COLLEGE COUNCIL

RECORD OF MEETING

November 9, 2007, Manzanita Community Education Room

 

Committee Members Present:   Nancy Bull, Anne Cavagnaro, Coni Chavez (recorder), Sean Day (ASCC Senator), Doug Lau, Gary Mendenhall, Connie Mical, Katherine Schultz, Joan Smith,

 

Committee Members Not Present: Dave Chesnut, Mercedes Craig (ASCC Representative), Jeff Fitzwater, Doralyn Foletti, Dennis Gervin, Rose Hefley, Jayme Johnson (ASCC President), Reid Milburn (ASCC Vice President), Gene Womble

 

Guest(s): Alexandra Campbell, Elbert James (YCCD Student Trustee), Tom McConnell (ASCC Representative), Laura Wilcox (ASCC Representative), Carson Watts (ASCC Representative)

 

1.      Approval of the minutes for the October 12, 2007 meeting of the College Council

The minutes of the October 12, 2007 College Council meeting were approved by consensus.

 

2.   District Meeting Day (“District Wednesdays”)

In an effort to facilitate communication between the three entities of the YCCD, the Chancellor has asked that a standardized District meeting day be implemented when other regular/college-wide meetings would not be scheduled.  Discussion was held regarding the particular day of the week to endorse.  With an understanding that no workday of the week currently exists that would be without a scheduling conflict, the College Council agreed by consensus to recommend Wednesdays as District meeting day based on already existing Board meetings, etc.  Anne Cavagnaro agreed to inform the Curriculum Committee of the change and Dr. Smith agreed to inform the Chancellor of the College Council recommendation.  The Wednesday District meeting day is expected to be in effect beginning with the fall 2008 semester.

 

3.   Review and Approve Columbia College Goals and Strategies

At the April 6, 2007 meeting of the College Council a draft version of the Columbia College Goals and Strategies was reviewed and approved by consensus.  That draft document was useful in informing the development of the draft Educational Master Plan over the summer months 2007.  To maintain the timeline for development and finalization of the Educational Master Plan, and as the next step in integrating planning and planning processes at Columbia College, the College Council reviewed the draft goals and strategies document.  Discussion was held and revisions were made to the text.  By consensus, College Council approved the Columbia College Goals and Strategies dated November 9, 2007. 

 

Columbia College Goals and Strategies

 

 

Goal 1 - Student Success

Columbia College is the first choice for our community residents and is recognized for its flexible, superior services that promote student success by providing access to learning in an accommodating and responsive environment.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Create a user friendly, efficient, non-redundant set of administrative systems, scheduling practices and support services to assist students from their initial inquiry through completion of their academic programs.

 

2.      Advance a “one-stop shop” service delivery method. Design the delivery of programs and services to best meet the needs of students.

 

3.      Refine the matriculation process for new students, based upon research data and effective practices (e.g., use of online orientation.)

 

4.      Develop a systematic method for assessing and evaluating the following on a regular basis:

a.       Student interests and regional needs so that the College maintains responsive programs and services.

b.      Academic programs and learning resources to be certain that course content is current, that the most successful pedagogical techniques are used and that the desired learning outcomes are achieved.

c.       Services to students to be certain that services are effective and valuable to students in achieving their goals.

d.      Student competencies and evaluation methodologies through appropriate committees.

 

5.      Develop specific plans to invigorate, assess and improve basic skills support to our students.

 

6.      Develop a plan for student retention that incorporates activities of the Academic Wellness Educators workplan; that includes retention targets and is based on evidence and effective practices.

 

 

Goal 2 - Educational Programs and Services

Columbia College provides comprehensive, exemplary educational programs and services which respond to the individual learning needs of its students and the collective economic and cultural needs of its diverse communities.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Develop educational master plans that outline the educational programs and services for students at the Calaveras and Oakdale off-campus sites. 

 

2.      Expand distance education course offerings, programs, services and support.

 

3.      Identify, research, analyze and implement student learning outcomes to provide a culture of evidence and institutionalize the student learning outcomes assessment cycle. 

 

 

Goal 3 - Campus Climate

Columbia College is dedicated to tolerance and mutual respect that is reflected in its inclusiveness of all students and staff, high morale, teamwork, and representative governance.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Expand collaboration among staff and departments to benefit students and the community.

 

2.      Develop and support a robust student life program including support of the Student Senate in its planned activities.

 

3.      Support the Civic Engagement Project to bring important issues and balanced viewpoints to the campus and community.

 

 

Goal 4 - Quality Staff

Columbia College provides a positive work environment that is successful in attracting and retaining highly professional and diverse staff.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Provide training for instructors and staff that illustrates new possibilities for incorporating innovative technology into instructional programs and support services.

 

2.      Provide a mentor program for all new employees.

 

3.      Seek funds to further professional development activities.

 

4.      Foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students by providing opportunities to meet and discuss ideas.

 

5.      Design a process to recruit and retain qualified candidates.

 

 

Goal 5 - Technology

Columbia College uses state of the art technology and technological support to provide students with innovative instruction and staff with high quality training and an efficient work environment.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Review and prioritize the recommendations as delineated in the Technology Plan.

 

2.      Expand distance education course offerings, programs, services and support.

 

3.      Provide training for instructors and staff that illustrates new possibilities for incorporating innovative technology into instructional programs and support services.

 

4.      Provide technology tools and training that will support the College’s efforts to create, measure and meet identified student learning outcomes.

 

5.      Incorporate the latest technologies designed for students with disabilities and ensure that all technologies used meet Federal and State accessibility guidelines.

 

 

Goal 6 - Community Leadership

Columbia College promotes civic responsibility and involvement of its students and staff, contributes to the cultural and social vitality of its service area, and provides leadership to its communities.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Provide lectures, discussions, films, displays and other programs that cultivate awareness among the community on issues of local, national and international importance.

 

2.      Enrich the cultural environment of the community with music, art, dance, film and other programs of cultural significance.

 

3.      Support the Civic Engagement Project to bring important issues and balanced viewpoints to the campus and community.

 

4.      Support the Student Senate in its outreach efforts to the community.

 

 

Goal 7 - Partnerships

Columbia College seeks and nurtures partnerships with educational, governmental, business, industry, and non-profit agencies to the benefit of our students and our communities.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

In concert with all stakeholders:

 

1.      Identify the educational and service needs of each distinct community the college serves and address each key population (e.g. seniors, high school students, incumbent workers, employers) in both credit and community education delivery modes.

 

2.      Conduct a needs, gaps and solutions analysis for the development of the sites in Calaveras County and Oakdale.

 

3.      Strengthen connections with business and community leaders, government entities, local businesses, as well as non-profit agencies for symposiums, topics of community interest, and educational topics.

 

4.      Develop a curriculum plan for the High Sierra Institute at Baker Station.

 

5.      Expand outreach to high schools throughout our service area.

 

 

Goal 8 - Institutional Effectiveness

Columbia College uses its participatory environment to integrate needs assessment, program review, systematic planning, and outcomes measurement that lead to an effective institution.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Identify and prioritize research issues necessary to support a culture of evidence.

 

2.      Identify, research, analyze and implement the student learning outcomes assessment cycle to provide a culture of evidence that informs the mission and vision of the College.

 

3.      Develop an effective program review process that is directly tied to the Educational Master Plan and resource allocation.

 

4.      Implement a college-wide program review process that fosters continuous improvement and student learning.

 

 

Goal 9 - Facilities

Columbia College is committed to the development and maintenance of functional, accessible and safe facilities and grounds that are aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the environment.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Review and update the Facility Master Plan (FMP) to support the Educational Master Plan (EMP).  Implement the FMP and Campus Master Plan to improve student learning and work environments.

 

2.      Improve the accessibility of college facilities with particular attention to improving the quality of campus pathways and ramps.

 

3.      Advocate for appropriate staffing levels and equipment to adequately support the facility needs of the College.

 

4.      Develop college-wide environmental sustainability standards and practices for building and facility projects.

 

5.      Review of the College’s safety and security operations.  Develop and implement plans to meet the College’s current and future security and safety needs.

 

 

Goal 10 - Fiscal Resources

Columbia College optimizes its resources through creative and prudent fiscal management providing a stable, flexible funding base.

 

Strategies to Achieve the Goal

 

1.      Work with the District to develop a collaborative process to ensure the transparent and equitable allocation of financial resources and implement a process to communicate budget issues on an ongoing basis.

 

2.      Design a system for continually assessing how resources—human, fiscal, and physical—align with the mission of the College and make the necessary adjustments.

 

3.      Pursue funding opportunities for Facilities Master Plan projects.

 

4.      Grow the Columbia College Foundation to increase financial contributions to the College.

 

5.      Develop a system for acquiring and managing external funding.

 

 

4.   Other Item(s)

Academic Calendar 2008-2009 – The California Community Colleges

System Office provides a list of official academic holidays, as specified by Education Code Section 79020.  For the 2008-2009 year, colleges are given the option to choose a date, which best serves the needs of their students, to observe Veterans Day (November 10 or November 11) and Lincoln Day (February 6, February 12 or February 13).  At the October 12, 2007 meeting of the College Council it was approved to select Monday, November 10, 2008 as a holiday in observance of Veterans Day.  Since that meeting it has come to the College’s attention that Modesto Junior College will observe the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.  The Council was asked if they would like to modify their recommendation to be consistent with the MJC calendar.  The College Council voted (7 in favor of the 8 members present) to confirm their recommendation that Columbia College observe the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, November 10, 2008.

 

Facilities – At its November meeting, the Facilities Committee established a Sustainability Committee which will focus on recommendations for the college to practice methods for sustaining resources in all of its forms.

 

Technology Committee – Gary Mendenhall, on behalf of the Technology Committee, requested that the College Council review updates to the Technology Plan at its December 2007 meeting.  It was agreed that this item would be added to the December agenda.

 

December Meeting of the College Council – Based on the timeline to complete the Educational Master Plan, Dr. Smith requested the College Council hold an extended meeting in December from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm.  At the December meeting the agenda will focus on review of the strategic planning process and decision making process.

 

Reaching Consensus – The following document was distributed to College Council members and discussion was held regarding the definition of “consensus” as it relates to College Council recommendations.

 

REACHING CONSENSUS: College Council

What is Consensus?

 

Consensus is a form of group decision making based on general agreement, not on voting. There are two major advantages in using consensus. (1) It is a win-win solution, and (2) It provides ownership of ideas by all group members.

 

Consensus is reached when all members are willing to accept a decision as the best choice for the group. It does not mean that everyone must agree totally or that the decision represents everyone’s first choice.  It does mean that people can “live with” the decision and agree not to sabotage its implementation.

 

In reaching consensus it is critical that all members understand and can paraphrase the issue under consideration and all members have a chance to voice their opinions and feelings about the issue. Consensus has been described as “getting your say, but not necessarily your way” and “making decisions you can live with but wouldn’t die for.”

 

5.   Budget – Report College Expenditures for 2006-2007

This item will be deferred to a future meeting.

 

6.   Accreditation Progress Report/Recommendations

It was reported to the Council that the accreditation progress report site visitation will occur on Monday, November 19, 2007.  The two team members selected and assigned by the ACCJC are Dr. Brian King, President, Cabrillo College and Ms. Margaret Tillery, Learning Disability Specialist, Alan Hancock College.  Dr. Smith was asked by the team to provide recommendations for who the team should meet with regarding each area noted by the self-study evaluation visiting team for improvement: 1. communication; 2. planning; 3. resource allocation; 4. research; and, 5. student learning outcomes.  Dr. Smith reported that she had recommended the team meet with College Council specifically regarding the area of planning.  Additional information will be sent via email with times/locations as this meeting is scheduled.

 

7.   Educational Master Plan

It was reported that the Educational Master Plan document is intended to be finalized and considered for adoption by the College Council at their meeting in January or February 2008.  Once adopted by the Council, the College President will move the document forward to the YCCD Board of Trustees at their March meeting and encourages College Council members to be there for acknowledgement of their efforts.

 

8.   Staff Development Report

This item was deferred to a future meeting.

 

9.   Senate Reports/Updates

a.   Student Senate – It was reported that the ASCC leadership is working on a number of activities: canned food drive and mentorship fair, both in partnership with A-TCAA; Christmas giving tree; and, spring semester planning calendar.

 

b.   Classified Senate – This item was deferred to a future meeting.

 

c.   Academic Senate – This item was deferred to a future meeting.