Area Report for Board of Trustees
Happy July, Trustees!
As we begin a new month and move further into the summer season, I want to share a few brief updates from the College.
We are rounding out the second week of our eight-week summer session, and I am pleased to report that our summer enrollment performance is tracking favorably compared to this time last year. To date, our summer FTE is showing positive strength, reflecting continued student demand and the dedication of our faculty and staff in supporting enrollment and retention efforts.
Summer Quarter FTE Data
We are seeing encouraging signs that our collective efforts are making a difference. Overall, FTE is slightly up this summer in our tuition-generating programs, which does not include English Language Career and Academic Prep (ELCAP). FTE data reflects the following, to date (July 2, 2026):
- Tuition Bearing State FTEs (less ELCAP): 1,273
- Difference in Tuition Bearing State FTEs from the Previous Year: 40.8
- Difference in Tuition Bearing State FTEs from the Previous Year: 3.3%
I also want to take a moment to reflect on our outstanding Commencement Ceremony which took place on June 18, 2026. The event was a tremendous celebration of our students’ achievements and a powerful reminder of the impact our college has on the community.
Commencement Highlights
- Total graduates recognized: 834 crossed the stage; 897 RSVP’d (93% of those who RSVP’d showed up)
- Faculty & Staff Tunnel Participants: 75 participated; 104 RSVP’d (72% of RSVP’d tunnel Participants showed up, comprised of 54 faculty & 21 staff)
- Room for growth: Check-in lines were long and in the sun. Families were not able to get in; Around 300 guests locked out due to capacity, or fire code.
The preliminary feedback we have received from graduates, families, employees, trustees, and community partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees commented on the energy of the ceremony, the pride displayed by our graduates and families, and the overall organization and quality of the event. The ShoWare Center provided an excellent venue for celebrating this important milestone.
In fact, attendance and participation continue to grow at a pace that may necessitate additional planning for next year. Based on the size of the graduating class and the strong turnout we experienced this year, we may need to consider expanding Commencement to two ceremonies rather than one at the ShoWare Center in 2027. While no decisions have been made, we will be evaluating attendance trends, graduate participation rates, venue logistics, and stakeholder feedback as we begin planning for Commencement 2027.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, employees, and mission. I look forward to sharing additional updates as we move through the summer and prepare for the fall quarter.
Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce Barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members
- Attended the summer International Student Programs (ISP) Orientation to engage with students, welcome them to Highline/United States, answer any questions that they may have from the college interim president (I also had my fair share of questions to ask them!)
Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve
- Met with LGBTQIA Taskforce to discuss the vision of the Interim President for this community of students, faculty, and staff at Highline College
- Attended the Board meeting for the Federal Way Chamber
- Talked with Aileen Miller to discuss AAG transitions. Justin Kjolseth has been reassigned to Highline. We thank Michael Hemker for his guidance and support.
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
- Participated in Conflict Management Training presented by Dr. Harvey Hinton III. This was a session for Executive Cabinet, Deans, and Directors
- Attended Aspen Rising President Training: Advancing Colleges 3.0: What Excellent Community College Presidents Do to Improve Outcomes at Scale
Report submitted by Interim President Dr. Jamilyn Penn