Toby A. Smith

The committee meeting addressed an update on the California state budget, specifically focusing on the Governor's May Revise. Additionally, the agenda included a review of the district's legislative bill list for the current year and a general advocacy update.

The meeting focused on the expansion and implementation of Dual Enrollment programs, emphasizing the need for faculty inclusion in curriculum and instructional quality assurance. Discussions covered the role of faculty in developing MOUs, training for Dual Enrollment instructors, and ensuring student success within these pathways. Additionally, the senate addressed Distance Education (DE) qualification maintenance, aiming to create a consistent, district-wide framework for faculty certification. This includes clarifying renewal processes, establishing grace periods for recertification, and ensuring administrative consistency across campuses to protect faculty employment and professional standing.

The committee discussed the Accessibility Compatibility Maturity Model initiative, including potential participation in a Fall cohort and the requirement for subsequent Board approval. Training sessions were announced for the One Touch Studio and Logitech-enabled meeting rooms. Members reviewed the draft of the Spring 2026 evaluation report and discussed new standardized governance templates for campus committees, with suggestions to include accreditation alignment and clarify membership and voting roles.

The committee approved the Spring 2026 Evaluation Report for the College Advisory Council, which included a review of IRAB budget requests and the prioritization of high-impact items. Discussions focused on budget evaluation criteria, the need for restructuring baseline budgets, and concerns regarding transparency and communication in the resource allocation process. Members reviewed presentation materials for the President, addressing funding priorities and the necessity of clarifying terminology around ongoing versus one-time requests. Furthermore, the committee evaluated the Institutional Resource Allocation Process timeline, identifying the need for earlier academic planning, improved onboarding for new leadership, and increased stakeholder engagement.

The committee conducted a review and provided recommendations for the implementation of the EEO and Diversity Plan, covering pre-hiring strategies such as DEIAA training schedules, hiring strategies including training for search committees and the use of EEO representatives, and post-hiring strategies involving climate surveys and professional development. Additionally, the committee discussed the current EEO fund balance and annual allocation, acknowledged participants for recent professional development workshops, and planned future training sessions.