GOVERNING BOARD
MARCH 20, 2007
MINUTES
A citizens’ forum was scheduled to be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Pavilion at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.
PRESENT
GOVERNING BOARD
Linda Rosenthal, President
Don Campbell, Secretary
Colleen Clark, Member
Jerry Walker, MemberABSENT: Scott Crowley
ADMINISTRATION
Rufus Glasper
Anna Solley
Maria Harper-Marinick
Pete Kushibab
Al Crusoe
Darrel Huish
Wayne Giles
Ken Atwater
Debra Thompson
Mary Kay Kickels
Carl Couch for Art DeCabooter
Maria Hesse
Sue Kater for Gene Giovannini
Augustine Gallego
Steve Helfgot
Linda Thor
Velvie Green
Attendance: Approximately 70
STRATEGIC CONVERSATION (6:07 p.m. through 8:00 p.m.)
Dr. Maria Hesse, President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, welcomed those in attendance to the campus which had recently been recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for their teacher education program and by the National Council on Instructional Administration for their e-portfolios. She announced that Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard will be at CGCC at a civic engagement event for students and staff on March 27. She stated she was pleased to host the evening’s event intended to have conversation about the future of the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Governing Board President Linda Rosenthal followed with comments that she welcomes each opportunity to visit the various college. This evening was intended to talk about the Maricopa Community Colleges. She acknowledged the presence of fellow board members Don Campbell, Colleen Clark, and Jerry Walker. She thanked Chandler-Gilbert Community College for agreeing to host this event and encouraged everyone in attendance to participate and offer their input.
Chancellor Glasper commented that taking into account the vision of the Maricopa Community College District -- a community of colleges, colleges for the community -- tonight’s event had been planned to reach out to the communities and listen to them in order to assist in framing the future of the District. Several years ago when the Vision/Mission was rewritten, it was changed to reflect the life-long learning needs of the diverse students and communities served. In addition, the mission statement was revised to include civic responsibility and global engagement. In 1962 the voters of Maricopa County created the Maricopa Community College District which was originally one college, Phoenix College, and has now expanded to ten colleges and two skill centers. The colleges have grown with the county population, going from enrollment in 1962 of 9,000 to 250,000-plus in 2007. Campuses and colleges have been added as student needs have expanded, and curriculum and courses have evolved as students needs have changed. Dr. Glasper pointed out that Maricopa County is more than five times the size it was in 1960 and MCCCD is thirteen times the size it was when it became a district in 1963. Although the growth has been challenging, MCCCD has worked hard to keep pace with one of the fastest growing places in America.
Chancellor Glasper commented that he has the privilege of serving on the Governor’s P-20 Council and there is a need to look beyond sixteen-week courses. Substantial equivalency is needed for students as they graduate from high school. Enrollment has flattened as the state enjoys full employment. Student needs are changing and access to baccalaureate degrees is needed. Teacher education and workforce development programs are now available at MCCCD and land purchases have been made in Buckeye, Gila Bend, Surprise, and Laveen. MCCCD is looking at growing up rather than out.
Tonight will provide an opportunity to discuss learning and listen to the responses from community members. He asked participants to remember that they were the most important people in the room and to please share their thoughts, ideas, suggestions, expectations, and their vision for the future of MCCCD. During table discussions, participants would be asked to answer three questions:
- What are we doing well?
- What can we improve upon?
- What could we do in the future to better service the county?
Bernie Ronan, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, came forward next and explained the mechanics of the evening’s discussions. He stated that district colleagues located at each table would facilitate discussions. Questions to be discussed were listed on the brightly colored pieces of handouts to be provided. These were to remain at the evening’s conclusion. Any handouts printed on white paper were their’s to take.
Mr. Ronan read off MCCCD’s Values and Mission found on the table handouts. He commented that the values were the yardstick and the mission represents the commitments undertaken.
Mr. Ronan explained that the data gathered this evening would be posted to the Governing Board website for everyone to review.
First Activity
Each table group engaged in a discussion pertaining to District Mission. The following format was used:
District Mission
Please let us know how we are doing in delivering services in the following mission areas. Circle your ranking from 1 (poor) to 5 (outstanding).
University Transfer Education and General Education
1. Students who transfer to a baccalaureate degree granting institution will be prepared to successfully attain their educational goals.
2. Students will demonstrate post-secondary competencies in communication (writing, speaking, listening), reading, the humanities, science, critical thinking, problem solving, computer and information literacy, and mathematics.
3. Students will experience a seamless transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions.
4. Students will successfully complete certificate and associate degree programs.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in this area?
Developmental Education
Students will demonstrate competencies in courses below 100 level (reading, mathematics, English) that prepare them for success in college level courses.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
Workforce Development
1. Students will complete occupational programs or courses with skills sought by themselves or employers.
2. Maricopa Community Colleges will collaborate with private, public, and community partners to identify and respond to recruitment, training, and educational needs.
3. Maricopa Community Colleges will work with community partners to develop programs and services to recruit and prepare students to become preK-12 teachers to serve our communities.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in this area?
Student Development
1. Students will be provided programs and services that further increase retention and support their learning, educational, and employment/career goals.
2. Students will be provided programs and services that support their personal growth and citizenship development.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in this area?
Continuing/Community Education
1. Community members will be provided opportunities for personal interest and development to include:
- Accessibility to college facilities and services as appropriate (libraries; recreational/athletic facilities; arts programs; internet/technological delivery; courses of an avocational nature to include leisure, wellness and specialized training).
- Forums, dialogs for balanced views of contemporary, civic, and public issues.
2. Maricopa Community Colleges will have collaborative partnerships and programs with elementary schools and high schools and other higher education institutions to increase the number of students that matriculate to the college level.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in this area?
Civic Responsibility
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
The District Governing Board is currently developing outcomes for this mission category. What do you think the District should achieve in this area?
Global Engagement
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
The District Governing Board is currently developing outcomes for this mission category. What do you think the District should achieve in this area?
Report Outs:
Table 1: The cost of college dealing with issues of student finances was an issue for this group, as well as identifying in advance where money should be coming from and start working on these ahead of time and bridging the gap earlier.
Table 2: University transfer programs and the success rate of transfer students was a concern for this table. Increase the number of baccalaureate programs that could be hosted on campuses.
Table 3: Finances in terms of rising costs were issues at this table. What will they be in five years? They recommended legislative advocacy for open access. Create a culture of evidence through assessment. Use research to keep community well informed.
Table 4: This table discussed how difficult it is to assess whether we are doing a good job. Partner with institutions to have dialogues for assessment and feedback.
Table 5: Recommended an ethics audit for the entire system. Determine how values are being implemented and how people are being engaged. Also, link foreign-trained employees with global engagement to determine how gaps need to be filled.
Table 6: Redefine systems to make sure we are meeting the needs of students in the future.
Table 7: Seamless transfer desired. Infuse technology into seamless transfer. Include developmental education and courses. Develop more eight-week sessions.
Note: A copy of all discussion handouts and summary sheets are included with these minutes.
Second Activity
Each table group engaged in a discussion pertaining to District Values. The following format was followed:
District Values
Please let us know how we are doing in fulfilling the values adopted by the Maricopa District. Circle your ranking from 1 (poor) to 5 (outstanding).
Community
We value all people – our students, our employees, their families, and the communities in which they live and work. We value our global community of which we are an integral part.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Excellence
We value excellence and encourage our internal and external communities to strive for their academic, professional and personal best.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Honesty and Integrity
We value academic and personal honesty and integrity and believe these elements are essential in our learning environment. We strive to treat each other with respect, civility and fairness.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Inclusiveness
We value inclusiveness and respect for one another. We believe that team work is critical, that each team member is important and we depend on each other to accomplish our mission.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Innovation
We value and embrace an innovative and risk-taking approach so that we remain at the forefront of global educational excellence.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Learning
We value lifelong learning opportunities that respond to the needs of our communities and are accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality. We encourage dialogue and the freedom to have an open exchange of ideas for the common good.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Responsibility
We value responsibility and believe that we are each accountable for our personal and professional actions. We are responsible for making our learning experiences significant and meaningful.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Stewardship
We value stewardship and honor the trust placed in us by the community. We are accountable to our communities for the efficient and effective use of resources as we prepare our students for their role as productive world citizens.
Poor/ Below Average/ Average/ Above Average/ Outstanding/ Don’t Know
What specific actions could be taken to improve in fulfilling this value?
Third Activity
The final activity included having each participant discussion future mission activities. The following format was followed:
Future Mission Activities
Look 5 to 10 years out into the future and identify services that Maricopa should be delivering in each mission area.
University Transfer Education and General Education
Developmental Education
Workforce Development
Student Development
Continuing/Community Education
Civic Responsibility
Global Engagement
Governing Board Comments
Colleen Clark: There needs to be development education and content alignment through all three levels. The framework of developmental education needs to be reviewed.
Don Campbell: We should try to get involved with flexible scheduling on how to meet students’ schedules. We need to meet with K-12 school boards and get in tough with students in the K-12 systems.
Jerry Walker: There should be meetings with school boards and community colleges and find out what their values are.
Linda Rosenthal: Feels the community knows little about what the community colleges do. There needs to be PR to step this up. Encouraged everyone to participate in the ethics audit.
She thanked everyone for their participation this evening.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting concluded at 8:00 p.m.
________________
Dr. Donald R. Campbell
Governing Board Secretary