Freddy Freire Aragon

This document describes Highline College's Re-Entry Education Transition Pathways Program, which aims to provide comprehensive support and wraparound services for formerly incarcerated and justice-involved students. The program's objective is to facilitate a smooth transition into the college community, offering access to various educational pathways including high school diplomas, GEDs, technical certificates, and associate's and bachelor's degrees. It seeks to increase employment rates among this population by empowering them through education and fostering self-potential.

The town hall meeting focused on the college's operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the implementation of safety and social distancing measures on campus. Discussions covered the phased approach to returning services and employees to campus, challenges related to remote teaching and service delivery, and support resources for students, including financial assistance through the CARES Act and foundation funds. The meeting also addressed student concerns regarding graduation, mental health support, and future academic modalities.

The town hall meeting provided updates and addressed student questions regarding the college's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key discussion topics included the transition to emergency remote teaching, the continuation of student services, budgetary projections and potential hiring freezes, and the uncertainty regarding the timeline for returning to campus. Discussions also covered financial aid procedures, library book returns, the status of student commencement activities, and updates to the curriculum in response to the pandemic.

The Equity First Strategic Plan for Highline College aims to transform the institution into a more equitable and anti-racist entity, serving students, colleagues, and the wider community. It focuses on developing culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum, support services, and community partnerships to ensure equitable access, opportunity, and student success. The plan seeks to cultivate a collaborative community rooted in social justice that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering academic and professional achievements, with a vision extending to 2029.

This document details the discussions and feedback process for developing Highland College's "Equity First" strategic plan, specifically focusing on its mission, vision, and values statement. The plan's objectives include ensuring equitable access, opportunity, and success for students, faculty, administrators, and the broader community. It emphasizes cultivating an anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive environment through curriculum, support services, and community partnerships. Core values guiding this strategic direction include authenticity, belonging, collaboration, environmental sustainability, equity, inclusivity, representation, respect, and transparency. The overarching vision is to foster a campus rooted in social justice, supporting employee success, and empowering the achievement of dreams within a collaborative community.