Decline in student enrollment, the ASCC leadership conference, and Cerritos College 50th Anniversary “Building Futures” Traveling Display approval of budget extension and budget transfers were upon the topics discussed at the board of trustees first meeting of the semester last Wednesday.
Rosemarie Vijar, information technology instructor was presented with the Classified Recognition Employee of the Month for November 2005.
Also, retirement plaques were presented to John Boyle, biology/science engineering and math instructor and to Kennethia Vega, secretary .
Boyle retires after more than 30 years and Vega retires today after 24 years of service to Cerritos College.
Board member Bob Hughlett expressed concern about the decrease number of students not enrolling at Cerritos that he wanted more detailed information.
“I appeal to the board that this issue be put on the next agenda,” he said.
Student enrollment was brought to Hughlett’s attention as he had read the Talon Marks article, “Higher tuition and Peoplesoft empty out classrooms” (Jan.18) from the last issue.
William Farmer, Jr., vice president of academics affairs tried to assure Hughlett that there has been an effort to increase the number of students who have not enrolled.
Farmer also said that new students are still being introduced to Peoplesoft and with the help of the volunteers that 350 phone calls were made to those students who haven’t registered.
“There has been a continuous improvement,” he explained, “and with the help of 20 volunteers we (the college) are moving in the right direction.
Farmer said that he will provide Hughlett with a more detailed report.
Afterwards, the board turned its attention to ASCC’s recent leadership conference held on Jan.4 through Jan. 6 in San Diego, Calif.
ASCC President Paulo Amaral who was among the 70 students in attendence thanked those who attended the leadership conference and said that there was good interaction between the students.
“It was an amazing conference and it was also special,” he added.
Among those who were also present secretary Bob Arthur, board members Carmen Avalos and Tom Jackson, vice president Ted Edmiston, and board president John MooreVice president of student services Stephen Johnson.
All agreed that the leadership conference was a great experience not only for them but for the students as well.
Arthur called the conference “second to none” because he gained a lot of knowledge.
“I learned a lot along with the students,” Avalos commented, “and I also thought that the conference was well planned out.”
Moreover, Avalos thought that those who organized the activities went the extra mile to make it a great experience.
Edmiston thought that the students were impressed by the conference, so he said, “I appreciated being there.”
For Jackson he said that the presentations during the conference were great but for Moore it had a more sentimental value.
“Paulo (Amaral) you have a great team,” he continued, ” and thank you for making my wife (and I) feel welcome.”
Johnson however saved his praise for Holly Bogdonavich, director of student activites.
“It shows that she (Bogdonavich) is dedicated to Cerritos College,” he said, “and it was absolutely amazing.”
Cerritos College continues its 50th anniversary celebration which is in its sixth month according to Megan Richardson, coordinator of community relations and public affairs.
With the help from Roger Ernest, English instructor, Michael Jones woodworking technology instructor, a traveling display is on tour throughout the community.
Currently the 15 foot display of the accomplishments technologically of Cerritos College is located at the entrance of the Dr. Wilford Michael library.
“This traveling display also is in celebration of its partnership,” Richardson continued, “and it connectiveness with those eight cities.”
Jo Ann Higdon, vice president of business services, presented the overview of the budget extensions to facilitate modification to the adopted budget.
