Area Report for Board of Trustees
As we edge closer to commencement, there have been several activities and events on campus. I would like to highlight a few during this exciting but extremely busy time of year. Unity Week was an exciting time on campus! As my first experience with Unity Week I attended some great sessions and heard from wonderful, passionate speakers who discussed the realities and complexities of being a 1st generation student on college campuses. The week ended with our Parade of Nations with students representing over 80 nations participating. In addition, various offices and departments marched in the parade which circled campus. The parade was thrilling, exciting and showcased the pride our community has for Highline College. Many thanks to the Unity Week planning team and our International Student Programs office for their collaboration and vision.
The following day was our Spring Gala, a fun evening for many of our staff, faculty and community members where we raised funds for student assistance and scholarships. The event was very successful, and I thank all those who participated and contributed toward providing financial opportunities for our students. A special thank you to the Foundation Board and Institutional Advancement for their hard work in creating an exciting evening.
My office sponsored our 1st “Pizza with the President” – a lunchtime session with our students where they could ask questions and provide feedback on how the college can better assist them. The event was well attended, and students actually stayed to chat after getting their pizza. Beginning next fall, my office will sponsor a monthly “President’s Hour” with students and I look forward to creating this recurring, dedicated opportunity with our students where I can continue to learn from them.
The college is currently celebrating student achievements throughout the various departments/divisions/programs that will continue until commencement. It has been touching to hear the faculty’s glowing comments when recognizing the student work ethic and academic success in their classes. I had the opportunity to attend the Pure and Applied Sciences Student Awards Banquet. The room was full of students, their families, our staff and faculty. The division provided a fun evening, recognizing our students while eating some great food. There was such pride in that room. I look forward to attending next year.
Another well attended event held was the 37th Annual Women in Action Awards sponsored by the Office of Women’s Programs. Students, staff and faculty from around campus were recognized for their leadership, passion and dedication to their community. Thank you to Women’s Programs for creating another successful event. In addition, last week we had our first Equity Development Institute. Over 400 staff and faculty attended and participated in various workshops. I truly appreciate the work of those who attended. The subject matter is not always easy or comfortable to discuss. However, it provided an opportunity for our college to take a critical look at our practices and mission. The work is continuous, and our college will continue to move forward to address these matters of equity, agency and inclusion.
And finally, the state passed one of the best budgets in years for higher education. There is funding for key programs, funding for CTC staff and faculty with a dedicated funding source and funding for several Capital projects in the system. I want to thank the many staff, faculty and trustees who traveled numerous times to testify and advocate for our system in Olympia. Their persistence and passion changed minds and ultimately votes that will serve our system for years to come. The work must continue to make sure funding for programs continue in the future. But for now, it’s important to celebrate this significant milestone.
Report submitted May 10, 2019, by President John R. Mosby, Ph.D.