Carol Milliron

The Board of Trustees conducted a regular meeting and a study session. Key discussion topics included reports on the ACT Spring Conference, recent cyberattack mitigation efforts, student government initiatives, and Arts and Sciences Division updates, including faculty tenures and retirements. The Board also reviewed the inaugural Giving Day success, discussed upcoming commencement and award ceremonies, and heard reports on student services and athletics. The study session focused on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget, the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, the Student Residence Center budget, and the Services and Activities Fee budget.

This document outlines the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan for Yakima Valley College, designed to guide its future work and mission by cultivating equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning. The plan is structured around five strategic directions: Commitment to Student Learning and Achievement; A Culture of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation; Social Justice through Access, Equity, and Inclusion; Strengthened Community; and Health and Safety, Financial Sustainability, and Environmental Sustainability. It aims to holistically support student learning goals, foster achievement within career and educational pathways, and strengthen communities through personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement.

The board meeting included the introduction of new employees and the approval of updated student lab fees effective for the fall quarter. Discussions covered institutional grants, updates on student association events, administrative reports on budgeting and enrollment, and instructional modalities. The President provided updates on hiring processes, the discontinuance of the Centers of Excellence, upcoming governance training, and event announcements regarding Giving Day and the college commencement.

The Board of Trustees conducted a study session to review proposed lab fee increases and held a regular meeting covering several action items. Key topics included the granting of tenure to seven academic employees, the renewal of probationary faculty contracts for the 2026-2027 academic year, and the adoption of Board Policy 5.11 regarding optional tuition and fee waivers. Additionally, the Board approved the establishment of a Tribal Elders Tuition Waiver to support access to higher education. Reports were provided regarding state-level legislative updates, student organization events, institutional enrollment, and financial updates including preparations for upcoming budget development.

This Year One Self-Evaluation Report for Yakima Valley Community College reaffirms its mission to enrich and enhance individuals and communities through accessible, student-centered education. The strategic direction is articulated through three core themes: Community, Access, and Success. The Community theme focuses on promoting a college-going culture, enhancing work skills, fostering partnerships, and responsible resource stewardship. The Access theme aims to provide diverse opportunities for enrollment, effective student advising, equitable representation, and comprehensive financial assistance. The Success theme concentrates on supporting student achievement, ensuring course completion, increasing credential attainment, assessing learning outcomes, and facilitating smooth transfer and employment pathways.