Minutes 03/02/1995

A retreat and an executive session convened at 8:15 p.m., pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

A retreat and executive session of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing

Board was scheduled to be held at 8:15 a.m. at the Scottsdale Arizona Club, 7150 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, Arizona

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD
Roy C. Amrein, President, Donald R. Campbell,, Secretary Ed Contreras, Member, Nancy Stein, Member, Linda B. Rosenthal, Member

ADMINISTRATION
Paul Elsner, Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr., Dan S. Whittemore, Ron Bleed, Janice Bradshaw Bertha Landrum, Pinny Sheoran, Marie Pepicello, Arnette Ward, Homero Lopez, Phil Randolph, Jack Lunsford, Chris Bustamonte, Lionel Diaz, Rufus Glasper,Debbie Thompson, Art DeCabooter, Donna Schober,Larry Christiansen

GUESTS
Pat Case, Pete Gonzales, Freddie Anttila

CALL TO ORDER
The retreat was called to order at 8:15 a.m.

(I) REPORT ON AND DISCUSSION OF THE GOALS ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD ON DECEMBER, 13, 1994

GOAL I. ENHANCE THE CREATION OF A STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHICH:

- FOSTERS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

- PROVIDES ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE STUDENTS NEED TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

- SERVES AS AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN A CHANGING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

- ENSURES ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY

A. ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN- Outcome: Provide brief look at the future of workforce needs and the impact on curriculum.

Bertha Landrum reported on the redefinition of work relating to health and manufacturing including downsizing, reengineering, the new workforce, general education for the workplace, allied health and nursing implications, and manufacturing implications. Ron Bleed provided an environmental scan of technology including changing learning styles, growth of the world wide web, personal computer sales surpassing color television sales, unions, laptops, technology used to keep down educational costs, and gates on the future. Pinny Sheoran reported on the future of workforce needs and curriculum impact on business courses and programs.

The Chancellor and members of the Governing Board commented on implications and need for flexibility.

B. ENROLLMENT PICTURE - Outcome: Discuss steps to take in the face of declining enrollments. Mary Day reported on the enrollment picture, reflecting a slight decrease for the second year. A number of factors were cited as possible causes including economic factors and shortage of classes. Dr. Elsner noted that the causes vary from college to college and that while some colleges reflect a decrease in enrollment, others have increased enrollment. Linda B. Rosenthal commented on space utilization. Nancy Stein commented on class sections and legislative funding. Freddie Anttila noted that enrollment updates are appreciated by faculty and help them better understand administrative actions.

GOAL II. COLLABORATE WITH OUR MANY COMMUNITIES TO UNDERSTAND AND SATISFY THEIR NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES. PARTICULAR EMPHASIS MUST BE GIVEN TO THE GROWING AT-RISK AND SENIOR COMMUNITIES

A. CONCEPT OF CORRIDOR COLLEGES - Outcome: Provide information relative to this new concept, including potential budget ramifications. President Marie Pepicello spoke about decline in central Phoenix and the challenges shared with institutions within the central corridor. A one-time $5.00 fee per student per year was suggested as an alternative to the $5.00/college registration fee. Staff sharing is being discussed and implemented by Gateway Community College, South Mountain Community College, the Maricopa Skill Center and Phoenix College in an attempt to reduce operating costs. A need to eliminate duplication of services, provide transportation from one institution to another, class schedules, administrative assignments, and community concerns were discussed.

B. JOINT PLANNING WITH CHANDLER PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Outcome: Provide information, including implications of joint planning - CGCC and Chandler Public Schools. Arnette Ward provided an update on joint planning efforts between the Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the Chandler Unified School. District.

C. WEST SIDE SKILL CENTER-LOCATION - Outcome: Discuss community expectations and process for board decision. Phil Randolph, Homero Lopez, and Stan Grossman reported on current activities relating to a proposed West Side Skill Center to be operational by September of 1997. Nancy Stein inquired about community interest in locating the proposed skill center at the Estrella Mountain Community College site. Roy C. Amrein questioned funding for the proposed facility and operational costs. Land availability and costs were discussed.

D. CHANCELLOR'S MEETINGS WITH URBAN LEAGUE/NAACP, ARIZONA HISPANIC FORUM, AACHE AND ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDERS COALITIONS - Outcome: Update the board on the expectations of the minority communities. Chancellor Paul Elsner reported on his meetings with Urban League, NAACP, Arizona Hispanic Forum, Arizona Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, and Asian/Pacific Islanders coalitions. Minority concerns were discussed. It was noted that groups may present proposals, but the governing board is responsible for determining the plan to follow. Ed Contreras commented that he would like to see the district follow a proactive rather than reactive course. A report of the district's current position relative to the current affirmative action policy was requested. A possible dialogue relating to these statistics was suggested. Linda Rosenthal commented on the March 14, 1995 Strategic Conversation on issues relating to diversity and suggested that some questions should be answered at that meeting. Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr. commented on his future participation in the affirmative action process and the district policy.

E. BYU TRANSFER POLICY WITH MCC - Outcome: Discuss transfer policy and implications for other colleges. President Larry Christiansen explained the articulation process and agreement with Brigham Young University. It is hoped that this policy will lead to dialogue with Arizona schools and future agreements between the district and other institutions.

F. BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION - Outcome: Discuss appointment of the committee and establishment of appropriate guidelines. Discussion of the appointment of an advisory committee was held. It was agreed that the committee would be an Ad Hoc Bond Advisory Committee to be appointed by the Chancellor and announced at the next meeting of the Governing Board.

GOAL III. PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES, AS WELL AS ACCREDITING AGENCIES

A. STATE BOARD RELATIONS - Outcome: Discuss process to improve/enhance relationship with State Board. Jack Lunsford and Chancellor Paul Elsner addressed State Board governance issues including the amount of aid received from the State, elected vs. appointed board members, representations, composition, general powers, issues, proposed HB 2138, future dialogue, and current relationships. It was suggested that a meeting between the MCCCD governing board and State Board members be arranged in the near future.

B. GOVERNANCE/LEGISLATION - Outcome: Provide update. Jack Lunsford provided an update on proposed legislation relating to community college districts boards and powers relative to the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges current powers.

C. ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER - POSSIBLE ACCREDITATION? - Outcome: Discussion. The pros and cons of seeking accreditation were discussed. Homero Lopez explained the pattern of events leading to previous accreditation requests by college centers. The small number of full-time faculty is viewed as the most significant drawback. No objections we given to Estrella Mountain Community College Center beginning the accreditation process at this time.

BREAK
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:09 and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

GOAL IV. INCREASE OUR FINANCIAL STABILITY BY SEEKING AND OBTAINING NEW SOURCES OF REVENUE IN ORDER TO REMAIN A COMPETITIVE PROVIDER OF QUALITY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

A. OPERATING COSTS-IMPACT OF CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT - Outcome: Provide update on policy. Lionel Diaz and Rufus Glasper reported on the status of the proposed capital development policy.

B. MID-YEAR BUDGET PROJECTIONS - Outcome: Provide update on financial stabilization, ending balances, revenue projections, etc. Dan Whittemore and Rufus Glasper provided information on the general fund and analysis of selected financial data.

C. ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TUITION ON MCCD'S ENROLLMENT-MCINTYRE REPORT - Outcome: Provide update. Debbie Thompson reported on the effects of tuition on enrollment. Nancy Stein expressed concern about asking taxpayers for additional dollars through a tuition increase. Linda B. Rosenthal commented on state funding and expressed support for increased scholarship funding. Roy C. Amrein stated his belief that constituents expect the board to take necessary action in directing the future of the district.

D. A BOLD TUITION PROPOSAL-A THINKING PROPOSAL - Outcome: Present governing board with new alternative. Chancellor Elsner briefly explained a "thinking" proposal relating to tuition. Ed Contreras expressed concern about removing incentive. Other creative suggestions were made relative to tuition, waivers and financial aid.

II. GOVERNING BOARD CONVERSATION: IMPROVING PROCESSES

A. WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE WANT TO GO

1) JOHN CARVER MODEL OF GOVERNANCE - Outcome: Decision re: adoption of the Carver model. Roy C. Amrein provided background information relating to the John Carver Model of Governance. Board member service on committees was discussed. Freddie Anttila commented on the desirability of retaining objectivity, which might not be possible when serving on committees. The following benefits and concerns were expressed:

Benefits
Board - learn what community wants
Board membership good for communities
Focus more on policy,on vision/mission/etc. not day to day and
Ask better questions
Trust staff
Re-look at current policies
Work now does not lead to policies- more TQM, blend the two
Talk to communities; be responsive to Chancellor
Board decides how far in to go
ACCT - trained facilitators

Concerns
Greater understanding by board (1/2 day workshop)
Board offices on campus
Constraints in implementing model in totality (legal)
Committees don't allow people to "step back"

It was decided that a half-day retreat would be scheduled for the governing board to continue discussion of adoption of the Carver model of governance.

2) STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS/TOPICS FOR 1995 - Outcome: Provide feedback to board chair and staff on board meeting starting times. Strategic Conversation process, and the draft schedule of strategic conversation topics for 1995. A proposed schedule for Strategic Conversations for 1995 was discussed. Linda B. Rosenthal expressed opposition to daytime meetings (during normal working hours for staff), particularly breakfast meetings. "Popcorn" meetings at approximately 3:30 p.m. were suggested as an alternative to breakfast meetings. Ed Contreras expressed concern about the possibility of too many issues being discussed and about a need for closure on issues.

Board meetings for the remainder of 1995 will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Executive Session from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Governing Board recessed to Executive Session at 2:45 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 3:27 p.m.

III. MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES - Outcome: To provide greater awareness on the part of the governing board about city planning issues in the Valley.

1) WILLIAMS AIR FORCE BASE DEVELOPMENTS-IT'S IMPLICATIONS AND POTENTIAL - Larry Christiansen was delayed at the legislature. No report was made.

2) GUADALUPE CENTER - a joint meeting in the community was suggested at some appropriate time in the future.

3) SUN CITY AND SUN LAKES CENTERS - Linda Thor commented on activities in Sun City.

4) IMPLICATIONS OF DEL WEBB DEVELOPMENTS IN NEW RIVER and 5) IMPLICATIONS OF CITY ZONING DECISIONS -

a. In-fill
b. North Phoenix Developments
c. Downtown Renewal

Paul Elsner commented briefly on these issues.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

______________________________
Donald R. Campbell
Secretary

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03/3/95