End of Term: This Is the Last Week of Classes, So Faculty and Students Are Concentrating

MPC Notes

December 5, 2006

End of Term: This is the last week of classes, so faculty and students are concentrating on completing last projects and preparing for final exams. Before the term comes to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for making my first term at MPC a rewarding one. I have felt welcomed and enjoyed building relationships with you. Thank you.

Holiday Reception: Please try to take a few minutes on Thursday 12/7 to stop by the Administration building between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm to take part in the holiday reception hosted by the MPC administrators. Celebration is an important part of our campus culture. We look forward to seeing you.

Looking Forward: In the near future, we will enter 2007 and the start of another spring term. In anticipation of the new term, I’ve listed some topics on which you can expect discussion or action. This list is not exhaustive, but it is exhausting!

1. New VPAA – Dr. John Gonzalez will start on January 2. As a part of this leadership change, we will be reviewing administrative roles to ensure that our organization addresses institutional needs.
2. College Council & Integrated Planning Process – Throughout the fall term, the College Council has been meeting to address immediate needs and to review its By Laws and the institutional planning process. A sub-committee has focused on developing an Integrated Planning Process that clarifies the relationship of College Council to the various planning functions of the college. This process will be presented to the college community early in the spring term.
3. Focus on Enrollment Planning - The current focus on enrollment planning to position MPC for enrollment growth will continue throughout the spring term. This effort takes many shapes including examination of enrollment and scheduling trends, access to enrollment data, review of curriculum, identification of additional instructors, review of facility use patterns, development of off campus offerings, and several other activities. The Enrollment Advisory Committee will continue its efforts in several of these areas, but every division needs to continue its own examination with the goals of strong enrollment in spring 2007 and development of a fall 2007 schedule that positions us for growth. Enrollment growth will require participation from everyone.
4. Expanded Outreach & Marketing – Our outreach efforts have been expanded to increase contact with local K-12 schools and community groups which are assisting us in working more closely with the district’s underserved populations. To ensure an effective marketing program, Rich Montori has been charged with forming a marketing task force for the purpose of developing a marketing plan including both institutional and program marketing. In addition, Rosaleen Ryan is developing a community needs assessment that is designed to provide information for curriculum and program planning, with particular attention to meeting the needs of local business. All of these activities will contribute to the overall goal of achieving strategic enrollment growth.
5. Accreditation Mid-Term Report – Dr. Bill Cochran has effectively guided the process of developing the accreditation mid-term report, which is now out for campus review. The report will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees in January and February and is due to the Accrediting Commission in March.
6. Planning for Ft. Ord Education Center – Planning for the phased implementation of programs at Ft. Ord will continue throughout the spring term including projections of specific curricula, identification of anticipated resources, and a projected implementation calendar. This effort will include the public safety and general education programs, as well as selective occupational offerings.
7. Continued Construction Activities – The Community Stadium and Fitness project will be completed this spring. The Child Development Center is expected to be completed in summer 2007. The campus infrastructure project, involving replacement and upgrading of underground infrastructure, will begin in spring and continue for many months. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption of campus activities, but this project requires trenching of campus roads and lawns. So, pardon our dust! Planning for other projects will continue. A report from the Facilities Planning Committee (“Redo Committee”) will be presented to the campus community and the Board of Trustees early in the spring term.
8. Collective Bargaining – Collective bargaining activities will be a focus for spring 2007. The enrollment report that indicates the level of salary adjustment for 2006-2007 based on the current salary formula will be prepared early in the spring term. We intend to provide training for all members of negotiating teams in interest-based bargaining, a process that focuses on identifying areas of mutual interest between the bargaining units and the district. Our goal is to conclude all contract negotiations successfully prior to the end of the spring term.

Spring Registration & Enrollment Update: Spring registration has started! Please remind all students that they may register for spring 2007 classes using ATR (Automated Telephone Registration) at 831-646-3070 and WebReg (www.mpc.edu) daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The class schedule is now available on the college in hard copy as well as on the web site. It is critical that instructors and staff encourage students to register early so they will have access to their preferred classes. Students rely on you, so please urge them to enroll now. Early registration also helps us make enrollment planning decisions more effectively.

Mid-Year Emeritus Faculty – Three faculty members are retiring mid-year and receiving Emeritus status: Johnny Johnson, Gary Mekarski, and Mary Anne Teed. Please take a moment to congratulate each of them.

If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact me at or by phone at 646-4060.