Matthew Donaldson

Key discussion points included the progress of the Mission Statement Taskforce, focusing on shortening the mission statement to approximately two sentences, with the revised draft planned for review at the April Town Hall Meeting and approval in June. The review of the Local Decision Making Handbook covered aligning with the Browns Act requirements for the Classified Senate, potential adjustments to the personnel request process by adding timelines and forms to the FAQ, and discussions on faculty hiring pools. Reports highlighted that the Student Services Council approved APs and BPs, maintaining current lodge rates but increasing meal plan rates by eight percent. The Academic Senate scheduled a special meeting, and the Instructional Professional Development Committee/Flex Committee discussed flex time funding sources.

The meeting included discussions on the results of the Mission Statement Survey and the formation of the Mission Statement Taskforce, which aims to present a draft by March 13, 2026, and seek approval from the Board of Trustees by May 19, 2026. The council also reviewed the Local Decision Making Handbook, specifically focusing on the flowchart and the status of the Classified Senate. Action items primarily involved the review and approval of numerous policies and procedures, including BP/AP 6307 (Debt Issuance and Management), AP 6310 (Accounting), AP 6315 (Warrants), BP/AP 6320 (Investments), AP 6322 (Employee Indemnity Bonds), AP 6325 (Payroll), BP/AP 6330 (Purchasing), BP/AP 6340 (Bids and Contracts), AP 6345 (Bids and Contracts), AP 6350 (Contracts - Construction), BP/AP 6400 (Audits), BP/AP 6450 (Wireless or Cellular Telephone Use), AP 4105 (Distance Education), AP 4227 (Repeatable Courses), BP 6520 (Security for District Property), BP/AP 6540 (Insurance), BP/AP 6600 (Capital Construction), BP/AP 6620 (Naming of District Property), BP/AP 6740 (Citizens Oversight Committee - Review Only), BP 6900 (Bookstores), BP/AP 3510 (Workplace Violence), BP/AP 3600 (Auxiliary Organizations), and BP 4300 (Field Trips and Excursions). Additionally, the council voted to table the retirement of AP 4022 pending clarification with Instruction Council. Reports were received from various councils and committees.

The meeting agenda approval failed. The minutes from the December 5, 2025 meeting also failed to be approved. Key discussions included the Budget Development Timeline, proposed budget assumptions for FY 2026-27 utilizing zero-based budgeting, and an update on Nonresident Tuition Fees for AY 2026-27, which are proposed to increase by 5% annually to maintain competitiveness. The Final Audit Report for FY 2024-25 was presented, noting three corrected findings from the prior year and one new finding related to the untimely awarding of an FSCOG award, which has already been addressed. Reports were given on the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan, including scheduling follow-up meetings after Spring Break, and a brief fiscal update noting recruitment for an account clerk II position.

The meeting focused on several key areas. The first involved a review of takeaways from an ACCJC webinar regarding assessment standards, emphasizing the need for meaningful data disaggregation to reduce equity gaps and guide improvements, aligning assessment with student success and resource allocation. A proposal to explicitly integrate SLO assessment into program review, requiring faculty commitment to specific PSLO assessment, was discussed. Updates on data dashboards revealed that the link to the Insights data lake is broken, preventing access to Fall 2025 data. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Library's SAOs, discussed outcome goals and measurement methods (including tracking library usage), and suggested modifications to the SAOs and the Library's mission statement.

The meeting included procedural call to order and attendance discussions, as well as a review of the committee charge and current goals. Key action items involved the approval of the Non-Credit Artificial Intelligence Program proposal, which is planned to offer two short-term classes covering AI understanding and basic tools, and the approval of the Non-Credit Water Treatment Program Proposal, designed to prepare individuals for state water board exams for employment as water treatment operators. Discussions were held regarding the hiring process for non-credit instructors, potential amendments to AP 4102 related to Career and Technical Education Programs, and the Standing Item review of Financial Aid Standards of Excellence (SOE). Future agenda items include AP 4222 regarding Remedial Coursework and Credit for Prior Learning.