Blanca Baltazar-Sabbah

The committee reviewed and approved several curriculum items, including new certificates for Intercultural Competency and Global Awareness, 2D Animation, and Technical Theatre Stagecraft and Production. Various existing courses and programs were discussed for updates, including changes to pre-requisites, SLOs, and transferability, as well as the creation of noncredit mirrored courses. The committee also formally approved a new Title 5 policy and reviewed the progress of the Curriculum Handbook. Additionally, several consent items involving technical corrections to SOC codes and CIP code transitions for various programs and certificates were addressed.

The committee meeting included constituency updates and reports from governing board subcommittees regarding legislative advocacy, native American student support, and public relations. An update was provided on the Rainbow Council activities, including an upcoming event and scholarship opportunities. The Institutional Effectiveness Committee discussed the transition from BoardDocs to Diligent, plans for institutional record maintenance, and the formation of a task force for program planning documentation. The committee also took action to approve the preliminary budget planning assumptions for the 2026-27 fiscal year, while several other policy and procedure review items were tabled for further consideration.

The Faculty Senate meeting covered several key items, including the approval of modified qualifications for the Chamber Music Ensemble and the adoption of the Flex calendar for the upcoming fall semester. Information was presented regarding student graduation and transfer ceremony logistics, the distribution of new mission and vision statement posters, and findings from strategic listening sessions regarding the college's next strategic plan. Standing reports provided updates on various initiatives, including training, graduation gifts, budget statuses for student and faculty groups, legislative advocacy, retirement party plans, and upcoming events such as ceremonies and workshops at the Watsonville campus.

The committee reviewed its 2025-26 goals, including reporting on budget drivers, communicating fiscal protocols, monitoring state appropriations, supporting accreditation efforts, and facilitating training for stakeholders. Discussion also covered the refinement of the committee charter, the development of a Budget Forum presentation for constituency groups, and the potential addition of fixed cost education to future committee goals.

The meeting agenda covered several primary areas. The opening session included a welcome, land acknowledgement discussion, and community norms review, alongside a discussion regarding a request for support with a Native timeline/collage display at the Multicultural Center. A presentation recognized the 2025 Native American Scholarship Recipients. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a homework reflection and discussion based on videos exploring race, ethnicity, and the contributions of Native American women. An activity was planned to honor Native Women in recognition of Women's History Month, involving matching legacies and sharing honor words. Committee updates covered the status of the Land Acknowledgement, Scholarship Updates, Curriculum and Courses, and Upcoming Local Events. Finally, there was a call for volunteers for various coordination, planning, finance, and outreach roles.