Area Report for Board of Trustees

Dear Board of Trustees,

Thank you for your continuous support of Highline College students and programs. During the month of June, the Student Services Division continued advancing initiatives aligned with Highline College’s core themes of Access, Student Learning, Community Partnerships, and Culture and Capacity.

As the academic year comes to a close, Student Services has focused on supporting student success, celebrating student achievement, and preparing for Commencement 2026. Departments across the division continue strengthening student support services, community engagement, and campus programming while ensuring students have the resources necessary to persist and achieve their educational goals.

Highlights this month include the successful TRIO Student Support Services End of the Year Celebration, continued financial aid processing for the upcoming aid year, Pilot New Student Orientation with local high school partners, major campus-wide student engagement events, recognition of athletic program accomplishments, and significant progress toward Commencement planning.

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

• Financial Aid Services continues preparing for the 2026-2027 financial aid cycle. As of May 26, 2026, WASFA ISIR records resumed downloading and processing. FAFSA ISIR records remain on hold nationally, with additional guidance anticipated in June.
• Enrollment Services, Outreach, Running Start, and Advising teams continue supporting summer and fall enrollment efforts through onboarding, admissions assistance, educational planning, and registration support.
• Student Services departments continue evaluating processes and practices to reduce barriers to enrollment, persistence, and completion for current and prospective students.
• Held a Pilot New Student Orientation with local high schools on May 27 and 28 here on the Highline College campus. Hosted over 100 graduating seniors and enrolled more than half of them into 1 to 2 classes during the same event. Collaborated with multiple departments. 

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

• TRIO Student Support Services hosted its 16th Annual End of the Year Celebration, “Waves of Success,” recognizing the accomplishments of TRIO students and the broader TRIO community.
• During the 2025-2026 academic year, TRIO served more than 180 students through academic coaching, leadership development, cultural enrichment activities, and retention-focused support services.
• Counseling Services continues supporting student well-being, academic success, and personal development through counseling appointments, resource referrals, and student support programming.

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

• Outreach and Recruitment continue expanding partnerships with local school districts and community organizations to support student access and enrollment pathways.
• International Student Programs continue supporting international students through advising, immigration guidance, orientation programming, and engagement opportunities that foster belonging and student success.
• Career and Transfer Services continue connecting students with transfer institutions and career opportunities through workshops, transfer advising, and employer engagement activities.
• The 2025-2026 Athletics season has officially concluded. The NWAC Year-End Meetings will be held June 3-5 and include the Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Core Theme 4: CULTURE & CAPACITY, Become an anti-racist college through intentional development of employees, facilities, and systems that support student success and close equity gaps

• The Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct successfully completed the formal amendment process for the Student Conduct Code. The division recognizes Ty Torres, Associate Director for Community Standards and Student Conduct, along with Danielle Slota, Izzy Wroblewski, Dean Saechao, and campus partners for their leadership throughout this important institutional process.
• International Student Programs continues monitoring proposed national legislation that could impact international student enrollment timelines and visa regulations, while proactively supporting affected students through advising and communication efforts.
• Commencement planning continues with strong student participation:
  • 643 graduates currently registered for commencement
  • 98 faculty and staff signed up for the welcome tunnel and ceremony support
  • Additional accessibility improvements are being explored to improve the experience for students and families attending commencement.
  • A technical walkthrough is planned for June 2nd.

Division Honors and Achievements

• Women’s Programs WorkFirst Services will celebrate 27 graduating students this spring through its annual Backyard BBQ Bash and student recognition ceremony.
• Highline College Advising Services was selected by SBCTC to participate in a NASPA advising case study highlighting student support and retention practices.
• Athletics continues active spring competition seasons, including NWAC Golf Championships participation and planning for the annual T-Bird Classico Golf Tournament in June, which is now sold out.

Report submitted by Interim Vice President of Student Services,  Jose “Tony” Garcia