Area Report for Board of Trustees

Dear Board of Trustees,

The Student Services Division remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality, student-centered support that enhances the overall student experience at Highline College. As enrollment continues to increase, our dedicated staff—under the leadership of the Vice President of Student Services, deans, and associate deans—are actively leveraging tools, resources, and innovative strategies to ensure that every student receives the guidance and assistance they need to succeed.

Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and needs of our student population, our teams are working diligently to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to engage in their educational journey. This work is especially critical given the current social and political climate in our state and across the nation, which presents unique challenges for many of our students.

From enhancing advising and enrollment processes to strengthening mental health support and student engagement initiatives, Student Services is continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community. Through these efforts, we are not only supporting student retention and success but also reinforcing Highline College’s commitment to access, equity, and academic excellence.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and the dedicated professionals who serve them.

Kind regards,

Dr. Jamilyn Penn, VPSS

Strategic Enrollment

Enrollment is on the rise at Highline College. The Advising and Enrollment Services Departments have been tracking enrollment trends. Current data reflects the following:

• Winter Graduation Application status
  • 181 total applications as of 2/11/2025
• Winter enrollment
  • FTEs: 6293 compared to 5752 on the same date in Winter 2024.
  • Headcount: 9088 compared to 8864 on the same date in Winter 2024.
  • Admissions Applications received
    • Spring 2025 – 819 as of 2/10/2025
    • Spring 2024 – 715 as of 2/10/2024
• International enrollment numbers:
  • Winter quarter 2025 enrollment: 306 headcount (282 FTE)

• Winter quarter 2024: 246 headcount (234 FTE)

Service Delivery Excellence

• Workforce Education Services (WES) hosted a Resource Fair on February 12, 2025. At the fair, there was a Mobile Community Service Office (CSO). The Mobile CSO is a portable office operated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that travels to various sites to offer DSHS services to individuals facing transportation challenges or residing in rural areas. A significant number of Highline College students receive food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and various other services provided by DSHS. However, students frequently encounter challenges in accessing the offices or obtaining assistance by telephone. Individuals may access the following services via the Mobile CSO:
• Apply for benefits at the Mobil office
• Perform a review of current resources
• Conduct interviews, submit documentation, and revise current cases
• Request for an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card
• Address questions to complete application for services and perform further related tasks
• The CCIE Winter Series Program Rest as Resistance| A Day of Mindfulness was held on Thursday February 13th from 10 AM to 1PM in Building 8. Program planning was a collaboration of the Counseling Center, the Center, and the Trauma-Informed Yoga & A Sound Bath, including teacher Faraji Blakeney.
• Services & Activities Fee (S&A) Budget Proposals were due February 10, 2025. Presentations take place February 18-27. The committee is actively reviewing budget proposal requests and looking forward to presenting final budget approvals to The Board of Trustees.

Development and Integration of (EDI) Framework

• International Student Programs (ISP) hosted several activities and events to support international students’ engagement and learning. The activities included the following:
• • 1/22- Vietnamese Tet celebration
  • 1/27- Ice Skating joint activity with CLS
  • 1/30-International Transfer Fair. The fair was open to both international and domestic students, and was coordinated with ISP, Advising, the Career Center, and TRIO.
• ISP is partnering with ALPS language school in Capitol Hill to help students reach their English language ability goals before transferring to Highline College’s college-level programs. This particular collaboration will last until ISP moves towards implementation of Highline College’s intensive English program for international students, which is slated to begin in fall 2025.

• Student Life is in the process of hiring for the Inaugural Q Center Leadership Advisor. This position will oversee the Q Center, and build intentional community for Queer Folx and their allies across the college community

Student Services Events and Celebrations

• Commencement Save the Dates were sent out to students, faculty, and staff on Monday February 10^th. This year, Commencement will be held at Emerald Downs on June 12, 2025
• Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams are in the home stretch of the season. It looks like both teams will make a playoff run.
• *Spring Sports practices (Tennis, golf, and softball) have begun.
• The Athletic Department would like to thank the Board for their support of the new waiver amounts.

Report submitted by Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Jamilyn Penn