Campus Conversation March 3

I'd like to remind everyone of the District-sponsored Campus Conversation next Thursday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m. in the SU Lounge. Led by faculty members from MCC and SCC, we will discuss the proposed revisions to the Maricopa Community Colleges' Mission, Vision and Values Statement. The purpose of the conversation is to elicit questions, comments and suggestions. If you would like to read the entire draft document before the meeting, see the first attachment.

Futures Committee Report

The Futures Committee, consisting of GCC representatives from varying disciplines and employee groups, completed work on the Futures Report in December 2004. Attached you will find the Futures Report Executive Summary. This timely, helpful report informs our college community of emerging trends in education, economics, politics, society, technology, college data and college committees. It also reviews the implications of these trends for the college's planning and budgeting efforts as an aid to anyone at GCC planning for the future. Thanks to all employees who served on the Futures Committee for their good work. To read the entire document, see the second attachment.

Update on the Baccalaureate Bill

You may have learned from the news media that discussions are underway now in the Legislature over House Bill 2385, proposing that community colleges be allowed to offer baccalaureate degrees in fire science, law enforcement, health care, teaching, and possibly other disciplines not offered by state universities. The proposed legislation has expanded to include possible systemic changes to the way community colleges and universities are funded. At this writing, it is thought that MCCCD could stand to benefit from this latest proposal. The baccalaureate debate is complex and holds far-reaching implications for Arizona's community college system. Our District supported the intent and wording of the original baccalaureate bill, and continues participating at several levels to provide further input. Additional updates will be forthcoming.

40th Anniversary Events

Throughout this year, GCC will celebrate its 40th year. Official college events are being planned which will culminate in a celebration in the fall, probably in mid-October. A 40th year logo has been designed and can be found at www.gc.maricopa.edu/logos. Anyone planning events through December 2005 is encouraged to incorporate the 40th anniversary as a theme of the event and to use the 40th anniversary logo. For example, in recognition of the 40th anniversary, the Women's History Month Luncheon next week will honor a number of long-time women employees. Vignettes of college furnishings and equipment from the past will be set up in the hallway of the Student Union during the month of March.

Climate Survey Reminder!

Recently, all Governing Board-approved, permanent GCC employees received the Glendale Community College Climate Survey at their homes. The deadline for returning the survey is approaching. If you have not yet done so, this is a friendly reminder to complete and return your survey to Dr. Bruce Merrill by Tues., Mar. 1, 2005, using the enclosed self-addressed. postage-paid envelope. If you have questions, contact College Research Services Director Matt Ashcraft at 5-3968.

South Mall Entrance Beautification Project

The first steps in a project to beautify and improve the south (Olive) entrance to the campus will soon begin, and will be finished in time for GCC's 40th Commencement on May 13, 2005. The project will include: installation of a sprinkler watering system in the grassy water retention basins, hydro-seeding (seed+fertilizer+water+mulch) the area with high-quality grass, installing turf sod between the two existing rows of palm trees, and installing sidewalks on either side of the palm trees to provide two walkways to the campus from Olive Avenue. For a draft sketch, see the third attachment.

Please Inform Students About Scholarship Web Sites

A listing of MCCCD and Arizona Community Foundation scholarships is now available to new and returning students at http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/foundation. The web site for scholarships unique to GCC is http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/finaid. Please inform and encourage your students to apply for these scholarships, and share this information with those who are not on MEMO. Questions may be directed to Frances Mateo at 623.845.3379.

"Night with the Phoenix Suns" Fundraiser for ACE-Plus

I encourage you to consider attending the Fri., Apr. 1 game between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This event will raise money for GCC's ACE-Plus program. Your $40 ticket ($45 value) gets you admission to the game and several other perks. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Judy Sanchez at 623.845.3481 or Ibrahim Naim at 623.845.3089.

Congratulations to…

…Dr. Jeffrey Pommerville, Biology, who was just elected chairperson-elect for the Undergraduate Division of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). This means that in 2006 he will be the chair of the division. He is only the second person from a community college to be elected to this prestigious office. The ASM is the oldest and largest life science membership organization in the world.

... Dr. Carol Jenkins, Sociology, who was recently nominated for election to the eight-member Executive Council of the American Sociological Association (ASA). This is the first time that a community college faculty member has ever been nominated for the council; in the past only university faculty have governed the ASA.

…Rita Dominguez, Testing, who will begin a Creative Pathways assignment for several months in Multicultural Affairs in March; and to Mike Pais, Maintenance & Operations, who will begin a Creative Pathways assignment in Network Services.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College