President’s Update – October 30, 2008
Good Afternoon!
The campaign rhetoric is about to end as all the state and national campaigns head into this final week. To a great extent, it will be most refreshing and pleasant to return to the normal news and daily routine without hearing about all the pledges and promises of candidates from both parties. And, perhaps, with this change will come some stability to the markets and sense of direction for a reasonable period of time.
In Washington, we are expecting another state revenue forecast in early November, and most predict the news will be less than positive. Hopefully, the forecast will not translate into another budget reduction for state and public agencies. We are working diligently to avoid troubling budget cuts that impact access to our programs and services. This will get more difficult with another round of reductions, should the revenue forecast require this type of action.
Last week we held our first “chat session” about the status of the EVCC budget and strategies for addressing reductions of over $600,000. While the attendance was small in number, the discussion was productive. I appreciate people’s interest and participation as it provides insight with the different perspectives and questions. It is our intention to carry these discussions (in chat sessions and with other meeting agendas) on throughout the year as we continue with implementation of the reductions and planning next year’s budget. This is an opportunity to share ideas and information about priorities and strategies in the development of the 2009-10 financial plans. Input from faculty and staff will be critical.
Earlier this summer we had discussed some ideas and plans for organizational changes, especially with respect to the leadership change in Student Services. With the addition of these anticipated budget reductions, there will be the continuous need to further examine additional organizational modifications as positions become vacant and opportunities present themselves to revise functions and responsibilities within the college. At VP meetings we are again reviewing vacant positions, and will consider changes with both the VP and Dean level with existing vacancies. This does not necessarily mean a change will be made but that there will be more consideration given to other possibilities before the recruitment and selection process is implemented.
There are a number of community colleges in the system which have implemented a hiring “freeze.” This action typically means that there is no hiring unless/until the president approves and/or that all positions are subject to a more thorough review before someone is permanently hired. We have refrained from the “freeze” terminology at this time. So as we continue with our scrutiny of the budget we will keep everyone apprised of the different decisions and actions. Always feel free to contact me with any thoughts and/or questions.
Last week there was a very exciting and enjoyable “ribbon cutting” ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the Early Learning Center. The state’s “First Gentleman” Mike Gregoire was present to read a story to the children and to also read a letter of congratulations from the Governor. Everett Mayor Stephanson was also in attendance to congratulate the college and ELC staff. Kelly and other staff did an outstanding job in preparing for this occasion and they deserve special recognition for all that has occurred since this began last spring. Also staff members from facilities, business office, and College Advancement were very supportive and helpful Thanks to everyone.
At the Trustees annual fall retreat, Board members reviewed their interests and work of this last year. If you’ll recall, Trustees identified three areas for 2007-08 that were of particular importance for them and the college: improve budget and its management, learn more in strengthening educational programs, and embrace international education. With their support and participation the college has realized an improved financial condition, and has strengthened our commitment to international education efforts. Additionally, the Board met with numerous faculty and reviewed different educational programs during their monthly meetings this past year. The result was an increased understanding of instructional issues and challenges that faculty and staff deal with in working with students. They saw young children in the Early Learning Center, heard student needs to improve writing, observed the tutorial lab and developmental education, and heard about program review for cosmetology and the positive outcomes.
This year (2008-09) the Board established student retention, increasing services to outlying communities, and increasing workforce and student diversity as priorities that they wish to learn more about and to influence. These are topics that they feel are of particular interest and importance for the college. They have once again created opportunity to secure funding for new and creative initiatives through a one-time Board funding allocation, should the proposal meet their standards of future student growth and program sustainability.
Speaking of sustainability, at different times I’ve share information about the college’s commitment and interest in addressing this topic during the year and in developing institutional strategies that will improve our efforts in this area. At last month’s President meeting in Walla Walla, we had several presentations from other community colleges concerning their work with sustainability. This will be a major topic, as well, at the next legislative session.
As we prepare our college plan, a number of people have stepped forward as volunteers to assist the college. These individuals include the following as a campus-wide committee:
- Pamela Pape-Lindstrom and Molly Beeman Co-Chairs
- Nancy Vandenberg
- Steve Lyons
- Dan Bauer
- Sarah Nagpal
- Christopher Quarles
- Eric Davishahl
- Jenny Zuvela
- Claudia Underhill
- Russ Nunes
- rent a car bulgariaJenny Stone – student
- Peg Balachowski
There will be additional students and community members selected as participants. The minutes of these meeting are on the S drive. You will continue to hear more about this topic throughout the year. Thanks to everyone for your interest and contributions.
The next President’s “chat” session will be November 5, 2008 from 7:30 until 8:30 AM in Olympus 126. We will continue to focus discussion on budget issues.
Thanks for your attention and have a good weekend.