New Employees
Please welcome the following new employees, approved by the Maricopa Governing Board on Nov. 26: Robert Cavan, Admissions & Records (transfer); Joseph Corne, Automotive Engineering; Joshua Krek, Innovation Center; Harinder Singh, ACE Plus Program; Phyllis Sweet, Student Life; and Maria Zavala, Library. New employees approved Dec. 10 are: Jesus Estrada, Fiscal Office; Anna George, Business; Jason Larsen, Fiscal Office; Anthony Moke, Instructional Computing; and Jeannie Vaught, Business.
Spring Enrollment Update
Most trends for GCC's Spring 2003 enrollment are up. As of Dec. 16, overall headcount enrollment for Spring 2003 is up by 10 percent compared to the same time last year, with overall FTSE showing an increase of about 9.5 percent. GCC North headcount is up by 7 percent, with FTSE up by 21 percent. University-College Center (UCC) headcount is down by 24 percent, with corresponding FTSE down by 30 percent. I will have additional updates for you as we approach the start of the spring semester.
A Green Light for Northern Crossing
A recent e-mail from Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs notified us of major changes to the Northern Crossing property at 59th and Northern Avenues, and presented a good overview of the history of that property. Since then, the Glendale City Council voted unanimously to give its approval to construction of a 24-hour Wal-Mart and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse on that vacant site. This major new shopping center will hold important implications for GCC as we serve our growing community. I appreciate Mayor Scruggs' efforts to keep us informed as we prepare to welcome new neighbors.
Highlights of Activities/Changes During Winter Break
Even though classes may be in recess, a lot of activity will be happening on campus during the holiday break. The Center for Learning Building will be closed Dec. 20 - Jan. 3 due to work being done on the HVAC system. As a result, Center for Learning staff will relocate to the 05 Building, Dec. 20 - Jan. 3; the ACE Plus and AZTEC Program will move to HT2, Dec. 18 - Jan. 17. Due to recarpeting, the Campus Fitness Center will relocate temporarily to the PowerHouse and WPE 52 on Dec. 21, and will be open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. This week, Student Services holiday hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. On Mon., Dec. 23, hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Offices will be closed Tues., Dec. 24 through Wed., Jan. 1. Also, the Gaucho women's basketball team will play Edmonds Community College on Dec. 30, 1:00 p.m. in the Gym. The first day of classes for GCC Main and the UCC will be Tues., Jan. 21; first day of classes for GCC North will be Sat., Jan. 25.
Campus Vans Update
To meet our transportation needs within current safety guidelines, GCC has ordered five 12-passenger vans and one 8-passenger van. These vehicles will replace the existing GCC fleet, including all 15-passenger vans whose use has been prohibited by the Maricopa District. The new vehicles are scheduled to arrive in February. My thanks to Associate Dean of Student Life Donna White for her skillful handling of this issue, for finding alternative transportation when needed, and for coordinating these replacements.
Microsoft Visit
Last week, several presidents and vice chancellors from the Maricopa District spent a day at Microsoft in Seattle. We learned a great deal about new products and some amazing new technology. It was especially gratifying that our experience there was very much a two-way dialog. Microsoft colleagues listened to our perspectives about ways of working together to advance and support higher education. A number of critical topics were discussed, including workforce development, "e-learning" strategies, and technology trends, among others. GCC's own Director of Network Services KC Hundere, along with other Maricopa counterparts, participated as well.
Holiday Best Wishes
Finally, I sincerely wish all of you happy holidays. The end of the year reminds me that I almost cannot say "thank you" enough. I sincerely appreciate the hard work and best efforts of everyone in the GCC family throughout 2002. Best wishes for a restful winter break and a peaceful and productive new year.
