Good News from NCA!

Last Friday I received a very welcome letter from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools stating that they accepted our Report of June, 2004, which focused on our five-year strategic plan. To quote from the conclusion portion of their letter: "GCC has provided a thorough and well-documented report that addresses the challenges identified by the evaluation team and is the College's road map for the next five years. It is a dynamic plan that will be reviewed and updated annually. The adjustments made will ensure that the College accomplishes its goals." Many thanks to Chuck Jeffery and Nancy Osborne who facilitated the development of this important report, and to the many contributors across the campus who provided input.

Development of the 2005-2006 Budget

This year's process will mirror 2004-2005 budget development, including college-wide dissemination of the planning information and the overview of instructional, strategic and operational issues by budget planners and the President's Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC). Successfully instituted last year, this process resulted in greater efficiency while maintaining broad-based input and review. Watch for my annual budget message which will come out soon.

FTSE Continues to Climb

In last week's newsletter I announced that GCC FTSE was up 1.1%, compared to the same date last fall. This week I am happy to announce that FTSE continues to climb and is up 2.2% over the same time last year. Thanks again to the many employees who make these numbers possible.

Welcome Matt Ashcraft

Please help me welcome Matt Ashcraft, GCC's new Director of Research and Planning, who assumed his duties on Monday, September 13. He joined our district in June of 2003 as the Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness for Mesa Community College in the Office of Research and Planning. Prior to that position, he provided professional management of research and effectiveness projects for The University of Phoenix, the nation's largest private university. He holds a BA in psychology from ASU and a Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. Matt is also a National Certified Counselor.

Listening Sessions Underway; All-Campus Conversation scheduled

The Employee and Constituency Group Listening Sessions are underway. I have met with Department Chairs, the Native American group and the Asian/Pacific Islander group. The following sessions are upcoming:

Friday, September 24, 1:15-2:45 p.m.--M&O, Crafts and Grounds employees.

Monday, September 27, 1:00-2:30 p.m.--AACHE and Hispanic employees.

Tuesday, September 28, 2:30-4:00 p.m.--PSA employees.

Wednesday, September 29, 2:30-4:00 p.m.--MAT employees.

Thursday, September 30, 2:30-4:00 p.m.--Faculty Senate.

Friday, October 1, 8:00-9:30 a.m.--African-American employees.

Friday, October 1, 1:00-2:30 p.m.--GCC Faculty.

After all the listening sessions are complete, the All-Campus Conversation will be held on October 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Student Union Lounge. Many thanks to Chuck Jeffery for working out the scheduling of these very important discussions.

Donor Highlight

I would like to again applaud donors who were previously mentioned for a large donation last fall, Drs. Michael and Doris Sarullo. Recently, the Sarullos generously increased their donation; it will provide on-going funds to provide scholarships every semester. I recently had the privilege of sharing breakfast with the Sarullos, a charming and well-traveled couple who have led very interesting lives. As enthusiastic alumni of this college, they are truly excited about their gift to GCC, and have expressed the hope that other GCC alumni will follow in their footsteps and be inspired to donate as well.

Mexican Consul General of Phoenix to Visit GCC

Thanks to the efforts of José Mendoza, GCC's AACHE group, and Dr. Ernesto Escobedo, GCC will receive a visit this Thursday from the Mexican Consul General of Phoenix, Carlos Flores-Vizcarra. Newly appointed to the post after several years as Mexican Consul General of Tucson, he will join the GCC AACHE group for their meeting and luncheon in the Student Union Lounge at noon on September 16.

eCancerAnswers

On September 28, you will be introduced to eCancerAnswers, an innovative online cancer risk assessment tool. Brought to you by Wellness Maricopa, this comprehensive website is a wonderful tool for everyone, including cancer patients and caregivers. It offers a cancer risk assessment that provides a personal risk profile, including valuable information on prevention and early detection. Cancer is the number-two health insurance claim for MCCD; Wellness Maricopa believes that this will be another way to help control skyrocketing health care costs. You will receive the website password at the upcoming Employee Health Screenings, Tuesday, September 28, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Student Union Lounge. Any questions should be directed to Louise Keogh, GCC representative and co-chair for Wellness Maricopa, at 623-845-3883.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College