November 13-15, 2014 was the Fall State Plenary for the Academic Senate of California Community Colleges (ASCCC). Skyline College Academic Senate President Kate Williams Browne, Vice President Stephen Fredricks, and Secretary Leigh Anne Shaw attended to represent Skyline College. Through session attendance, meetings, and resolution writing and voting, they were able to learn volumes about the directions that the CCC Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) is leading the CCC system and how the ASCCC is ensuring faculty voice in this era of quick legislation.
Executive Vice Chancellor Patrick Perry gave an informative and data-filled presentation on the Student Success Initiative and the goals being set for CCCs – this has direct impact on our own campus efforts towards student success. Presentation materials may be found at http://www.asccc.org/events/2014/11/2014-fall-plenary-session
Leigh Anne Shaw, together with members from the Chancellor’s Office and Adult Basic Education, spoke on a keynote panel entitled “Adult Education at a Crossroads.” The panel discussed AB 86 legislation and its impact on CCCs and Adult Education providers; it was followed by a breakout session, “Exploring New Possibilities for Student Success Through Noncredit.”
Of the many informative sessions attended, most notable were sessions discussing gender equity and diversity, the Student Success Initiative’s implementation, and discussions of the 50% Law and the need to redefine the term “instructional” in a modern era. The Skyline College leadership plans to lead its local senate in refining many practices pertaining to the following:
- Balloting and the Brown Act
- Greater senate engagement in critical processes and plans such as SSSP, Equity, Basic Skills, Common Assessment Initiative, and AB 86
- Impact of impending initiatives such as the Online Education Initiative, Common Assessment Initiative, and the Education Planning Initiative
For more information, all are welcome to attend a senate meeting, the dates of which can be found at this link: http://www.skylinecollege.edu/academicsenate/schedule.php
(Pictured from left: Doug Hirzel, President of Cañada College Senate; Kate Williams Browne; Stephen Fredricks; Leigh Anne Shaw)
Article by Leigh Anne Shaw| Photo by Diana Bennett
