LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
March 14, 2012
1. Attendance
Board members present: Bob Ackerman, Pat Albright, Susie Johnston, Gary LeClair, Tony McCown, Rosie Pryor, and Sharon Stiles. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Vice President Sonya Christian; Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan; Legal Counsel Meg Kieran; Lane Community College Education Association President Jim Salt; Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin; and Associated Students of Lane Community College President Mario Parker-Milligan.
A. Chair Johnston called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.
B. President's Report
I would like to acknowledge the passing of Dean Webb on February 9 at age 87. Dean was a charter member of the board, serving from 1964 to 1971 in the Zone 4 position. He was a well-known dentist in Oregon and a long-time practitioner in Cottage Grove.
Lane is the only northwest community college and one of only 53 colleges nationwide participating in the Democracy Commitment sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. This is an initiative to develop and expand community college programs, projects and curricula to engage students in civic learning and democratic practice. The goal is for every community college graduate to have an education in democracy.
Thanks to the Western Lane Community Foundation for its $2,625 grant to our Florence campus to develop a teen technology summer camp. We will partner with the Western Lane Boys and Girls Club on this project. Thanks to Mary Jeanne Kuhar and Janet Anderson for helping make this happen.
The Foundation has some additional good news. The Oregon Urology Foundation gave $50,000 to create the Olof E. Sohlberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment for nursing students, in memory of one of their deceased colleagues. An anonymous donor gave $25,000 to create a scholarship endowment for culinary students. Don Bowers, of the Eugene Downtown Lions Club, created a scholarship in memory of his wife Faye Bowers, and Gloria Tipton contributed a major gift to a scholarship endowment created by her siblings to honor their parents.
The annual League for Innovation and Schaefer Awards have been announced. There were many deserving projects. Congratulations to Christina Howard in the Physical Therapist Assistant program for winning the $1,500 Innovation of the Year Award for her project titled, "Death to the Red Pen: Providing Rich and Timely Student Feedback Using Screencasts."
In addition, $900 awards went to Darlene Baker, Barb Delansky, Helen Garrett, Jennifer Hayward, Brad Hinson, Brian Kelly, Mario Parker-Milligan, and David Reagan for the Zimride social media ridesharing program, and to Barbara Susman and the Successful Aging Institute for the Personal Care Aide Classes. $500 awards went to Anne McGrail and Mary Parthemer for the "Tea and Topics: Talk about your Teaching" series and to the Student Art Print Collection from the Art on Campus Committee including Susan Lowdermilk, Tom Madison, Elizabeth Uhlig, Satoko Motouji, Janet Anderson, Tamara Pinkas, Julie Fether, Rick Williams and myself. Additional awards went to Tom Madison for his Landscape Mural Honors Course; the First-Year Spanish Language textbook by Roma Cusimano, Matt Luke, Sylvie Matalon, Edna Paz, and Bojana Stefanovska; the Fashion Design Class Series developed by Ross Jackson, Tina Reyes and Geno Gutierrez; and a Sustainability in Action Writing 121 class assignment developed by Sarah Lushia. Thanks to Tamara Pinkas and Janet Anderson for organizing this awards process.
The Titans have had a successful term in and out of the classroom. The Women's Basketball Team finished 24-6 overall for the season, and 13-1 in the Southern Region, claiming their Sixth Southern Region title in the last 10 years. They had their 11th consecutive NWAACC Championship tournament appearance. The only sophomore, Reed Levings, was named to the NWAACC Sophomore All-Academic Sports Team. She also was on the Second Team All-Conference Team, as well as the All-Defensive Team. Head Women's Basketball Coach Greg Sheley was named Southern Region Coach of the Year. Men's Basketball player Daniel Ketchum was also on the All-Academic Sports Team. Cross Country runners Gylany Crossman and Rachel Jensen earned the NWAACC Fall Academic Leadership Award. Gylany has a 4.0 cumulative GPA and was an All-American at the NWAACC Cross Country Championships finishing second, and Rachel had a 3.86 cumulative GPA and finished ninth at NWAACC Cross Country Championships. All of these student-athletes maintained high GPAs proving their scholarship as well as their athletic talent and skill.
The League for Innovation and Corporate Voices launched a series of micro-business case studies focused on employer partnerships that advance the completion agenda. Lane's Cooperative Education program was the first case-study featured. Thanks to Al King, who presented at the League conference, and Tamara Pinkas, our League representative, and to everyone in the Cooperative Education program.
Our Successful Aging Institute partnered with AARP to hold a "Caregiving as an Encore Career: conference here on March 7. It drew an overflow crowd of about 300 people. Kudos to Director Barbara Susman.
Our Visiting Scholars on Islam speaker series continued last Thursday with Dr. Irfan Omar of Marquette University who spoke about interfaith connections. The last speaker will be Hussain Amir of Loyola Marymount University on April 12. Thanks to Sonya Christian, Clif Trolin, and the entire team for their thoughtful work on this initiative to encourage religious understanding. I understand there a film festival is in the works next.
We are piloting a free bicycle loan program next term called Bike Lane. It will be similar to the Library's laptop check-out. We will get ten commuter-style bikes and gear for students who can't otherwise afford a bike and help them take advantage of the bus-bike network to get to campus and around town to help lower our collective carbon footprint and encourage good health. If successful, we'll continue fall term. Thanks to Mike Sims and Jennifer Hayward for leading this initiative.
I interviewed with Jennifer Gonzalez from the Chronicle of Higher Education regarding access and completion. I am not sure of the publication date for that article.
Well, the Oregon Legislature's first official even-year session adjourned March 5. It was a short but hectic month. We'll hear more from Oregon Community College Association Executive Director Andrea Henderson later in the meeting.
I attended the AACC-ACCT National Legislative Summit in DC from February 14-16. Thank you to Susie, Tony, and Brett, who also attended. We had numerous Hill visits with Oregon's Congressional delegation. It was a great opportunity to advocate for the President's budget, which was released as we arrived in Washington and contains multiple programs to increase funding and access at community colleges.
While in Washington, I attended the President's release of his FY13 budget proposal. Overall, the Department of Education saw a significant increase in funding, $1.7 billion over his FY 2012 request. There were several new proposals from the State of the Union address, including a small increase in the Pell Grant; an $8 billion three-year Community College to Career Fund to train and place two million skilled workers in high-demand jobs; expansion and restructuring of the Perkins Loan Program; and funding to prevent interest rate increases on Stafford loans.
It was an honor to meet President Obama face to face and shake his hand.
I also attended a Council for Foreign Relations meeting in New York and attended an Achieving the Dream meeting in Dallas. We had a very nice Classical Cuisine dinner; preceded by a wonderful lecture by art faculty, Lee Imonen. I met with representatives of HUD at the invitation of the City of Eugene; Birth to Three fundraiser and several other community events.
I am happy to say that as a result of some effort by Lane, nine other Oregon community colleges will be joining Achieving the Dream in July.
During spring break, Marketing will have new billboards put up at campus entrances announcing that Lane is a training site for the US Olympic Trials. Upgrades to our outdoor facilities enabled us to qualify as an Olympic Trial facility, something that wasn't possible in 2010. We will also have a new sign at Building 1 saying "Student Success Starts Here." It's one of our new taglines that you will begin to see and hear over the upcoming months. Finally, we will replace the black, empty backside of our track and field scoreboard with signs that say "Welcome to Lane Community College, Home of the Titans."
I would like to share an example of lifelong learning. Writing instructor Lance Sparks recently received a call from a former student, Arlene Chellis. She's 97 now and living in Florence. She took a class from Lance in 1984 in Cottage Grove. One night they all went out to dinner and signed the tablecloth. Arlene saved that and stitched it into a fabric. She wanted to pass on the memento to someone younger and asked Lance to take charge. Of course he said yes. He says Arlene is still reading and writing avidly. Lance is retiring at the end of spring term.
2) Personnel
The college's current personnel appointments were presented.
A. Board Agenda Review/Changes
No changes were made to the agenda.
B. Statements from the Audience
No statements from the audience were offered.
2. Consent Agenda
McCown moved, seconded by Ackerman, to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of:
The approval of the February 8, 2012 meeting minutes
Advisory Committee Memberships
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading
1. Use of Intoxicants and Controlled Substances, D.050
A second reading was held on board policy D.050, Use of Intoxicants and Controlled Substances. The following changes were recommended.
Ackerman moved to approve the second reading of board policy D.050, Use of Intoxicants and Controlled Substances. LeClair seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
POLICY NUMBER: D.050
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: USE OF INTOXICANTS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
No person may bring onto college property or into any college-owned facility or to any college-sponsored class or activity any intoxicating beverage, controlled substances, volatile inhalants, for the purpose of mind or mood alteration, except in the situations specified in this policy. No person may appear on college property or in any college-owned facility or in any college-sponsored class or activity under the influence of any of the above mentioned substances. Under no circumstances shall alcohol be served at college-sponsored activities to underage minors as defined by state law.
Exceptions to this policy are as follows:
- Alcoholic Beverages may be used/served:
- for cooking and/or instructional purposes in food preparation labs or classes and in labs or classes related to the science and/or service of alcohol; or
- at college-sponsored or on-campus activities catered by legally licensed and insured businesses or agencies with prior approval using procedures specified in college administrative rules (see Alcoholic Beverages on Campus).
- With appropriate documentation, medical marijuana, prescription opiates, or other psychoactive medications, may be used as legally prescribed by a licensed practitioner. However, according to statute, marijuana shall not be ingested on campus even with a medical marijuana card.
- Glue and thinners may be used only in class-related lab environments and in facilities construction and maintenance for non-intoxicating purposes.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: June 9, 2004
REVISED: March 8, 2006
REVISED: February 18, 2009
B. First Reading
1. Equality of Opportunity
A first reading was held on board policy D.060, Equality of Opportunity, was held. The board discussed the possibility of condensing the list of protected classes, but it was decided to keep the policy as is since that is the best way to make a statement of civil rights. A second reading will be held in April.
POLICY NUMBER: D.060
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
The board directs strict adherence to the principles embodied in Oregon and Federal "Equal Employment" legislation.
Lane Community College shall provide employment opportunity to all qualified persons and prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran's status, familial relationship, expunged juvenile record, association with anyone of a particular race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age or religion, opposition to safety and health hazards or application for Worker's Compensation benefits.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVIEWED: June 9, 2004
REVISED: October 17, 2006
REVIEWED: March 11, 2009
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) Update
Andrea Henderson, Executive Director of OCCA, provided an update on statewide community college issues. The legislative session closed on March 5. Community colleges did not have further budget cuts but also did not get any funding restored. However, $10 million was set aside for the Emergency Board to avoid any possible future cuts to community colleges, OHSU, and Head Start. The legislature passed $9.6 million in capital construction projects for community colleges. Senate Bill 1581 set up a requirement in state statute for achievement compacts between schools and the Oregon Education Investment Board. We need to be sure that community colleges can have some influence and steer them in a way to accomplish true education reform and also benefit community colleges.
Henderson informed the board of the Board Development Session in July at Oregon Gardens and the OCCA Annual Conference in November, at which the 50th anniversary of OCCA will be celebrated.
B. Achievement Compacts
Included in the board materials were the public document for community college achievement compacts as developed by the Oregon Presidents Council subcommittee, Lane's internal document, and the draft Oregon University System document for comparison. The governor has agreed to an extension and needs a final decision by March 27.
Christian explained that Lane's achievement compacts taskforce included Bob Baldwin, Phil Martinez, Stan Taylor, and Sonya Christian. Martinez made comments to the board on behalf of the taskforce.
The board discussed their concerns, such as ensuring the inclusion of career technical students, the ability of the compacts to evolve and change, and involving stakeholders in the discussion, which we have done at Lane. There also needs to be a way to measure the outcomes and how funding may be tied to those outcomes.
Spilde explained that the use of the words "certificate" and "license" in the document is largely reflective of career technical. In addition, the majority of associates degrees awarded are career technical degrees. While it may not be called out as career technical, it is certainly reflected in the document.
Ackerman moved that the board support the achievement compact framework developed by the Oregon Presidents Council subcommittee and urge the Oregon Education Investment Board to incorporate within the achievement compact process criteria for technical and career courses. Also, that the board accept the work completed by the Lane taskforce on the achievement compact framework. The board particularly appreciates and concurs with the response of the taskforce to the legislative language in SB 1581 on the "validation of quality of knowledge and skills acquired." McCown seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Spilde thanked all who worked on the taskforce, and the board thanked Spilde for her work on the Oregon Education Investment Board and for chairing the OEIB Higher Education Achievement Compacts subcommittee.
C. Downtown Campus
1. Property Management Services
Spilde informed the board that there were three respondents to the bid for property management. The committee ranked the proposals, and the recommendation is to give the bid to Blanton-Turner. The cost of the proposals was one of the factors, but not the only factor. The Blanton-Turner proposal is 4% of the gross revenues plus some additional incidental expenses. It's a three-year contract at roughly $231,000 including incidentals, based on the 4%.
McCown moved that Blanton-Turner, of Eugene, be awarded a contract for residential property management services. The value of the contract is 4% of gross revenues, plus additional incidental expenses Pryor seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. New Market Tax Credits
Spilde informed that board that two of the three allocatees who included Lane in their proposals received allocations from the federal government. Jill Sherman of Gerden Edlen, Nicole Peterson of Seattle Northwest, and Spilde recently met with one allocatee, and the meeting went well. They have another project in this region that they are contemplating. They are considering the Lane Downtown Campus project to be part of their allocation, and we should receive word soon on the final decision.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning director, responded to questions and comments on the following Benchmarks:
- Percent of County Population Enrolled (Age 18-years +) 2002-03 through 2010-11
- Table 16: Headcount by Oregon County of Residence – 2009-10
(from the ODCCWD Community College Profile)
B. Facilities Update
An update on the status of bond and facilities projects was presented to the board.
C. Emergency Presidential Succession
The Emergency Presidential Succession monitoring report was presented to the board.
6. Reports
ASLCC president Mario Parker-Milligan reported that Lane students will be joining others in Washington, D.C., next week for student lobby day and a legislative conference. A summit on April 7 will train student leaders on how to get students registered to vote. The goal this year is to register 5,000 students. ASLCC student elections will take place April 30 – May 3.
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin reported that the work on achievement compacts has collectively been an example of excellent work and processes, which he credited largely to Vice President Christian, who has been the leading force in ensuring that voices are heard. In three years, achievement compacts will either be similar to CIM/CAM and sit on the shelf or will be the main funding mechanism for community colleges. Baldwin attended Dr. Omar's presentation in the Islam series and gave kudos to the administration for replacing the catalyst for the series, a cancelled non credit course, with genuine quality academic discourse. Baldwin was elected president of the Lane Central Labor Council. The union resolved a long term outstanding issue regarding the wage table, and Baldwin gave kudos to Darcy Dillon in Human Resources for her work in that resolution. Management and the union are working with a labor relations consultant, so hopefully labor relations will be improved.
LCCEA President Salt reported that Lane faculty members joined others, including classified union members, on President's Day to support public sector education and employees that have been under fire. Salt attended the National Education Association conference, where education reform efforts and other trends in education were discussed. He expressed frustration with the achievement compacts. At best it is wishful thinking, at worst it is ideological thinking. There has not been any discussion of what is being done wrong in education and what can be done differently. He suggested taking the work that we are already doing and using that to improve education. The rush to complete the achievement compacts has resulted in a lack of analysis and planning.
Vice President Sonya Christian congratulated Baldwin on being elected president of the Lane Central Labor Council, and acknowledged Salt, who is president of his statewide organization. During Winter term, Lane disbursed over $28 million in financial aid, the largest amount yet. Christian recognized Joan Aschim, Public Information Officer, for her incredible work.
Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan reported that the college is working with our insurance company to get access to safety training. There is a large video library of training courses accessible to employees.
Board Reports
McCown acknowledged the work done on the achievement compacts and expressed his appreciation.
Stiles reported that the Florence Center has come out with a new Spring term course schedule and thanked Tracy Simms and Printing and Graphics for their work. Snow caused a delay in the schedule at the Florence Center on March 13. A grant was received to hold the second annual Teen Technology Summer Camp. The Florence advisory committee held a workshop at the Center.
Pryor requested that more information on the Democracy Commitment be presented at a future meeting.
LeClair commented that the achievement compacts will be meaningless. It is bad legislation, but we have to respond to it.
Albright reported that he will be attending the Lane Economic Committee and OCCA meetings next week. He compared the achievement compact issue with the CIM/CAM work that was done in the 1990s. Unfortunately, CIM/CAM was put on the shelf, but some of the work was beneficial. It is important to recognize that the achievement compacts will provide some commonality. We need to be strategic and find elements that are worthwhile in this process and improve education in Oregon.
Ackerman wished his wife a happy birthday.
Johnston recently attended the classical cuisine dinner at the Center for Meeting and Learning and commended our Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program. Johnston acknowledged that there are many challenges regarding the achievement compacts, but one thing that is clear is that community colleges are truly on the map. The Torch published an article on Johnston, the first in a "Meet the Board" series.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 pm, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College
8. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk Susie Johnston, Board Chair