President's News Burst for March 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

to the 80 volunteers from GCCCD who helped at the recent Innovations 2011 conference, hosted by GCCCD and the San Diego Community College District and sponsored by the League for Innovations in the Community College.  The League is an international consortium of community colleges and their districts, and 150 corporate partners. The efforts of our volunteers ensured that the conference ran smoothly. Our volunteers did everything from stuffing give-away bags and registering people to putting together slideshow presentations and manning exhibit booths. Record attendance was reported for the conference with over 1,700 representatives of two-year  colleges came from across the nation, as well as Mexico and Canada. Our District played a huge role in showcasing innovative academic programs and the latest high-tech teaching tools. There was a strong spirit of collaboration and a sense of “we’re all in together,” especially when discussing with colleagues about unprecedented demand and budget cuts. More than 400 forums, workshops, keynote presentations and roundtable discussions were offered on a myriad of topics. Faculty and administrators from Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, as well as District Services, presented or took part in eight conference events, including one presentation – aptly called “Diet for a Small Budget: Thriving on PIE” -- that had Chancellor Miles, President Bob Garber, Vice Chancellor Sue Rearic and myself talking about how we have sustained our institution through these difficult years and the use of the acronym PIE to plan for the future. Jerry Buckley, senior dean for research planning and institutional effectiveness, and Chris Hill, interim dean of Math, Natural Sciences, Exercise Science and Wellness and former president of the Grossmont College Academic Senate, shared the good work of our college integrating planning, budgeting and assessment. For more information on Grossmont’s PIE, please visit our college’s planning website at http://www.grossmont.edu/planning/.

The PowerPoint slides and taped sessions from the recent conference are available to any member of our college community by visiting League sitehttp://www.league.org/innovations/.

Thank you again to everyone who participated!

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Planning is continuing for our 12th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Room 220. Calls for nominations have been issued for several awards. Details and names of previous recipients are available at www.grossmont.edu/awards. Innovator of the Year nominations can be sent to Linda Daley. Details about your new degree can be sent to Devon Atchison. Devon also is looking for information about recent publications, special projects or works of art. Excellence in Teaching awards can be submitted to the Division Dean; for details, visit www.grossmont.edu/awards/excellence_teaching.asp. Kudos Awards can be submitted online. The Kudos Award is designed to thank and recognize a member of the Grossmont College community who represents teamwork and excellent service. In addition, everyone is invited to participate in the identification and selection of the Vice President Support Staff Award. The purpose of this award is to  recognize a classified staff member within each division for his or her outstanding contributions during the academic year to his/her department or program area, to the college, to colleagues and – most importantly – to the students of Grossmont College. The award recipients will have demonstrated an “over and above” approach to serving students, working with colleagues inside and outside of the offices, service on college committees and/or in promoting college events, and advancing the mission of Grossmont College.  The annual College Recognition Awards is an important way for us to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that our faculty and staff make every day to the success of our students and programs. We encourage you all to nominate a deserving colleague or co-worker!

  

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE

Planning for our college’s 50th anniversary celebration is moving ahead. The 50^th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee has been meeting to discuss a year-long (2011-2012 academic year) celebration.  A series of campus and community celebratory events, effective outreach strategies and event planning specifics that will succeed in appropriately celebrating Grossmont College’s 50th anniversary of educational service to the community and generating revenue that will be earmarked for services to students. Our outstanding creative services staff have designed a 50th Anniversary logo and decals, t-shirts and notebooks featuring the 50th anniversary logo are now available at the bookstore. Currently underway is the development of a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book which will feature memories and photos.

For an unusual couples celebration, we are looking for former students, faculty and staff members who met their spouses at Grossmont College and are still happily together. The couples who respond to college officials will be invited to attend a free pre-Valentine’s Day reception to be held on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 on campus. The reception is planned to feature refreshments and live music, including love songs from the past five decades. Names can be sent to grossmont50years@gcccd.edu. 

The special community event in April 2012 will provide an opportunity to bring the entire community on our campus after 1 ½ tough years of renovation.  Events, performances, hands-on demonstrations and other wow-factor gatherings will be scheduled all over campus.  There will also be a family BBQ.  For updates, please visit the 50th anniversary website at www.Grossmont.edu/50years.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Announcements from Student Health Services include:

      March is National Nutrition Month. Information on healthy food choices will be available at a booth in the Main Quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16.

      It’s not too late to vaccinate. Seasonable flu vaccinations are still advised and available to all students, faculty and staff. Only one shot is necessary (the H1N1 flu strain is included in the seasonal vaccine)

      March 25 is Diabetes Alert Day. If you have increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision or overweight, speak with a Health Services nurse today.

The Career Center will present a student employment workshop on “Make Your Major Work For You In The Workplace” from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, in Building 36 Room 346. RSVP to Nancy Davis at (619) 644-7614.

State budget cuts have closed the door to many California public universities because of more selective admission criteria. It is essential for transfer students to know the stakes, research their options and develop a transfer plan as early in the transfer process. The University Transfer Center offers three weekly workshops that provide the information, strategies and tools for achieving transfer success. If you would like a brief classroom presentation on “Transfer Realities = Importance of Transfer Options” please contact Mary Rider at x7094 or mary.rider@gcccd.edu to set up a classroom presentation or to put up a Transfer Options poster in your classroom or office.

The Theatre Arts Department will present Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Directed by Jeannette Thomas, at 7: 30 p.m. on March 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. on March 12 and 19, in the Stagehouse Theatre. Murder. Betrayal. Lust. Adultery. Arguably Shakespeare’s most profound play, Hamlet offers up a dark, brooding hero who, like many people at one time or another, suffers grief, loneliness and fear in the wake of a family tragedy. Full of introspection and philosophy about the nature of life and death, the universal themes in Hamlet find a resonance with modern audiences—when faced with life’s most difficult challenges, do we have the courage to rise up and meet them; or like many, does “conscience make cowards of us all.” General admission is $12, GCCCD faculty/staff, seniors, and military is $11 and GCCCD students (with ID) is $10.  For more information, visit www.Grossmont.edu/theatrebrochure.

The Grossmont College Art Council cordially invites everyone to their Fundraising Auction/Exhibition on Friday, March 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Hyde Art Gallery is exhibiting the work of 18 established local artists representing a variety of disciplines. Though brief in its duration, the scope of this exhibition is significant. The work of Bobbie Fisher, Daphne Hill, David Fobes, Suda House, Terri Hughes, David Hewitt, Jeff Irwin, Jennifer Bennett, Al Ventura, Ingrid Psuty, Ollie Zinn to mention a few of the artists that will be providing our patrons with a broad appeal. You can preview and bid on their favorite works at the following times and days: Monday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bidding will close at 8:30 p.m., and the winning bids will be announced at 9 p.m. on that Friday night. Please join us for a fun filled evening of festivities that will include a Silent Auction of all the donated art, Appetizers, Spirits and Music. Proceeds from any sale will go to the Art Council Student Awards Program.

The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Odeum Guitar Duo,” a performance by two Grossmont College guitar instructors Fred Benedetti and Robert Wetzel, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Cuyamaca College’s Fine Arts Theatre. Odeum refers to a small building in ancient Greece or Rome that was used for public performances of music. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $10 per person, and $8 for seniors, students and children under age 12.

The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra will perform with organist Robert Plimpton at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South in San Diego’s Mission Valley area. Admission is $10 for adults, free for students. Another performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 21 at the Paradise Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church in National City, and admission is free. Selections will be from Widor, Mozart, Janacek and Elmore.

  

LOOKING FOR A GREAT TRAVEL IDEA THIS SUMMER?  CONSIDER THE EDUCATOR’S TRIP TO PERU IN JULY

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce has announced its third annual Educators Tour for all East County school employees which will be a nine-day trip to Peru, July 11 to 19.  Deposit of $550 and registration forms are due by March 25. Bookings are secured on a first-come, first-serve basis. The checks-only price is $2,499, and payment with a credit card is $2,549. Cost includes round-trip airfare from San Diego, round-trip executive class rail service in Peru, first-class accommodations, daily breakfasts and dinners and two lunches, sightseeing and admission to all sites outlined on program, deluxe motor coaches, baggage handling and transfers and professional program hosts. Tour highlights include sightseeing tours of Lima and Cusco, a full-day excursion to the colonial villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the ruins, museums and monastery, previously the Koricancha Temple, Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, Sacred Valley of the Incas, traditional Peruvian buffet dinner at La Dama Juana with live show that mixes the principal dances from the different regions of Peru, and much more. The tour also will include two different school visits with question and answer sessions with teachers and an official of the education department. For more information, contact Leanna Rodgers at travel@eastcountychamber.org. On previous Chamber Educators Tours, more than 150 educators have participated in this vibrant, international program.

President's News Burst for February 2011

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%

Due to the section reductions imposed on the GC schedule, enrollment is currently down as compared to the same time last spring.  The official census enrollment report will not be complete for some time to ensure all data in entered accurately. 

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.

The Grossmont College Concert Band, under the direction of Russell Sperling, will perform at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 with the Helix Charter School band at Cuyamaca College. 

President's News Burst for January 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Happy New Year!  Each year, at this time, I reflect back upon the previous year with gratitude and appreciation and look forward with hope and enthusiasm for the many opportunities that appear ahead.  I am so very thankful for the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated individuals here at Grossmont College.  I am also comforted to know that no matter what challenges or obstacles appear before us, that together our collective efforts will ensure that we prevail. Despite the challenges we will face in the future, nothing encourages me more than the commitment of our faculty, staff and administrators to change lives through education.

At the state level, 2011 will be defined by a new Governor and Legislature wrestling with the structural imbalance of our state budget.  Here at Grossmont College, 2011 highlights will include continued construction on the Griffin Center building and Student and Administrative Services building, celebration of our 50th Anniversary Year, starting work across our district on an educational master plan, and continued progress towards our strategic goals.  It will be a time to work together as we promote the positive things that unite us and engage in dialogue and compromise to overcome those differences that have the potential to divide us. Thank you for all you do for our college and our students! 

CONVOCATION ON JANUARY 18TH

We are excited to see you all at the Spring 2011 Convocation on Tuesday, Jan. 18 in the Main Gym. Our faculty will be returning for the start of Flex Week. A light continental breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. in the area between the Main Gym and Exercise Science building (same as last fall). In order to protect our gym floor, since the gym floor cannot accommodate heels, dress shoes or street shoes, we are encouraging everyone to wear HOUSE SLIPPERS. Prizes will be awarded for the best house slippers in five different categories, including:

      “Most Creative”

      “Most Colorful”

      “Most Courageous”

      “Most Character”

      “Most Grossmont Spirit”

Also part of Convocation will be the announcement of the President’s Leadership Award. In lieu of a “State of the College” report by me, we will have a guest speaker. Dr. Robert Bramucci, Vice Chancellor of Technology/Learning Services at South Orange County Community College District in Mission Viejo, promises to be energizing and provocative and get us to look at things in new ways. I am also looking forward to hearing the keynote presentation on “The Pulse of Higher Education in the State of California” by Steve Boilard, Director, Higher Education, with the Legislative Analyst’s Office, California’s nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor. I hope you will make every effort to be there. Staff members, please work with your supervisors to ensure your ability to participate while balancing the needs of your departments.  There will also be an online broadcast.  More details to follow.

PIE PRESENTATION ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 11TH

Have you ever wondered how the college planning process works? Find out why it’s as easy as “PIE.” PIE stands for Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. Everyone is invited to attend a presentation on the college planning process from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11 in Griffin Gate. The GCCCD Classified Senate are coordinating the event and presenters will be Dr. Chris Hill and myself.  Please RSVP to Pat Murray via e-mail or ext. 7316 on or before Jan. 10. Our goal at Grossmont is to develop a culture that values the input of people in identifying those things that we do well, examining those areas where we can benefit from improvement, and utilizing data to inform the decisions that we make. The planning effort within the college strives to integrate the long-term vision and goals with the annual implementation of strategies by each college department or unit to achieve those goals. The accomplishment of those goals is measured and evaluated through a comprehensive unit review process.

  

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND “INNOVATIONS 2011”

GCCCD has the distinct honor of co-hosting the League for Innovation in the Community College’s “Innovations 2011 Conference” along with the San Diego Community College District.  The conference will 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. More than 2,000 community college faculty, professional staff and administrators are expected to attend.   Thank you to the many, many volunteers who agreed to participate in supporting the conference in exchange for free entrance to all aspects of the conference!  All of the volunteer slots have now been filled due to your energy and enthusiasm.  We look forward to the conference and also highlighting our district throughout the conference. 

  

RAIN EVENTS AND ASSOCIATED INVESTIGATIONS

GC Art Professor Jim Wilsterman will present “Rain Events and Associated Investigations,” a sculpture exhibit at the Hyde Art Gallery that opens Monday, Jan. 24, and runs through Thursday. Feb. 24. The exhibit features about 25 pieces that were created on campus by Jim. The pieces feature a water conservation theme, and some of them display the pattern of rain that fell here on campus. The Hyde Art Gallery, located in the 200 Building on campus, is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

  

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT

The Grossmont College Lady Griffs women’s basketball team hosted its 23rd annual Grossmont College Holiday Tournament, Dec. 28-30, at Grossmont College. Eight teams competed in the three-day tournament, including GC, Bakersfield, Cypress, Santa Ana, Antelope Valley, Santa Barbara, Mount San Jacinto and Reedley. All games were played in our Main Gym. Cypress College defeated Mt. San Jacinto College 70-56 to win the tournament. The Lady Griffs finished in fourth place. The final day of the tournament began with a battle of the dueling Santas, with Santa Barbara beating Santa Ana, 60-47 to win the consolation match. Grossmont showed well in the third-place game but fell to Antelope Valley, 73-68. The game remained close for the entire 40 minutes, but despite great rallies by the hosts, it was Antelope Valley that walked away with the third place trophy.

  

HOWIE HAWVER MEMORIAL SERVICE

More than 1,000 people, including family members, friends from the local soccer community and former athletes, attended a standing-room-only memorial service held on Sunday, Dec. 26, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on Lake Murray Boulevard. GC Athletic Director Jim Spillers was joined by numerous Grossmont coaches and colleagues at the service. Jim was among the six speakers at the service along with family members. Coach Howie passed away on Sunday Dec. 5. Howie was a part-time faculty member in our Exercise Science Department and the founding women’s soccer coach. During his 15 years as head coach, Hawver led the team to 12 state playoff appearances. In 2008, Hawver was diagnosed with ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The GC family is proud to have been associated with such a vibrant member of the soccer community who was absolutely in love with the game.

  

HOLIDAY HAPPY ENDING

You may have seen news reports about Sunny and Cher, two abandoned black Labrador mix puppies whose ears were mysteriously cut off. Sunny was found in November in a Mission Valley shopping center. Cher was rescued while wandering the streets of Tijuana. Both were from the same litter. More than 100 families applied to adopt the puppies from the San Diego County Animal Shelter. After thorough vetting, an Oceanside family was selected to adopt Sunny and a Rancho San Diego family was selected to adopt Cher. Cher’s new family is shown in this photo of Scott and Penny Scarbrough and their son Joseph Watson.  Joseph is wearing a Grossmont sweatshirt and  has attended both Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges since Fall 2009. “High school was hard for him because he had some medical issues to deal with, but he is thriving in college with a 4.0,” said Penny. “Every instructor in college has been awesome.”  Joe is enjoys chemistry and wants to be a pharmacist. Both parents are teachers at Hillsdale Middle School.

President's News Burst for December 2010

I hope you enjoyed a restful and enjoyable season of Thanksgiving.  As the semester culminates and the usual academic tensions rise for us all and our students, please make the time to take good care of yourself.  During this busy time, it’s all too easy to set aside our normal exercise, eating and sleeping patterns.  Please keep in mind that maintaining balance is key to managing stress and our long term health.  Take the time to enjoy the company of peers and friends during the many events on campus!  Exchange cookies, cook or taste chili, or attend a music, athletic or other performance.

THANK YOU for all that you do for our college and our students!  May the upcoming holiday season bring peace, joy and good health.

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD

I am pleased to announce our "call for nominations" for the President’s Leadership award. Nominations are due to the President’s Office by Friday, Dec. 10. This award will be presented during the Spring 2011 Flex Week and at a special recognition ceremony in May 2011. Let me encourage each of you to consider nominating an outstanding member of our college community for this award. The President’s Leadership Award was established to recognize leadership in service to students, faculty and staff, and to encourage continuation of that excellence. Nominations of full-time administrative staff and other individuals in leadership positions at Grossmont College may be submitted by any member of the college community who has personal and direct knowledge of the nominee’s work, and who can comment on the unique and outstanding characteristics in support of the nominee’s excellent service to students, faculty and staff.

  

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND “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. The San Diego Community College District will also serve as an official host. 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. More than 2,000 community college faculty, professional staff and administrators are expected to attend. Confirmed keynote speakers include Allan Golston of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sarita Brown of Excelencia in Education, Paul Lanning of the Foundation for California Community Colleges and Janet Zadina of Tulane University School of Medicine. As a host district, we will play a critical role in supporting the conference through a volunteer corp.  GC employees who volunteer a minimum of four hours can receive a free registration to attend the conference, contingent upon supervisory approval. There will be a variety of volunteer assignments available. We need a total of 78 volunteers. If you would like to be part of this exciting conference and take advantage of the free conference registration and the professional development opportunity it provides, all GC staff should contact Bernadette Black in the President’s Office. Please correspond with Bernadette to take advantage of this fabulous opportunity.

DREAMKEEPERS GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

Grossmont College has been selected by Scholarship America as a “Dreamkeepers Grant” school. 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.  These grants are for unanticipated emergency costs and not for costs associated with a lack of preparation or anticipation associated with the costs of a college education. Some examples of such emergencies include child care, rent, gas money, and utilities. Expenses not considered emergencies, and will not be covered, include tuition and fees, books and supplies and normal academic related expenses. Approved awards will be made within two business days from the point of application. Checks in the amount of the approved award will be co-payable to the student and the vender seeking payment (i.e. utility company, child care provider, landlord, etc) and collected by the student receiving the grant at the College Cashier window. Faculty or staff aware of students experiencing a one-time emergency or a financial related crisis can refer students to Selam Gebrekristos in Financial Aid for more information. Scholarship America awarded Grossmont College $40,000 for students in financial crisis over the course of the academic year.  The average Dreamkeepers’ grant ranges from $300 to $500. 

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:  LIFE COACHING

Life Coaching Program (LCP) for new and continuing at-risk students: The LCP proposes serving 200 students per year, meeting weekly with a trained life coach on campus. With Basic Skills Funding, currently 19 life coaches have been recruited, screened, hired, oriented and trained in life coaching methods. Life coach professional development is on-going. These life changing coaches provide mentoring, support and direction for students who are in lower level English, Math and ESL classes, and/or on academic probation, and/or belong to a demographic group with a history of poor academic performance, such as foster youth, students with learning disabilities or economically disadvantaged. Students learn how to plan, manage and execute life skills such as developing and using weekly schedule and daily planner, eating nutritional balanced meals, exercising regularly, taking medication, creating and adhering to a budget, using campus and community resources, applying strategies to improve sleep and limiting distracting or negative behaviors and navigating through the educational maze and overcoming obstacles.

CSU SAN MARCOS SPRING 2011 ENROLLMENT

The University Transfer Center reports that CSU San Marcos has re-opened for spring 2011. This is an exceptional opportunity to transfer to a small, local public university that was virtually closed to our students for fall 2010. Please help let your students know spring 2011 applicants have a good chance of being admitted to CSU San Marcos. Students are eligible to apply if they fulfill either of the following admission criteria:  60+ transferable units, including completion of the “Golden Four” requirements (oral communication, written communication, critical thinking and mathematics); Overall GPA of 2.0; Less than 60 transferable units and CSU eligible from high school. Students must apply online at www.csumentor.edu  The campus remains open until further notice, but students are recommended to apply as soon as possible.

  

ASGC/CARE HOLIDAY PARTY NEEDS GIFT CARDS FOR STUDENT PARENTS

The annual ASGC/CARE Holiday Party will be held on Friday, Dec. 10 in Griffin Gate. The annual holiday party is for CARE, EOPS and CalWORKs students. Gerardette Nutt, ext. 7785, and Kitty Walden at ext. 7733, are soliciting gift cards for teenage children of student parents.  Please bring your donation to the EOPS/CARE/CalWorks office, Room 58-J, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Last year’s holiday party was attended by about 100 children and their parents. Each year, the CARE Program receives toys from the Marine Corps Toys-for-Tots Program, but this program provides toys for the children only ages 0 to 10 and many CARE families include tweens and teens. So, we are asking for gift cards, certificates and/or merchandise, possible gift baskets for the teens and the student/parents. The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program serves several hundred GC students who are single parents receiving public assistance, and are CalWORKs recipients. These students are low-income student/parents who are single head of household or CalWORKs recipients who attend full-time, with a goal to build better lives for themselves and their children, becoming self-sufficient.  GC’s CalWORKs program provides instruction, counseling and support services, including job search employment preparation for students currently receiving Public Assistance benefits. EOPS (Extended Opportunities Programs and Services) is a state-funded program established to recruit, enroll and retain students who are identified as economically and educationally disadvantaged.

THE 5 SKILLS OF NON-DEFENSIVE COMMUNICATION

GCCCD Public Safety is inviting all staff, faculty, supervisors and managers to a workshop titled “The 5 Skills of Non Defensive Communication.” The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 10, at Grossmont College, Room 41-117. The five skills of non-defensive communication provide us with specific tools that help us reduce the risk of creating a defensive reaction in others. These tools are: Disengage, Empathize, Inquire, Disclose, and Depersonalize. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required.  If you have any questions, please call Continuing Education at 619-660-4350.

“TIME FLIES AND OTHER SHORT PLAYS”

The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Time Flies and Other Short Plays,” a series of witty and wildly original one-act plays, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 11, at the Stagehouse Theatre. The performances feature hilarious characters pondering life’s metaphysical questions, including two Babylonian blue-collar workers building the Tower of Babel, three chimps locked in a room and recreating “Hamlet,” and two women who fashion a funeral breakfast out of thin air. “Time Flies,” written by David Ives, is directed by Grossmont College Theatre Arts instructor Beth Duggan. Admission is $12 per person, $11 for active military and seniors and $10 for students.

NEW VOICES STUDENT READING

The Creative Writing Program will present the New Voices Student Reading starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, in Room 220. Outstanding students of the Grossmont College Creative Writing Program’s Fall 2010 semester will stand and deliver original works of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama. This is always an unforgettable evening.

  

FUN-RAISER AT SOUPLANTATION

Grossmont College Athletics will host a “fun-raiser” at Souplantation, 9158 Fletcher Parkway, in La Mesa on December 7th.  From 5 to 8 p.m., Souplantation will donate 20 percent of sales generated to Grossmont College Athletics. Purchase a meal and a beverage and have a healthy dinner out with the Griffins, and support our program at the same time.

  

CHILI COOK-OFF

The 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off holiday event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, in the Distance Education Room. All faculty and staff are invited to this highly competitive event featuring extraordinary spicy and tasty chili from talented cooks at GC. Vegetarian chili also will be available. Beverages will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to the top chili entries from the following categories: Spiciest/Hottest, Vegetarian and Meat. In addition, there will be one Grand Prize winner. If you plan to enter the competitive chili cook-off or plan on bringing a dessert, chili fixings or cornbread to share, please contact Bernadette Black at ext. 7100.

  

COOKIE EXCHANGE

The annual Cookie Exchange will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, the Business Communications/Mail Center, Bldg. 58C, located in the Modular Village. You are invited to bring four dozen of your favorite homemade holiday cookies, along with a copy of your recipe (if you would like to share it). Please RSVP by Thursday, Dec. 9 to Lani Dennis at ext. 7134.

  

GROSSMONT COLLEGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MASTER CHORALE AND SAN DIEGO BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and Grossmont Master Chorale, in partnership with the San Diego Ballet, will present two special performances of “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. This magical holiday favorite will feature 100 costumed dancers, reveling in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score on an enchanting journey through a landscape of Yuletide dreams, including swirling snowflakes, leaping Cossacks and sugar plum treats. The production is directed and choreographed by Robin Sheretz-Morgan and Javier Velasco. The director of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and Grossmont Master Chorale is Dr. Randall Tweed. Premium seating tickets are priced at $55 per person. General seating tickets are priced at $45 for adults, $25 for students ($2 off for seniors and active military). Tickets can be purchased online at www.grossmontsymphony.org, or by phone the event box office at (619) 239-8836.

  

MORE MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS

      The Grossmont Guitar Guild will host a concert fundraiser with guest artist Robert Wetzel, classical guitarist, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, in Room 34-206 upstairs in the new Health and Science Complex. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students

      The Music Department will present “Jazz Night,” an evening of Grossmont College students performing a recital of various styles of jazz music, starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, in Room 220. Also performing that evening will be the Cannon/Kenyatta Project, featuring Music Dept. co-chair Derek Cannon and Kamau Kenyatta. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and children.

      The Guitar ensemble will perform at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, in Room 221. Admission is free.

      The Grossmont Concert Band will perform its winter concert with the Cuyamaca College Band, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theatre. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and children. The Concert Band features many different kinds of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. The Concert Band is under the direction of Russell Sperling.

      The Grossmont Jazz Ensemble has scheduled a performance starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Cuyamaca College Fine Arts Theatre. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

      The Grossmont Jazz Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Horton Plaza retail center, 324 Horton Plaza, in Downtown San Diego. Admission is free.

SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM

Members of the Grossmont/Cuyamaca Speech and Debate Team were very successful at the 2010 Griffin Invitational Speech/Debate Tournament, held Nov. 20-21. We hosted 23 colleges from both two and 4 year colleges. Approximately 100 students from Communication classes assisted in helping to run the tournament. Among the top competitors: Asma Eweida, finalist in Open Division Persuasive Speaking; Jonathan Parker, Bronze Award in Novice Parliamentary Debate, Bronze Award in Novice Parliamentary Debate and 7th place Speaker Award in Parli Debate;  Asma Eweida, 9th place Speaker Award in Parli Debate. Other competitors included Ali Aldhalimi,  Jesse Gault, Courtney Gerlach, Gabriela Johnson,  Russ Lindquist, Victoria Olango, Griselda Quintero, Morgan Rain, Alexandria Rivera, Maria Torres and Diana Trinidad.  Faculty judged or assisted at the tournament included Nancy Jennings, Denise Schulmeyer, Jade Solan and Sheri Strothers. Assistants included Dan Jones and Frank Lake. Students from Communication classes observed the competition.

  

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS

      Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Sat., Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Room #220.

      Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Wed., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., Cuyamaca College, Performing Arts Theater Communication Building.

      Corrections Academy Graduation, Friday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m., Cuyamaca College Theater, B-17.

  

RECENT EVENTS

      The Creative Writing Program recently hosted a very successful “Rock the Page,” an all-day creative write-a-thon fund-raiser, on Saturday, Nov. 13, on campus.  The second “Rock the Page” event featured 88 participants spending the day writing in four genres, including fiction, poetry, drama and creative non-fiction. More than $8,332 was raised to help with future Literary Arts Festival events and other Creative Writing Program activities. Rosie D’Agostino, a GC student, won the raffle for the MacBook.  Sydney Brown, English, said grants were provided by the Grossmont College Foundation, World Arts and Cultures Committee and American Federation of Teachers.

      The Art and Design Club, with funding from the World Arts and Cultures Committee, hosted the “Fall Draw,” a collaborative drawing festival, on Wednesday, Dec. 1 in the Main Quad. Participants were able to collaborate, connect, interpret, observe, explore and express their inner artist. It was an excellent time of examining gesture, line, color, shape, culture and ideas through the process of drawing with others.

      Student Health Services participated in National AIDS Awareness Week, Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 with an HIV and AIDS awareness info booth on Dec. 1 in the Main Quad. It was World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Assisting Student Health Services was the Family Health Centers of San Diego HIV Outreach and Program Services.

ATHLETICS

      Congratulations to the Women’s Water Polo and Women’s Volleyball teams. Both were Pacific Coast Athletic Conference champions. Also, the Men’s Water Polo team advanced to the second round of the state playoffs.

      The Grossmont College Football players, coaches and athletic department staff would like to say “thank you” to the College Administration, Faculty and Staff for your continued support. The 2010 ended with their second consecutive Beach Bowl game appearance. The game was played on Nov. 20 in Santa Ana against East Conference runner-up Santa Ana College.  At 6-4, the Griffs posted a winning record despite playing in what is arguably the toughest conference in the nation. The Griffins were seeking their sixth straight bowl win, but lost 52-43.

      The Grossmont College Men’s Basketball team will host the 39th annual Grossmont College Tournament, Dec. 3-5. The Griffins (0-4) will meet Cerritos in the opening round at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. Other teams in the three-day event are Cypress, Saddleback, College of the Desert, Los Angeles Southwest, Cuesta and Southwestern.

OUR SYMPATHIES

Our sincere sympathies are extended to the family of the late Associate Professor Diane Mayne-Stafford, Computer Science Information Systems. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Palisades Presbyterian Church in Allied Gardens, 6301 Birchwood Street, SD 92120. The church’s website is www.palisadespres.com, which includes directions to the church. If you would like to share some thoughts about Diane at the service, please email Bob Stafford @ troutfly666@hotmail.com.