New Employees
Please welcome the following new employees to GCC: Brigida Banfelder, Social Science; Robert Bienkowski, Advisement; Paul Brown, Administration of Justice; Karen Minnihan, Personnel; Linda Minyard, Nursing; Kathryn O'Hehir, English; Amy Pinkerton, Biology; Lynn Watson, Nursing; Mick Welsh, LMC. A warm welcome to all of you!

Fall Enrollment Update
As of July 29, Fall 2002 head count enrollment for all of GCC is 12,802--a 3.3% increase compared to the same time last year. Overall Full Time Student Equivalent (FTSE) is up by 6.2%. Fall 2002 head count for GCC North is 877, up by 23.7% since last year. Many thanks to all student services professionals and others for enrolling these students and getting them ready for success.

Development of the FY 03-04 College Budget
In a few weeks, GCC will begin the process of developing the FY 03-04 college budget. The budget planning assumptions identified by the District include an increase in student enrollment; an increase in operational and inflationary costs; and a slight decline in revenue due to budget and economic issues at the state and national levels. The Chancellor's Executive Committee (CEC) has agreed that District-wide strategic initiatives will drive the development of all college budgets and the reallocation of available funds within these budgets. Glendale will also incorporate recommendations from the Higher Learning Commission/NCA and our own Futures Committee. Via this newsletter and other communiqués, we will keep you informed of our progress.

New Enrollment Center
While we are delighted to have the additional space provided by the new Enrollment Center, concerns have been expressed about certain design, quality, and safety issues.

Shortly after we occupied the building, I met with representatives from the District's Facilities Planning Department and the architectural firm, Richard and Bauer, to discuss issues related to noise, glare, and the quality of fixtures in the building. I also expressed my personal concern about the unpainted steel wall northeast of the Enrollment Center and the concrete wall surrounding the landscaping on the north side.

I can report that progress is being made. Acoustical and anti-glare treatments will be implemented soon, and the steel wall will be replaced with a different (and painted) version. I am very appreciative of the patience and cooperation of the student services professionals who work in the building, and I also appreciate the quick and professional response from the Facilities and Planning Department.

See You at Convocation, August 19
Please plan to attend the All-Employee Convocation on Monday, August 19 as we kick off the 2002-03 academic year. We will begin at 7:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the Student Union Cafeteria, followed by the program, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. in the Student Lounge. An All Faculty Meeting will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Lounge. We will repeat Convocation (and refreshments) on August 19 from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. to accommodate employees who cannot attend the morning session.

Convocation is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared ideals and values, visit with colleagues and meet new ones, and gather information about issues, challenges and opportunities we face. In particular, I will present updates about Higher Learning Commission/NCA, Futures Committee issues, facilities planning, and District-wide strategic initiatives. We'll talk about how these issues inter-relate and overlap, and what they tell us about planning and prioritizing. See you there.

Five-Day Work Week Returns
A quick reminder: on Monday, August 5, GCC will return to a five-day workweek. Payroll will be issued on Friday, August 9.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
Interim President
Glendale Community College