On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting. The following are highlights from the meeting held at 5:30 p.m. in the Anaheim Campus First-floor Board Room.
BOARD ACTIONS
The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below.
Instructional Resources: The Board of Trustees ratified or approved amendments to 2021-24 College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) Dual Enrollment Partnership Agreements with Anaheim Union High School District, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, and Placentia Yorba Linda Unified High School District. These amendments added new courses in the areas of Hotel, Restaurant, and Culinary Arts; Counseling; Horticulture; and Administration of Justice to existing dual enrollment programs. The expansion of these programs was requested by the high school districts to fulfill student needs. The District values these partnerships and collective impact on student experience and success.
Instructional Resources: The Board of Trustees authorized the request for Cypress College to enter into an agreement with the US Department of Education to accept $500,000. Through this three-year grant award, titled Enhancing Veteran and Military-connected Student Pathways, Cypress College will provide the following support services to increase students' overall academic success and transition to college or career: academic advising, basic skills training for incoming students, technology loans, issuance of school supplies, academic and personal workshops, and book/gas/grocery card vouchers.
Instructional Resources: The Board of Trustees authorized the request for Fullerton College to enter into an agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accept $345,514. Through this three-year grant award, titled LiDAR Instruction for Future Technician Education and Development (LIFTED), Fullerton College will develop a unique multidisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare skilled technicians to address the needs of industry, so that they can successfully acquire, process, and use LiDAR data within a variety of workforce domains. LiDAR is an advanced remote sensing system used to detect, identify, and create a precise 3D virtual image of an object or measurement of features on the Earth's surface. LiDAR is being used in a wide range of applications like mapping, infrastructure inspection, utilities, architecture, and many more. The initial focus will be the use of LiDAR in architecture.
Human Resources: The Board of Trustees approved retirements and promotions. Congratulations to NOCE retiree English as a Second Language Noncredit Instructor Alice Niyondagara, effective May 28, 2023. Congratulations to Lanicesha Dodson for being promoted to Fullerton College Financial Aid Technician, effective August 1, 2023; Nicole Howard for being promoted to Fullerton College Administrative Assistant II, effective July 1, 2023; and Samantha Munoz Solis for being promoted to International Student Services Coordinator, effective August 1, 2023.
General: The Board of Trustees failed to adopt Resolution No. 23/24-02, electing to maintain and confirm neutrality of NOCCCD towards its students, staff, faculty, managers, administrators, stakeholders, and community members. This resolution called for action to establish a policy that limits flags and banners flown, affixed, or displayed on District property. District faculty, staff, students, alumni, legislators, and community members made public comments for and against this resolution. Stories of personal experiences and meanings behind various flags and banners were shared. This resolution failed without a second motion to approve. The Board of Trustees discussed agendizing new policy, at a future meeting, regarding flags and banners across the district that includes state and federal approved heritage/history.
REPORTS
The Chancellor, campus Presidents, Members of the Board, and constituents shared updates on activities and events throughout the District.
Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland introduced Vice Chancellor, Finance and Facilities, Fred Williams who presented NOCCCD Commitment to Safety with District Manager, Environmental Health and Safety, Mejon Kairan. The presentation highlighted Board Policies and Administrative Procedures, including Campus Safety Plan (BP/AP 3500), Emergency Response Plan (BP 3505), Local Law Enforcement (BP/AP 3520), Campus Safety Officers (BP/AP 7600), and Safety (BP 6800). Williams and Kairan reviewed Campus Safety Committees and safety trainings offered by the District. Campus Vice Presidents and members of Campus Safety provided site-specific updates. Following the presentation, the Board of Trustees and campus representatives further discussed safety drills, partnerships with city services, vehicle escorts, safety in regard to construction projects, and monitoring of online threats.
NOCE President Valentina Purtell commented on community re-engagement and marketing efforts that have led to a positive trend in summer enrollment, as well as invited all to attend NOCE's Opening Day celebration, titled Cheers to 50 Years, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on August 10, 2023 at the Brea Community Center.
Vice President, Administrative Services, Stephen Schoonmaker, reported on enrollment trends; Cypress College being featured on the Amazon Prime series The College Tour; student basic needs, including affordable housing; new grants; and Opening Day on August 18, 2023 in the Campus Theatre.
Fullerton College President Cynthia Olivo shared recruitment and enrollment, grant, and event updates. Dr. Olivo invited all to attend Convocation on August 18, 2023 in the Campus Theatre, as well as the Cruising for College car show and career fair on September 30, 2023.
Representatives from District Management Association, United Faculty, Adjunct Faculty (ADFAC) United, Classified School Employee Association (CSEA), and Academic Senate representatives expressed opposition to Resolution No. 23/24-02 and concerns with the Board of Trustees establishing new policies when faculty are off contract and unable to convene in shared governance.
Cypress College Student Trustee Jesus Ramirez, Jr. and Fullerton College Student Trustee Chloe Reyes commented on the first Associated Students meetings of the academic year.
Board of Trustees Members Ryan Bent and Jacqueline Rodarte acknowledged public comments made regarding Resolution No. 23/24-02. Rodarte also congratulated the Fullerton Museum for being awarded $4.5 million to continue its mission.
NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, in the Anaheim Campus First-floor Board Room.
Board Highlights is produced by NOCCCD Public & Governmental Affairs as a summary of the Board actions and reports. It is not intended as a replacement of the official minutes of the Board meeting. For more information on the NOCCCD Board of Trustees, please visit: https://nocccd.edu/board-of-trustees.