Area Report for Board of Trustees

Dear Trustees,

Fall is officially underway and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and possibility across campus. This is always a special time of year—students are settling in, programs are gaining momentum, and there is a collective excitement about what the new academic year holds in store. I am pleased to share a brief update highlighting early fall activity and continued progress in the Student Services Division.

While we are early in the academic year, there are already signs of positive momentum across access, student learning, and community engagement.

Highlights:

1. Enrollment and Access Are Trending Upward
   Our enrollment continues to grow. As of September 23, FTEs are up to 6,089 (from 5,903 last year), and headcount has risen to 8,649. Financial Aid saw a 17% increase in applications—an additional 1,100 students seeking support.
2. Student Engagement and Retention
   Students engaged with the Center for Leadership and Service programs are showing impressive retention gains—between 10–31% higher than peers. This reinforces the impact of co-curricular involvement on student success.
3. Continued Community Advocacy and Involvement
   Highline students will represent the college at the ASGA National Summit in October, meeting with state leaders to advocate for community colleges. The TRIO Talent Search program has h for another year.

Other noteworthy mentions include a steady flow of advising support post-drop/add, an uptick in Running Start enrollment (now 1,506), and a warm, well-attended Fall Carnival hosted at Campus View—where student-athletes continue to play a key role in residential life.

As always, I am grateful for your continued leadership and support. The work ahead is important, and we remain committed to ensuring every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to the opportunities this fall will bring and to sharing more updates with you in the months ahead.

Kind regards,

Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Vice President of Student Services

Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce Barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members

• Enrollment 2025-2026 Snapshot: As of September 23, 2025, (78^th day of registration), FTEs are 6089 (up from 5903 in Fall 2024). Headcount is 8649 (up from 8478 in Fall 2024).
• Since Fall 2024, the Financial Aid Department has seen a 17% increase in application submissions, which is 1100 additional applications submitted for review, approval, and processing.
• The Admissions Department processed 4708 applications in Fall 2025, in comparison to 4652 in Fall 2024. There were 1131 suspected fake applications NOT included in this count.
• From September 15-Steptember 203, 2025, advising staff served 332 students, including five (5) Tukwila Promise students and 327 drop ins who needed assistance with academic plans, financial aid appeals, or other funding related issues after drop/add periods.
• Running Start has 1506 registered for fall quarter 2025.
• Highline College’s TRIO Talent Search has received its 2025–2026 Grant Award Notification (GAN), confirming continued funding for the program during the current fiscal year. Appreciation is extended to the Highline College leadership, the TRIO team, Congressman Adam Smith, and Senator Patty Murray for their ongoing advocacy of TRIO programs.
• Highline College was not selected to receive funding under the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) STEM grant competition. Thank you to all who contributed to developing a strong and competitive grant application. The dedication and collaborative effort demonstrated throughout the process is valued.
• Based on 2024-2025 engagement data from the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS), students who participate in programming from CLS are retained 11% above average for Fall-to-Fall retention. This holds true across most racial group, being retained 10%-31% higher than students who did not participate in at least one CLS event or initiative. This includes Thunderweek programming, Clubs, Global Student Ambassador Events, and ASHC initiatives

Core Theme 2: STUDENT LEARNING, Increase educational success, collaborate to improve

• Career and Transfer staff have been working closely with students on a variety of areas including student employment, resume and cover letters, personal statements, scholarships, job searches with the Handshake software, career exploration with the VitaNavis tool, and transfer preparation.

Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued , visible relationship with communities we serve

• Associated Students of Highline College Leadership will be attending the American Student Government Association National Summit October 9-12. Leaders plan to schedule meetings with state representatives and senators to advocate protecting community colleges, overall, and other related issues facing Highline College’s student body
• Campus View hosted a Fall Carnival for residents. It appears that a great time was had by all: Campus View Residents Enjoying the Fall Carnival

Division Honors and Achievements

• Fall Sports are in Full Swing. All three Fall teams are doing very well. This year’s total number of student athletes is up from last year. Student athletes make up most residents in Campus View housing, to date.

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