Planning and Resource Council finalized the priorities for Grossmont College In 09/10.  Our college's areas of focus and budget priorities are specified below and were critical driving factors in devising recommendations and strategies for reduction. 

1.  Ensure student access and meet enrollment goals

2.  Focus on Student Learning Outcomes

3.  Implement our Basic Skills Plan

4.  Provide critical workforce development training and forge innovative partnerships

This year, more than ever, our college will have to ensure extremely good stewardship of all our resources (human, fiscal and physical) to enable us to protect our learning core and focus on our key initiatives.

Moving from Disnelyand to Reality...

As additional information comes in from Sacramento throughout this summer, we will likely be looking at a potential reduction to our GCCCD base budget in 09/10 of almost 10 percent (a cut of nearly $10 million) and potentially more than that.  You can expect to see that growth dollars will be reduced to zero which impacts our enrollment goals and therefore limits our schedule of class offerings.  Additionally, we will likely see reduced hours of support service areas and delays in services as we struggle with fewer hourly staff and increased student demand.  Specific information about service reductions will be posted in offices and on the college's website

The Facilities Committee is working on facility related savings such as water and power reductions.  Implementing ideas such as increasing the HVAC set points, regularly distributing energy saving reminders, reducing water used for landscape and other areas and prioritizing our most critical matienance and renovation projects will contribute to reductions. 

While sacrifices have already been made, more sacrifices will be needed during this unprecedented economic downturn. This is a critical time.  It is not business as usual.  Community colleges are supposed to serve every student who wants to go to college.  However, at this same time next year, there will  not be enough seats for everybody.  It’s a perfect storm -- higher demand, record enrollment with fewer classes and less money to teach students.

We are considering all options that will protect our learning core and value employees, while balancing our ability to ensure student access and provide long term fiscal stability. There is no doubt that we will all have to work together to contribute to this daunting challenge before us.  If you have a suggestion on how we can save money or provide services more effectively, then I encourage you to e-mail your idea to budget.suggestions@gcccd.edu.

  

DROP FOR NON-PAYMENT RECOVERY

The College and District reports an unqualified success from its recent effort to recover funds from students who had not paid their summer ’09 tuition fees.  Many of the students who owed us money not only paid their overdue bill but also re-registered for classes.  Through this process additional room was made available in existing sections. On Sunday, May 31^st 735 Grossmont students were dropped for non-payment of enrollment fees.  Enrollment continues  with increases of 14%  over the same period as compared with last year. It is state policy that fees are due immediately at the time of registration, and the college does not bill for registration fees. It is the student’s responsibility to pay tuition fees. A hold can be placed on a student’s transcripts, grades and diploma until fees are paid.

  

COMMENCEMENT 2009

At Grossmont College’s 2009 Commencement on Wednesday, June 3, 1,103 students received associate degrees, and 346 students earned certificates of achievement.  About 4,000 people attended the event. The keynote speaker was Dr. Dorothy Wiley, who earned her associate degree in nursing at Grossmont College in 1977, and today is an associate professor of primary care nursing at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Nursing.  “Your challenge is and will be to look inside yourself, develop and nurture a dream and make it come true,” she said. “As you graduate tonight, some of you will be moving into a workplace, some will go on to higher education, some will become volunteers, and some will do all of the above. You will walk a variety of paths and touch many lives, and I believe that your journey will be richer if you take an interest in others, and help them along their way.”  Dr. Wiley is one of the world’s authorities in epidemiology, which is the study of factors and interventions that benefit public health and preventative medicine, and she was an investigator in the development of a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common infection that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.

Jose Molina Serrano was the student speaker.  Serrano, an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, has toured the world during the past four decades with several big-name Latin rock bands, including childhood friend Carlos Santana.  But, he always wanted to attend college. “I had only made it as far as the ninth grade,” said Serrano, a ninth grade dropout from Tijuana who moved to the United States at age 19. “I always felt denied and somewhat ashamed for not being able to complete my education, until today.” In 2003, Serrano showed up on campus on a day when classes were not in session, and ran into faculty member Baker, who provided registration information and encouragement. Serrano is a candidate for an associate degree in music. Last year, his CD was taken aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and his song “Away From Home” was played to awaken the sleeping astronauts.

Another speaker was Edda Temoche-Weldele, who was selected by the Academic Senate as the 2008-2009 Distinguished Faculty Award Honoree for outstanding contributions in teaching and exceptional academic leadership.  Edda has taught Spanish courses at Grossmont College since 1988.  Since she set foot on campus, the energetic and enthusiastic Edda has allotted extra time in her schedule to extend her service at Grossmont to include serving on numerous committees. “I know that dreams can come true,” Edda said in her remarks. “Desire plus believe in yourself plus action equals dream in life fulfilled. Believe in yourself, take a chance and you also will have magical moments.”

  

LE TOUR DE GROSSMONT COLLEGE THIS SUNDAY MORNING

The Athletics Dept. will present “Le Tour de Grossmont College,” a fund-raising fun walk/run, starting at 8 a.m. this Sunday, June 7, at the college. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. in the Main Quad. The event will raise money for medical expenses for Grossmont College women’s soccer coach Howie Hawver, who is currently battling ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  The 2.2-mile walk/run route will follow the campus perimeter road. Refreshments, live music and prize opportunities are scheduled. For event information, phone 644-7412, or visit www.HowieHawver.blogspot.com. Participation fee is a minimum donation of $30 per person, which will include a commemorative t-shirt. Checks can be made payable to Grossmont College Foundation. Hawver is the only head coach the Grossmont women’s program has ever had. In the past 14 seasons, his teams have made 12 state playoff appearances. Hawver has also coached at Patrick Henry High School and with the Crusaders Soccer Club.

  

VOTE FOR GC AS SAN DIEGO’S BEST

Only a few hours remain for you to cast your vote online for Grossmont College as the Best Local College in this year’s San Diego Union-Tribune 2009 Readers Poll. Voting ends on Sunday, June 7 (no paper ballots this year, only online). Visit http://bestof.signonsandiego.com/2009/vote/best-collegeuniversity/. All voters can enter to win free groceries for a year from Henry’s Marketplace. Grossmont has been selected as “San Diego’s Best” in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008. So, let’s make it a “high-five.” Results will be revealed on Aug. 2.

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

The Web Staff Directory can now be seen at http://www.grossmont.edu/intranet/staffdir. This directory features the names and photos of faculty, staff and administrators. Please visit the directory to see your photo. 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.  Many thanks to Kats Gustafson and her crew as well as Stephen Harvey for their work over the past year to accomplish this online staff directory.

  

RECENT HONORS

Natalie Ray, Tech Prep coordinator and counselor, has been honored by the San Diego Science Educators Association for her most outstanding contribution to science education at the college level during the 2008-2009 academic year. She received her award on June 3.

Sharon Neumann, a counselor at Grossmont Middle College High School, which is the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) school that meets here at Grossmont, has been honored as the recipient of the 2009 Jonasson Endowment for going above and beyond the call of duty for students in assisting them in attaining higher education. The award includes expenses to the next Western Association for College Admissions Counseling (WACAC) Conference.

Former Grossmont student Jaime Lyerly, who was a 2008 Student of Note recipient, has been accepted for membership in Mortar Board, a prominent national honors society. She is majoring in art with an emphasis in sculpture at San Diego State University, from where she plans to graduate in May 2010. She also works as a clerical assistant in District Information Systems.

  

GETTING READY FOR THE FALL

Summer football classes begins on Monday, June 15, and the team has two new assistant coaches, both whom are former NFL players.  Lui Fuga is the new defensive line coach, and Carlos Polk is the new outside linebackers coach. Fuga, a four-year starter with the University of Hawaii and an All-Conference defensive tackle, was signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2007, and had a career-ending injury in 2008.  Polk, a starting outside linebacker for the University of Nebraska, was drafted by the Chargers in 2001, and stayed with the team until 2007, when he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.  With the Chargers, he was named Special Teams Player of the Year in 2002.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

      OTA graduation, 5:30 p.m., June 5.

   OPT graduation, 6:30 p.m., June 5.

   Middle College High School graduation, 5:30 p.m., June 8.

   Tentative Budget Workshop, June 9th @ 3:30 @ Cuyamaca College, Student Center, I-208

   Summer school classes begin, June 15.

   Governing Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., June 16, Griffin Gate (Board members will tour the Assistive Technology Center starting at 4:15 p.m.).

   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 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.