UC-San Diego Drops Transfer Guarantee, Rankling 2-Year Colleges (Inside Higher Ed)

Leaders of San Diego and Imperial County community colleges have publicly rebuked the University of California at San Diego for its plan to drop a longstanding transfer policy that guarantees admission to local community college students who take certain courses and maintain a high grade-point average. In a letter to Marye Anne Fox, the university's chancellor, an association representing the two-year colleges called the decision a "dramatic shift" that "communicates the message to our students and communities that UCSD is closing its doors to San Diego and Imperial County community college students." The university has cited budget and capacity problems as reasons behind the move.

Demoralized?

The union's Lewis Long

     Today, faculty of our district heard from the Faculty Association (union) president, Lewis Long, who reported that, in the end, there was a 59% participation rate (301 votes) in the union election, which closed Monday night.
     That means the rate exceeded the all-important 50% level.
     59% is a pretty low rate, I guess. Last week, it was determined that participation in the election, up to that point, was so low that the election might actually fail to achieve validity. And so, last Friday, Lewis issued a desperate plea:

   As of this moment, only 39% of the eligible voters have cast votes in the Faculty Association elections. According to the Association bylaws, for an election to be valid, 50% plus one vote must be cast. … It really does take only seconds [to vote], but it will make a big difference for the Association and your colleagues.

     Amazingly, Lewis’ plea failed to produce the desired response. And so, three days later, Lewis issued yet another plea:

   As of 6:30 am, with 236 voters, we are just twenty votes short of having a qualified election to elect Faculty Association officers and representatives, and to ratify our proposed revised bylaws. … You have until 11:59 pm this evening to cast your vote, but please don't wait that long, and help preserve the few remaining hairs I have not yet pulled out of my head.

     This last, desperate baldness-threatening plea worked, evidently. Whew!

* * *

New Senate leadership

     As you know, recently, the Irvine Valley College Academic Senate held its end-of-school-year election. But, as the election approached, there was a problem: nobody wanted to run for President or Vice President. The senate kept calling out for candidates, but, for a long time, that yielded nothing but the sound of crickets.
     At the last minute, a couple of faculty stepped up. Whew!
     They ran uncontested.
     I haven’t talked to anyone with Saddleback’s Academic Senate, though I gather—from the report at the BOT meeting Monday night—that Bob Cosgrove is their President-elect.
     Bob Cosgrove? Yep. He was the President before Dan Walsh took the office. Bob does a good job, but, obviously, you don’t want to recycle leadership. Ideally, you go for young blood.
     The gal who—at long last!—agreed to run for IVC Senate Prez is anything but young blood. I think she’ll do a great job, but she’s definitely a familiar face in governance at the college. She’s been around for about twenty years, I figure.
     So much for young blood steppin' up.
     So what does it all mean?

* * *

     At Monday’s meeting, departing IVC VP Gwen Plano pulled an Eisenhower. She would leave her office—but not before offering a few frank words about what’s what.
     She noted that, in our district, things have been changing, and for the better. She spoke of a revitalization, a rejection of the old ways of doing business. The old ways, she suggested, concerned intrigues and personal agendas and political ambition.
     Surely that was an allusion to Mr. Mathur. And to Wagner, Fuentes, and Williams? –I guess so. Who else?
     (I should mention that at least two others, including Lewis Long, spoke of the improved atmosphere in the district at Monday's BOT meeting.)
     Gwen also drew attention to the “99 percent”: the “quiet majority” at the campuses who simply do their jobs. Those were the ones she served, she said.
     I’m not sure what that last part is about. Most of the people who really get things done at IVC are squawkers. They’re not quiet at all. (Sure, there are some exceptions.)
     And we sure do have some bad eggs. True, some of those rotten ova are real squawkers, though often they do their squawking behind the President’s carefully closed door. That crowd has been getting its ugly way for too many years. Large lecture scam? Sure. Build things for the least deserving? Hell yes, we go way back.
     –It’s demoralizing.
     There certainly is, as Gwen says, a quiet majority. Is that majority also apathetic? Tired? Disgusted?

* * *

An actual illustration from Howard Gensler's notorious opus,
The Avenger of Blood

     In writing the above, I had occasion to visit the Saddleback College Academic Senate website. I read through the minutes for their April 4 meeting.
     Item C of “old business” caught my eye:

C. Saddleback College Statement of Values and Ethical Behavior

   Bruce Gilman moved, it was seconded by Howard Gensler, and passed by voice vote that a Senate committee be appointed to review, edit, and amend the statement and present the document at the next Senate meeting.
   The Senate approved Howard Gensler, Karla Westphal, Alannah Rosenberg, Linda Call, Diane Pestolesi, and Pam Barr as committee members.

     Most of these people are pretty terrific, I know.
     But the SC senate has got Howard Gensler working on a “statement of values and ethical behavior”! (See The most unappreciated person in the history of humankind, The Howard Hilton and They simply do not like him)
     Howard f***ing Gensler!
     Good grief.
     I am demoralized anew.

• Cal State faculty union votes to OK strike (OC Reg)
A strike at each of the system’s 23 campuses may not happen until fall semester.

• See the OC Reg's "voters guide" profile on Don Wagner (former SOCCCD trustee)
See “contributions received” for those who contribute to the Don.

• Here's just a fraction of the corporations (et al.) that have contributed to Don's reelection campaign:

BANK OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA PAC
COOPERATIVE OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS PAC
PACIFIC LIFE
CA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PAC
APARTMENT ASSOCATION OF ORANGE CO PAC
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR, INC.
COX COMMUNICATIONS CALIFORNIA
PEPSICO, INC.
AT&T IN. AND ITS AFFILIATES
FACEBOOK
WILLIAM HEWITT
CALIFORNIA NEW CAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION PAC
PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
THE CALIFORNIA CREDITS GROUP, LLC
KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL, INC.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY CIVIC ACTION FUND
PMORGAN CHASE & CO. PAC
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH & MANUFACTURERS ASSN OF AMERICA PAC
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
ANHEISER BUSCH
CALIFORNIA NATIONS INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION SOVEREIGNTY PROTECTION FUND
CALIFORNIA CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION PAC
WESTERN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE PAC
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMPANIES PAC
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURERS PAC
AUGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
CALIFORNIA ASSN OF HEALTH FACILITIES PAC
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS PAC
MICROSOFT CORPORATION PAC

"Nope" to nukes

News about Gustavo Arellano, who, again, won't be commencement speaker

     Our pal, OC Weekly editor Gustavo Arellano, recently published a book—Taco U.S.A.—and, yesterday, it received a very positive write-up in the New York Times. Check it out:

How the Taco Gained in Translation (New York Times)

     According to the Times writer, Arellano’s book is "an absorbing account of how a few foods (salsa, tacos, chili, tequila) from the complicated and enormous cuisine of Mexico managed to slip into the mainstream of American taste."
     I mention all of this only because, on at least two occasions, the committee at IVC that forwards candidates for commencement speaker to the "decider"—eternally clueless IVC Prez Glenn Roquemore—has forwarded Gustavo, and, each time, Glenn made a heroic effort to avoid choosing the fellow.
     When Glenn passed on choosing Gustavo two years ago, UCLA chose him instead. In the meantime, Glenn chose the snoozular Jack Scott to blather at the folks at IVC.
     Some who fell asleep during Scott’s address have yet to wake up. Poor devils.
     Just sayin’.

     Last night, I happened to mention that trustee Dave Lang has endorsed former Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur in his bid to join the Laguna Hills City Council. This evidently came as a surprise to some. So, for those who don’t keep abreast of such events in our benighted portion of Orange County, here are Mathur’s endorsements:

Happy May Day!

April meeting of the SOCCCD Board of Trustees: night of the war veteran

     It's getting harder and harder to show up to these things. In the bad old days when the likes of Don Wagner and Tom Fuentes showed up, outrageous and absurd statements and actions were fairly routine. Nowadays, one still encounters absurdities, I suppose—Nancy's eye-rollings, Dave Lang's weird continued obeisance to Team Fuentes (he recently endorsed Mathur's City Council bid, as did Burnett)—but they're not worth hanging around for. These people are really no fun at all.
     In part, that's a good thing, I suppose. Boring and decent is better than exciting and outrageous. Unless you're a writer, of course. [See Tere's Board Meeting Highlights for an account of this meeting.]
     6:12 - OK, they're trailing in: Prendergast, Lang, Meldau.
     While we're waiting on Nancy, I'll mention that tonight's discussion item is actually a report—requested by Nancy Padberg, as I recall—on "veteran's [sic] services."

     6:15 - Nancy has arrived. They'll start soon.

     6:16 - It begins. Marcia reads out actions taken during closed session: 6/0 vote, approved 3 month leave to classified employee. 6/0 vote, approved unpaid leave 6 months leave, employee. 6/0: reject claim filed by Baily Constr. against district. 6/0 vote, approved intervention state suit against County of Orange, Vehicle adjustment fee.

     Prendergast did the invocation: quotes Japanese saying, "Once you've finished 95% of the journey, you're half way there." Jay led the Pledge.

     RESOLUTIONS:

     You can just imagine the blathering that attended each of these. The student trustee takes himself very seriously, I'm afraid. I'll leave it at that.
     Blah, blah, blah. "Our classified employees are truly wonderful," gushes Marcia. Applause. Yammer. Applause. Yammer. Applause. "They prop everyone up," adds Marcia.
     Teachers of the year. IVC dancer. She "inspires from within," said a student, reads Marcia. Applause. Roll call. Yammering. Applause. Photo op. Applause.
     IVC part-time teacher of the year. "This is what we're all about," said Marcia, idiotically. Blah, blah, blah. He's an "Egyptian American." "Heroic and confrontational." Blah blah blah. Roll call. Applause. More yammering. Photo op. This guy speaks well! Gracious. Applause.
     IVC Emeritus Prof of Year. Couldn't make it cuz she's teaching. She's trustworthy, loyal, helpful, etc. Applause. Roll call. Applause.
     Saddleback teacher of the year. DiLeo comes up. Meldau reads resolution. Applause. Roll call. Applause. Gracious yammering. Applause. Photo op.
     Saddleback associate teacher of year. Lang reads res. Applause. Roll call. Applause. Terse, humble yammering. Applause. Photo op.
     SC Emeritus Teacher of the year. Lang reads res. A "perfect instructor for the senior population," whatever that means. Applause. Roll Call. Applause. Nice, short speech. Applause, applause, applause. Photo op. Repeat.

     Public comments:
     1. Glenn Roquemore. Takes pride in recognizing ("retiring," they're calling it) colleague Gwen Plano. She recently received a leadership award. Mentions: her focus on veterans, personable style, best practices, yadda yadda. Applause.
     Gwen: gosh thanks. A few words at this, my last board meeting. I applaud you for steps to revitalize both campuses. Difference is noticeable. Set into motion possibility of real change. We need to be freed from old way of doing business. Personal agendas and political ambition: putting that finally to rest. The quiet majority: that's who I serve every day. The heartbeat of the 99%. Not lingering agendas and intrigues of the few. Your task is a sacred responsibility.
     She's pretty emotional. Applause. Holds award. Photo op. Applause.
     A second recognition: Chris Hogstedt, nurse. Apparently, she's active at the state level. She is a member of an organization dedicated to keeping students healthy. "It's been a wild and wonderful 26 years," she says.
     A third recognition: two students. Coca Cola "gold scholar." Phi Theta Kappa. Roquemore goes on and on. Congrats to two students who can't make it tonight. Also faculty advisors to honors society. Blah blah blah.

IVC vets

Trustee reports:
     Bill Jay: congrats to Gwen P
     Frank Meldau: congrats also to Gwen. Looking forward to commencement, fashion show, nursing pinning, etc.
     Marcia Milchiker: congrats to Gwen; you'll be sorely missed. Marcia attended SC fundraiser. "Really fun." Attended distinguished lecture series. Laguna Woods. Attended Cabaret and Rent, two student productions. "Low cost and wonderful," says Marcia.
     TJ Prendergast: echoes "all that as well." Will attend dinner with Scott Lay as speaker.
     Nancy Padberg: congrats Gwen on your retirement. Attended foundation fundraiser.
     Dave Lang: congrats to those honored tonight. Dittos all around. Best wishes to Gwen. Student trustee the best ever.
     Jordan Larson: DeLeo pushes you "past your limits," he said. "You haven't seen the last of me." (Uh-oh.) I'll be back to give you a report, he said.
     CHANCELLOR'S REPORT: [Poertner]: tonight, many recognitions. I'd like to add my personal thanks to all faculty: lifeblood of our organization. Also: recognize Saddleback College—for bringing Dr. Tinto to campus. A national figure. Wonderful event. Also: emergency preparedness event. Want to commend Glenn R...Congrats to Gwen Plano, her husband.

Board requests for reports:
     None.
Discussion item: report re service to veterans. Shows YouTube video made at Montgomery College (another CC). Video:

     On the video, brief remarks by veterans: difficulties adjusting to lack of absolute orders, structure. Back at home, looking for danger where there is none. Glad about GI Bill of Rights. You realize you're not alone, says one.
     --A pretty lost seeming bunch of guys and gals. But very sympathetic.
     Tere Flugeman comes up to present report. "I was a military brat." Discusses her involvement, what goes on on campus. Legislative visits, etc. 2.2 million veterans in Cal. Many will be coming to the community colleges. Veterans face financial, health, family issues. GI Bill won't pay out-of-state charges (that started in August). New legislation designed to overcome some of these problems.
     Legislators have agreed that the GI Bill has favored private colleges. Needs to be adjusted for support for attending public institutions.
     Saddleback guy comes up to describe IVC and Saddleback veterans programs. Veterans benefits offices per campus. Work study students work at these offices. Over 90% of our veterans under "New" GI Bill of Rights. Bill passed in 2009. That resulted in a tremendous increase in student veteran population. Great increase in amount of money. Old bill: $1400 per month. New: $2000 per month and VA pays college fees and book stipend. A significant increase, thus increased number of veterans going to college.
     Increase in veterans on campus 100% at IVC and 130% at SC since new GI Bill.
     Providing deferrals (while vets waiting for VA money).
     How to improve services?
     We were quick to provide priority registration at our colleges.
     Residency status: services have been very successful in securing this status for vets (in one semester, typically).
     If benefits increase, as they might, we need more staffing.
     Another speaker: Terrence Nelson. Our district has been good about working out interface with government. (This guy is a relatively good speaker. Has various recommendations about what can be done next, what needs to be done.)
     We do substantial outreach. Etc. Passes on to Darryl Cox of IVC. Darryl had veterans in the room stand up: quite a few. Speaks of locating the vets in the library: why put all these bulls in this china shop?, asked Darryl. But the library has embraced the vets and the vets have embraced the library.
     We're very proud to have first veterans resource center in our region. Tell story of vet in crisis, just today (at office).
     Darryl: veterans come to center, realize they're not alone. Very important.
     Dedicated veterans counselor hired (at Saddleback, I believe).
     Need more job opportunities for vets on campus. We need child care services.
     Full time veterans counselor at IVC much needed.
     WELL, AS IT TURNS OUT, I was wrong, and this veterans presentation is quite worthwhile (albeit uneven, a bit unfocused). I'm glad they gave it. Pretty inspiring stuff. Kudos to Nancy for asking for it. Kudos to those who gave it. Kudos to all involved in providing these services.
     I for one will look for ways to support these people and their services, as I'm sure many of you have already been doing. I very worthy bunch. Good people, very deserving of our support.

Questions/comments:

Meldau: very proud of what we're doing. Supporting these vets during this reduction of forces very important.
Prendergast: emphasizes "legislative task force" efforts on behalf of veterans.
Milchiker: really appreciate the presentation. This is very important.

Consent calendar:
A couple of things pulled.

5.16. Payment to Jay (Jay abstains). 5 yes votes
5.17 Payment of Milchiker (Milchiker abstains). 5 yes votes

6.1 Public hearing, proposed agreement, blah, blah, blah.
     Most of these "general action items" are pretty routine, unremarkable, I suppose. (Part of the problem is that they're hard to understand. The board made an "agreement" for "energy services." OK, I guess so. I have no idea what that means, nor is there any effort to clarify matters either on the agenda or during the meeting.)
. . .
etc.
. . .
6.5 Board Policy revisions "for review and study"
. . .
6.7 Ac. Personnel Actions. Unanimously approved
6.8 Classified Personnel Actions. Unanimously approved.

Reports:

7.1 info item
7.2 College speakers.
7.3 Basic Aid report
. . .
Lang gets in the weeds.
. . .
7.4
7.5
. . .
yadda yadda
7.6
. . .
7.7
. . .

8. Reports of constituent groups:
Saddleback College Academic Senate: elections. Bob Cosgrove will be back as Senate Prez. Comments that the meetings are much better tonewise than what they once were. (Not first such comment tonight.)
Faculty Association (union): Lewis says he won't be coming back. New leadership elected as of tonight. Comments on improvements in atmosphere in last few years. Incredibly pleasant now. Working with Bugay and Poertner, very good.
IVC Ac. Senate: echoes earlier sentiments. I'll be stepping down too (Lisa Davis Allen). New Prez coming in (Kathy Schmeidler).
Peebles (econ development):....
IVC Prez: ..... It's been an honor to work with you two (Lisa, Lewis).
SC Prez: ..... Yadda yadda. Created an award, named after Richard McCullough
Bugay: speaks in praise of Lisa Davis Allen, Lewis Long, et al.
Etc.

(Addendum: A couple of things of interest found in the agenda:

These expenditures (contracts) are anything but self-explanatory

All of these passed, of course