Butte College

Key discussions included a report on community college baccalaureate (CCB) degrees, noting voter support and Governor Newsom's previous vetoes. The Institutional Effectiveness Steering Committee (IESC) reported on potential revisions to the meeting calendar and approved several Administrative Procedures (APs) for consideration, including AP 7280 (Working Remotely), AP 3420 (Equal Employment Opportunity), and AP 3550 (Drug-Free Environment and Drug Prevention Program). The President's Council on Innovation (PCI) revised its bylaws and discussed Open Claw, an open source AI orchestrator. Unfinished business involved continuing examination of strategic plan action items and revisions to committee documentation. College Council approved boilerplate language for committee membership to be included in charters and discussed revisions to the Tech Planning Committee Charter. The Council voted to focus the Wellness Committee specifically on students and forwarded recommendations to that committee. Finally, the Council agreed to consider proposed revisions to the six strategic initiatives and four foundations from the President's Leadership Team before seeking wider college input.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and a moment of silence in honor of distinguished alum Representative Doug LaMalfa. Key discussions included a presentation from the Butte College Foundation, which reported on endowment growth and fundraising activities, including the Spring Gala. An overview of student success metrics was presented, highlighting strong graduation and CTE award rates compared to system averages, despite a recent decrease in the transfer rate. Updates were provided on the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, noting growth in FTES and rebuilding noncredit programming. The Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 was reviewed, with the next planning cycle set to conclude in Fall 2027. The budget update covered the state budget outlook, system funding increases, and the projected $5.5 million replacement cost for solar panels over five years; the Board also recommended adopting an increased student health fee. Further discussion involved proposed revisions to the Board Ethics/Responsibilities Policy (BP 2715) and the timeline for the Superintendent/President's evaluation.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included reports from faculty on sabbatical leaves: one detailing a visit to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and the subsequent development of related academic offerings, and another focusing on support structures and challenges for student-parents. The board approved a series of consent agenda items (4.1-4.14). Reports from the Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and Student Senate presidents were presented. The Superintendent/President reported on various institutional events, including the North State Economic Forecast Conference and legislative meetings, where a Rural Caucus was voted on to advocate for rural community colleges. Board members commented on the positive culture demonstrated during a recent retreat and discussions regarding student support. Under contracts, the board approved several items, including the general contracts report, a lease agreement for digital copier machines from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a purchase agreement for solar equipment from Trane U.S. Inc., and the adoption of resolutions to dedicate public utility easements to California Water Service Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In finance, the 2024-2025 Independent Audit Report and Measure J reports were accepted. Discussions regarding the ACCJC Accreditation Midterm Report and proposed revisions to board policies were noted, with both items scheduled for approval at the subsequent February meeting. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.

The meeting agenda was approved by roll call vote. The consent agenda, covering items 3.1 through 3.7, was also approved. Reports included updates from the Academic Senate President on committee appointments, an artificial intelligence forum, and a nomination for an Exemplary Program Award. The Classified Senate President reported on the 'Butte Strong' project display and upcoming events. The Student Trustee addressed concerns regarding meal stipends for travel, loss of funding for CASA, and the lack of student requests for more third spaces and prerequisites for mathematics courses. The Interim Vice President announced a restructuring of the human resources department to include training and employee development, along with the Title IX and inclusion officers, and noted ongoing consultant work on assessments and hiring guidelines. The Superintendent/President reported on participation in external events, the upcoming campus climate survey planned for fall 2026, and legislative updates, including the veto of AB 1400, the impact of SB 98 requiring notification of immigration activities, and SB 640 allowing direct admission to CSUs. The President also noted sobering news regarding the state budget shortfall and recognized athletic achievements amidst ongoing concerns about food insecurity. Board members commented on the number of contracts approved, the importance of third spaces, and a recommendation to form a board committee to review the annual student achievement report before submission to the ACCJC. The Board approved several contracts, adopted budget criteria for 2026-27, approved the donation of miscellaneous electronic equipment, adopted the 2025-2028 Student Equity Plan, and adopted a resolution to utilize a design-build contract for the indoor shooting range project. The Board also reviewed proposed revisions to Board Policies, including BP 2350 regarding public comment time limits, with final adoption scheduled for December. No reportable action was taken in closed session.

The meeting covered reports from the Superintendent/President, noting attendance at key conferences and the formation of a caucus for rural community colleges. Key discussions focused on Unfinished Business regarding the New Strategic Plan Cycle. College Council reviewed progress on action items in the Achieve It tracking platform, noting disparities between the strategic plan and the platform data. Recommendations included developing a taxonomy for better connectivity, using the term 'strategic focus' instead of 'strategic initiative' for the next plan (covering 2027-2030), and implementing a mid-point check-in. A timeline was proposed to send objectives and action items for review in Fall 2026, with teams tasked to revise their strategic focus areas before the next meeting.