The 45th day is always a landmark for our record-keeping, and this year is no exception. Our fall enrollment is at an all-time record high, both for headcount (20,399) and FTSE (9,186)!

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES, EVENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

Budget Development Status Report
The 2003-04 budget development process is charging ahead, with subcommittees already deep into the evaluation process. The Instruction, Student Services and Collegewide Budget Subcommittees, as well as the CRC and Facilities committees, are diligently studying details and clarifying information when needed. Subcommittees will submit recommendations to the Budget Development Committee, which will meet and complete its work in November. The GCC budget will be submitted to District on Dec. 2.

First PAC Meeting of the Year
On Oct. 11, I met with representatives of all employee groups on the President's Advisory Committee (PAC) to discuss major issues facing the College. I was especially pleased to welcome Jim Hamilton, the first adjunct faculty representative to serve on PAC. We had a good dialog about issues ranging from master planning to marketing, and agreed to cover a few issues in more depth at our next meeting on Fri., Nov. 15. At that meeting, we will discuss campus climate issues in particular. PAC meeting minutes are posted online at http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/pac/

Master Planning Meeting Highlights
The two campus master planning review meetings held Oct. 4 were successful, especially the all-college session attended by more than 70 faculty, staff and students. Thanks to all who were there and expressed opinions. At the evening session for the community, we hosted City of Glendale Vice Mayor Tom Eggleston and Council Member Steve Frate. At both meetings, the deans and architect Jeremy Jones shared the program, presenting a comprehensive picture of what led to this stage of planning, the plan itself, its options, and where we are heading. Two videotapes of the afternoon session are available for loan from Media Services in the Library.

Construction Ahead of Schedule
Despite concerns at the start of the semester, construction of fire lanes and new walkways for enhanced safety is proceeding smoothly and is ahead of schedule. You may not have seen (or heard) the crews, because they work at night, as promised. To address concerns some had expressed, two large trees have arrived to replace the ficus trees that had to be removed immediately north of the Business Building. Restored shade and ambiance will result when both trees are in place. For additional specifics about campus construction, see the College's multi-colored construction map, at http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/index/campus.cfm?see=Construction

Appreciation Breakfast
About 160 student services staff members attended the annual Staff Appreciation "Back-to-School Bash" on Fri., Oct. 11. This informal breakfast allowed us to thank staff for extra effort in serving record numbers of students this semester, made more challenging by a transition into a new building. We've captured some data reflecting highlights of student services activity from June 1-Aug. 31: 12,979 students registered via the Enrollment Center; 9,622 students advised; 10,815 federal financial aid applicants; and 16,843 tests administered. Other examples of student service are too numerous to mention here. All the staff members behind these successes can know that they are greatly appreciated. The festive event was coordinated this year by Donna White and staff, and I appreciate their efforts.

Readfest Needs Your Help
One of GCC's signature annual events, Readfest, will be held Wed., Nov. 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., south of the Physical Sciences Building. We are expecting to host about 4,500 students in Kindergarten through fourth grade from 25 schools in GCC's service area. Children will receive free books, hear readings from volunteers, eat some cotton candy, and celebrate literacy in all its forms. I think this outreach is impressive because of its scope, and important because it sends a strong message to future GCC students and their families that we value literacy. More volunteers and more book donations are needed. Please consider what you can do to support this sixth annual Readfest and contact event coordinator Alice Estrada at 5-3810. My special thanks to this year's sponsors: Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, DRW Engineering, and the Peterson and Johnson Law Firm.

United Way Update
United Way features a whirlwind of ongoing activity. The GCC campaign continues through Oct. 31. As of Oct. 14, $11,074 has been raised in employee donations. Event coordinators report good momentum from the bake sale, salsa taste-testing and other creative United Way events.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College