Monday, October 9, 2006

Measure C Bond Modernization Program Spending Plan Summary

On October 10, the Board of Trustees will discuss the proposed $249.5 million spending plan for the Measure C Bond Modernization Program. The Measure C plan incorporates a range of creative ideas into a cohesive and affordable building program for both the Indian Valley and Kentfield campuses. Many individuals and groups have contributed significant time and energy in developing the plan, which culminates months of complex research, study, discussion, public forums, committee meetings, and charettes. The District Modernization Committee recommended the plan at its September 25 meeting.

At Indian Valley Campus, the bond program includes the replacement of the Auto Technology buildings with a Transportation Technology Complex and a new Main Building Complex in the vicinity of Parking Lot 2.

At Kentfield, the program includes modernization of several buildings, including the Diamond PE Complex, Learning Resource Center, Fusselman Hall, and the Performing Arts Building. A new instructional building housing science, mathematics, nursing, a central utility plant, and the District’s data center will be built in the footprint of Dickson Hall and the Dance/Landscape and DSPS buildings. The Fine Arts Annex to the Performing Arts Building will be replaced with a new Fine Arts Building, and a new Gateway Complex at the corner of Sir Francis Drake and College Avenue will replace the Administration Building, Olney Hall, Harlan Center, and Business Management Center.

How does the current modernization spending plan address the Measure C Bond directives?
Thirty of the 44 projects listed in the original Facilities Master Plan are included in the current plan. For example, both plans call for modernization of Fusselman Hall and the PE Center. In addition, both plans include a new academic and support facility, which is now called the Gateway Complex in the current iteration. Both plans also support a main building complex at Indian Valley.

Changes to the original plan are the result of several factors, including new data resulting from detailed facilities assessment studies; suggestions made during charettes; recommendations by participating constituents; and rising construction prices.

One such variation from the 3DI plan is that while the original includes a new LRC and a modernized Science Building at Kentfield the current plan calls for a modernized LRC and a new Science Building. This refinement addresses several factors: the significant growth in the college’s science program in recent years; a more detailed assessment indicating that the condition of the Science Building is much worse than previously known; and recommendations by constituents participating in the charettes to consolidate the campus north of the creek.

Does the current spending plan address the Measure C directives?
Every project in the current spending plan addresses one or more of the directives in the Measure C bond language. The bond, for example, calls for the District to “repair, upgrade, modernize, maintain, equip and/or replace [the] Kentfield science center … upgrade and modernize classrooms, science labs and facilities for nursing … [and make] disabled access [and] safety improvements.” The proposed construction of a Science/Math/Central Plant Complex, which will also house the District’s nursing program, addresses all of these directives and more.

How does the current plan incorporate ideas raised in the spring charettes?
The ideas generated by the spring charettes can be loosely categorized into three groups: program-level ideas that can be included in the current spending plan; detailed ideas that will be addressed during the design phase of each individual project; and visionary, long-term ideas that are outside the scope of the current bond.

Various concepts found in the current plan, including preserving views of Mt. Tam, saving trees, constructing sustainable buildings, and creating a formal sense of arrival or gateway at the corner of Sir Francis Drake and College Avenues, were engendered by the Kentfield charettes. Similarly, various ideas resulted from the Indian Valley Campus charettes such as: a strong preference for sustainability, recognition of preserving cultural resources, and continuance of the transportation technology program.

Additional charettes ideas that are more detailed in nature include: keeping buildings low, adding photovoltaics or solar panels to buildings, and creating gathering spaces for students, staff, and faculty. These ideas have been captured in the program’s goals, principles, and guidelines, which individual project architects will incorporate into their project designs as appropriate.

Some of the visionary, long-term charettes ideas are outside the scope of the Measure C bond. These ideas (e.g., complete reconfiguration of the campuses, new cafeterias, amphitheaters, and community centers) are not included in the current bond spending plan but will be kept under consideration for future planning.

Anyone interested in learning more about the results of the charettes should go to the District website, www.marin.edu, and click on Measure C; Presentations and Briefings; Campus Groups/Constituents; 4/19/06 Presentation – Charette Reports – Overview of Campus Charettes.

back to top

Testing Office update

The following memorandum will highlight some of the key points of recent dialogues concerning use of the College of Marin Testing Office. It should be noted that the task force involved in these discussions is working to develop recommendations. The task force included Walter Turner, Maula Allen, Peter Kassebaum, Hank Fearnley, Patrick Kelly, Wendy Ullman, Patricia Torres, Dee Fraites, Susan Andrien, and Anita Martinez. This memorandum will be recommended to the President and Board of Trustees for adoption as a District Procedure.

Memorandum
The College of Marin Testing Office provides a secure and distraction-reduced environment for proctoring a wide assortment of placement, eligibility, and evaluation exams including English and Math Placement, Chemistry Placement, GED testing, Music Placement, Ability to Benefit Testing, Career Testing, TOEFL, NEMT Testing, Credit ESL Placement Testing, Non-credit ESL Placement Testing, and (starting this semester) Nursing Placement Exams. The Testing Office also proctors: 1) tests for students who have qualified through DSP&S for extended time, 2) make-up exams for distance learning courses, and 3) academic make-up exams.

During the last several years student use of the Testing Office for all of the above services has increased. There is currently a Testing Office Task Force that includes representatives from faculty, administration and the Testing Office staff. The Task Force is discussing both long-term and short-term concerns regarding the services of the Testing Office.

To deal with the problem in the long term, the current Testing Office Task Force is working to develop a set of recommendations that will address the increasing use of testing services, the staffing of the testing office, and solutions for additional space for testing services. For the short term (the next six weeks), COM Faculty should abide by the following guidelines for Testing Office Services. Please announce to your classes and reflect if possible in your course syllabi.

1. Instructors who refer students to the Testing Office for testing must offer the test on campus at least once; the Testing Office should not be the only site where any test is offered.
2. Students may take make-up tests in the Testing Office by appointment only. All students must provide a valid ID in order to take an exam in the Testing Office.
3. Students are to be informed that due to demand for Testing Office services there will be peak times when exams must be scheduled on an "as space available" basis. They must book tests a week in advance.
4. The Testing Office will not give tests without clear and exact instructions from the instructor. Instructors must complete the "Instructor's Test Directions" form each time a test is sent to testing. Instructors must ensure that the test is in the Testing Office in a timely manner. The Testing Office does not have the capacity to store tests.
5. With the exception of distance learning course tests and DSP&S-approved testing, academic testing is available only for the use of students who have circumstances that prevent the taking of the test in class. These circumstances include family emergencies, academic scheduling conflicts, and circumstances beyond their control.

back to top

Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests

The Deadline for submitting completed Sabbatical Leave Applications for fiscal year 2007-2008 is October 15, 2006. Please submit a complete description of your intended leave program, including sufficient detail for evaluation and comparison with other applications. Also, please state the manner in which your proposed program will benefit the District. The forms, Sabbatical Leave Application form F 5.6.2 (a) and Guidelines for Sabbatical Applications F 5.6.2 (b) are located in the CBA SPECIFIC FORMS section in the back of the MCCD - UPM/AFT Contract. The applicable section for Sabbatical Leave in the contract is 5.6 and may be found under Article 5: Leaves. Please submit completed applications no later than October 15, 2006 to Human Resources or Matthew Priewe's mailbox in the KTD Mail Room LC 70. If you have any questions, please contact: Matthew Priewe, (Sabbatical Committee Chair) at 415- 485-9476 or matthew.priewe@marin.edu.

back to top

COM Children’s Center passes contract review

The Department of Education has approved COM’s Child Development contract. The Center received high scores for environment and developmentally appropriate toddler and preschool education and care. Congratulations to Interim Director Beth Root, Children’s Center teachers, and staff.

back to top

Please note change in the room reservation process

Please note that there has been a change of duties in the Office of Instructional Management. From this point forward, Heidi Samayoa, COM’s new Curriculum and Articulation Technician, will schedule room reservations and room changes. You can contact Heidi by calling extension 7374 or email,

back to top

District Modernization Tree Preservation and Removal Project

Tree work at the Kentfield campus will take place this week at three locations: Circle Drive in front of the Fine Arts building; Parking Lot 16 on the corner of Sir Francis Drake and Laurel Avenue; and Parking Lot 17 on Laurel Avenue. The work at Circle Drive begins on Monday, October 9 and continues through Wednesday, October 11. On Thursday, October 12, the tree work will continue in parking lot 16 on the corner of Sir Francis Drake and Laurel Avenue. The parking lot will be barricaded on Wednesday and Thursday for safety purposes. Parking Lot 17 on Laurel Avenue will be cordoned off on Thursday, October 12 in preparation for work on Friday, October 13, including removal of the black walnut tree. The parking lot barricades will be coordinated by Tom Burke and campus police.

back to top

How to update or create a webpage

Send an e-mail request, including your name, or the name and e-mail address of the person responsible for page content in your department, and the date that you wish the information to be published, to Senior Creative Designer Hector Seguel.

Please specify the following in the body of the e-mail

• URL of the page to be edited or where you would like the link to your new page to be placed.
• Revisions to the existing page or a copy of the new file that you want to publish in PDF or html format.
• Once the edits have been made or your new page has been published, you will receive an e-mail with a link to the page for review. For more information contact Hector at extension 7524.

back to top

Which way did they go? Office moves summary

Several staff members have moved offices. Vice President Anita Martinez has moved to HC 100, and her Assistant Carol Scialli is in HC 109. Director of Organizational Development, Research, and Planning Dr. Bernie Blackman has moved to AC 101. Director of Modernization V-Anne Chernock has moved to AC 116, and her new assistant Cindi Clinton is in AC 118. Director of Academic Services and Articulation Cari Pogan has moved to TB 127. Dean Nanda Schorske no longer has a second office in the AC building or on the Kentfield campus. Dean of Arts and Humanities David Snyder has moved to HC 208, and his Administrative Assistant Eileen Acker has moved to HC 222. Communications and Community Relations Director Cathy Summa-Wolfe has moved to AC 104 and her new assistant Karen Pratt has moved to AC 103. English Department Assistant Mina Namvar moved from HC 101 to HC 125 and Community Education staff members Maureen Ritzel and Tanner Smyrl moved to HC 101.

back to top

KUDOS!

A solo art exhibit entitled Local Color: Marin Views consisting of the paintings of ESL credit instructor Linda Lieberman, will be on display from October 1 through November 29 at the Mill Valley Public Library, located at 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. The show is mostly composed of a number of Linda’s plein air paintings. For hours and directions call (415) 389-4292, Ext. 203.

Nearly 200 students participated in Transfer Day 2006, held on September 28 at the Kentfield campus. There were 42 college and university representatives from California UCs, CSUs and Independent schools, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oregon. COM Counseling, Financial Aid, and Transfer offices also took part. Janice Austin, Transfer and Career Center Technician, partnered for the first time with the Black Student Union to organize the event. The Alpha Gamma Sigma club helped welcome visitors setting up booths and guiding the representatives to campus locations. Anita Martinez, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, gave the welcome address to school representatives at the breakfast, which was held in the Staff Lounge.

Many thanks to Bob Thompson and the Maintenance and Operations staff members who helped with all of the recent office moves. Also, thanks to all those in IT who helped move and install equipment in support of the recent office moves, Brian Chi, David Gardiner, Chris Edmondson and Maryann Kaehler.

Congratulations to Jim Bravelli and Coach Chris Augusto for the success of their recent fundraisers!

back to top

Upcoming

The next meeting of the District Modernization Committee is Monday, October 9, 2006 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in AC 108, Kentfield Campus. DMC meetings are open meetings. For further information contact Elizabeth Tucker at (415) 457-8811 ext. 8139.

The Cinema League is hosting a Film Screening, of student works in progress. This will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Olney Hall 96, Kentfield Campus. Admission is Free. For information call Vicki Lamke, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Student Affairs. (415) 485-9376.

The Health Science Department will be conducting their annual Community Health Project with Head Start children on Tuesday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 18. You can expect the Harlan Center quad area as well as HC 174, HC 124 & HC 171 to be a little noisier on those days. For information call Joan Rinaldi, Administrative Assistant, Nursing (415) 485-9319.

The Fine Arts Gallery is featuring a new exhibit of ceramics and drawings by Visual and Fine Arts Instructor Bill Abright titled Mask. The exhibit runs through November 10. The exhibit is open to the public free of charge. Gallery hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception for the artist will be held on Tuesday, October 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit has been designed by COM’s Fine Arts Gallery Director Andrea Antonaccio. For more information call (415) 485-9494.

The College of Marin Theatre Arts Department presents Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin. The performances will take place on October 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8:00 p.m. and on October 15 and 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater, Kentfield Campus. Admission is $15 general and $12 for students/seniors/alumni and COM employees. Box Office Hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour before curtain. To reserve your tickets please call (415) 485-9385. Directed by Jeffrey Bihr, this classic comedy rocketed Judy Holiday to Tony Award and Oscar stardom!

The ASEC Emeritus Center is hosting an art exhibit featuring work by COM artists, including paintings in oil, encaustic, water color, pastel, and acrylic. At the entrances to the center you will find a list of the artists, the names of their paintings, and prices, in case you are doing your holiday shopping early this year! The center is open weekdays. A reception for the artists will be held on November 8, the last day of the show, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information contact Len Pullan, lenshir@earthlink.net.

Parent Orientation Night will be held Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Staff Lounge of the Student Services Center on the Kentfield Campus. Topics for the presentation include: Transfer Programs, Occupational Training Programs, Associate Degrees, Student Services, and Counseling. The event features two dynamic student speakers, Michaela Sugarman and Ned Klein. Parents of new students are asked to RSVP by calling 415- 485-9431. Robert Flynn, Counselor, and Alexandra Magallanes-Rivera, Counselor, are hosting the event.

Modernization projects underway this week: Storm Drain Repairs, Project Number 401A, begin this week at Indian Valley Campus south of Miwok cluster toward the Perimeter Road, Ignacio Blvd., and the Corporation Yard. The contract work will start on Tuesday, October 10. The contractor will stake out work areas and perform survey work at the Corporation Yard.

Gas Main Replacement, Project Number 410A, is continuing at Indian Valley Campus near Power Plant 2, the pedestrian bridge, and all points of connection between Power Plant 2 and the Corporation Yard. A scheduled Gas Main shut down will occur from Tuesday, October 10 through Wednesday, October 11. During this time the seismic valve at Power Plant 2 will be replaced and a small leak in the system at the pedestrian bridge between the central glade and Ohlone Cluster will be repaired. The entire Gas Main system will be retested and the ignition points will be re-lit on Wednesday afternoon. The contract work is expected to be complete on Thursday, October 12.

Educational Excellence Innovation Fund Call for Submissions You are invited to submit a proposal for an Educational Excellence Innovation Fund (EEIF) grant. The EEIF will provide seed money encouraging College of Marin’s faculty and staff to “dream out loud” by developing innovative ideas to improve teaching and learning at the College of Marin. Faculty proposals should be submitted to U.D.W.C. per Article 8.3 of the UP.M. contract by November 1, 2006 for projects to begin spring 2007. Administrators and staff must submit their proposals to the President’s Office by November 1, 2006 for projects to begin spring 2007. The EEIF is one of the Board of Trustees Annual Priorities. EEIF is partially funded by the general fund and by private funds raised by COM’s President’s Circle. EEIF funds provide opportunities for excellence in teaching, learning, institutional planning, professional development, and support for academic and culturally diverse programs and services. For more information or to request an application form, please contact the President's Office.

back to top

Together, we can make great things happen!
Frances L. White, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President

President's Monday Briefing webpage
Technical Contact: Nicole Cruz, Admin. Assist., 415-485-9648   x7648
Content Responsible: Cathy Summa-Wolfe, Dir. of Communications & Community Relations, 415-485-9528