Nov. 21, 2019: Administrative Services

Area Report for Board of Trustees

On behalf of the Administrative Services, I would like to welcome Trustee Sharmila Swenson to Highline College. We are all looking forward to working with you to support student success and achievement.
The Policy Development Council has begun our work for the year with the reviewing of Animals on Campus and Facility Use policies. In addition, the Council is also reviewing the current structure and bylaws.
We are continuing to engage with the Campus View building owner on the development of the ground floor for the college office space. Our project team has finalized all design specifications and standards with the general contractor as of November 1st.
It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Heather McBreen as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Administration. Heather had previously worked as Events Coordinator in our Conference Services. She has a Master’s Degree in Arts & Cultural Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication.

The Bookstore took a look at textbook affordability this quarter by reviewing the 715 classes reported by departments. Highline College is proud to say that 61% of classes meet the state standard for affordability. Highline students saved about $59,723 this term due to used book and rental programs.

We have recently installed all new signage at the campus/parking entrances. The project has been completed as part of our Campus Master Plan submission in 2016.
With the expected completion of Building 26 – Health & Life Sciences renovation project in late November, we are in the process of planning for various office moves to take place during the winter break.
Additionally, as part of the overall moving and reshuffling of programs and offices to Building 26 and other areas, Building 5 and Building 11 will be scheduled for demolition.
As part of our Facility Planning 2020 project, we are continuing with the space planning for Building 12 and Building 99.
Jason Huff, Maintenance Specialist, is working on a new safety program that will include weekly briefings and monthly formal trainings in maintenance safety.
Stephanie Torreblanca, Custodial Services Manager, attended the Faculty and Staff of Color Conference in Spokane with several other faculty and staff from Highline College.

The auditors are scheduled to arrive December 2nd and the entrance conference is planned for a date between December 11 and 14th.
Beginning this year, we have introduced NelNet as our new tuition payment plan for students. Compared to the former STEPP program, NelNet offers students a lower enrollment fee.
The First (Summer) Quarter financial report is provided for the Board to review. With our continuing enrollment challenges, tuition collection and international student revenue both declined significantly compared to the same quarter last year.
Budget and Grant Services has been working with Institutional Advancement on grant processes to improve the flow.

Highline College participated in the Great Washington Shakeout on October 17th, 2019 where all students, staff & faculty practiced drop, cover and hold. The Highline Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members had a chance to practice setting incident objectives responding to medical emergencies and interacting with one another in a high pressure situation.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Shelby Hillman as a newly hired Public Safety Officer. Shelby has 5 years security experience working at Overlake Hospital and was recognized with numerous awards.
Ashley Minero is currently attending the University of Washington Security Academy through November 2019. The UW Security Academy provides training in many of the subjects recognized by SSEMC as minimum requirements for Campus Security Officers.

Report submitted by Vice President Michael Pham on Nov. 08, 2019.