Area Report for Board of Trustees

Dear Board of Trustees,

Fall quarter has been a full and active time across the college, with continued momentum in student engagement and campus initiatives.
The Financial Aid Department has experienced a significant increase in activity, with applications up approximately 20% compared to last year. This growth has put added pressure on staff capacity, making it challenging to meet the heightened demand for student support. As a result, there has been increased feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and the Board should anticipate hearing from some of these stakeholders at the upcoming meeting.
At the same time, campus activity across programs remains strong. The TRIO program will host National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 6 to recognize and support first-generation students, while the TRIO Talent Search team is preparing its grant proposal for the 2026–2031 cycle. Enrollment continues to trend upward, with both FTEs and headcount exceeding last fall’s numbers. Student engagement initiatives, including the Issues to Action forum and continued success in athletics, highlight the college’s ongoing commitment to access, community, and student success.
Thank you to the Board for your continued engagement and support. Your partnership is deeply appreciated as we work to strengthen services, expand opportunities, and ensure that every student feels supported and connected to our community.

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

• Over the past several months, the Financial Aid Department has experienced a significant increase in activity and attention across the college community. During the most recent FAFSA and WASFA application period (see related data), financial aid applications increased by approximately 20% compared to the previous year. This surge in demand has contributed to higher student traffic, longer wait times, and increased workload for staff.

As a result, there has been a noticeable rise in feedback and criticism from students, faculty, and staff regarding financial aid services. Concerns have focused on response times, appointment availability, and communication. The Board should anticipate hearing from some of these stakeholders during the upcoming meeting.

In response, several steps have been taken to address both the increased workload and service quality:

Staffing Support: Dr. Penn identified funds within her division budget to hire a part-time employee to help the department manage peak demand and improve response times.

Customer Service Training: All financial aid staff are currently participating in training focused on professionalism, responsiveness, and student-centered communication.

Improved Communication and Collaboration: The department has developed Financial Aid Updates & Resources for Faculty and Staff, a resource designed to ensure faculty and staff have current information and tools to effectively support students navigating the financial aid process.

Expanded Student Outreach: To provide direct assistance, the department plans to host FAFSA/WASFA day and evening workshop sessions on the main campus and at the HUB. These events will offer hands-on support to help students complete their financial aid applications and better understand available resources.

These efforts reflect the department’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and service to students. While challenges remain, the department is actively working to strengthen its operations, address stakeholder concerns, and enhance the overall student experience.

• Foreign High School Diploma transcript review has been a topic of conversation on campus. Dr. Penn recently debriefed what she discovered about the review process after seeking guidance from AAG Justin Kjolseth. The AAG emphasized that the college needs to establish a foreign high school transcript policy and transparent processes for implementation. Further, that information must be shared broadly with the college community. Student Services staff will work in partnership with key stakeholders in the community to develop this policy and the procedures that align with it. (See AAG Recommendations)
• Saturday, November 8, 2025, is the National First-Generation College Celebration Day. To commemorate this day, the TRIO team is hosting a Highline College National First-Generation Day celebration. The event will take place on November 6, 2025 in the TRIO Center in Building 6.
• The TRIO Talent Search (TS)grant writing team is working on the grant draft for the TRIO TS 2026-2031 grant competition. The grant is expected to be published in November or December of this year. The team will have a one-month turnaround submission deadline.
• Advising and Enrollment reports the following as of October 21, 2025 (118th day of registration):
  • FTE’s: 6337 (up from 6170 in Fall 2024)
  • Headcount 8936 (up from 8842 in Fall 2024)
• Admission Applications:
  • Fall 2025-4811 processed application (up from 4761 in 2024)
  • Winter 2026-623 processed application (up 625 in 2024)

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

• Dr. Penn served as Acting President during the accreditation ad-hoc visit with NWCCU. She welcomed the site visitors, participated with Dr. Ezeonu and other members of the Highline College Community during interviews, and attended the exit to learn the initial feedback from the accreditation team.
• Student Life is recruiting student mentors: Peer Mentorship Program– application
• International Student Programs (ISP) enrollment data as of October 27, 2025:
  • Enrolled for fall (any number of credits)-336 students (76 new, 11 returning, 249 continuing)
  • Of the 76 new ISP students (51 are transferred; 22 direct; and 3 concurrent).

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

• The Services & Activities (S&A) Budget Committee is currently recruiting for student members for the 2025–2026 academic year. The recruiters are looking for engaged and responsible students who want to represent the student body and help decide how S&A funds are allocated across campus programs. Student members will receive a $400 stipend per quarter for their service. The application link follows: S&A Committee Student Member Application
• On October 22, 2025, The Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) hosted an Issues to Action forum, where Executive Cabinet were present to hear students’ voices and to respond to issues and concerns that students brought forth.

Core Theme 4: CULTURE & CAPACITY, Create capacity for meaningful strategic planning and institutional transformation through intentional development of employees, facilities, and systems that support student success and close equity gaps

• On the morning of Friday, October 3, Student Services staff participated in the Student Services Waffle Potluck. Staff shared and enjoyed a variety of yummy breakfast items. During community time, Dr. Penn, Dean Saechao, Associate Deans Loyal Allen, Jr. and Izzy Wroblewski discussed college-wide and division-wide strategic goals and priorities alignment.

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