Week of October 23, 2023

Hi Clovis Fam,

How are you this wonderful Fall Friday?

As you know, I had last week’s reflections and activities go out early in the day. There were more things that I did to finish out my Friday. When I returned from the CVHEC CEO Summit, I had the pleasure of attending part of the Department Chairs meeting where they seriously attended to the process of prioritizing faculty positions for fall 2024. I applaud them for their hard work. After the Department Chair meeting, I met with several students regarding developing a peer-to-peer mentoring platform. I then attended the soccer games. As I was leaving the soccer game I saw one of our students and he informed me that he was homeless. I had the opportunity to watch Bonita take good care of making sure our student had a roof over his head and food to eat. Our SCCCD PD were so kind as to provide transportation. I have seen the student several times and he is so thankful. This is an example of all that you do to make sure that students have all that they need to persist, complete and succeed.

On Saturday, I attended the Community Organizer Training at FCC. There were about 50 people in attendance from all over the region. The training comprised of the steps to get people to use their voices. This training was organized by Keith Ford. I did not know that when I signed up, but he came over and said, “Hi,” and took the time to introduce me to people. This was a good training and I can see value in helping our student leaders learning how to effectively use their voices. In the evening, I volunteered and hosted a table at the Soroptimist’s Denim and Diamond Fundraiser. Jamie De La Cerda had the table next to mine and CUSD Superintendent Dr. Folmer had the table on the other side. I had the following people join me: CCC students Maria Tellez and Maria Sanchez Garcia, Dr. Teresa Mendez, Clark-Lauren Richard, Jenna Welch from the Office of Senator Shannon Grove, Sherri Wakins from State Center Adult Education Consortium, and Deb Lew from Fresno State/Fresno City College. I most enjoy taking students with me so that 1.) We can create opportunities for students to see different aspects of our community and for them to build relationships with faculty, classified professionals, community leaders, legislative representatives and a president, and 2.) To let them know that we are proud of them.

On Monday, I spent all day in the Cabinet VC of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness interviews. There was no Chancellor’s Cabinet due to the interviews.

On Tuesday morning, we had VPC where we discussed the meaning and expectations for accountability, transparency, ethical behavior and integrity in the work place. In the afternoon, I had lunch with CUSD Superintendent Dr. Folmer. We met at the CUSD Admisintrative Office. It was Clovis week and I had the opportunity to hear the Buchanan High School drum line as they march through the building then performed for the administration. As I listened I thought they could come here to take drum lessons and join our drum line. Always recruiting. I have heard our drum line at soccer games and they are phenomenal. Dr. Folmer and I talked about the issues with the Hmong community and how they are working more closely with building the relationships. They were also able to hire a Hmong language teacher. We talked about their issues with the LGBTQIA+ issues with informing parents of their students sexual preferences, the impact on k-12 FERPA and other regulatory guidelines that they are required to follow. She told me that they are working on an individual basis with students. Lastly, we talked about the goal of increasing Dual Credit opportunities with the students of CUSD. She understands the importance of offering Dual Enrollment opportunities to first generations and students not considering college. She stated that not only can we start having the discussions to implement Dual Enrollment in CUSD, starting with Clovis, Clovis East (where we already have end roads due to GP CAPP). She has also identified resources to provide transportation for the CUSD students to remove the transportation barrier. The goal is to start offering Dual Enrollment summer of 2024. Her Assistant Superintendent of Learning will develop a plan with Dr. Chahal. I returned to campus to watch the women’s soccer team beat Reedley 2-1. I stayed to be part of the men’s alumni night and to help honor Coach Chad. It was great to see the men surround him and celebrate him. James Sewell gave him a wrestling belt in his honor. The Soccer commissioner was present, and the men won 4-0. The women are now ranked #9 in the nation and #4 in the state. Congrats women’s soccer team and coaches.

On Wednesday, I attended the executive meeting for the K-12 Fresno Madera Collaborative. Then I attended the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 meeting. I then had the pleasure of meeting with our team (organized by Kira) and the auditors for the 2023- 123- Commencement of JLAC Approved Audit and Request to Preserve Record. This is an audit of the California’s higher education systems’ efforts to improve the rate of community college transfers to University of California and California State University. I then attended the end of the Guided Pathways meeting and we ended the day with the CCC Integrated 2035 where we continued our discussion about our facilities, green space, entrance and other traffic-related needs. After I completed the integrated 2035 CCC planning meeting, I went to Justin Garza High School (CUSD) where I attended the Lights On Event for the after-school programs hosted by the California Teachers Fellows Foundation. Here they acknowledged me and thanked me for my support. I saw some of our students and faculty at this event. It’s always nice when my CCC family come up to me in places other than work. It was extra nice that a couple of students came up and said, “Hi.” This was my first time in any school in CUSD. I am always thankful for the opportunity to explore other areas where I live. Every school with an after-school program was there. There were a good two hundred kids and parents in attendance. They had food, fun activities, boxing lessons and the kids performed. They had a group of kids playing the violin, they danced and sang . It was really heartwarming to see these kids enjoying themselves and all the parental and community support. This is our future.

On Thursday, I spent most of the day at Madera Community College at the Central Valley CEO Policy Summit and Legislator Convening. All the presidents and Chancellors from the Central Valley were in attendance as were all of our state legislators or their representatives: Senator Anna Caballero, Assemblymen Dr. Joaquin Arambula, representatives from the Offices of Senators Jim Patterson and Shannon Grove, and other representatives. We presented to them on the following issues of importance to the Central Valley Community Colleges – the 50% Law. The history of the 1961 law was explained to them as was the limitations to the law and how it negatively impacts our ability to support student success. We talked about enrollments trends – to debunk the misinformation that community colleges in the Central Valley have declining enrollments. We demonstrated and provided the data to support the Post COVID enrollments are up to and exceeding pre pandemic numbers. Lastly, we discussed Scheduled Maintenance and the physical and facility needs of the colleges in the Central Valley. On my way back from Madera, I stopped and bought some pomegranates so that I can mail them to my Mom. This is the fruit that she craved when she was pregnant with me. In the evening, I welcomed and supported our CCC Male Success Event. It was a fabulous event, well planned, organized and impactful in the format and information provided. There were over 50 students in attendance, several community leaders, and most importantly men of CCC were there. The panel list were reflective of a well rounded group of men ranging from new CCC graduate to retired men, business men and our very own VPSS. They have a data informed process where they did evaluations and will be sending our a follow up assessment. Great job!

On Friday, I attended the Leadership Class XXII and participated on the President’s Speaking Panel, alongside Presidents Pimentel and Buckley. It was wonderful to speak with the Classified Professionals. After, I returned to campus and watched the Women’s Soccer game vs. MCC. We won 2-0! I also had the opportunity to talk with Nannette Frauenheim, Director of Operations at Central Valley Breast Care. Her group were volunteering and sponsoring both sides for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I will also be watching the Men’s Soccer game tonight.

Have a great weekend.

In Service,

Kim E. Armstrong, Ph.D.