Student Services Cluster

STUDENT SERVICES CLUSTER COMMITTEE

March 11, 2009

2:00 p.m.

SSA 205

Members Present:

Absent: D. Ching; Students: D. Carrasco, A. Collins, C. Cuellar, C. Nava, N. Plascencia

Meeting called to order at 2:05 p.m.

I. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was accepted as presented.

II. Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the February 18 meeting were accepted with the change referencing the Transfer Center Director as being one of the top priorities of the CPC priorities list agreed to in January 2009.

III. Vice President’s Report

Refinery Burn-off: Conoco Refinery had a burn-off caused by an unexpected power outage yesterday . The air quality was monitored by the college. The Athletic practice was cancelled and the air conditioners in the new buildings were turned off. Employees were asked to close windows. Students and staff with respiratory conditions left if necessary. Concern was expressed as to how the campus is notified in cases of emergency.

Budget – Because of the college growth, the district has given the college a pass on this year’s payback payment. Our deficit now stands at $2.1 million. Prior, it was $4 million. Today’s Board of Trustees agenda includes an item to send out March 15 letters to certificated administrators for furloughs or rollback on salaries next year. Classified administrators are required to receive 30-day notice. If the board approves, the letters will be sent for action if the budget gets worse. The categorical funds were not cut in the state budget.

May Ballot – There are 5-9 measures on the May ballot, including increasing taxes, that need to pass to implement the state budget plan. Everyone needs to vote.

Chancellor’s Town Hall – was well attended with around 200 people. Classes from political science and ASO attended. Students commented they wanted more rigor in class, creative teaching styles, parking and issue of long lines. The chancellor indicated he was not in favor of a golden handshake for employees.

Fall Hires – Dr. Spink has noted the college will hire 5 faculty in the Fall 09. Fifty faculty will be hired district wide. Hires include music, developmental communication, architecture, PE/Wellness and transfer center director. We are not the only college without a transfer center director. It was noted the college will have a huge state categorical site visit in 09/10 and the issue of accepting funds for a transfer center and not having a director may be of concern. A. Patterson noted that B. McNeel, R. Richards, and D. Humphreys are working on a Title 5 grant with a .5 transfer center liaison. J. Fisher and E. Colocho have been involved. Title 5 funds cannot be used o pay for direct services to students. The Title 5 grant fast tracks business and engineers into 4-year colleges and later into a masters program. It also has a first year student component. $600,000/year for 5 years.

Prisoner Training – Stimulus funds are available for released prisoner training. They could go into the fast track program.

LAX Program – Harbor is also involved in a joint program with West College to build up the LAX program for security and a culinary program.

Measure J – funds allow for art work on campus such as including a water fountain, paintings/murals.

Basic Skills – funds are allocated for a .6 counseling position and additional tutors.

Antioch College – would like to rent a classroom on Saturdays providing a source of income.

Pell Grants – funds have increased to $5350 for next year.

Accreditation – the mid-term report was mailed last week. It was noted that over 60% of colleges have received sanctions. It is hoped our report is well received.

Enrollment – is up over 9000. Summer session will begin 7/6. We’ll make SARS calls and blast for late start classes.

A & R Supervisor – Rocio Rublacava is the new A & R day supervisor. She is from Pierce College. The request for the ‘B’ supervisor will proceed to the Staffing Committee. A & R continues to fall further behind in work.

CORE – will meet weekly with passage of measure J. The bungalows will be moved. Pinnacle One will relocate. The Job Placement area’s move into the old administration building will receive more extensive refurbishing. IT and Fire Tech will also move into the old administration building. The General Classrooms will get an elevator, and removal of asbestos prior to carpet installation. The parking structure planned on Figueroa Place will be larger with approximately 400 spaces. It will take a while for the solar panels to be installed on the parking lots. The Child Development Center will move in late fall or early summer. Next year construction on the physical sciences building will begin. Accessibility to the new buildings and parking continues to be an issue. Insufficient parking for disabled is an ADA compliance issue. Benches have been requested for the hallways near Financial Aid so that student can sit while in line. There is a long punch list of things to do for the new buildings.

NEMO Q – the company offering queuing software will make a presentation on March 25. Measure J could fund LCD screens so that students could be more comfortable sitting while they wait in line and reduce frustration.

Educational Master Plan – summit planned for March 27.

VI. Program Review Process

Edison College in Florida has a good program review with SLO’s. All student services areas will go through program review this semester. Student Services managers will get together April 23 to discuss program review

VII. Accreditation Update

The mid-tern report was submitted last week with a few comments from the Board of Trustees.

VIII. State Site Review of Categorical Programs

The categorical site review for 09/10 will require prep work prior to the review. Elizabeth & Mercy are involved in the review process and there will be a rewrite of the TRIO grant.

IV. Items from the Floor

• S. Millman expressed concern on the staggering increase in financial aid applications for 09/10 which are up by 30%. She anticipates a 300-400% increase in veterans. Financial aid has one person to handle these and no new funds are available to provide help. There may be a rush of veterans and the college needs to be ready and sensitive to the needs. S. Millman is going to a veterans conference during the summer. D. Tull indicated we may be able to identify special funds for veterans and the needs to provide space for them. Discussion ensued on work-study with veterans.

• A. Patterson and Y. Moss are looking for interest in mentoring African-American male students to increase retention. USC, CSULA and CSUDH are interested in sending graduate interns to mentor and advise these students.

Next meeting: April 15, SSA 205

Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.