Minutes 02/19/2004

A retreat of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 8:00 a.m. at the District Support Services Center in Tempe, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD

Linda B. Rosenthal, President
Donald R. Campbell, Secretary
Ed Contreras, Member
Nancy Stein, Member
Scott Crowley, Member

ADMINISTRATION

Rufus Glasper, Chancellor
Teresa Toney, Governance Manager
Pete Kushibab, General Counsel
Donna Schober, Exec Assistant to Chancellor
Gloria Smith, Governing Board Assistant

CALL TO ORDER

The retreat was brought to order at 8:00 a.m. by Governing Board President Linda Rosenthal. To
acquaint new Governing Board Member, Scott Crowley, Mrs. Rosenthal requested introductions by
everyone present.

Retreat Purpose
The purpose of the retreat was to provide an overview of the MCCCD Vision, Mission, and Values, as well as discuss transitioning for the work ahead, community relations, and Board governance issues.

Introductory Remarks by Mrs. Rosenthal: Mrs. Rosenthal welcomed everyone to the morning's dynamic governance retreat. She called attention to the current Vision/Mission/
Values Handout included in the folder and also to the Report of the Planning Team on the Governing Board's Strategic Conversations of January 13 and February 3, 2004 pertaining to the exploration of the Vision, Mission, and Values of the Maricopa Community College District. She also stated that it appears after holding these two strategic conversations, some tweaking is desired on the vision, although we are bound by statute on the mission. Mrs. Rosenthal commented that there has been severe criticism of Governing Board processes and the need to explore what the public expects and how these expectations can be fulfilled.

Remarks by Dr. Glasper: Dr. Glasper commented about the difference in public perception and board perception on what the Governing Board does. Not everyone is aware of the Board's passion because of the lack of understanding in knowing the time commitment and efforts put forth by Governing Board Members.

Governance is a process that measures what is right, what is being done well, and what can be done better. The public knows about the individual colleges but it does not know about the district. The public is not focusing on the fact that we have been here for many years and that governance is the foundation of what MCCCD is all about. The public is not aware of Governing Board involvement on councils and its outreach in the community. The listening sessions last year were a win for MCCCD because we were out in the community. Now we ask, what next?

Comments on Community Perception:
Dr. Campbell stated that when a crisis occurs, we tend to think that everything is being viewed negatively. We need to keep in mind that we have been around a long time (since 1962) and people need to be told that we are the people that provide training for people. It is important to meet with people and organizations in spreading the word about the community colleges. We need to connect with the district collectively and balance time with both the district and community.

Mrs. Stein commented on the importance of being out there and answering to the community. She stated it was important to be accountable with what was done with information discussed in strategic conversations. She felt it was important to review the process and results each year, and then assess and move it on. She also suggested taking strategic conversations out to the colleges. Mrs. Stein expressed a need to practice values better; for example, valuing students through more involvement and also respecting employees more. She suggested getting employees involved more in the community by providing time to do this. She felt there would be good will gained through this provision.

Mr. Contreras expressed that we needed to be more connected with the community through the strategic conversations. There was a need to be more visible. He further stated that the district needs to provide opportunities for board members on councils and that board members need to spend time with students in activities. Board members need to be presented in a different light and be visible to the community. Board members also need to be participants on councils, student leadership retreats, and student activities.

Mr. Crowley spoke about the importance of inclusiveness and bringing students into the picture of editing the Vision, Mission, and Values. He stated that students feel detached from the Governing Board and they need to be involved in various initiatives. Opportunities need to made accessible to students.

It was further suggested that there needs to be better P/R on Strategic Conversations. Mailers need to be sent out to different groups and special invitations to community groups. The different colleges need to be contacted to find out who has student government groups and student policy groups. A master calendar of activities was suggested for placement on the web and assignments made.

Teresa Toney - Board Policies
Ms. Toney referenced the five constituencies the Governing Board was accountable to and these were: public, students, K-12, private and public partners, and the universities. Formal monitoring of this is done on Goals Statements and Executive Duties and Responsibilities. Ms. Toney requested feedback on changes that may be wanted as this report will be distributed by the end of April.

Self-Assessment
Ms. Toney further requested feedback on self-assessment and assessment factors, manner, tools, and frequency.

Mrs. Stein commented that she saw no need for self-assessment, that this was done by her constituents. However, she indicated that as she glanced through the various samples of self-assessments, the one from Kirkland was the best tool in her estimation.

Dr. Campbell stated that he does not want more work or meetings. He wondered if there were any results reported on self-assessment.

Mr. Contreras commented that the last assessment done in 2000 was productive because it showed him what had been done right.

Community Connectedness
Accountability as a public institution. Public trust in funds provided.

• Courses & curriculum
• Improvement of students' lives
• Facilities being used properly
• Attendance, preparedness, and participation
• Represent different viewpoints of groups represented
• Students: Where they need support, transfer credits, vocations
• Community: What we mean is what we say. Do we show employees we appreciate them?
• Governance Process/Code of Conduct - how we treat each other. Ethical statements
• What Chancellor does
• Balancing of Resources
• Employees? - Through Chancellor and employee policies
• Make up a statement that includes employees (for them) and tie into inclusiveness
• Newsletters listing all items discussed at retreats (assessment/accountability)
• Annual Assessment
  • Can make big changes
  • Look further ahead
  • Reflection
  • Continuity
  • Identity
  • Identify issues

Mr. Crowley commented that students would like to see more accountability from the Governing Board, Chancellor, and Vice Chancellors. There needs to be accountability to and for Ends and Means

There was discussion regarding looking at issues from a higher level and for the benefit of the majority.

Closing Comments by Dr. Glasper
Dr. Glasper distributed copies of an RFP for bond counsel and financial advisor services. The current contract is expiring and there is a need for this service for possible refundings of existing debt, possible new revenue bond issues, possible lease purchase agreements, and advice on legislative proposals that affect the district's financing ability. Dr. Glasper commented that he would like to move ahead with the RFP recommendation for bond counsel before going for decision in March.

ADJOURNMENT

The retreat adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

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Dr. Donald R. Campbell
Governing Board Secretary