Community Connection | June 2012 | Maricopa Community Colleges by The Maricopa Community Colleges

Maricopa Community Colleges • Office of the Chancellor • Community Advisory Committees • Vol. 2 • June 2012

Chancellor Update |

Legislative Update |

Seamless Student Experience

House Bill 2815

The Seamless Student Experience (SSE) is moving forward. The goal is to provide current and prospective students with a seamless experience as Dr. Rufus Glasper they pursue their educational goals within the Maricopa Community Colleges by creating a single process for a:

Financial Aid Blanket Consortium When completed, students will have a more stream-lined process for students to use in obtaining financial aid for courses taken at more than one Maricopa college in a given term. SSE continued —Page 5

Foundation Provides Scholarship Information

At our last meeting, members of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committees requested information on scholarships. In response, Dr. Steven R. Helfgot, the President & CEO of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, will present at the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees meeting on June Dr. Steven Helfgot 11, 2012. The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. It is designated by the Maricopa County Community College District to receive and manage gifts on behalf of all 10 of its colleges. The Foundation actively seeks contributions from a variety of public and private sources, including individuals, corporations, and other foundations. It acts as a trustee for donations to assure that gifts are distributed in the manner specified by the donor.

Chancellor Update Community Advisory Committee Legislative Update 50th Anniversary Accreditation News

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Governing Board Elections Education Council New Transfer Program Minority Male Initiatives New MCCCD Positions MCCCD going Tobacco-Free

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House Bill 2815, legislation that would create the Job Training Program Study Committee, passed both the House and the Senate this session. When formed, the Committee will include representation from the Maricopa Community Colleges, and will: •

Evaluate existing, statutorily prescribed, job-training programs established by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

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Explore mechanisms for using community colleges as effective providers of job training for new or expanding businesses throughout Arizona.

• Analyze the appropriate role of private, fee-based providers of job training. • Evaluate and consider proposals to target job training at higher skill and wage levels. Additionally, the Committee will submit a progress report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate by December 15, 2012.

Guns on Campus The Legislature did not pass a measure (SB1476) that would have allowed weapons to be carried on university or community college campuses.

FY 2013 Budget Funding for operating and equalization aid were included at the formula level. As a result of increases in enrollment growth, Maricopa’s General Fund appropriation should increase from $6.9 million in FY 2012 to $8.3 million in FY 2013, for a net increase of approximately $1.4 million. Overall, however, the community colleges’ appropriation decreased by $5.2 million because of a decrease in equalization assistance. Read CommunityConnection online: www.maricopa.edu/chancellor/cac/news Community Connection provides news and information about the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees to the community. Community Connection is published and distributed quarterly. For more information, contact Maxine Hill, Liaison to the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees: 480.731.8176.

During 2012, the Maricopa Community Colleges are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Starting with Phoenix College, the district has grown to ten colleges, two skill centers and numerous education centers valleywide. The year-long celebration will begin with a series of free events offered on college campuses and in the community. In addition, an anniversary website will capture the history of the colleges and impressions of current and former students, employees, and community memebers. Below are excerpts from just a few of the 250 videos featuring faculty, staff, students and community members that will soon be available online at www.50th.maricopa.edu.

Ernie Adair – CAC Member

As a 28-year citizen of Maricopa County – and with ten years with the Maricopa Community Colleges – I just can’t imagine not being part of this college system. As a business guy in the Phoenix area, it engages me with our future – our students who are striving to become better citizens in our community. The Maricopa Community Colleges provide an opportunity for our kids to get better at what they do – become professionals, become technicians, go on to undergraduate or graduate school—and are absolutely a dynamite place.

Julie Roberts – CAC Member

Serving on the Advisory Committee for Maricopa Community Colleges is my way of giving back. I am a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) committee. So often our LGBT students have difficulties in school and in creating the kind of environments that are necessary to build their education. As a member of this community, I’m able to bring those concerns and safety issues forward to the Chancellor and his committee, and I know that they will respond to it. They help us. They make life better for the LGBT kids on our campuses.

Dan Cortez – Chair, Latino Committee

I’m the leadership programs manager for Valle del Sol. I’m also a past student at Glendale Community College. I say that because, if it weren’t for that experience, I likely would not have gone on to Arizona State University. I graduated high school not really knowing what to do. A lot of my friends were going to college, but I

didn’t know what the pathway was. I ended up working for a year to save up money to go to GCC, which is very near where I grew up. I had a wonderful time there my freshman year (got As and Bs) and was encouraged by a mentor to apply to ASU. Ever since that experience, I have been championing the community colleges as a way to get students that may be like myself who maybe didn’t prepare enough in high school and to use that as a stepping stone to a college education.

Barry Wong – CAC Member

I’m a member of the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Council (CAC) – a collaboration of many members from all different corners of the county that comprises the territory upon which the Maricopa Community Colleges serve. It’s important for me to be involved with the CAC because of my role as an attorney, a public servant, and as former legislator who is actively involved with the community. It’s an honor to be invited to serve on CAC, which I have done for a number of years. I look forward to continuing my involvement.

Teresa Price – CAC Member

The Maricopa Community Colleges supply a wealth of information to be given to our students so they are able to successfully progress from earning credits at a community college and moving on to a university or receiving certificates that allow them to go into the job market. Being on the CAC is extremely important to allow the voices of our native community to be heard; to see our students be able to be a part of a dynamic community and to be able to flow those ideas to support what community colleges have to offer.

Presidents Share Accreditation News With Their Advisory Councils The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is one of six regional accreditation bodies in the United States. HLC is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a regional accreditor for higher education institutions. Since last fall, three colleges have presented accreditation updates. At its annual spring President’s Community Advisory Council meeting on March 28, 2012, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) announced that HLC approved EMCC’s re-accreditation. Council members were briefed about accreditation criteria, subsequent findings, and recommendations. EMCC President Dr. Ernest A. Lara expressed his deepest appreciation to council members for providing critical feedback to the HLC visiting team during their visit, November 7 – 9, 2011. Dr. Lara also recognized the value of this accomplishment and how it ties back to the national completion agenda and the Maricopa Community College’s Governing Dr. Ernest Lara Board goal of increasing the number of graduates from our colleges by 50% this decade. The accreditation also included two critical expansion initiatives: approval for the Buckeye Educational Center (BEC) and the expansion of its distance education up to 100% of degree programs. The BEC opened in fall 2011 in downtown Buckeye but, with this accreditation approval, it can now offer a more full array of programs leading to degrees and certificates of completion. This is EMCC’s third successfully completed accreditation process since it opened in 1992. More information about the study can be found at www.estrellamountain.edu/self-study-2011. Innovation and continuous improvement are hallmarks of the culture at Rio Salado College (RSC). In preparation for their HLC visit, RSC conducted a self analysis on five areas: 1) Mission and Integrity, 2) Preparing for the Future, 3) Student Learning and Effective Teaching, 4) Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge, and 5) Engagement and Service.

Rio is also known for establishing community partnerships, which allow the college to leverage resources and provide nontraditional students educational opportunities in productive, costeffective ways. Rio sought and included valuable input from the President’s Advisory Council in their self-assessment, particularly around Dr. Chris Bustamante engagement and service. Their comments demonstrated how RIO promotes an atmosphere of community inclusiveness and responsiveness by engaging external constituencies. “Throughout this process, we have learned much about our accomplishments and challenges,” said RSC President Dr. Chris Bustamante. “I look forward to hearing back from the Higher Learning Commission this summer when they will provide a formal report and an anticipated reaffirmation of accreditation.” Setting the stage for Glendale Community College’s (GCC) accreditation visit, the President’s Circle created an inventory of pressing community needs. First, the College and K-12 partners will align general education curriculum to better prepare high school students to enter college. Next, the College and university partners will continue Dr. Irene Kovala to develop programs that are fully articulated and shared with transfer students. By leveraging communication with community partners, the College will be better positioned to meet community educational needs. The President’s Circle discussed expanded programs and services throughout the West Valley including the North campus, Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center and the Communiversity @ Surprise. This discussion underscored how GCC continues to address the diverse needs of both internal and external constituents. Members of the HLC Accreditation team met with GCC’s President’s Circle, Academic Advisory Committees and other community members during their visit on April 16–18, 2012. HLC commented that GCC had strong partnerships within the community and regionally.

Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board Elections this November The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is governed by a five-person Governing Board. The Board sets policy on behalf of the district, and approves outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of the Chancellor and the ten colleges for the constituents that we serve. Each member of the Governing Board is elected by the voters within his or her county supervisorial district, and serves a four-year term. On November 6, 2012, voters in Maricopa County Supervisorial Districts #1 and #5 will elect governing board members.

District #1 includes Rio Salado College, Scottsdale

Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community college, and encompasses portions of the following municipalities: Tempe, Scottsdale, Southeast Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek. Current Governing Board member Doyle Burke is running for re-election in District 1.

District #5 includes South Mountain Community College

and GateWay Community College, and encompasses portions of the following municipalities: Central and Southwest Phoenix, Guadalupe, Glendale, Avondale, Tolleson, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Gila Bend. Current Governing Board member Dr. Donald Campbell is not seeking re-election in District 5. Once the list of official candidates for each seat has been published, candidate forums will be scheduled for each college within Districts #1 and #5. Additionally, candidates will be asked to respond to a short questionnaire and the responses will be posted online. Please forward ideas for the questionnaire to: civic.participation@domail.maricopa.edu. Questions should be generalizable to all candidates, rather than directed to any one candidate.

Developmental Education Council Looking for New Ways to Help Students Succeed When it comes to developmental education, the Maricopa Community Colleges continue to look for better ways to help students succeed. The Council is charged with overseeing the design and implementation of a system-wide approach to developmental education based on research, data, and effective practices. The Council will focus its work in several areas: testing and placement, student support, accelerated models, contextualization, professional development, and technology.

Maricopa Community Colleges’ Transfer Programs are Getting Even Better Earlier this year, leaders of the Maricopa Community Colleges and the University of Arizona (UA) signed an agreement that will allow Maricopa students to more easily transfer to UA. A key component of the enhanced collaboration is the provision of meaningful incentives for students who complete an Arizona Transfer Admissions Pathway, (AzTAP). This articulated associate degree-tobachelor’s degree pathway will provide: • Guaranteed admission into selected UA undergraduate degree programs for MCCCD students who complete the requirements of a specific AzTAP; • Pre-transfer admissions counseling; and • Eligibility for the joint admission program, which includes renewable scholarships for eligible students. “This expanded collaboration with the University of Arizona will help us meet state and national goals of increased transfer and graduation rates,” Dr. Glasper said. “Creating transfer partnerships that make it easier for students to advance to the university program of their choice is an important part of our mission.” The Maricopa Community Colleges have similar programs with Arizona State University (the MAPP Program, which was highlighted by the Arizona Republic as a high quality, low cost option) and with Northern Arizona University (Connections). More information is available online at www.maricopa.edu/transfer.

Chancellor Selects Special Assistant Dr. Sue Kater has recently been appointed to the role of Special Assistant to the Chancellor. Sue has been with GateWay Community College for 24 years, serving in a variety of roles – most recently Director of Institutional Research, Planning, & Effectiveness, and Dr. Sue Kater Acting Executive Director of the Maricopa Skill Center. Please welcome Sue in her new role.

Chancellor’s Liaison Maxine Hill, recently joined the District as the Chancellor’s Liaison to the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committee. Maxine has a long history and a wealth of knowledge about community colleges and volunteer work in the community. In her role as liaison, she Maxine Hill will maintain regular communications between the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees and District staff. She will support staff’s ability to provide effective support services to the Community Advisory Committees, and will be available to assist with supporting the goals of each Committee. In addition, Maxine will facilitate and clarify the roles between Community Advisory Committees and District staff for effective support. She will handle committee request for presentations, speakers and other special requests.

(SSE continued)

Financial Aid Call Center

When completed, this project will result in consistent, higher service level response to students seeking financial aid.

Financial Aid Debt Management/Financial Literacy This project will result in a consistent Maricopa financial aid debt management and financial literacy plan to help students understand their loan debt and the interdependencies associated with the costs of college.

Financial Aid Verification

Completion of this project will result in a higher level of customer service and improved turnaround time for financial aid students whose applications are selected for verification.

Document Imaging

This project focuses on providing students with a consistent process for document submission for student services activities.

Enrollment Cancellation

This project focuses on providing students with a clearly documented, clearly communicated, and consistent experience across the colleges regarding payment, due dates, and enrollment cancellation due to non-payment.

Single Identity & Single Sign-On

This project focuses on improving the experience our students have when they log-in to Maricopa computer systems and services.

Student Self-Service

At the completion of this project, students will have a personalized online experience with better access to services and information that are relevant to them. To contact the SSE team to voice concerns, ask questions, give suggestions, please e-mail: sse@domail.maricopa.edu

Maricopa Community Colleges’ Minority Male Initiative: Observe Growing Success In its third operational year, the Maricopa Minority Male Initiative – a program aimed at increasing successful completion and robust education for minority male students – is making a growing impact in Maricopa County and beyond. This year, 268 participants attended the annual Spring Success Conference, a 43% increase compared with last year (and more than double the participants from the first year). The conference provided a space to inspire, empower and expose students to become their best selves and reach their goals of success. Attendance is expected to rise to nearly 400 participants next year. Of the 173 students in attendance, 151 conference evaluations were returned: this is a return rate of 87.2%.

Maricopa Community Colleges Going 100% Tobacco-Free on July 1, 2012 The Maricopa Community Colleges are about to become healthier places to learn, work, and visit. As of July 1, 2012, all colleges will be 100% tobacco-free. Last fall, the Maricopa Community Colleges announced its BreatheEasy initiative, which will make all colleges, skill centers, satellite locations, and the District Office tobaccofree. Starting July 1, no tobacco product - including smokeless tobacco products - can be used on any Maricopa Community College property.

The Maricopa Community Colleges are proud to be 100% tobacco-free.

• This includes buildings, walkways, and parking lots. The borders extend to the edges of the campuses and other District-leased or owned properties. The new policy will not extend to perimeter sidewalks (those located beside public thoroughfares). • There will no longer be ashtrays in designated smoking areas on campus. • Students and employees who violate the tobacco-free policy may be subject to consequences, as with any other student or employee policy violation. The Maricopa Community Colleges are connecting students and staff who want to quit tobacco with a number of resources, including cessation “buddies,” nicotine replacement therapies (eg., the patch) in bookstores and the State’s ASHLINE, which offers a supply of nocost nicotine patches for those who qualify. For more information on quitting tobacco, call 1-800-556-6222 or visit www.ashline.org. For more information on BreatheEasy, and other Maricopa Community Colleges wellness programs, visit wellness.maricopa.edu.

July 1, 2012 MCCCD is an EEO/AA Institution.

Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committees (CAC)

Committee Objectives • Provide community inspired counsel and advice to the Chancellor; • Work with the Colleges to strengthen their relationships with the community; • Serve as a conduit of information between the Colleges and the community; • Help the Colleges identify community issues and proactively address concerns; and • Work on projects that advance the Chancellor’s objectives.

Populations represented by the CACs: African-American, Asian Pacific Islander, GLBT, Latino, Native-American, and Voice (Disabled) Correction: The contact for tours at the Maricopa Skill Center is Kristina Scott— scottk@gatewaycc.edu An item in Vol. 1 provided an incorrect email address. 6

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