President's News Burst for April 2009

STUDENT CENTER

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

  

NEW BUSINESS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE

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

SALUTE TO THE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

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

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

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

STUDENT OF NOTE AWARDS

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

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

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

  

FOUNDATION NEWS

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

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

RECENT HONORS

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

  

THE MARCH TOWARDS GRADUATION

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

v  Police Academy, May 1.

v  Nursing, June 2.

v  Respiratory Therapy, June 4.

v  Occupational Therapy Assistant, June 5.

v  OPT, June 5.

v  Middle College, June 8.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAY 19 STATEWIDE SPECIAL ELECTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President's News Burst for March 2009

BUDGET UPDATE

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

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

ü  2008-09: Reduces state funding for mandates.

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

ü  2009-10: Funds 3 percent enrollment growth.

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

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

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

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

  

STRATEGIC PLANNING

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

  

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

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

  

CHANCELLOR MILES’ FORUMS

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

  

CULINARY ARTS DEPARTMENT DINNERS

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

WALK OF FAME NEEDS YOUR NAMES

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

MAKING HEADLINES

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

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

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN CONCLUSION

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

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

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

President's News Burst for February 2009

BUDGET UPDATE

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

PARKING UPDATE

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

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

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

Your continued support is much appreciated!

  

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

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

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

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

Ø  Diversity in hiring and human resource planning.

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

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

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

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

SMOKE-FREE, TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS

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

ENROLLMENT

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

  

NEW CHANCELLOR

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

  

DR. SUAREZ’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION

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

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

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

  

HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH

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

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

  

FINANCIAL AID FAFSA WORKSHOPS

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

  

SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM

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

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH

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

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

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

  

RECENT HONORS AND RECOGNITION

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

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

President's News Burst for December 2008

BUDGET CRUNCH

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

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

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

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

  

CHANCELLOR CANDIDATES

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

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

CARE/ASGC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

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

  

CHILD DEVELOPMENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY DRIVE

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

GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA EARNS HONORS FROM GROUP

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

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

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

  

WACC COMMITTEE

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

  

PARKING UPDATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONVOCATION ON JANUARY 20, 2009 – NEW START TIME!

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

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

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECENT HONORS AND RECOGNITION

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

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

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

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

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