Karina Andrade

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.

The board meetings covered several key institutional topics. These included an accreditation refresher regarding the upcoming seven-year review, discussions on new Board Policy 5.11 concerning tuition and fee waivers, approval of faculty sabbatical leave requests, and authorization to collect increased tuition fees as set by the state legislature. Additionally, the board reviewed the Exceptional Faculty Awards and received various reports from board members, student leaders, and administration officials, including updates on the college's financial audit, student enrollment efforts, community relations initiatives, and legislative advocacy work.

The Study Session covered informational presentations, including an outline of Senate Bill 5110 regarding an optional tuition waiver for eligible American Indian tribe members aged 55 and older, which serves as a potential marketing and recruitment opportunity. Another presentation provided an overview of the college's Equity Lens Tool, developed to align college practices with an equity-centered approach, with plans for phased campus-wide adoption. The Regular Meeting included the formal appointment of Dr. Teresa Rich as President, effective January 16, 2026, with a three-year, five-month, and 14-day contract. Board reports highlighted legislative concerns, including potential state funding reductions and the need for legislators to visit in Olympia and Washington, D.C. The Student update detailed recent ASYVC-sponsored events such as a blood drive, holiday crafts, and a pool tournament, demonstrating responsiveness to student feedback. Administrative reports covered an ongoing audit dispute with the Department of Revenue concerning Leasehold Excise Tax, updates on the Financial Statement Audit, and the success of the student tuition payment plan. Instructional updates included the return of former faculty member Stephen Kinney part-time to support STEM courses, the expansion of the College and Career Readiness (CCR) program to a new Ellensburg location, extended library hours, and a new dual enrollment credit partnership with K-12 partners and ESD 105. Enrollment reports showed overall headcount growth of 3.5% and FTE growth of 6% for Winter 2026, despite lower CCR enrollment. Financial Aid awarded approximately $26 million, benefiting from batch awarding implementation. The community relations update focused on the college's first Giving Day scheduled for April 22, 2026, aimed at replenishing Student Emergency Funds and providing scholarships. Faculty reported on preparations for Lobby Day to advocate on budget concerns.

Key discussions centered on the approval of Exceptional Faculty Awards for Fall 2025, following a review by the Faculty Development Committee. Communications highlighted a faculty member's research on the buffalo leading to a commemorative coin in 2028. Board reports included an update on the National ACCT Congressional Conference, the Presidential Search process semifinalist interviews, and concerns regarding federal government funding challenges. Student representatives reported on recent campus activities, including Breast Cancer Awareness Month events and the creation of a Day of the Dead altar, and discussed food insecurity concerns related to the SNAP benefits freeze. Reports from Administrative Services covered fiscal updates concerning a federal shutdown and budget projections. The Interim Vice President for Instruction noted the successful accreditation renewal of the Automotive Program through 2030. Enrollment updates showed an increase of over 100 students compared to the previous winter quarter, alongside a report on Financial Aid, including updates on the FAFSA simplification process. The Interim President provided an update from the HACU Conference, emphasizing HSI funding issues, and discussed the projected budget decrease reflected in the Governor's first budget proposal, necessitating strategic budget reductions. Faculty representatives thanked the Board for funding the EFA awards and discussed updates on labor negotiations and the need for faculty training on career pathways.