COMmunity Report“May you live in interesting times,” states a purported Chinese proverb. Interesting times, indeed.

This year we’ve elected a new President during a historic political season, been rocked by a devastating financial crisis, and debated America’s role in an increasingly complex world. Every day, and especially in times like these, College of Marin is here to prepare students to think critically, improve job skills, and feed their passion for lifelong learning.

In 2008, College of Marin grew to meet Marin’s changing needs. I’ve outlined some of our major achievements to help you understand the myriad changes underway at our local college. Some changes are plain to see; others are taking place behind the scenes in classrooms and labs. Together, teachers, students, administrators, and community members like you are building a stronger institution to help our COMmunity flourish.

Accreditation Reaffirmed
The College stands in good stead heading into 2009. In July, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC), fully reaffirmed the college’s accreditation. A testament to the hard work of our outstanding faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees, the reaffirmation of accreditation underscores the solid foundation on which the college’s academic programs are based. From here the institution looks forward to continuing the momentum and aiming higher in achieving excellence.

Of course, College of Marin has always been known for setting the academic bar high with excellent instructors working in small college classroom settings. Underscoring this point, on July 16, 2008, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the appointment of Kay Ryan as the 16th U. S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.

Kay has taught basic skills English part-time at College of Marin for more than 30 years. In addition to teaching in the community college system, Kay is a community college alumna having attended Antelope Community College for two years before transferring to UCLA where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She is a wonderful example of what community college students can achieve and join’s the ranks of other community college success stories, including such luminaries as Robin Williams, actor and College of Marin alumnus; Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Governor; Eileen Collins, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut; George Lucas, film maker; Joyce Luther Kennard, California Supreme Court justice; and Jim Sinegal, Costco Wholesale Corporation CEO among others.

Additionally, Biology Professor Joe Mueller received the 2008 Terwilliger Environmental Award, given to an educator who has demonstrated active involvement in teaching the public to appreciate and protect the natural environment and by doing so improved the Bay Area. These are but two examples of the many shining stars making a difference in our students’ lives.

To continue fostering teaching excellence, the president’s Educational Excellence Innovation Fund (EEIF) allows faculty to dream out loud. About thirty initiatives have benefited from EEIF, including Business and Economics Learning Communities, Study Abroad, Medical Simulation Methodology for Nursing Education, Sustainable Community Garden, La Academia, Study Abroad, and Project Accuplacer, among others. For the past three year’s the College of Marin President’s Circle has organized fundraising breakfasts to espouse EEIF. It is through the continued backing of our generous community that innovative programs like this in support of education excellence are possible.

Enrollment Gains
Enrollment increased again this year, solidifying a turnaround two years in the making. Through such efforts as offering new programs, offering additional high demand classes, and reducing the number of low enrolled classes, we grew the student body by two percent this fall. In particular, IVC continued to see significant growth, and now serves more than 1000 credit students. At IVC, new programs we added in response to Marin’s needs include Solar Tech and the Early Bridge to College. Additionally, we approved a memo of understanding with the Marin Conservation Corps to develop an Organic Farm that will support our Environmental Landscape program and the Corp’s Organic Farm and Garden Program.
Students come to College of Marin for a variety of reasons. Many complete undergraduate requirements to transfer to four-year universities, including the University of California, California State University, and private schools. Others seek to re tool job skills to take advantage of new workforce opportunities. Many look to improve their lives through basic education, improved English language skills, or lifelong learning.
Support services also play an important role in student success. At College of Marin we are fortunate to be able to offer high quality student services in the areas of career and academic counseling, tutorials, and financial aid among many others.

In July 2008, College of Marin was certified to implement the Puente Project, a highly acclaimed English and mentoring program that supports underrepresented students’ transfers to four-year universities. The mission of the Puente Project is to increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.

Student success is the greatest measure of our success and we are extremely proud of all of those who have passed through our doors to realize great success.

One recent alumnus in particular personifies the foundation of success College of Marin provides. Chris Hulls’ startup, Life360, was selected as a first place winner in the Google Android Developer Challenge earlier this year. Out of 1,788 entries, Life360 was one of the top 10 companies to be awarded a $275,000 prize. After studying at COM, Hulls transferred to UC Berkeley, and was accepted to the Harvard Business School. The CEO of Life360, Hulls credits COM Business and Information Systems Professor Robert Kennedy for much of his current success, calling College of Marin, “a desirable option…a springboard to a higher path.”

Modernization Program on Schedule
If you’ve visited either of our campuses lately, no doubt you’ve seen the future starting to take shape before your eyes. Our Measure C bond modernization program reached several major milestones this past year, with the start of construction on the first of seven major building projects, half a dozen major infrastructure projects, and two significant relocation projects.

In Kentfield, the Diamond PE Center renovation continues on schedule, with completion slated for 2009. The modernized facility will include a photovoltaic system designed to produce half of the PE Center’s electric needs, signaling the College’s serious commitment to sustainability.
At IVC, we’ve broken ground on two building projects – the modernization of the Transportation Technology Complex and the New Main Building – with construction finishing in early 2010. Three other building projects are well along in the design process, and two should be in construction by next summer. The last (seventh) project will start design after receiving a decision from the State Chancellor’s Office about funding support.
In addition to the seven building projects, the District has undertaken nearly two dozen infrastructure projects since the inception of the bond program.

Most recently, two heat-exchange “geothermal” fields are completed (one on each campus), and other utility projects are well underway on each campus. A new bridge across Corte Madera Creek in Kentfield will start construction by the end of 2008, and Ignacio Creek erosion problems have been mitigated on the Indian Valley campus.

Planning, designing, scheduling, and constructing these projects have been made possible by the collaborative efforts of five architectural teams, District administrators, Swinerton program managers, several engineering firms and specialty consultants, and building users (faculty, staff, and students). High participation from the user groups, in particular, has enhanced the designs for the buildings and will result in buildings that meet the instructional needs of the college.

As important as what the program involves is how we are doing it. To that end, sustainability initiatives include LEED certification for all building projects, a transportation demand management program for both campuses, mitigation measures to address the potential environmental impacts of construction, and studies to advance the college’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

Just as significant, the Measure C Citizen’s Oversight Committee members stated that they are “pleased with the results of the District’s efforts on the Measure C bond program” in its most recent report on our modernization progress and finances. You can view committee reports on the Measure C website at www.marin.edu/MeasureC.

The modernization program also involves updating the technology used within our facilities. This year, we continue implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which automates and streamlines core operating processes, including finances, enrollment, human resources and other activities. Through the new system, thousands of students have successfully registered using our new MyCOM portal, which is accessible through the college’s newly upgraded website.

Thanks to the generous support of the Marin community, we continue building today for a better and brighter tomorrow.

Managing Finances Wisely
College of Marin knows that the community trusts us to manage our finances prudently. Funded by local and state government revenue, it’s a responsibility we take very seriously. The college’s fiscal health is characterized by a balanced budget and healthy reserves. Our 2007-08 unrestricted operating revenues totaled $43.3 million, and unrestricted operating expenditures were $44.1 million. Our $4.6 million ending general fund balance resulted in a 10.5 percent reserve.

College of Marin students received over $6.5 million in state and federally funded financial aid support. Over 50 percent of College of Marin students received financial aid last year.

Looking Forward
Without a doubt, 2008 marked a watershed year in the development and growth of College of Marin. The refortified foundation that the college has built will serve us well in 2009. Students will continue learning, relying on our teachers and staff to help them shape their futures. Through it all – in these most exciting of times – we continue to serve our COMmunity.

With so many good things happening at College of Marin – your college – I encourage you to stop by and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
(Please note: This COMmunity Report is an excerpt of the report that was mailed to Marin County residents on November 29, 2008.)

Open Enrollment Period and Section 125 PlanThis is a reminder that the annual open enrollment period for health plan benefits is now through January 16, 2009. During open enrollment, you may enroll in or change to another District offered health plan. The open enrollment memos are currently being distributed to staff via campus mail. The memo will identify the increased rates and the benefit cap for each group. The new rates take effect February 1, 2009 and premium increases will be reflected on your January paycheck.

Enrollment forms are available in Human Resources and in Payroll.

If you wish to enroll in the Section 125 plan, for out-of-pocket monthly premium expenses, or other plan options, please note that the deadline signing up for that benefit is December 15, 2008.

Disabled Students Program is Moving to the Learning Resource CenterOn December 11 and 12 the Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) will move to new offices on the second floor of the Learning Resource Center. DSPS counselors and reception will be located in Room 115. Staff offices, learning disability testing, and the High Tech Center Lab will be in Room 136. If you need to contact DSPS during the move please call x7406. Individual staff phones will be out of order on December 11 and 12. DSPS will be back in full operation on Monday December 15. DSPS staff will host a welcoming party after the first of the year. Please drop by and checkout their new facilities.

January Flex Program UpdateJanuary 2009 Flex workshops are listed below. Additional workshops may be scheduled. Be sure to check the Faculty and Staff Calendar on the College Homepage for workshop information, dates, times and updates. Flex guidelines, the Flex hours obligation formula and additional information are posted on the Staff Development Web Page on the college web site. Flex workshops are open to all faculty and staff.
Note: Fall 2008 Flex Verification Forms are due in the Human Resources Office by Friday, December 19. Forms can be downloaded from the Staff Development Web Page.

Wednesday, January 14
From MyCOM Class Roster to Excel 2007 Gradebook is Easy, Really!
10 a.m. to noon, SC 145
Presenter: Alice Dieli
Email alice.dieli@marin.edu to pre-register as seating is limited.
Learn to paste your MyCOM class roster into Excel 2007 to easily track and calculate student grades. Discover how to delete the information you don’t want and format your students names, test and quiz scores, homework points, etc. to display a current grade at all times. Finally, find out how to sort your information to see the distribution of points to determine quickly the letter grades for mid-term and final grades. Bring a USB flash drive to save your template. Participants will need to have logged on to the MyCOM portal prior to the workshop. This is a hands-on workshop so be sure to pre-register to ensure you have a seat. For more information, feel free to contact Alice Dieli by email or at (415) 457-8811 x7540.

Thursday, January 15
Student Success Institute with Dr. Vincent Tinto
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Student Services Building, Staff Lounge
Lunch included!
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
Dr. Vincent Tinto, a nationally recognized expert on learning communities, student success and retention will facilitate the Student Success Institute sponsored by the College’s Basic Skills Initiative. The morning session from 10 a.m. to noon will focus on what research can tell us about creating a college culture that promotes student success. After lunch, participants will work in self-selected groups to develop a plan based on what they have learned. The BSI will fund participants in implementing some of these plans, so please plan to attend with colleagues with whom you would like to collaborate. Dr. Tinto is currently a Distinguished University Professor at Syracuse University and Chair of the Higher Education Program. For more information about Dr. Tinto and links to articles he has authored, please visit the Staff Development Web Page.

Friday, January 16
(Mandatory Flex Day)
Spring College Convocation
10 a.m. to noon, OH 96
Dr. Vincent Tinto will address the campus community on the topic “Success is Everybody’s Business” and take questions from the audience.
Department Meetings
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Check with your Department Chair for location

Get into the Spirit of the Holidays with OIMIn the spirit of meaningful holiday giving, the Office of Instructional Management has decided that instead of a holiday office gift exchange, that they donate this year to Heifer International, a humanitarian organization which assists families all over the world, including the U.S. Heifer International helps families “become self-sufficient through providing livestock and training, which in turn gives them a steady supply of nutrition in the form of products like eggs and milk, along with a dependable source of income from the sale of products like wool, honey, and produce.” Water buffalo, goats, sheep, llamas, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, beehives, and tree seedlings can be provided. If anyone else at the college is interested in contributing with OIM to Heifer International, please contact Janice Austin, Interim Director, Academic Services and Articulation, at (415) 485-9378. If you would like more information about the organization, please view their website.

Construction NotificationThe entrance to the PE Parking lots 11, 12, and 13 will be closed to vehicular traffic from December 22 through January 2, 2009 due to the PE Photovoltaic Project. Pedestrian access will remain open. The parking lots will be closed, as the trenching will take place across the exit path. This trench will have steel plates over it when construction activity is not occurring. The College Avenue entrance will be closed off with barricades. Emergency vehicles will have access to the lot if needed, as the entrance path will remain undisturbed. Alternate parking is available across the street in Parking Lots 6 and 7 but a College of Marin permit must still be displayed.

Contact Swinerton Management & Consulting at (415) 884-3139 or (415)884-3145 for any questions or comments.

Upcoming

Poetry reading featuring Kay Ryan Book Passage and College of Marin are co-hosting a poetry reading and book signing featuring U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan on Thursday, December 11, 2008, starting at 7 p.m., in Olney Hall. The event is open to the public and free of charge. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students and all to enjoy the work of an extraordinary talent.

Holiday PartyJoin us on Thursday, December 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an all-campus holiday party in the Deedy Staff Lounge, KTD.

Fall Student Dance RecitalThe fall Student Dance Recital will be held on December 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dance Studio, at the Kentfield Campus. Donations at the door of $5 per person will be very much appreciated. The show will include tap, hip-hop, ballroom (tango, foxtrot, salsa routines!), jazz, modern and original student choreography along with Sandi Weldon's dance students. Some guest artists will perform from local theatre groups. For more information please e-mail.

Faculty ExhibitThe COM Faculty exhibit continues through December 12 in the Fine Art Gallery, KTD.

Russian artist Anatoliy Teleshov Associated Students of Emeritus College (ASEC) is sponsoring an exhibit of oil paintings by Russian artist Anatoliy Teleshov (1928-1990) at the Emeritus Center, Student Services Building, Room 146, at the Kentfield campus. The exhibit will be up through December 19, 2008.

Music Department Fall 2008 ConcertsMarin Oratorio (formerly COM Community Chorus)
Boyd Jarrell, Director
Saturday, December 13, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, at 3 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre
Admission $15 general / $10 students, staff, seniors, and COM alumni. Free parking.

Beethoven Birthday Celebration
COM Music Faculty Recital
Tuesday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Lefort Recital Hall (FA 72)
Donation suggested, parking $3

Note – Due to construction on the College of Marin campus, parking lots have been disrupted. People attending performances may use Parking Lot 3 (Circle Drive next to theatre), Parking Lot 4 (Main lot behind Fine Arts Bldg. currently with limited space). Parking Lots 16 and 17 (accessed from Laurel Ave.), and Parking Lot 2 (Across Sir Francis Drake Blvd., near the theatre and accessed via traffic signaled crosswalk).
For additional information on the concerts, call the Music Department at (415) 485-9460.

COM AthleticsLady Mariners are recruiting!
College of Marin women’s basketball team is seeking recruits for the 2008-2009 season. Please contact Head Coach Tannea Nelson at         (510) 418-4894.

Athletics Away Schedule for the Week of December 8:
Women’s Basketball vs. Consumnes River
Wednesday, December 10, at 5 p.m. in Sacramento

Men’s Basketball – Skyline Tournament
Friday to Sunday, December 12 to 14, times TBA, in San Bruno

Results:
Men’s Basketball
Las Positas 89, COM 64

The next Monday Briefing will be published the week of January 19, 2009.

Happy Holidays!

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