President's News Burst for September 2009

THANK YOU!

Nothing would be more fitting than for the first words of the fall 2009 semester in our electronic newsletter to be THANK YOU!  I want to say how grateful I am for the untiring spirit, commitment and dedication of each and every one of our employees.  I know that these are very challenging times for us, we reduced budgets and personnel and increased numbers of students.  We face new territory every day.  I know that your classes are larger and that the students you serve seem even more stressed than the usual academic stress.  Given all that, I never cease to be amazed by the positive, can-do attitude that I see and hear from you.  I appreciate your commitment and your good work on behalf of our students. 

  

ENROLLMENT UPDATE

Below are enrollment comparisons as of September4 for Fall 2009 as compared to Fall 2008.  As the table below shows, we are up nearly 12% in headcount while our section counts were reduced by 8% and our classroom rill rates are at 94%!

	Fall 2009	Fall 2008	Count Variance	% Variance
Headcount	20,450	18,273	+2,177	+11.9%
Units	180,681.5	163,402.0	+17,279.5	+10.6%
#  of Sections	1,738	1,885	-147	-7.8%

BUDGET NEWS

After the budget damage has been done by the Sacramento lawmakers, we’re now doing our best to deal with the consequences. We’re living through a perfect storm: fewer state dollars for education, fewer students accepted to UC and CSU, fewer classes due to state budget cuts, and higher enrollment with fewer dollars. In addition, we’re seeing more adults return to school due to the bad economy. In fact, for the 2008-2009 academic year, enrollment at the state’s 110 community colleges skyrocketed to 2.9 million, a 4.9 percent increase compared to 2007-2008, according to the State Chancellor’s Office. However, as we face sustained budget deficits, our commitment is stronger than ever to protect core programs and preserve as many classes as possible in the areas of transfer, career technical education, and basic skills. I am proud that the tough times have not stopped our faculty, staff and administrators from providing as many students as possible with a quality and affordable education. Yes, we are trying to work miracles by using miniscule budgets to provide quality education and workforce training. Unfortunately, I am fearful that the current divestment in higher education may severely impair California for years to come and undermine the state’s economic recovery.

  

ACCREDITATION REPORT

Our Follow-up Report to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), due on Oct. 15, is scheduled for review and approval by the Governing Board at their Sept. 8 meeting. In January 2008, we received seven recommendations based on our college’s self-study and October 2007 site visit. Our first Follow-up Report was submitted Oct. 15, 2008. This current Follow-Up Report addresses recommendations dealing with diversity, the selection and evaluation of the college president, Governing Board self-evaluation and District relations among the various constituency groups. You can read our Follow-Up Report on the intranet at

http://www.grossmont.edu/intranet/accreditation0409/0809AccredFollowUpReportDraft.pdf.

  

2010-2016 STRATEGIC PLAN

A draft of our 2010-2016 Grossmont College Strategic Plan is being readied for review. Circulation through collegial consultation will begin later this month. The Plan represents the goals and strategic directions that we will pursue to respond to the changing educational needs of the East San Diego region. The Plan was developed during 2008-2009, and started with research on the demographics of the community, students and college performed by the GCCCD Institutional Research office. Teams of college employees scanned the horizon for future trends likely to impact our community and college within the next 3-5 years and those emerging trends along with an analysis of our Strengths/Weakness/Opportunities/Threats (SWOT) were also included.  All of this and our all-college vision activity during Spring 2009 Convocation were compiled and reviewed during our Leadership Planning Retreat last April.  Review of the Plan is scheduled by Academic Senate, Classified Senate, Student Services Council, Instructional Administrative Council, Administrative Services Council, Planning and Resources Council, Leadership Council, ADSOC, and President’s Cabinet. I invite your input so look for an opportunity soon to review the electronic version of the plan or be part of a discussion.

  

GROSSMONT COLLEGE SELECTED AS MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOL

Grossmont College has been selected as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine. Criteria for selection as a Military Friendly School involves an ongoing effort to recruit and retain students with military experience, including having qualified personnel available on campus to accommodate military veterans interested in higher education. Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of assisting veterans with their educational goals and recruiting students with military experience. The national list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. Grossmont’s selection as a Military Friendly School comes at a time when financial aid for tuition, textbooks and housing is available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. According to the Student Veteran Organization of Grossmont College (www.svogrossmont.org), more than 600 military veterans are currently attending Grossmont in Fall 2009 with the support of their veterans benefits, an increase from about 470 veterans who were enrolled in the Spring 2009 semester.

  

COST $AVING RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

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

·         Turn off computers and printers when not in use, over the weekends, and break periods. Remove any unneeded appliances such as coffee makers, refrigerators, toasters and space heaters.

To reduce on printing costs:

·         Print the first page of your document on colored paper and the rest on white instead of using colored paper for multiple page documents.

·         Print your documents double-sided whenever possible.

·         Reduce duplicating requests to save paper.

·         Post documents online instead of distributing them in class.

·         Limit supply requests.

  

ANNUAL FALL SCHOLASRHIP AWARDS BREAKFAST

The annual Fall Scholarship Awards Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 12 in the Student Center.  The program begins at 10:00 a.m. 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.  In all, 48 students will be awarded scholarships that exceed $32,000.  For the first time, 13 recipients will be Osher scholars, with each one receiving $1,000.  The Grossmont College Foundation is participating in a fund-raising challenge for scholarships in perpetuity with the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco, which is offering Grossmont College – along with every one of California’s 110 community colleges – a 50% match ($1 for every $2 raised prior to June 30, 2011).  Grossmont Osher Scholars were selected based on financial need.  Scholarship funds will be used to help defray the cost of textbooks, equipment, lab fees and other items beyond registration.

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

The Web Staff Directory can be assessed by visiting www.grossmont.edu/intranet/staffdir. If you want your photo included, and 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.

FLU SEASON IS HERE

We are closely keeping an eye on national, state and county flu preparations for this year. We are preparing for contingencies in the event of a campus-wide outbreak or recognition of a serious influenza threat. The college has been tracking student and employee illness since the spring outbreak.  We will pass along more information about flu vaccinations and other preparations as reliable information is available to us. 

The following information may be helpful as you respond to issues and concerns from students or other employees.

ü  Please encourage those students and employees who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay at home and seek medical attention as their situation and medical history warrant.

ü  The college is continuing to track student absences through the Health Services office to monitor any possible instances of H1N1 flu.

ü  If you know of students who have been ill or absent with flu-like symptoms, please contact Health Services with the name of the individual for tracking. Please inform students that if they are confirmed to be ill, they should report to our Health Services area to be “cleared” of illness.

ü  If students are present in your class and complain of flu-like symptoms, please refer them to our Health Services area (located in the administrative area, building 10, next to the Counseling Office).

ü  Everyone should be washing their hands frequently and also using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

ü  Hand sanitizing stations are available around campus public areas.

ü  Recommend that students check the college website for updates or call the flu line at 619.668.1718 or x1718 from campus for helpful information.

Thank you for your time and for assisting us in serving our students and safeguarding their health.

  

RECENT HONORS

v  Patricia Morrison, Library Dept. co-chair, had an article published in the August 2009 issue of “The Academic Author,” a newsletter published by the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA). The article was entitled “Librarian: Prevent Junk Overload When Surfing Net.” TAA is a membership associated dedicated to assisting textbook and academic authors.

v  Bob Yarris, Adjunct Instructor, Health Professions, has been named to the First 5 San Diego Commission’s Technical and Professional Advisory Committee. First 5 San Diego oversees early childhood programs. The Committee advises the Commission about community needs, existing resources, research and best practices. Over the past three years, First 5 San Diego has awarded $67 million for programs serving young children from prenatal stage through five years of age.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE TO GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOUNDATION GALA

It’s not too early to buy your tickets to attend this year’s Grossmont College Foundation Gala to be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner starting at 7 p.m., live auction and live entertainment. The 2009 theme is “Reaching New Heights With You.” The theme reflects the college’s partnership with the community that assists in the college’s efforts to reach “new heights” in educational excellence, workforce training, scholarship programs and an endless array of new opportunities for students. Proceeds will benefit important student scholarships and under-funded programs at Grossmont College. Tickets begin at $200 per person, however, GC faculty, staff and administrators pay only $93.75 which is a 53% savings.  All major credit cards are accepted. For reservations, contact Alexis Popko at the Foundation office, (619) 644-7109.

  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

      The Grossmont Griffins football team opened the 2009 season on Saturday evening with a game against San Diego Mesa. The game was played at Cathedral Catholic High School in Del Mar due to field readiness issues at Mesa College. An intra-squad scrimmage was held last Friday, Aug. 28.

      The Fall 2009 service hours for Student Health Services is 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. For emergencies when the office is closed, contact Campus Police at (619) 644-7654.

      Student Health Services will host a Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the Main Quad.

      The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an E-Waste collection event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, at Grossmont Center, between Lava Fitness and Fuddruckers. For more information, visit www.eastcountychamber.org

      The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Dept. will present Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” directed by Beth Duggan, in the Stagehouse Theatre on Oct. 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.

President's News Burst for August 2009

Budget Update

It will likely be several weeks before the budget dust settles. In the days that followed the Governor’s signing of the budget, we heard different stories about which categorical programs will share the burden if the anticipated federal funds don't materialize. The confusion is as expected, considering the many conversations among budget staff and external constituencies and lack of specific language on the issue. Unfortunately, all of the decisions are a zero-sum game. To the extent one program is protected from a cut, other critical programs may shoulder a larger cut. Stay tuned for updated information and open forums on campus.

  

Enrollment

Below are enrollment comparisons as of August 6, 2009 for Fall 2009 as compared to Fall 2008:

Fall 2009 Fall 2008 Count Variance % Variance Headcount 13,799 12,746 +1053 +8.3% Units 129,727.0 121,790.5 +7936.5 +6.5%

  

Parking Structure Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Everyone is invited to share the excitement and attend the ribbon cutting of our new parking structure on Monday morning, August 17. It promises to be a beautiful summer morning for the festivities, which will be held outdoors on the top of the parking structure. The views of the foothills and the mountains will be picturesque. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 a.m., with the ceremony to begin at 8 a.m. (The Fall 2009 Convocation program, which is the kick-off for Professional Development Week, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Student Center.) Among the planned grand opening festivities: remarks from campus representatives, community dignitaries and students, as well as a special checkered-flag ribbon cutting and vintage cars on display. The opening of the new parking structure, featuring 1,431 spaces and a 3,200-square-foot facility for Public Safety, will mark the culmination of “Students First,” a year-long campaign that involved extensive collegial consultation of many campus constituencies. I am immensely grateful to our faculty, staff and administrators for their personal sacrifices during the past year of parking off-campus and using alternative commuting solutions.

Cost Savings Recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

·         Remove any unneeded appliances such as coffee makers, refrigerators, toasters and space heaters.

To reduce on printing costs:

      Print the first page of your document on colored paper and the rest on white instead of using colored paper for multiple page documents. Print your documents double-sided whenever possible.

      Reduce duplicating requests to save paper.

      Post documents online instead of distributing them in class.

      Limit supply requests.

Web Staff Directory

Everyone is encouraged to visit the Intranet to view the Web Staff Directory. As you can see, we have quite a few photos missing, but as people view it we hope they will want to be included. Visit www.grossmont.edu/intranet/staffdir. If your photograph has not yet been taken, please contact our college photographer Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377) for an individual appointment. In addition, appointments can be scheduled so that entire departments can be photographed all at the same time. Access to the Web Staff Directory is available only over the Intranet.

Student IDs

Please help spread the word that student IDs can now be acquired in the A&R office and, beginning Monday, August 24^th, IDs will also be available in the LTRC.  The card is required when conducting college business or upon request of college staff. In addition, the card is required for access to Library Services, Health Services and some instructional laboratory areas, including some different off-campus clinical experience sites for health occupational programs. There are many benefits of obtaining a Student ID card, including identification for on-campus services, including the library and tech mall services.  They are also useful for discounts at off-campus locales (restaurants and shops) that offer a student discount. Plus, a Student ID helps the college maintain a secure learning environment.

  

Upcoming Events

On-campus upcoming events include:

      A one-day film festival featuring 20 films produced by students and independent filmmakers will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Stagehouse Theatre. An all-day admission ticket is $5. In addition to film viewing, workshops will be delivered on script writing, casting calls and tips on how to make a film for under $500. Films in a variety of genres, including music videos, horror, comedy, drama, mystery, education and documentary, will be viewed. For additional event information, visit www.esifilm.org.

      The 10th annual meeting of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling (ABP), an international law enforcement industry trade group, will be held Aug. 8-11 in Griffin Gate. The ABP’s annual meeting will be a training event consisting of four days of lectures on criminal profiling subjects, such as criminal psychology, crime scene characteristics, motive, victimology, ethics, forensic science and crime reconstruction. ABP members will deliver lectures on relevant subjects based on recent casework, research and legal decisions in the field. Forensic, investigative and behavioral science professionals from around the world will be on campus for this prestigious event. The event is open to the public. Cost for all four days is $30 for students, and $95 for non-ABP members.

      The Grossmont College Athletics Dept. and Grossmont College men’s basketball coach Doug Weber is inviting all boys and girls entering the 3rd through 8th grades to Grossmont College’s first annual youth basketball camp, from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, Aug. 10-14. The camp will feature instruction on fundamental skills, group and individual contests and three-on-three tournaments. Cost is $75 per camper, which includes t-shirt, contest prizes and giveaways.

President's News Burst for July 2009

Budget Update

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

·         An unresolved state budget.

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

·         Early retirement decisions.

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

·         Negotiated, contractual issues.

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

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

Districtwide budget priorities will include:

·         protecting the learning core of “Students First;”

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

·         funding structural commitments and fixed increases;

·         maximizing potential revenues; and,

·         addressing accreditation, legal and fiscal stability challenges. 

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

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

Tuition Likely to Increase

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

  

Energy Conservation Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Operational Hours

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

  

Accreditation

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

  

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

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

  

Summer School Enrollment

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

Adult Reentry’s “Your Turning Point is Now”

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

Parking Structure Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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

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

  

Grossmont College Foundation News

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

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

Meet New ASGC President Marc Valenzuela

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

  

Recent Honors

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

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

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

  

Calendar

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

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

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

      July 13, registration begins for Fall 2009 semester.

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

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

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

  

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

President's News Burst for June 2009

ENROLLMENT

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

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

BUDGET UPDATE

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

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

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

1.  Ensure student access and meet enrollment goals

2.  Focus on Student Learning Outcomes

3.  Implement our Basic Skills Plan

4.  Provide critical workforce development training and forge innovative partnerships

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

Moving from Disnelyand to Reality...

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

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

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

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

  

DROP FOR NON-PAYMENT RECOVERY

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

  

COMMENCEMENT 2009

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

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

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

  

LE TOUR DE GROSSMONT COLLEGE THIS SUNDAY MORNING

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

  

VOTE FOR GC AS SAN DIEGO’S BEST

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

  

WEB STAFF DIRECTORY

The Web Staff Directory can now be seen at http://www.grossmont.edu/intranet/staffdir. This directory features the names and photos of faculty, staff and administrators. Please visit the directory to see your photo. If your photograph has not yet been taken, please contact our college photographer Stephen Harvey (ext. 7377) for an individual appointment. In addition, shooting can be scheduled so that entire departments can be shot all at the same sitting.  Many thanks to Kats Gustafson and her crew as well as Stephen Harvey for their work over the past year to accomplish this online staff directory.

  

RECENT HONORS

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

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

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

  

GETTING READY FOR THE FALL

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

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

   OPT graduation, 6:30 p.m., June 5.

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

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

   Summer school classes begin, June 15.

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

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