Minutes 09/13/2005

A strategic conversation was scheduled to be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Rio Conference Center in Tempe, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD
Don Campbell, President
Scott Crowley, Secretary
Ed Contreras, Member
Linda Rosenthal, Member
Jerry Walker, Member

ADMINISTRATION
Rufus Glasper
Anna Solley
Ron Bleed
Steve Helfgot
Maggie McConnell for Pete Kushibab
Larry Christiansen
Ken Atwater
Homero Lopez
Jim Van Dyke for Linda Thor
Gene Giovannini
John Neibling for Art
DeCabooter
Maria Harper-Marinick
Mary Kay Kickels
Jean Ann Abel
Mary Beth Mason for Maria Hesse
Lorie O’Brien for Jose Leyba
Debra Thompson

Attendance: Approximately 102, not including facilitators, camera staff, and campus staff.

STRATEGIC CONVERSATION (4:05 p.m. through 6:36 p.m.)

Chancellor Rufus Glasper who stated that the organization was embarking on what was considered to be a major journey as to where we plan to be in the future made welcome remarks. The discussions this evening would center on the access opportunities for students seeking baccalaureate degrees and higher education as a broad topic. He stated that Dr. Hackett, Vice Provost and Dean of the University College at Arizona State University, has enabled the community colleges to move light years from where they were six months ago and discussions held with ASU have been very advantageous for students. Tonight would provide an opportunity to dialogue on where things stood today.

As community colleges for the next generation, it is intended that they could reclaim the central mission of teaching, assessment, and learning, reaffirm the role of being the “economic driver in the State of Arizona, reframe the social contract to Maricopa County stakeholders, and redefine a new view for community and civic leadership in higher education. It is necessary that the notion of giving up the birthright of what community colleges have been as they move forward be reframed. The discussion being held this evening is no different than discussions held before as teacher colleges became universities, Northern Arizona University moved into that realm, and more universities were allowed to offer doctorates. This state needs to provide funding for more students as Maricopa will be the institution of choice promoted by the government and legislation. It is important that community colleges be available when they are asked to respond. Maricopa cannot walk away from the community. It needs to be engaged in discussions with its constituents and be responsive to the diverse needs of the community and build college in proximity to the communities served.

Dr. Glasper stated that Maricopa is resolved to increase student retention, increase student graduation rates, retain quality faculty and staff, collaborate among and between institutional sectors ensuring the continuum from P-20, and promote responsible legislation which mandates cost effectiveness and quality. He spoke about the growth the Maricopa County since the year 1920 and the evolution of the Maricopa Community Colleges since the year 1960. He also spoke about the growth of Maricopa County and potential new campus sites possible because of the passage of the 2004 Bond. His presentation included numbers pertaining to population projections and growth in Maricopa County and its school districts.

Dr. Glasper commented that in order to serve families and businesses in Maricopa County, it will be necessary to maximize the benefits derived from collaborative partnerships with the State Legislature, Maricopa County, and the cities and towns.

Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, introduced Kate Dillon Hogan, District Director for University and College Programs. Dr. Dillon Hogan provided a PowerPoint presentation (copy of presentation is enclosed with these minutes) covering the following topics:
· Support for Transfer Articulation
· Definition of Articulation
· Maricopa Goals for Transfer Articulation
· Frameworks for Articulation Agreements
· Statewide Agreements Transfer Blocks
· 2+2 Model
· Upside Model
· 3+1 Model
· Examples of Models
· National Data
· Transfer Student Data
· Award Completers Transfer Rates to the University
· Importance of Student Services in Transfer Process
· Taking Transfer to the Next Level

Dr. Gail Hackett, Vice Provost and Dean of University College at Arizona State University, came forward next and spoke about Increasing Baccalaureate Degree Production in Arizona and the ASU-Community College Partnerships. She spoke about the following topics (a copy of her PowerPoint presentation is enclosed with these minutes):
· ASU Collaborations with MCCCD
· Undergraduate Transfer Students by Level and Entry - New Transfers
· Undergraduate Transfer Students by Level and Entry - All Undergraduates
· ASU Undergraduates with MCCCD – Transfer Credits
· Graduation Rates
· ASU/MCCCD Alliance
· History of ASU/MCCCD Alliance
· Progress to Date
· Model for Proposed Degree Pathways for Alliance Programs
· University College Partnerships with the Community Colleges (particularly MCCCD)

Dr. Larry Christiansen, President of Mesa Community College, spoke next on the Joint Conference Committee Recommendations. He provided an overview of the Joint Conference Committee (JCC) which has the responsibility for the oversight of the agreements between the community colleges and universities that enhance the access of students throughout the state to four-year degree programs. He provided the mission statement for the JCC which is committed to delineating and supporting a cooperative statewide articulation and transfer system. He listed members of the JCC and presented six recommendations drafted by the JCC pertaining to baccalaureate degree programs and the partnership between the universities and community
Colleges. Dr. Christiansen stated that it was intended that final recommendations would be made by November 16 at the Arizona Community College Association Meeting, with a final recommendation to the Arizona Board of Regents on December 1.

Government Relations Director Matt Ortega came forward last in the list of presenters and spoke about 2005 Legislative Key Points and Baccalaureate Legislation. He spoke about Senate Bill 1109 which gave community colleges the authorization to offer and confer limited four-year baccalaureate degrees. He stated that Senate Bill required reporting and coordination with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and a legislative Community College Implementation Committee.

Between each speaker, the audience was asked to participate in roundtable discussions pertaining to each speaker’s comments and writing these down on handout sheets provided to everyone.

Closing comments were provided by Dr. Glasper who indicated that tonight’s discussion was beneficial as the start of the legislative session was contemplated. It is important that ASU and the community colleges work collaboratively and agree on a common agenda.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting concluded at 6:36 p.m.

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Scott Crowley
Governing Board Secretary