Newsletter: November 17, 2006
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES, EVENTS AND RECOGNITIONS
New Employees
Please help me welcome the following new employees approved at the Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 Governing Board meetings: Mary Alpaugh, English; Edna Aranda, Financial Aid; Chris Hughes, Maintenance & Operations; Julie Landaw, Advisement; David Nelson, English; Mary Jane Novi, Psychology; Nelia Peterson, Nursing.
Some Observations After Initial Meetings
I have enjoyed my recent meetings with many departments (including the Library, English, Fitness & Wellness, Math, Counseling, Career Services, Enrollment Services, Business & Information Technology, Applied Technology, Multicultural Affairs, Student Life and more) and individuals since starting as president. My thanks to those who have taken time for this critical part of my very vertical and ongoing "learning curve." Allow me to share some observations and highlights thus far.Several themes have emerged during these visits that I would like to summarize briefly because they help guide my thinking as we move ahead together toward our goals. First, the overall student experience at GCC seems to be a great point of pride. Both instructionally and throughout student services, there appears to be a shared sense of this strength, combined with awareness of where changes are needed. Also, many of you have addressed, in general, the way we talk about GCC to others and the way students, families and the community talk about GCC as an area that merits more exploration, creativity and action. Word of mouth one of the most effective ways to get the word out about the GCC experience. It can entice or deter GCC students. More specifically, I have heard many cross-departmental comments about technology challenges, enrollment and section management, funding and enhanced collaboration, among other important issues. These are areas that will require us to continually review, tweak and implement.
Fall Senior Administrator Group Retreats
In October, the GCC Vice Presidents, Deans and I held a productive day-long retreat that I expect will yield benefits over time for the College. We discussed a variety of issues concerning communication and collaboration, teambuilding, leadership and how the nature of our work and the way we do business is changing. Progress made on these topics as well as addressing specific roles to fulfill the GCC Strategic Plan will continue at a second retreat on Dec.11. I will keep you posted about results and directions stemming from these learning and planning sessions.
Technology Assessment Update; Dec. 1 Town Hall
I am pleased to reinforce an important all-college invitation sent by Interim Vice President of Administrative Services, Janet Langley on Nov. 7. A special "town hall" for all GCC stakeholders to express comments about GCC's information technology resources will be held Fri., Dec. 1, in two sessions (3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.) in the High Tech Center I Teleconference Rm. 124. This event will be an important part of Phase Two of the overall Glendale College Information Services (GCIS) Assessment, Recommendation and Implementation Process, building directly on the work of the College's Technology Assessment Taskforce (TAT). The meeting will feature information technology leadership consultant William Pritchard, who was hired to conduct an overall assessment of the GCIS departments and issue recommendations for change. In phases three and four of the process, recommendations will be reviewed and changes found to be in the best interests of GCC students, employees and others will be implemented.
Campus Conversation Results
In addition to one-on-one and small group meetings, dozens of faculty and staff attended two "Campus Conversation" open forums on Oct. 24. It was great to have such participation and excellent discussion about topics affecting GCC. You can find at the link below a listing of detailed but anonymous comments from everyone who spoke: http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/president/index.cfm?id=9711 I was pleased by the diversity of issues and opinions expressed. Input is being taken into consideration for planning and decision-making. As mentioned in both sessions, I plan to host more Campus Conversations in Spring 2007 and beyond to build on this initial forum and report progress made. These events will serve as one way to hear many voices about what matters to employees and discuss how we can work together more effectively to benefit students. We are working to develop a monitoring system so we can all keep track of resulting actions.
Results That Matter: United Way Needs Your Support
There are many good reasons to give to United Way this year, in addition to the support many of you provide to other charities. And, there is still time to help. Our GCC Campaign has showcased a variety of reasons to donate as we strive toward reaching an ambitious 8% increase over last year's total. Did you know that about 90 cents of every dollar donated to the Valley of the Sun United Way goes directly to helping people in need? Many of these people are GCC students and families who we serve every day. Beyond this compelling fact, you can designate a recipient organization that will make a difference in the community. If you are considering becoming a new contributor, remember just $5 per paycheck would add $120 to the campaign to help a family less fortunate. If I have suggested an amount too low for you, please forgive me and by all means pledge a larger amount. Among numerous social welfare, health and educational charities, you can be assured that your gift will indeed produce "results that matter." I have made my gift to United Way this year and urge you to do the same. Pledge forms are available by calling Scott Kozak at 5-3115 or George Martinez, 5-3605. Please watch for additional United Way updates soon.
Student Forum Set for Nov. 20
All GCC students are invited to meet with MCCCD Governing Board President Scott Crowley and myself for an open forum on Mon., Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the High Tech Center I Teleconference Rm. 124. I urge all faculty to share this invitation with students and encourage participation as schedules allow.
Velvie Green, Ph.D.
President
