Highline College

The Board of Trustees held a study session that included an update on commencement planning, covering logistics for the ceremony, graduate participation figures, staffing, and budget considerations for ADA compliance and audio-visual improvements. Additionally, the board reviewed the proposed Services and Activities fee budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including discussions on allocation methodologies, the financial code amendments regarding student employee positions, and strategic efforts to reduce reliance on reserve funding. Updates were also provided on the transition of certain student employee roles and budgetary adjustments for campus programs.

The meeting included the introduction of a new trustee and a round of introductions for the executive team and staff. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussing a proposal regarding the policy development council. The discussion focused on updating the 24-year-old policy on policy development to streamline the approval process, address the long backlog of policies, and delegate operational authority to the college president while maintaining the board's oversight on governance-level matters.

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.