NCA/HLC Update

As you know, the HLC/NCA team visited GCC in 2002, which resulted in GCC receiving the maximum accreditation. As is commonly asked of other institutions as well, the HLC/NCA also requested that GCC provide several follow-up reports:

1. Institutional Change Request, GCC North - Due June 2004; HLC/NCA final approval

2. Institutional Change Request, UCC - Due June 2004; HLC/NCA staff approval

3. Progress Report on Strategic Planning - Due Sept. 2004; HLC/NCA final approval

4. Progress Report on College Climate - Due June 1, 2005

5. Monitoring Report: Assessment of Student Outcomes - Due Dec. 1, 2005

I am happy to report that, thanks to due diligence of staff, the first three reports were all submitted on time or ahead of schedule. During the constituency group listening sessions conducted over the last two months, I consulted with employees regarding the methods available to the college to complete the Progress Report on College Climate--report #4. At the Campus Conversation on October 6, I shared the results from the listening sessions. The consensus was that GCC should use a recognized survey instrument from among several available, the results of which would be included in the report. I have asked the GCC leaders of all Maricopa-recognized employee and constituency groups to forward the names of two or three members for potential appointment to a Climate Survey Instrument Selection Committee. This committee will review available survey instruments and recommend an instrument for use by GCC in early 2005. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the listening sessions and the campus conversation. Thanks also to the many people involved in producing these events and to Chuck Jeffery for spearheading the work done on the reports.

United Way Campaign

I urge all employees to make a difference and consider a pledge or gift to the United Way Campaign. Don Jensen-Bobadilla and Jeanette Stewart have already done an excellent job of informing you of the numerous agencies assisted by the United Way, not the least of which is services for children. With Arizona ranking 45th out of the 50 states in overall child well being, this is a huge concern. The GCC United Way goal, which I hope we reach, is $30,812 and 135 or more donors. Anyone who has not received their United Way donation form may call Don at 53485.

Future MCCD Growth

The District Office has developed some interesting and useful graphics related to the November 2nd Maricopa Bond Election at http://www.maricopa.edu/bond. This link portrays two important aspects of District-wide planning: overall enrollment growth projections and proposed capital program funds by use. Take a look at the overall student growth projections for academic years 2006-07 and 2010-11, each calculated by 5%, 6% and 7% growth when compared to 2002-03. The numbers are staggering. For example, in 2010-11 with 7% growth, the District would enroll 461,721 students in all colleges and skill centers--compared to 268,726 total in 2002-03. The pie chart at this link is informative in its illustration of the proposed capital program by use, with 39%, the largest share, devoted to instructional space for students' needs.

Student/Faculty Election Debate

On Wednesday, October 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Student Union Lounge, a four-person debate will take place with an election theme. One GCC faculty member and one GCC student will be on each team, debating both sides of the topic: "Resolved: That military service should be a determinant when electing a U.S. president." The two faculty participants are John Burk and Rosie Mays from the Foreign Language and Communication Department; the two students participating are Roxan Alexander and Brian Kupper. I hope many of you will attend.

Reminder about Career Expo

Many of you already know about the huge Career Expo being sponsored by GCC and numerous other partners this Saturday, Oct. 16. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Glendale Arena. If you have friends, family, or students who could benefit from career or job information from more than 160 businesses, potential employers, and educational institutions, please let them know about this event.

GCC Athletics

The Glendale Gauchos football team had a big victory over Eastern Arizona last week, winning 42-16. Quarterback Nick Gehrts was the Western State's Football League's Offensive Player of the Week, for completing 17 of 29 passes and passing for 203 yards and four touchdowns. Also, GCC's Johanna Begay was named NJCAA Division 2 Volleyball Player of the Week. Congratulations to all!

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Many thanks to Paul Romo, José Mendoza, Ernesto Escobedo and others who planned and executed many events for Hispanic Heritage month. I was very impressed with the wide array of events: the speech by the Mexican Consul to Phoenix, nacho bar fiesta, lectures, movies, and more. I understand the final event will be on Saturday, Oct. 16, when nationally known author, speaker, and clinical psychologist Dr. Ana Nogales will speak on our campus. Interested parties should know that she will speak in the Student Union Lounge from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on "Personal Improvement for Hispanic Women." This free event will cap off this culturally rich month of activities. Thanks to all involved!

Summer Energy Crunch

I want to give my sincere thanks to the whole campus for the great job you did in complying with the requests to conserve electricity in June and July during the electricity usage crisis. I know it was uncomfortable for you at times. I received a report from district office with graphs detailing both energy usage and cost for that time frame. GCC had a significant reduction in both for June and July, 2004 as compared to June and July, 2003. I greatly appreciate your cooperation and your "sweat equity!"

Congratulations

Congratulations to David Fodor, a GCC student who has been chosen as one of five students to represent the Maricopa Community Colleges at the Arizona Town Hall, October 31 through November 3. Dustin Snyder, also from GCC, has been chosen as one of two alternates. Congratulations to David, Dustin, and the faculty members who recommended them: Bill Lamkin, Toni McClory, and Karen Schwalm.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College