On Tuesday, November 28, 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 NOCCCD Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below.
Finance & Facilities: The Board of Trustees approved the request to enter into an agreement with McKnight Associates, Inc., effective December 2023 through January 2026, to assist the District with implementing the Job Families Study (JFS) Project. This follows the completion of the Information Technology JFS. Under contract with McKnight Associates, Inc., Human Resources will lead the remaining ten JFS for permanent management, classified, and confidential employees. This will result in a leveling structure, new job descriptions, job classifications (standards), career paths, and a review of external market data for salary placement. Vice Chancellor, Human Resources, Irma Ramos commented that negotiations will occur following the studies and MOUs will come to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Finance & Facilities: The Board of Trustees authorized the request to approve the Facilities Use Agreement with Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) to utilize their facilities/Board Room during the Anaheim Campus upper deck replacement and Board Room renovation. Following two site visits, it was determined that AUHSD would be a workable location during NOCCCD Anaheim Campus construction. On behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee, Board President Ed Lopez and Board of Trustees Member Ryan Bent expressed support for the Facilities Use Agreement in which NOCCCD is only responsible to pay for custodial services and OC Public Safety fees. Lopez, Bent, and NOCCCD Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland also expressed gratitude for AUHSD for its partnership, as well as for its staff for being so receptive, accommodating, and helpful throughout the re-location process.
Instructional Resources: The Board of Trustees authorized the request for Fullerton College to enter into an agreement with the US Department of Education to accept the total of $2,000,000 to be used between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2028. Through this grant award, titled Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Amplified, Fullerton College will improve its academic quality, increase its self-sufficiency, and strengthen its capacity to make a substantial contribution to the higher education resources of these students.
Instructional Resources: The Board of Trustees approved the Fullerton College final draft of the 2024 Institutional Self Evaluation Report (ISER) for Reaffirmation of Accreditation for submittal to ACCJC. The current ISER is due on December 15, 2023 in preparation for the team peer review on March 18, 2024, and focused site visit during the week of September 16, 2024. Minor revisions and design improvements were made to the ISER draft presented to the Board on October 24th. In response to Board feedback, the College updated its description of its mission refresh process. Board President Ed Lopez requested a change to the language surrounding the mission refresh process and Fullerton College President Cynthia Olivo agreed to the change. Board of Trustees Member Barbara Dunsheath expressed appreciation for the work done to complete the ISER.
Human Resources: The Board of Trustees approved the promotion of Catalina Martinez Hernandez to Cypress College Clinical Placement Coordinator, Health Science, effective December 1, 2023.
Human Resources: The Board of Trustees received as information items the District Office of Human Resources 2023 Institutional Commitment to Diversity Report and the 2023-26 Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. District Director, Research, Planning, and Data Management, Gabrielle Stanco and District Director, EEO and Compliance, Yasmine Andrawis delivered the yearly report on the District's dedication to diversity in employment and education. This report includes the latest demographics of the District, details on new hires across various roles for the 2022-23 period, and a comparative analysis of demographics between state and local employees as well as students. It also reviews the diversity trends in NOCCCD's applicants and hires over the past five and ten years, presents an overview of the current demographics of NOCCCD staff, and highlights key achievements. Additionally, this comprehensive report informed the 2023-2026 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan, which underscores the District's commitment to transparency and shared institutional goals. Click here to view the presentation.
Human Resources: The Board of Trustees received as an information item the Supplemental Early Retirement Plan as presented by Keenan Financial Services. Presentation highlights included purpose, eligibility, demographics, economics analysis, participant benefit, underlying assumptions, scenarios, decision support, and enrollment timeline. Click here to view the presentation. Board of Trustees Member Ryan Bent inquired about the minimum number of participants needed for implementation and Keenan Financial Services responded that intent to participate must be evaluated prior to implementation. Board of Trustees Member Jeffrey Brown commented on incentive and Keenan Financial Services shared that the decision to participate is personal and that is why support is provided to help with decision making.
General: The Board of Trustees reviewed and discussed the proposed 2023-24 Board of Trustees Goals. Board of Trustees Member Barbara Dunsheath altered language and expanded the first goal under Goals for Institutional Effectiveness to include equity. Dunsheath also proposed an additional goal for the Board of Trustees to facilitate a smooth accreditation process for Cypress College and Fullerton College. Board of Trustees Member Jacqueline Rodarte expanded the fourth goal under Goals for Institutional Effectiveness to include nonprofits and cities. NOCCCD Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland commented on baseline metrics for the Board of Trustees Student Success Goals for 2023-24, stating that they align with where Vision for Success left on and Vision 2030 picked up. Dr. Breland also informed the Board of Trustees that an updated Fast Facts flyer will be presented at the next Board meeting.
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 commented on the following activities and events:
NOCE President Valentina Purtell, Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, and Fullerton College President Cynthia Olivo commented on the following events and activities:
District Management Association President Treisa Cassens read a resolution expressing appreciation and gratitude for Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling's leadership, mentorship, and impact. United Faculty President Christie Diep expressed solidarity with CSEA in its negotiations with the District, as well as expressed concerns with Human Resources processes regarding benefits. CSEA President Pamela Spence shared that the next CSEA chapter meeting is on December 20, 2023, as well as discussed approved pronouns and conference per diem in the chapter Constitution and negotiations regarding the IT Job Family Study. Adjunct Faculty United President Seija Rohkea shared three short-term priorities, including compensation for attending trainings and meetings, stipends for coaching, and healthcare negotiations.
Fullerton College Student Trustee Chloe Serrano commented on upcoming campus events, including the 24th Annual Kwanza Celebration in the Quad on November 29, 2023 and Cocoa and Cram in the Student Life and Leadership Building on December 4, 2023. Serrano also celebrated the campus football and men's soccer team on successful seasons, as well as the APIDA team for its efforts securing the $2 million Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Amplified grant. Cypress College Student Trustee Jesus Ramirez Jr. shared upcoming campus events, including Winterfest on November 29, 2023 and a sweater and blanket drive.
Board of Trustees Member Jacqueline Rodarte commented on the city of Anaheim's plans to convert a motel for affordable foster youth housing and encouraged the District to partner in its efforts. Board of Trustees Member Barbara Dunsheath shared that the CCCT Board passed a joint resolution denouncing the Supreme Court's decision for college admissions against affirmative action, commented on the 50% law, and announced Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling's retirement celebration on November 30, 2023. Board of Trustees Member Stephen Blount reported on his attendance at a recent Fullerton College football game and the 2023 Annual CCLC Convention.
NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 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.