I hope this update finds everyone in good spirits as we head into the new week. Below is a brief recap of my Campus and Community Engagement activities from the previous week.

Campus Engagement

• Attended the Regular November Governing Board Meeting. Meeting highlights included 1) A presentation from the San Marcos Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Andrew Johnsen, who shared a Portrait of a Graduate Initiative 2) We discussed potential new security enhancements at the Escondido Education Center 3) I was able to share the good news that Palomar College has officially been removed from enhanced fiscal monitoring by our accrediting agency (ACCJC). After two consecutive years of being placed on enhanced fiscal monitoring, we are very excited about the positive change and remain committed to making continual gains in securing Palomar’s fiscal health.
• Joined Palomar College’s Ethnic Studies department at their Día de Los Muertos celebration. Thank you, Professors Alex Gómez and Angelica Yañez, for hosting the various events.
• Attended the State of the Budget meeting where the 311 report was reviewed and discussed.
• Attended the Palomar Puente Club sponsored artist workshop event with Maira Meza (a Puente alum and popular Barrio Logan artist). Puentistas had the opportunity to celebrate Día De Los Muertos through painting.
• Attended the Veteran’s Resource Center Chat & Chow event. During the event, financial aid representatives helped students learn how to apply for Pell grants and other financial aid benefits. A special thank you to Director Adrianne Lee and Supervisor Jessica Horn for working with their teams to make this event a reality.

Community Engagement

• Participated as a panelist at the San Diego Women Connect: Women Leading the Way event. I was able to represent Palomar College and share strategies for being an effective leader. The mission of San Diego Women Connect is to bring women from all career levels together to strengthen their professional networks and to engage them in the San Diego County business community.
• Presented, alongside the San Diego Community College Chancellor Carlos Cortez, at the inaugural statewide CCCOLEGAS Conference. Our workshop discussed the importance of Moving from Cultural Competence to Cultural Proficiency. COLEGAS main mission is to accelerate and advance equity for Latina/o/x community college professionals and students. Over 480 statewide community college leaders and students, including our very own Acting Chief Diversity Officer Carmelino Cruz, attended the event. I look forward to having increased Palomar representation at next year’s conference.
• Attended the California Community College Chancellor’s Office System Webinar. This webinar focused on Student Housing from a systems statewide perspective.

Hiring Updates

• As part of the hiring process, the district will conduct open forums for the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction and Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services positions. At the forums, the campus community will be able to meet the candidates, learn about their qualifications, and ask them questions. The forums will be held in the Governing Board room (LRC-438) and will also be recorded and streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.  We hope you can join us!

Here is the schedule for Tuesday, November 8^th for the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction forum:

Tina Recalde 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Narges Rabii-Rakin 9:45 am – 10:45 am

Andrew MacNeill 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Here is the schedule for Wednesday, November 9^th for the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services forum:

Todd McDonald 9:45 am – 10:45 am

Dennis Curran 11:00 am -12:00 pm

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Upcoming Events and News

• Tuesday, November 8^th, is National First-Generation College Celebration Day, which recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. To celebrate first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni, there will be a special event from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the San Marcos Library/LRC Plaza.
• Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11^th. Palomar College’s Veteran’s Day celebration will take place Thursday, November 10^th at 11:00 am at the Veteran’s Memorial on the San Marcos campus.

Educational and Facilities Vision Plan Update

There are approximately 550,000 adults who reside in Palomar College’s service area. Over the next few weeks, the Educational and Facilities Planning Task Force will continue to examine data related to these adults. Metrics examined will include population estimates and forecasts, education and income levels, and labor market information. We will use this information to gain an understanding about how our service area is changing, as well as the implications for Palomar as we continue to support the diverse educational needs of our community. Thank you to all who are participating in this effort. We definitely see our Educational and Vision Plan beginning to take form.

Comet of the Week

The Comet of the Week is Veteran Services Supervisor Jessica Horn. She takes her leadership role seriously, and she is always planning special programming that directly benefits our student veterans. Way to go Jessica!

Have a great upcoming week. Go Comets!

For pictures of the various events, follow:
Twitter: @palomardrstar
Instagram: @palomardrstar