March 2, 2007, Manzanita Conference Room

Present: Nancy Bull, Coni Chavez (recorder), Dave Chesnut, Doralyn Foletti, Dennis Gervin, Jayme Johnson (ASCC Representative), Doug Lau, Gary Mendenhall, Connie Mical, Katherine Schultz, Joan Smith, Larry Steuben, Gene Womble

Not Present: Rick Rivera

1. Approval of the minutes for the February 2, 2007 meeting of the College Council

It was moved, seconded (Larry Steuben/Doralyn Foletti) and passed that the minutes of the February 2, 2007 meeting be approved.

2. ARCC Self Assessment

Pursuant to AB 1417, which requires annual evaluations of district-level performance for California Community College districts in meeting statewide educational outcome priorities, Columbia College has gathered statistical data (college level indicators) to be reported to the Chancellor’s Office of California Community Colleges. This data was presented to the College Council. Discussion was held as the accuracy of the data and comparison of the data in relation to other colleges within our peer group, as well as the composition of the peer groups. Hearing no objection from the College Council, this data will go forward to the YCCD Board of Trustees for consideration.

3. College Budget

Discussion was held as to how the College budget is linked to planning. An example of the connection between budget and planning occurred in the FY 2006-07 when a one-time block grant allocation was made using the College Special Priorities, Educational Master Plan, Technology Plan and Classroom Enhancement Plan. A more formalized way to integrate the College budget and planning has been developed as part of the Educational Master Plan process. The EMP software requires the selection of a budget object code when entering projects/activities. This, along with the priority code numbers also required at the time of project/activity entry, will allow greater sort, data retrieval capability and inform decision making in a transparent and integrated manner.

4. Review Columbia College Mission Statement

Considerable discussion was held regarding the College’s Mission Statement. By consensus, the Council agreed that a mission statement should articulate “who you are and what you do.” As such, the Council worked collaboratively to revise the College Mission Statement.

DRAFT Columbia College Mission Statement, 3/2/07

Columbia College is a dynamic institution of learners and creative thinkers dedicated to high standards of student success. We prepare students to be fully engaged individuals in an evolving world by offering comprehensive and high quality programs and services. Columbia College is committed to a culture of improvement through measuring student learning across the institution. We strive for excellence, foster a spirit of professionalism and celebrate diversity.

Moreover, the Council worked diligently to integrate the philosophies and verbiage contained in numerous Columbia College documents, planning and otherwise, to a revise the College’s Vision Statement and to develop Core Values. Please see agenda item #5 below.

5. College Planning

As noted in agenda item #4, using the philosophies and verbiage contained in numerous College documents, planning and otherwise, the College Council drafted a revised Mission Statement, Vision Statement and developed a set of Core Values. By consensus, the Council agreed that a vision statement should articulate “where you want to be” and a value statement (or core values) should “be the moral compass” of an organization. With those guiding principles in mind, the Council drafted a revised Vision Statement and developed a set of Core Values.

DRAFT Vision Statement, 3/2/07

We envision ourselves as an exceptional institution of higher education.

Columbia College will continue to provide 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.

Columbia College will be a center for transformational learning promoted through critical and creative thinking that is open to change and personal growth; civic, environmental, and global awareness and engagement; and individual and collective responsibility. We will promote a culture of support for student learning across the institution that addresses all aspects of a student.

Columbia College will use leading edge technologies and showcase facilities to enhance teaching and learning. Our vision will be realized through outstanding employees who adhere to high standards of excellence while working in partnership with those we serve and our surrounding communities.

We envision developing a passion for lifelong learning.

DRAFT Core Values, 3/2/07

The Columbia College community is committed to following a set of enduring Core Values wherein the development of Columbia College meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These Core Values will guide the institution through changing times and shape our Vision, Mission and Goals.

Academic Excellence and Success: We value the commitment to quality and support continuous improvement through student learning outcomes. We are committed to providing a comprehensive curriculum and services that support and foster a culture of academic wellness for all of our students.

Innovation, Professional Development, and Commonality: We value creativity, risk-taking, and vision. We value others, ourselves, and our students as unique individuals and embrace the commonalities and the differences that promote the best of who we are.

Transformational Learning: We value and promote critical and creative thinking. We value learning as a lifelong process of change in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Vital Community and Access: We value and believe it is essential to assist the broader community in gaining access to higher education and achieving success in their chosen endeavors. Columbia College values its role in the community and is dedicated to strengthening and enriching the quality of life of all those we serve.

Environmental Sustainability: We value our living planet. We accept responsibility and adopt practices to protect the environment for future generations and share these values with others.

Civic Awareness: We value civic and global awareness. We promote the understanding and betterment of our planet by engaging our community.

Shared Decision Making: We value shared decision making that provides each of us the opportunity to participate in building consensus. We value individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

Positive Environment: We value the preservation of the unique environment of Columbia College which is welcoming, pleasing, and safe.

Collegiality and Professionalism: We value kindness and respect in all our interactions. We support, promote and demonstrate understanding, civility, cooperation and mutual respect among all of its employees, students, and community members.

College Council members were tasked with communicating the process used and the documents developed to their constituencies. At the next meeting of the College Council, after reviewing any additional comments regarding the drafts, the group will consider approval of the mission, vision and core values. Additionally, the Council will endeavor to develop College Goals and Strategies using the same process by which they arrived at the drafts referenced above. Once all planning pieces come together, which include all of the documents currently under review and all past planning documents, a College Strategic Plan may be developed as well as the Accreditation Progress Report. Lastly, the College Council agreed to host a State of the College meeting on April 13^th and will inform the College community, among other topics, of the status of integrated planning.

6. Other Item(s)

None