CONNECTIONS. You, Me, and Momentous Change! Volume 15, Number 1. June Inside Connections

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1 CONNECTIONS Volume 15, Number 1 June 2015 You, Me, and Momentous Change! I can t believe that my two-year term as your president is coming to an end this June. It has gone by quickly and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is because together, we have made great strides in participating in critical initiatives within the largest and most complex higher education system in our nation, the 112 California Community Colleges. The simple, yet very powerful concept, behind the intention of AB 1725 is that when all perspectives are considered, our organization makes the best decisions. It is not about power, or about who makes the final decision. It is simply that when people who have different experiences and perspectives take the time to listen to each other and have a dialogue about the issues that affect them, they can make the best decisions and move forward in unity. It is when we don t have the time or opportunity to listen, or do not actively listen to each other, that we either get mired in conflict, or get stuck in old and ineffective practices. Fortunately, recent legislation, combined with the creative and intelligent vision of statewide leadership, has renewed and encouraged greater participation by all constituencies. The first example is AB 2558, a direct result of the Student Success Act. Not only is every employee now included in any professional development activity on campus, but the campus must demonstrate that all constituencies have participated in the Professional Development Plan to be submitted to the Chancellor s Office in order to receive funding. This is the cornerstone of all future strides in making each and every institution in our system the most dynamic and adaptable to change. In addition, SB 876: (a) The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in coordination with community college stakeholder groups (my emphasis), the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, and the Department of Finance, shall develop, and the board of governors shall adopt, a framework of indicators designed to measure the ongoing condition of a community college s operational environment This legislation, also resulting from the Student Success Act, places a renewed emphasis on utilizing the strength of collective wisdom and energy to improve our institutions. And last but definitely not least, the formalization of our own Resolution Manual (and process), will ensure a lasting and effective way to communicate our needed perspective. Your active and widespread participation in all of these efforts have inspired and encouraged me at every step of the way. Be assured that as Past-President, I will continue to support your next President, Debbie Weatherly, and each and every one of you to the best of my ability to further your participation in additional areas. The reason for my continued dedication to you is that I know that each and every one of you are classified professionals that work to the best of your abilities with the tools that you are given, and that you do it with heart and soul for our students, the future of California. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Maureen Chenoweth, President 4CS Inside Connections A newsletter for the Classified Senates of the California Community Colleges 4CS Executive Board Directory...2 News from 4CS News from Across the State Event Calendar CS Connections June

2 4CS Executive Board Directory OFFICERS PRESIDENT MAUREEN CHENOWETH Foothill Community College (650) PRESIDENT ELECT DEBBIE WEATHERLY Santa Rosa Jr. College (707) NORTH VICE PRESIDENT SHONDRA WEST Los Medanos College (925) SOUTH VICE PRESIDENT KAREN MARTIN Irvine Valley College (949) SECRETARY CARI PLYLEY Butte College (530) TREASURER NORMA TALLEY Butte College (530) PAST PRESIDENT RUSSELL HAMILTON, SR. Saddleback College (949) REPRESENTATIVES NORTH 1 Butte College, College of the Redwoods, College of the Siskiyous, Feather River College, Lassen College, Mendocino College, Shasta College NORTH 2 DEBORAH KNOWLES Sacramento City College (916) dknowles@ccccs.org American River College, Consumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, Los Rios CCD, Sacramento City College NORTH 3 Lake Tahoe CC, Sierra College, Yuba College, Woodland College BAY 1 Berkely City College, Chabot College, Chabot Las Positas CCD, College of Alameda, Contra Costa CCD, Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, Laney College, Los Medanos College, Merritt College, Peralta CCD, Solano CC BAY 2 LINDA ALLEN Skyline College (650) lallen@ccccs.org Cañada College, College of Marin, College of San Mateo, Napa Valley College, City College of San Francisco, San Mateo CCD, Santa Rosa Jr. College, Skyline College BAY 3 LAUREL KINLEY West Valley College (408) lkinley@ccccs.org Cabrillo College, De Anza College, Evergreen Valley College, Foothill College, Foothill DeAnza CCD, Gavilan College, Hartnell College, Mission College, Monterey Peninsula College, Ohlone College, San Jose City College, San Jose Evergreen CCD, West Valley College, West Valley Mission CCD CENTRAL 1 Columbia College, Merced College, Modesto Jr. College, San Joaquin Delta College, Yosemite CCD CENTRAL 2 ERNIE GARCIA Fresno City College egarcia@ccccs.org College of the Sequoias, Fresno City College, Reedley College, State Center CCD, West Hills College CENTRAL 3 Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso CC, Kern CCD, Porterville College, Taft College SOUTHWEST 1 Compton College, East Los Angeles College, El Camino College, Los Angeles CCD, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Harbor College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Trade Tech, Los Angeles Valley College, Santa Monica College, West Los Angeles College SOUTHWEST 2 PEDER NIELSEN Ventura College (805) pnielsen@ccccs.org Allan Hancock College, Antelope Valley College, College of the Canyons, Cuesta College, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Santa Barbara CC, Ventura College, Ventura CCD SOUTHWEST 3 DEBRA CANTERARO Pasadena City College (626) x7138 dcanteraro@ccccs.org Cerritos College, Citrus College, Glendale CC, Mt. San Antonio College, Pasadena City College, Rio Hondo College SOUTHEAST 1 Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College, Grossmont Cuyamaca CCD, Imperial Valley College, Mira Costa College, Palo Verde College, Palomar College, San Diego CCD, San Diego City College, San Diego Continuing Education, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, Southwestern College SOUTHEAST 2 Coast CCD, Coastline Community College, Cypress College, Fullerton College, Golden West College, Irvine Valley College, Long Beach City College, North Orange CCD, Orange Coast College, Rancho Santiago CCD, South Orange County CCD, Saddleback College, Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College SOUTHEAST 3 TRISHA ALBERTSEN Chaffey College (909) talbertsen@ccccs.org Barstow College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Copper Mountain College, Crafton Hills College, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College, Riverside CCD, San Bernardino CCD, San Bernardino Valley College, Victor Valley College ASSOCIATES DENNIS GORDON Irvine Valley College dgordon@ccccs.org JOSE HUESO San Diego CC District jhueso@ccccs.org ANGELA MAHANEY Irvine Valley College amahaney@ccccs.org MY LOI Mission College mloi@ccccs.org JANET PEDERSEN San Joaquin Delta College jpedersen@ccccs.org BARBARA SALMON (ret.) Pasadena City College bsalamon@ccccs.org ROCIO SANDOVAL San Diego Mesa College rsandoval@ccccs.org KAREN SMITH Foothill Colllege ksmith@ccccs.org PRESIDENT EMERETI CARI PLYLEY Butte College cplyley@ccccs.org TONY PRESTBY Santa Monica College prestby_tony@smc.edu MONICA SOUZA Sacramento City College msouza@ccccs.org MARY THOMPSON (retired) thompsonml@hotmail.com JULIE WHITING San Joaquin Delta College jwhiting@ccccs.org JIM WILSON (retired) jwilson@ccccs.org 2 4CS Connections June 2015

3 News From 4CS Thank you to our 2015 Sponsors 4CS offers sincere appreciation and thanks to our supporting members and sponsors. Several corporations, senates, colleges, districts and individuals have made financial contributions to promote the activities and operations of 4CS Classified Leadership Institute Event Sponsors Folsom Lake College Innovative Educators Inviting Light Photography Office Depot Sehi Computer Products Corporate Sponsors Platinum Level ($1,000+) Inviting Light Photography Keenan & Associates Gold Level ($500+) Sehi Computer Products Foundation for California Colleges/College Buys Silver Level ($250+) Ellucian Folsom Lake College Innovative Educators Bronze Level ($100+) Individual Sponsors Leadership Level ($500+) Dennis Gordon, Rocio Sandoval Governance Level ($100+) Trisha Albertsen, Jose Hueso, Laurel Kinley, Karen Martin, Karen Smith, Debbie Weatherly Classified Level ($50+) Maureen Chenoweth, Cari Plyley, Monica Souza, Norma Talley 4CS Level ($10+) Linda Allen, Cathy Aimonetti, Gregory Beyrer, Patrick Cabildo, Ernie Garcia, Shaw Ledet, Debra Luff, Peder Nielsen, Loretta Richard-Robicheau, Norma Rojero, Karen Smith, Leslie Thompson, Cornelia Verhagen, Donna Walker, Debbie Weatherly, Shondra West Supporting Members District Level ($500+) Chaffey College Community College District College Level ($250+) Contra Costa Community College Classified Senate Diablo Valley College Classified Senate Los Medanos College Classified Senate Senate Level ($100+) Butte College Classified Senate Chaffey College Classified Senate Contra Costa Community College District Office Classified Senate Contra Costa Community College District Classified Senate Coordinating Council Copper Mountain College Classified Senate Fresno City College Classified Senate Grossmont-Cuyamaca District Classified Senate Irvine Valley College Classified Senate MiraCosta College Classified Senate Pasadena City College Classified Senate Ventura College Classified Senate West Valley College Classified Senate Become a 4CS Sponsor Please go to supportlist_currentyear.html 4CS Connections June

4 News From 4CS Professional Development Monica Souza, 4CS President Emeritas Since this is the 1st time in law community college classified staff are included in professional development (PD), the process for which we will participate will have to be developed. Those colleges which do not support classified staff PD will have a bigger hurdle to jump than others who already have something in place. Sharing our information on how this is done is the BEST way for us to get our administrators/managers support. We know it s all about the bass personalities that supervise us. I have had both and the experiences are significantly different. Examples of how it can be done (best practices) is the best way to get around the No response. I found certain area have a harder time getting approval due to high student/campus need example: Student Services, Cafeteria, Custodial, and Child Care staff. I have suggested, to those special personalities in these areas, different ways to make it work, such as rotating staff. What makes this hard is when you have staff who just don t care this is only a job, not a career. If a college agrees to participate in this new PD program, it will mandate participation. There has been some discussion about how this might be problematic for those staff who do not want to participate and this showing up on their evaluations as a negative. I don t see this as problematic, unless the time requirement is set too high, as I am sure every Classified staff member has some sort of PD interaction every year but just doesn t realize it. We have to be clear what PD is. At Sacramento City College we have had a Staff Resource Center that focused on Faculty but is now transforming to be more inclusive. Historically our Classified Senate has provided workshops during Flex, annual Retreat, and other workshops designed as needed; our district office also has workshops (such as retirement, software, leadership, etc.). Participating on District and/or Campus Committees (which can be evaluated in Accreditation) is also considered PD. All of these educational opportunities are PD. Developing ways to help support and educate our classified is not only up to our managers/admins. but also up to us. Closing a department or even the campus down for PD does not happen at SCC but I am always excited to hear about other campus that have made this happen. Foothill College seems to be one of the campuses which provide great classified support. My research has shown that this is usually on a campus with a President or VPA that really and truly appreciates and understands the value of their staff and does not believe in repression, stemming from a social hierarchy viewpoint. Changing behaviors and attitudes about PD can only happen when we have support from our Administrators/ Managers and from within our Classified leaders on campus. We do have to remember though, you can lead a horse to water but you can t make him drink. 4 4CS Connections June 2015

5 News From 4CS What Professional Development Means to Me Cheryl Massa, West Valley College Classified Senate Professional Development Committee Professional Development (PD) is a way for classified staff to share in the benefits of a promotional system previously only available to faculty and administrators. It will give us a stronger presence within the Community College and with the State Chancellor s office as we work toward equality in the shared governance process. In educating ourselves we stand to gain: Improvement of our self-confidence through learning and course accomplishments The ability to stay competitive for promotional job opportunities Update our skills and knowledge on educational interests (e.g., software programs, office practices, state regulations etc.) The possibility of future Classified programs such as college tuition reimbursement, or a revised Classified salary structure that allows for PD increases and promotion A remedy for job stagnation and burnout I am extremely excited about PD but understand that for some who are nearing retirement, motivation may be a factor. For those individuals, I d have to point out the physiological benefits of learning which are improved brain function, memory and self-confidence. At West Valley, the Classified Senate hold fundraising activities to give classified staff scholarships for taking courses that will enhance their job skills. We have also started holding monthly peer-to-peer brown bag workshops that showcase the services of various campus departments. We are excited about the resources soon to be offered by the State Chancellor s office and the possibility of future funding for Classified learning. 5 4CS Connections June

6 News From 4CS 2015 CLI Scholarship Winners Karen Smith, 4CS North Vice-President Developed to assist campus administrators in recognizing Classified employees who have positive leadership skills and/or exhibit strong leadership potential, and who are actively pursuing leadership roles at their colleges, the Classified Leadership Institute (CLI) scholarship is awarded to several recipients each year. We ask that you please take the time to talk to these well deserved awardees. They were chosen for their achievements in many areas of their colleges. Find out more about some of the initiatives they work with day to day. Most importantly, learn from them and take back ideas to your campus. Many leaders are grown from CLI; many leaders experience incredible growth opportunities at CLI. Neary Sim, South Scholarship Winner Senior Secretary, San Diego City College Neary has worked at SDCC since She is currently on the Classified Senate Executive Board serving as Secretary. Neary believes that Senates exist to share values in giving direction and setting goals. Leading by example has given her confidence in dealing with constituents. She places confidence in showing faith in the creativity of others. Neary s Dean of Social Sciences and Consumer and Family Studies believes her participation and leadership on campus is unparalleled. Neary believes that the CLI provides leaders with a vision in creativity and passion that requires a strong sense of courage, character and compassion. Rochelle Franco, North Scholarship Winner Evaluator/Degree Auditor, Folsom Lake College Rochelle served as Folsom College s Inaugural Classified Senate President from and finds herself again serving as President since She serves Folsom in a variety of capacities and her service as Senate President boasts record high numbers of participatory governance. Rochelle started her involvement with Folsom as a student and math tutor. According to the Vice President of Administration, under Rochelle s leadership, all nine participatory Governance Committees have representation by Classified Staff. This is a feat considering there are only 109 full-time classified staff. She is a motivator who engages her colleagues in governance structures in an extraordinary fashion. Molly Sealund, Jim Wilson Scholarship Winner Science Technician, Merritt College Molly has been with Merritt since 2001 and her involvement with Classified Senate goes back to Her first CLI was in 2012 and was hooked on the notion of coming together and sharing our successes and learning from missed opportunities. Molly believes that Senate participation at Merritt was increased as a direct result of CLI attendance by four Senators in Becoming better informed of legislative processes is critical. It allows Classified Staff knowledge of how the State operates. She does not believe in giving up on asking for what is needed to make improvements. According to Merritt College s Office of the VP of Instruction, her contributions to the college s governance process has been significant in contributing to student success. 6 Michele Haggar, At-Large Scholarship Winner Program Services Coordinator at the Transfer Center, Skyline College Michele has been employed since 2013, and attended her first CLI last year in Ventura. She was impressed listening to stories of how district colleges handle their staff leadership responsibilities. She learned how leadership tools gave staff knowledge, understanding and awareness to become more supportive to students and college community. They have reached out to Skyline s sister campus in helping them create a working Senate. Michele has played a role in the creation of a Senate Code of Ethics they hope to include into board policies. She believes that if we support our colleagues along with students, success, accessibility and equity can be reached. 4CS Connections June

7 Senate News From News 4CS From Across The State 4CS Introduces New Board Members Trisha Albertsen Chaffey College Southeast Area 3 Representative Trisha is currently serving her 14th year on Chaffey College s Classified Senate. She served three years as a Classified Senate Senator, two years as the Classified Senate Treasurer, and is currently in her 9th year as Classified Senate President. She is interested in meeting and networking with other faculty, staff, and administrators at the local and state levels. She is interested in contributing in a positive way to meet mutual goals and would appreciate the opportunity to learn from others. Debra Cantarero Pasadena City College Southwest Area 3 Representative My dedication to teamwork and assuring the classified voice is heard on campuses around the state has motivated me to get involved with 4CS. I know that involvement in shared governance helps build positive working relationships on a campus, which in turn helps all parties involved build a stronger campus. I would like every classified employee to take advantage of the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally by serving in shared governance on their campus! SAVE THE DATE Gathering of the Senates August 5, CS Connections June

8 Senate News From News Across From Across the State The State California Employee of the Year Award Recipients Announced The Classified Employee of the Year Award has been given out by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors annually since May 2009 to honor community college classified employees who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to professionalism and community colleges. Recipients are nominated by members of their college/district community and endorsed by their local Board of Trustees. Award recipients are selected by representatives of the Board of Governors, the Chancellor s Office, and the Foundation for California Community College and must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as a record of active participation on campus and beyond. The Classified Employee of the Year Award is supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient will receive a $500 cash award and a commemorative plaque. Rochelle Franco 4CS Congratulates the 2015 recipients: Vance Manakas Donni Jean Prince Kelly Ramos Los Rios Ventura County Desert Community Contra Costa Folsom Lake College Classifed Senate Holds Open House Rochelle Franco, Folsom Lake College Classified Senate President Folsom Lake College held its 2nd annual Classified Senate Open House on March 30th. The Open House provided classified staff the opportunity to not only interact with members of Classified Senate, but to also connect/reconnect with classified staff from across the college. Resource tables were set up to provide classified staff with information about accreditation, Classified Senate and upcoming elections, health & wellness, safety as well as upcoming events at FLC-Main campus and its two centers. The College Foundation generously provided pizza and door prizes were donated by the Harris Center for the Arts, the Outreach Office and the Classified Senate President. The pizza and prizes really helped to boost attendance this year. The College President, Dr. Rachel Rosenthal and Vice President-Administration, Kathleen Kirklin showed their support and appreciation of classified staff by attending the event and sharing some opening remarks. 8 4CS Connections June 2015

9 News From Across the State Rummage Sale at SCC Sandra Belmares, Sacramento City College Classified Senate President In Northern California, the Boles fire burned up much of the small northern California community of Weed, and the King fire tore through El Dorado and Placer counties. Many people lost their homes and their irreplaceable belongings that held precious memories. Sacramento City College s Classified Senate hosted a Rummage Sale to raise funds to donate to the Red Cross to benefit the fire victims. This fantastic idea came from one of our very own classified members, Karen Chewning, who works in our Operations Department. The Rummage Sale was pulled together within less than a week! SCC employees from all constituency groups donated good quality items to sell at the table. The Rummage Sale was held on the SCC main campus quad on Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 as part of SCC s Fall 2014 Club Day event. Because we were able to coordinate this effort with the already planned Club Day event, we were able to maximize exposure of this meaningful fund raising activity, therefore, maximizing the dollars raised. SCC s community of employees and students really came together through their donations and purchases to ultimately raise $ Go Panthers! Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. - Helen Keller Chaffey College: Cards for Soldiers Trisha Albertsen, Chaffey College Classified Senate President Classified Senate hosted Cards for Soldiers at all three campuses on November 12th. Operation Community Cares is an organization that proactively supports the health and welfare of our American Servicemen and Women across the globe. In an effort to show our support, the Chaffey community created cards of encouragement. Our troops love to hear from all of us and mail brightens their days. We had a good turnout and will be sending over 60 cards to our servicemen and women that should bring a lot of smiles. Supplies to create the cards were provided by Classified Senate members. 4CS Connections June

10 News From Across The State Remembering President Tony Cantu of Fresno City College Ernie Garcia, Fresno City College Classified Senate President Cantu had over 27 years of administrative and teaching experience at State Center Community College District. To the shock and disbelief of his family, friends, and campus community, he passed away suddenly on April 5, Tony was an outstanding educator and leader who cared deeply for this institution, its students, and about the mission of community colleges. He was extremely supportive of classified professionals as the 4CS board members had the opportunity to see firsthand at the organization s quarterly board meeting hosted by Fresno City College just a few weeks prior to his passing. It was standing room only for his memorial service at St. John s Cathedral in Downtown Fresno, where the priest told friends, family, and colleagues about the man of education who found potential in his students. His was a life taken too soon and unexpectedly. I had the opportunity to work closely with President Cantu in the student services office. I ll always remember his laugh and his treatment of others. I will miss the way he really cared about students, and that he really valued everybody that he worked with. Cosumnes River College Holds Monthly Department Recognitions Breanne Holland, Cosumnes River College Classified Senate President For the past year the Classified Senate at the Cosumnes River College (CRC) Campus of the the Los Rios CCD has been conducting Department Recognitions for the classified staff on our campus. Department Recognitions consist of selecting a department on campus each month to recognize and celebrate their contributions to our students and the campus as a whole. Monthly the Classified Senate coordinates with the deans and supervisors of the department to stop in and bring balloons, refreshments such as; cookies, fruit and iced tea. We also create a certificate of appreciation for all of the classified staff and we take photos of the staff and put it in the Classified Senates monthly newsletter. Our goal in doing this is to not only let our classified staff know how much we appreciate them but we also feel that it is important for the campus to be able to put a face to a name and know which classified staff and/or departments to refer our students to when they need services. Since we started the department recognitions the Classified Senate have received many thanks and praise from all employees including Management, faculty and classified staff. 10 4CS Connections June 2015

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12 4CS Calendar of Activities June Pre-CLI Board Training & Conference Meeting Lake Tahoe 4-6 Classified Leadership Institute, Lake Tahoe 6 4CS Annual Business Meeting, Lake Tahoe 6 Post-CLI Executive Board Meeting, Lake Tahoe 18 Consultation Council Meeting, Sacramento July 16 Consultation Council, Sacramento Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento August 5 Gathering of the Senates, TBD 20 Consultation Council Meeting, Sacramento September Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento CS Fall Board Meeting, Santa Rosa Jr. College 17 Consultation Council, Sacramento October 15 Consultation Council Meeting, Sacramento November Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento 19 4CS Winter Board Meeting, Burlingame 19 Consultation Council Meeting, Burlingame CCLC Convention, Burlingame January 2015 TBD South Region Leadership Retreat TBD Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento 31-Feb.1 CCLC Legislative Conference, Sacramento February 1 CCLC Legislative Conference, Sacramento March TBD Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento CS Spring Board Meeting, Ventura College May TBD Board of Governors Meeting, Sacramento June 15 4CS Executive Board Meeting & Training, Ventura Classified Leadership Institute, Ventura 18 4CS General Business Meeting, Ventura 18 Post-CLI Executive Board Meeting, Ventura CONNECTIONS is published twice yearly, November and June, by the California Community College Classified Senate (4CS), 7 Governors Lane, Chico, CA Please submit your suggestions and/or articles no later than October 1st for the November issue and May 1st for the June issue to: California Community Colleges Classified Senate 7 Governors Lane Chico, CA CS Connections June