The ACCJC requires that CR meet the following comprehensive standard related to Mission, Academic Quality and Institutional Effectiveness, and Integrity:

The institution demonstrates strong commitment to a mission that emphasizes student learning and student achievement. Using analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, the institution continuously and systematically evaluates, plans, implements, and improves the quality of its educational programs and services. The institution demonstrates integrity in all policies, actions, and communication. The administration, faculty, staff, and governing board members act honestly, ethically, and fairly in the performance of their duties.

To support our continuing commitment to improving our institutional effectiveness, we submitted an application to participate in an Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI)—a project focused on using a peer review process to help community colleges review and address operational problems that, if solved, could improve institutional effectiveness.  Last spring semester, the IEPI Executive Committee approved our application to bring a Partnership Resource Team (PRT)—a group of peer administrators and faculty from sister community colleges—to Eureka to work with CR staff and faculty to make our scheduling process more effective and align curriculum changes with the development of the annual schedule of classes. I believe that our ability to address this problem will definitely affect the district’s effectiveness, improve enrollment and enhance student success and achievement.

Angelina and I have been in constant contact with the Project Director of the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative to establish a workable the campus visit timeline and schedule.  We agreed that the PRT will visit the Eureka campus on Tuesday, October 25 and Tuesday, November 29.

The PRT’s first visit on October 25 will focus on meeting with individuals and groups germane to our curriculum and scheduling process.  The PRT’s second visit on November 29 will center on working with a small group of CR staff and faculty to discuss ideas for improvement and/or best practices and develop a plan to improve our curriculum and scheduling processes.  The components of the plan will be integrated into the college’s existing planning processes. Our PRT members will include:

·         Lori Gaskin, recently retired Superintendent/President at Santa Barbara Community College

·         Rick Brewer, PIO for Sacramento City

·         Daniel Jacobo, a faculty member at Chaffey College

·         Eric Kaljumagi, a faculty member at Mt. San Antonio College

·         Erin Larson, Specialist in Academic Planning and Development with the Chancellor’s Office;

·         Todd Scott, Chief Instructional Officer at College of the Siskiyous

Here is a draft agenda for our October 25 visit:

8:30 – 9:30 am—Meet with Interim President/Superintendent Keith Snow-Flamer & Designees

9:45 – 10:45 am—Meet with Curriculum Committee Representatives
Interim Vice President of Instruction and Student Development (Angelina Hill)
Curriculum Chair – History Professor (George Potamianos)
Curriculum Coordinator – Academic Affairs Analyst (Courtney Loader)
Other committee members who are available

11:00 – 11:50 am—Meet with Curriculum & Scheduling Personnel
Interim Vice President of Instruction and Student Development (Angelina Hill)
Director of Enrollment Services & Financial Aid (Rianne Connor)
Academic Affairs Analyst (Courtney Loader)
Dean of Math, Science, Behavioral & Social Science (Dave Bazard)

Noon -1:00 pm—Catered lunch on campus

1:00 – 1:50pm—Meet with Academic Senate Representatives

Co-Chair – Nursing Professor (Connie Wolfsen)
Co-Chair – Math Professor (Todd Olsen)
Other committee members who are available

2:00 – 2:50pm—Meet with Curriculum & Catalog Development Personnel
Executive Director of College Advancement (Communications & Marketing), Marty Coelho
Graphic Designer, Erin Jones
Academic Affairs Analyst (Courtney Loader)

3:00 – 3:30pm—Debrief with Interim President/Superintendent Keith Snow-Flamer

I am looking forward to this process.