Area Report for Board of Trustees
Good day Trustees,
I hope your week has been a productive one. I’m pleased to say that our Professional Development Day (PDD) on October 21 was a success. The event was well attended and participants had a number of options to choose from. I want to thank the PDD planning committee for a productive and informative day for everyone.
Currently, recommendations are being provided for selection committee membership for our upcoming Vice President, Equity, Diversity and Transformation search. I will be making the committee appointments and providing the campus shortly with an update and timeline.
I had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Adam Smith at Highline on 10/26, along with other local college representatives to discuss various items affecting our system. At the top of discussion was enrollment and relationships with K-12 schools and community organizations. A good and informative meeting and I appreciate Congressman Smith continued dedication and support of Highline College and our entire system.
And finally, after a brief hiatus, our system is holding the 25th Annual Faculty Staff of Color Conference in Pasco, WA in late October. Highline is sending a group of participants to learn, build community and represent our institution. I hope a good time is had by everyone and look forward to updates after the participants return.
Have a good week.
John
Human Resources
This last month, the Office of Human Resources has been working together to prepare for the Executive Director’s transition. Beginning Monday, October 31, Gretchen Erhart will serve as Acting Executive Director. Starting December 1, Steve Sloniker will be Interim Executive Director until the end of August 2023. Ay Saechao will serve as the college’s Interim Title IX Director until December 1.
Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve
Human Resources is finalizing new documentation for our website. New content includes appointment types and hiring processes, temporary pay increase guidelines, performance management, employee recognition, and alternative work schedules.
On Wednesday, October 26, the college launched Get Inclusive, SBCTC’s new training platform for students and employees. Highline College holds standing-up and looking out for one another’s safety as a core value. One way in which our school commits to this value is by providing all employees, faculty, classified, exempt and student employees, with bystander intervention training.
Division Honors and Achievements
Koreen Jack and Grace Kuhnly partnered to organize a benefits fair for our employees. Participants had the opportunity to learn about health and wellness programs, insurance, retirement, and other services available to Highline employees.
Leslea Berg continues to work determinedly in support recruitment for the college. In the month of October, she has hired and onboarded eleven (11) exempt staff and four (4) classified staff.
Title III Strengthening Institutions
Core Theme 2: STUDENT LEARNING, Increase educational success, collaborate to improve
On September 30, Title III saw the completion of Title III’s year-1. We can celebrate that the sole objective for year one, “60% of newly enrolled students will meet with and Entry Advisor,” was met! This is thanks to a dynamic and dedicated Entry Advising team that welcomes students with a smile as well as a supply and snacks table.
With rollover funds from year-1, Title III will support funding proposals that focus on most effective innovations to meet Objectives 1,2, and 3; these focus on equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students.
Report submitted on October 27, 2022, by President of Highline College, Dr. John R. Mosby