Area Report for Board of Trustees

Dear Members of the Board of Trustees,

As we move toward the end of fall quarter on December 12, 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy and dedication that have shaped these past months. Our students have been working exceptionally hard to meet their academic goals, and our faculty and staff have been equally committed to providing the guidance, resources, and support needed to help them succeed. Across campus, there is a clear sense of purpose and momentum as we close out the term.

I am also profoundly grateful for the ongoing support you provide. Your leadership creates the conditions for meaningful student learning, program innovation, and community connection. Because of your partnership, we are able to uphold our mission and meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to Highline College. I look forward to our continued collaboration and shared progress in 2026.

Warm regards,
Jamilyn Penn
Acting President, Highline College

Information Technology Services

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

• In response to a recommendation on the college’s recent accountability audit, ITS, in collaboration with Purchasing, has implemented a new inventory management tool and is in the process of updating our processes and procedures to adapt to the new tool. The initial faculty and staff inventory was launched in August, and classroom inventory has been taking place throughout fall quarter. We are reviewing initial results of that work and identifying components of the process that still need to be adjusted to fully respond to the auditor’s recommendations, particularly regarding procedures for mobile devices and hybrid employees. The Board can expect a more detailed report on this effort at the January study session.
• Executive Cabinet has approved a Provisional AI Policy for the campus so that work can move forward with some topic-specific subgroups while the policy navigates the full policy development process. As previously reported, the AI Workgroup developed a policy that works to ground our AI work in principles that support the mission, vision, and values of the college. Communication to campus about the status and an invitation to participate in the focused work should be sent to campus before the December Trustees meeting. Subgroup topics include AI Literacy, Academic Integrity and AI, and Business Process Improvement with AI.
• ITS staff across the division continue to work hard to both keep us safe and operational on a daily basis, and work in the background to move some impactful projects forward in the background.  We expect to have details to share about a few upcoming changes and improvements after the first of the year, and in the meantime, the entire ITS Division hopes the Trustees and the campus are able to enjoy some restful and restorative time with family and friends over the holidays.

Report submitted by Acting President Jamilyn Penn, Ed.D.