Dear College Community,
Thank you for your service to the college and for your participation in Phase Two of the organizational assessment. The many listening sessions and discussions to build understanding about the college’s institutional strengths and opportunities were enlightening. Phase Two of the organizational assessment examined opportunities to establish or expand economic equity, strategic planning, workforce, career education, and external affairs.
Our process from August to October 2024 was to listen and learn about needs, experiences, and goals. The goals focused on (1) aligning organizational structure to program goals and institutional priorities, (2) creating sufficient support systems for departments and programs, and (3) establishing an organizational infrastructure in which administrators can successfully guide their division/school/college/department/area. The focus areas were the following:
- Career Support, Employer Relations, and Work Experience
- Continuing Education
- Dual Enrollment and Middle College
- Equity and Identity (Learning Communities and Centers)
- First Year Experience, Summer Bridge, and Promise Grant
- Fundraising and Corporate Relations
- International Student Services
- Outreach
- Strong Workforce and Career Education
- Veterans Center and Support Services
Leadership engaged faculty and staff at department chair meetings, classified senate, academic senate, and student senate. In addition, executive leadership engaged college constituencies at College Council, Academic Affairs Leadership Team, School of Continuing Education, Counseling Department, Career Education Departments, Student Services, Associated Students, and WVMCCD Foundation. Leadership also met individually with employees who had unique interests or concerns. We completed a comparative review of organizational structures in community colleges and universities in higher education, considering standards, best practices, and reporting structures.
Listening session discussion questions for Student Services focused on organizational improvement and support: What, if any, are successful student processes in your area that should be maintained or expanded? (Essentially, what appears to be working well for students?); What challenges or gaps do students face that may be hindering effectiveness or efficiency in your area?; How well do you feel the current structure facilitates collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs?; Are there opportunities for improvement? What ongoing professional development can you count on in your area?; What would you like to be included?; If you could make one change to the current area/organizational structure, what would it be and why?; Is there anything else you'd like to share that offers kudos or potential improvements that we haven't covered?
Executive leadership in October and November 2024 shared proposed updates to organizational structure based on input, and we took in further feedback. As an executive leadership team, we continue to put creative solutions in place to provide support as we continually assess the needs of schools, departments, and programs. We are in a shared process of continual growth and improvement.
Phase Two
Here are organizational updates for Phase Two with an implementation timeline, Summer to Fall 2025. The transition timeline is dependent on the successful hire of a new senior level administrator. (The timeline has been modified from the initial date of January 2025 to ensure a successful transition for programs.) Below is a list of programs which will transition.
There may possibly be one or two additional programmatic shifts, which will be shared at the February College Council meeting. New organization charts will be developed and shared out in the spring semester.
New Area: Strategy & Equity, Senior Level Leadership Position
Unmet Need, No Direct Report, or No Established Infrastructure
- Dual Enrollment
- Foundation Liaison
- Industry & Corporate Relations
- Employer Relations and Work Experience
- Job placement, Internships, Apprenticeships, and Work Experience
- Strong Workforce and Career Education
Will Shift
- Outreach (Will move from Enrollment Services)
- Summer Bridge, Onboarding, and FYE (Will move to Outreach from Equity and VP of Student Affairs)
- International Student Office (Will move from Academic Counseling and Student Success)
- Continuing Education (Will move from Academic Affairs)
- Middle College
- Dual Enrollment
- Identity Centers (Will move from Equity and VP of Student Affairs)
Student Services Organizational Updates
- Move Learning Communities – Umoja and Puente – under the Dean of Academic Counseling & Student Success
- Hire Associate Faculty Members to Build Career Counseling Services
- Financial Aid Office Continues to Process Promise Grants
BRAC
Vice President of Administrative Services, Anthony Djedi, will communicate BRAC approved requests on January 24, 2025. Again, the executive leadership team will meet with individuals and areas whose requests were not approved to address any questions. More information will be shared about how to schedule a 20-minute slot after the BRAC campus announcement.
Have a wonderful holiday recess and see you in 2025!
In solidarity,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.